Elementary School Handbook

The district has the ability to call and email all district families. In order to help ensure that you receive these important messages, please go to www.edenpr.org and make sure that we have the correct email address and phone numbers for us to use.

Updating Family Contact Information: You can update your email address and cell phone number yourself by logging into the parent portal and click on "Family Members". Make the necessary changes and click "Update" in each cell that you change. If you have moved or changed your primary home phone number, please contact your students' schools to have that information updated in the system. Contact us with questions at (952) 975-7094 or helpline@edenpr.org

Families can also receive time-sensitive notifications, such as school closures and weather-related information via the district mobile app. The app is free and available for Apple, Android or Windows devices.

Families with students attending Eden Prairie Schools receive print and electronic publications from the district.

District Communications: To ensure you’re receiving electronic communication from the district and your school, log onto the district website, www.edenpr.org. You can update your email address and cell phone number yourself by logging into the parent portal and click on "Family Members." Make the necessary changes and click "Update" in each cell that you change. If you have moved or changed your primary home phone number, please contact your students' schools to have that information updated in the system.

School Communications: Each school uses electronic communication. Communication includes news on upcoming events, school expectations, and reminders. Classroom teachers also keep parents informed with electronic communication through the Campus Parent Portal, Schoology, and e-mail. This information is also posted on your school website and can be obtained through requested hard copy. Select the "Translate" button in the top right-hand corner of the website to select the preferred language, and the website information will automatically be translated.

Elementary school students frequently bring home information from the classroom and the office for parents/guardians to review. Please watch for this information in your child’s backpack. If you are in need of school supplies, please contact your school social worker.

Throughout the school year, situations at your elementary school may bring about questions or concerns for students or families. The process described below is structured to promote resolving situations quickly to the satisfaction of all parties involved. This process also encourages those people closest to the situation to examine and develop solutions to concerns. A positive resolution of these situations enhances communication, builds trust between members of the school community, and benefits the educational program for the students.

Please follow the steps below if you have a question or concern:

Step 1 – Contact the appropriate staff member: The first step in resolving a concern is to discuss it with the staff member(s) most closely involved. Most likely this is your child’s classroom teacher. More than 95 percent of all questions or concerns are resolved at this level.

Step 2 – Contact the principal: If your question or concern remains unresolved, contact the building principal. Building principals are the instructional leaders in charge of the school and the people responsible for handling questions or concerns regarding the school’s operation. The principal can share school information and explain procedures, guidelines, and policies. They are available to listen and support your child and family.

Step 3 – Contact the appropriate district administrator: If the previous steps have been unsuccessful, contact the appropriate district administrator or the Assistant Superintendent. We sincerely hope that we can work together to solve problems as they arise. Please know we believe clear, open, honest, and two-way communication is the key to promoting positive home-school connections.

Call the main office at your child’s school if you need to contact your child during the school day. It is important that you contact your child’s school before 2 p.m. if there are changes to your child’s after-school routine that affects their mode of transportation. Arrangements for transportation, visiting or going home with another child, or other social reasons should be arranged before the child leaves home in the morning. We cannot guarantee teachers will see emails or receive voicemails regarding end-of-the-day routines; for this reason we do not recommend contacting the teacher during the school day as they may not read or hear the message in time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the day.

Parents should not contact their children via text, email, personal calls, during the school day. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the day. If a student wishes to contact a parent, they can use a phone in their classroom or the office. 

 

 

 

If you have any address, home or work phone number changes during the school year, it is very important that families notify your child’s teacher and the office. The office needs current telephone numbers in case you need to be reached during the day. Families will then be assured of receiving all school-related mailings.

Updating Family Contact Information: You can update your email address and cell phone number yourself by logging into the parent portal and click on "Family Members". Make the necessary changes and click "Update" in each cell that you change. If you have moved or changed your primary home phone number, please contact your students' schools to have that information updated in the system.

If your child attended an Eden Prairie School last year, they will automatically be enrolled for the current school year and you will receive information from your child’s teacher prior to the beginning of the school year. Preschool children who are listed on census information will automatically be sent kindergarten enrollment information. Census information forms are sent out each year via the district office.

• New Families: If you are new in the area, please contact our District Welcome Center for enrollment materials. You may either pick up the forms at the Administrative Services Center or call 952-975-7008 and have them mailed to you.
• Welcome Center website

e-Learning days (different from distance learning) may only be used for instances where inclement weather prevents students from attending school on-campus: may be counted as an instructional day, included as hours of instruction, and for a maximum of 5 days in one school year.

District families will be notified of any school closures through the emergency phone system and district emails. If you don’t see or hear any announcement, assume that school will be in session.

Additional Resources:

• Website: www.edenpr.org
• Radio: WCCO radio (830 AM)
• Phone: (952) 975-7000
• TV Channels: 4, 5, 9, and 11

Emergency School Closing Forms will be completed by all families at the beginning of the school year, so if school is dismissed early students will have a backup plan in place. Students may not remain at school since staff will also face hazardous travel home.If school dismisses early, the building will be closed for after-school and evening activities (such as sports, scouts, PTO meetings, and community education classes). If your child goes to an after-school program at a location other than school, please check with them regarding their closing policy.

Our district website, www.edenpr.org allows you to stay in closer contact with Eden Prairie Schools – click the “Schools” menu to find the website for your school. Information available online includes general information, teacher web pages, supply lists, calendar, lunch menus, newsletters, parent involvement, etc.

Eden Prairie Schools recognizes the importance of families and teachers working together. Families and teachers communicate and build relationships at conferences. There are two reporting conferences during the school year. Please come prepared with any questions you have regarding your child’s education and social adjustment. This is also an opportunity to meet with art, music, physical education, world language, specialists, or special services teachers.

To access your child’s report card:

• Log into the Campus parent portal
• Select “Reports” from the menu options
• Select “Report Card”
• If you do not see “Reports” as an option, the grades are not yet available.

For assistance with Campus portal username or password, contact the website helpline at helpline@edenpr.org or (952) 975-7094. The timeline for grading and reporting will be posted on the district’s website; school officials will inform families when report cards are ready to view

Eden Prairie Schools believes each student, regardless of age, race, gender, ability level, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), or physical attributes, deserves the right to be educated in an environment that does not interfere with their educational opportunities or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges.

According to the Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Act bullying means any intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive in nature. Furthermore, there is an actual or perceived imbalance of power between the student engaging in prohibited conduct and the target of the behavior and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern. Bullying does not refer to a one-time argument or disagreement between students. The act of cyber-bullying which refers to bullying others by using technology or other electronic devices, or retaliation for asserting, alleging, reporting, or providing information about bullying or knowingly making a false report about bullying in any form are prohibited as well.

Our intent is to create and maintain a safe and welcoming environment by taking a proactive rather than reactive approach. To prevent or stop bullying or cyber-bullying behaviors we will provide ongoing training around anti-bullying techniques and strategies for all staff and students.

If bullying occurs on any district property (i.e. school building, school grounds, bus stop, walking route to and from school, school bus, school related vehicles) or at any school-related function, school-sponsored activity, event, or trip, the incident should be reported to the building’s designated primary contact person (principal, associate principal, or social worker) who will begin an investigation as soon as possible. If bullying/cyber-bullying takes place off of school property and impacts the educational process, it should be reported to the school. In the event an act of cyber-bullying has occurred the same protocol will be followed. Cyber-bullying may take place on or off school property.

If the result of the investigation concludes bullying or cyber-bullying took place the offender(s) could receive consequences ranging from written conduct reports to loss of privileges during the school day to in or out of school suspensions depending on the severity of the incidents.

Teachers and school personnel seek to co-create a positive learning environment with students in classrooms, and as a school community. This includes building trusting relationships with each student by getting to know individual strengths, interests, and culture. Schools will foster a learning environment that values multiple perspectives and articulates how our differences make us stronger.

Behavioral expectations specific to all areas of school, for example, classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, playground, and school buses, are taught at the beginning of the school year. Behavior expectations are re-taught and positively reinforced throughout the year to promote a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for each child.

If students demonstrate inappropriate behavior at school, an adult will seek to understand what happened, support the child in reflecting on their behavior, and provide opportunities for restoring relationships, as applicable. In addition, specific consequences may be applied; parents may be contacted, depending on the nature of the behavior, frequency of the behavior, and severity of the specific incident.

Adults will:

1. Create a balanced approach for all learning.
2. Create a climate for learning that includes:

• Providing opportunities for students to explore and construct their learning through student choices, practice, trial, error and reworking
• Knowing the students culturally, and individually, by being fully cognizant of their individual strengths and interests
• Co-creating classroom rituals that maximize learning bell-to-bell
• Creating a climate that respects difference and allows for multiple perspectives without hurting others
• Fostering opportunities for students to take responsibility for academic, social, and emotional expectations in monitoring their self-control
  • Responding to unexpected behaviors in restorative ways that support accountability and healing to rebuild the learning community

3. Provide Non-Exclusionary Disciplinary Practices (may include but are not limited to):

• Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)
• Caring School Community Instruction
• Multi Tiered System of Support Processes (MTSS)
• Check In - Check Out
• Small group direct and explicit teaching of social and emotional skills 
• Removal from classroom with academic and/or  social/emotional instruction
• Motor break
• In class accommodations (seating, fidget, journaling, calming space, etc.)
• Personal behavior/incentive chart
• Parent email, TalkingPoints 
• Parent phone call

Students will:

1. Participate fully in the learning experience, including curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, from the moment he/she is on the bus until s/he is returned home, at all district activities and events.
2. Participate actively in the learning experience by being fully engaged, fully prepared, raising engaging questions, and effectively and positively communicating with all students and staff.
3. Participate actively in the learning experience by sharing information about themselves—strengths, weakness, and culture to create common bonds in curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
4. Participate actively in the learning experience by respecting differences while asserting perhaps a divergent viewpoint, doing so without harm to the other students, staff, team, other leader, and property.
5. Demonstrate empathy (knowing others) to build fruitful relationships that create a cohesive learning opportunity for all and through self-control behave in an ethical manner from the moment he/she is on the bus until s/he is returned home.

If a student is unable to demonstrate how to be Safe, Responsible, and Kind and disrupts the learning for other students, adults may:

• Re-direct and re-instruct to ensure that student fully understands the expectations
• Work in partnership with family, students, staff and other significant adults to restoratively determine additional strategies and/or consequences
• Refer to Peer Mediation, Conflict Resolution or other restorative processes
• Consider removal from class, possibly through suspension or expulsion

The Eden Prairie Schools’ student management program is based on the foundation that students have a right to be educated in a safe and supportive learning environment. Teachers or adults in authority have the responsibility to require appropriate behaviors of all students so they can deliver instruction effectively. Behaviors which are considered “severe” will be met with a stricter set of consequences, depending on the severity of the behavior, the frequency of the occurrence, and the student’s age. Severe behavior incidents include, but are not limited to:

• Fighting/assault/or causing physical harm to another
• Use/possession of controlled substances including tobacco
• Written or verbal threats
• Property damage
• Stealing
• Possession of a weapon or toy replica weapons
• Harassment of another individual, including hazing, sexual or racial harassment, or verbal abuse
• Attempting to access inappropriate websites when working on the computer
• Other behaviors that cause excessive disturbance to the school day

These behaviors are subject to one or more of the following consequences:

• Parent phone call and conference
• In-school or out-of-school suspension
• Restitution
• Referral to Eden Prairie Police Department
• Referral to outside agencies
• Recommendation for expulsion

The Pupil Fair Dismissal Act (Statutes 121A.40-121A.56) will be followed with reference to any out-of-school suspension.

Removal From Class

If a student’s behavior results in removal, the following process will be followed:

1. Staff contacts the office, and the response team responds to determine whether student removal is necessary. Administrator or designee will determine appropriate placement.
2. Every effort will be made to support students returning to class and will not exceed more than five hours. If a student is removed from class, access to instruction will be provided. 
3. If a student is removed from class, an administrator or an administrator designee will supervise the student.
4. An administrator or designee will engage the student in a discussion of the incident including the reteaching of expectations.
5. A restorative conversation will occur between the student and those involved upon reentry. 
6. Administrator or designee will notify parents of the situation and ensure consequences. Administrator or designee will record incident in the appropriate record keeping repository (ie. Campus). 
7. A team meeting will be held for a student identified as having a disability or a perceived disability who is being removed from class in order to review if an assessment or further assessment is needed and if a review of the adequacy of the current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or if a referral for special education services is needed.

If a student is being removed from class due to suspected chemical abuse while on school premises, staff will immediately notify the school’s administration and chemical abuse pre-assessment team member or staff member assigned to duties similar to those of such teams.

In partnership with Community Education, the Targeted Services program offers an opportunity for students to strengthen their literacy, math, and social-emotional skills before or after school. This engaging, hands-on program is taught by licensed Eden Prairie teachers with small groups of students to build their academic skills in a fun and unique way. To participate, students must be recommended by their classroom teacher. For more information and to learn about current Targeted Services opportunities, please contact our Community Education team at 952-975-6940 or by email at EPIC@edenpr.org

In partnership with Community Education, the Targeted Services program offers an opportunity for students to strengthen their literacy, math, and social-emotional skills before or after school. This engaging, hands-on program is taught by licensed Eden Prairie teachers with small groups of students to build their academic skills in a fun and unique way. To participate, students must be recommended by their classroom teacher. For more information and to learn about current Targeted Services opportunities, please contact our Community Education team at 952-975-6940 or by email, EPIC@edenpr.org

EPIC is Community Education’s youth enrichment program, which aims to connect students to learning outside of the classroom. Whether your student enjoys sports, STEM, art, drama, or connecting with friends, EPIC offers a program sure to ignite their interests and challenge them in a fun, safe, and supportive atmosphere. Enrichment and recreational classes are open to all Eden Prairie students and are conveniently held right after the bell rings in each elementary school. EPIC also hosts evening and weekend classes, along with a robust Summer Camp program. For more information and to learn about current EPIC offerings, visit edenpr.org/EPIC, call 952-975-6940, or by email at EPIC@edenpr.org.

All elementary schools offer Eagle Zone before-school from 6:30 a.m. to the start of the school day, and after-school until 6:00 p.m. Eagle Zone provides a safe out-of-school time environment for students, with planned activities that support social, emotional, and academic development. Before and after school, Eagle Zone helps promote physical health, and positive youth development in a structured environment. On most non-school days, a full day of programming is available from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the program offering field trips on most days. For more information, visit edenpr.org/eaglezone.

Appropriate dress is a necessary component in providing an optimal learning environment. Students may not wear clothing that presents inappropriate language (as determined by each classroom teacher or administrator), drug or alcohol advertising, or ethnic, racial, or sexist put-downs. Types and amounts of clothing worn should be appropriate for weather forecasts. Students should wear boots when there is snow or ice. Sweaters, jackets, snow pants, boots, hats, and mittens should be labeled with the student’s name. Gym shoes are required for safety when participating in physical education activities. If your child needs supplies of this nature, please contact your school principal or school social worker.

All students are provided iPads as learning tools for all grade levels, K-5. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you regarding specific classroom procedures and expectations. This device belongs to the district and expectations to use will be taught every year. Filtered and monitored internet access is provided when the student connects to our wireless network. If students bring a personal mobile device to school, the school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft.

Students using personal electronic equipment during the day without teacher permission may lose possession of the item, and parents may be asked to pick the item up in the school office. Personal electronic devices such as laser pointers, electronic games and devices, are not allowed at school.

Field trips are designated for each grade level. Permission slips and information will be sent home prior to the trip. The permission slip and payment (if any) should be returned to your child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. No student will be permitted to go on a field trip without a signed permission slip. No child will be denied the opportunity to go on a field trip because of its cost. If your child needs financial assistance in order to participate in a field trip or other school activity, please contact your school principal or school social worker.

Volunteer chaperones are often needed to make field trips a successful experience. All chaperones must complete the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program process prior to attending. This process should be completed at least two weeks prior to the date of the field trip. Learn more at www.edenpr.org/volunteer.

Students are advised to leave valuables at home. Lockers in elementary school are not secure and do not ensure the safety of& valuable items. The school district is not responsible for reimbursements to families if personal property is stolen. Items left in lockers at the end of the school year will be donated to charity. School lockers and student desks are the property of the school district and may be searched by school authorities. More information can be found under the Search Policy heading in back of this handbook.

Labeling your child’s personal items increases the chance that lost personal items will be returned. Please label all items of clothing. Students always have access to the lost and found area at their school. Parents are encouraged to look through the lost and found items on conference days and times they visit the school. If you do not find a lost item, please ask in the office. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at various times throughout the year with advance notice to families through school communications.

Breakfast is free for all students. Breakfast is served immediately before the start of the school day. Students can either bring a lunch from home or receive a free lunch at school with milk included. School lunch choices include the daily menu in the main line, soup and sandwich, or soup and salad. A student bringing a lunch from home can purchase milk. Here is a link to our menus: School Menu.

Lunch menus and answers to frequently asked questions are available online on our website.

Each student is assigned an account with a personal identification number (PIN) at the beginning of the school year. Lunches will be paid and recorded by a student entering the PIN number on a keypad at the end of the serving line and saying their first and last name to the cashier. Although lunches are free, families must pay for meals and ala carte purchases in advance by sending a check to school payable to Eden Prairie Schools. Please print your child’s name and PIN number on the check. Families may also add funds to their child’s account through the online Parent Portal. You will be notified by email when the account balance runs low. Money remaining in a student’s account at the end of the year will be transferred to the next year’s account, even if they are moving on to a different Eden Prairie School. Parents can check balances and see purchases through their parent portal. Families can also set up recurring payments for your children's food service accounts.

Online Payments: Parents can also go to the Food Service page to make online payments with Infinite Campus and review history and meal account balance. This is a secure, fast and friendly online way for parents and guardians to manage their children's school food service account.

Students are assigned a PIN that they use for the entire time that they are attending Eden Prairie Schools. It will also be used for their iPad password.

Checks should be made payable to Eden Prairie School District.

Families are welcome to join their children during their assigned lunch period and do not need to notify the school in advance. Families are encouraged to use their child’s PIN number to pay for their meal in the lunchroom. 

• Party Invitations: Birthday party invitations for personal parties should not be distributed at school. By adhering to this policy, we alleviate hurt feelings and friendship dilemmas. Please handle the distribution of invitations outside of the school environment. The school directory may be helpful in this process.
• Classroom Treats: In light of our district Wellness Policy, students should not bring birthday treats or gifts of any kind. The district Wellness Policy is linked here with more information under Wellness Committee page > Wellness Summary document. Information located on the Child Nutrition page.
• Acknowledging Birthdays: Our classroom teachers may acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays of their homeroom students. On the Child Nutrition page under the Wellness Committee page > Wellness Summary document, there is a link for ideas.

Students have approximately 20 minutes outside for recess as weather permits. It is important that children wear appropriate outdoor clothing throughout the school year, including boots, mittens, gloves, jackets, snow pants, and hats. All playgrounds are adult supervised and have the necessary equipment needed for recess activities. Students should not bring their personal equipment (balls, bats, footballs, frisbees, etc.) from home.

Families in need of outdoor clothing are invited to contact the social worker at your child’s school. The Eden Prairie service organization, People Reaching Other People (PROP), provides us with warm clothing for children in need. Should there be a request for a child to stay indoors, a doctor’s request / permission must be provided and should state how long the restriction is to remain in effect.

Behavioral expectations specific to the playground are taught at the beginning of the school year. Expectations are re-taught/reinforced as the year progresses to promote a safe, welcoming and fun playground experience for each child.

Behavior Expectations: If students demonstrate inappropriate behavior on the playground, an adult will seek to understand what happened, support the child in reflecting on their behavior, and provide opportunities for restoring relationships, as applicable. In addition, specific consequences may be applied; depending on the nature of the behavior and severity of the specific incident, parents may be contacted.

Weather: The school uses weather and additional safety information when making decisions regarding indoor recess. The following weather conditions may necessitate students to remain inside for recess with alternative recreation provided: rain, temperatures below -10 degrees, or a windchill of -10 degrees.

• Engaging and relevant learning experiences and development of life skills
• Learning experiences that encourage cooperation, collaboration, and innovation
• Use current technology to create, research, communicate and produce academically sound products
• Demonstrate respect, self-control, ethical behavior and empathy as classmates and members of our communities
• Being responsible citizens in our schools and communities, as well as the digital world

Being a responsible citizen in our schools, communities and the digital world requires responsibilities adapted for a changing world. We embrace the following conditions of being a digital citizen:

• Respect yourself. I will select names that are appropriate. I will consider the information and images I post online.
• Protect yourself. I will protect my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities.
• Respect others. I will NOT use technology to bully or tease other people.
• Protect others. I will protect myself and others by reporting abuse, and not forwarding inappropriate or hurtful materials or communications.
• Respect & protect intellectual property. I will suitably use and cite and all content use intellectual property (websites, books, media, software, etc.) according to the copyright or creative commons licensing.

Access to Eden Prairie Schools’ owned technology is a privilege and not a right. At any point access to devices, internet and the like can be revoked.

As listed below, but not limited to:

Personal Safety

Do not send any message that includes your personal information such as: home address, personal phone numbers and/or last name for yourself or any other person. Do not send information regarding your schedule (where you are/will be, timing, dates, etc.).

Password Protection

Never share your password, steal or use another person’s password. If a password is lost or compromised the student or teacher should call the technology helpdesk. A technology support specialist will help resolve the password issue.

Privacy

Students and families need to know that files stored on school computers are not private. Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for educational purposes only. Eden Prairie Schools (EPS) has the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without prior notice, any and all usage of the computer network and internet access including transmitted and received information. All information files are the property of EPS and no user shall have any expectations of privacy regarding such files.

Online Etiquette

Follow the guidelines of accepted behaviors within your schools’ handbook. Use appropriate language and graphics. Swearing, vulgarities, suggestive, obscene, belligerent, harassing, threatening or abusive language of any kind is not acceptable. Do not use this device to make, distribute or redistribute jokes, stories, to bully anyone, or pass along obscene material or material which is based on slurs or stereotypes relating to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion or sexual orientation.

Blogging and/or Podcasting

Use of blogs, podcasts or other Web 2.0 tools are considered an extension of the classroom. Whether at home, or in school, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is also inappropriate in all uses of blogs, podcasts or other Web 2.0 tools.

Plagiarism/Copyright/Licensing

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s words or ideas as your own. Students are required to give proper credit to all Internet sources used in academic assignments, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text. Plagiarism of Internet resources will be treated in the same manner as any other incidences of plagiarism, as stated in your school’s handbook. In addition, students must adhere to the copyright laws of the United States (P.L 94-553) and the Congressional Guidelines that delineate it regarding software, authorship and copying information. All students should also adhere to the Creative Commons licenses where the author/artist denotes what media may be shared, remixed or reused.

Proxies

The use of anonymous proxies and VPNs to get around content filtering is strictly prohibited and is a direct violation of district policy.

Accessing/Posting Inappropriate Material

Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials (including photos of students and staff) that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is a violation of this agreement.

Photos and Video

Students are not to take pictures or videos of staff or students without staff permission. Any student use of cameras in Eden Prairie Schools should be part of a class or club activity. Unapproved camera use is a violation of district policy.

Malicious Use/Vandalism

Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school unit's technology, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses, is a violation of district policy.

No student shall obtain or try to obtain other students’ accounts, files, and/or data. Students are NOT to remove or attempt to remove or circumvent the management system or modify the operating system and software installed on each iPad. Using or possessing hacking software is a violation of this agreement. Students who attempt to hack or “jailbreak” any EPS iPad will be in violation of district policy.

Tech Support

If technical difficulties arise with the iPad, or non-conforming content is discovered, the iPad will be restored by Tech staff. If the Technology staff needs to restore the iPad, the District is not responsible for the loss of content put on the iPad by the student.

iPad General Precautions

• Students should come to school each day with a charged iPad.
• The iPad is Eden Prairie Schools’ property.
• The iPad must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not issued and placed onto the device by EPS staff.
• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the iPad to prevent damage.
• Never expose an iPad to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or prolonged periods of time in rooms that are not at a normal room temperature.
• iPads must be kept in a secure location at all times; it is the student’s responsibility to know where their iPad is at all times. For students taking devices home, Do NOT leave unsupervised, or lend to friends or family members outside of your home. During times when the iPad is not needed, place the iPad in a secure location within the classroom.

iPad Cases

Acknowledging the importance of a protective case for the iPad, Eden Prairie Schools invested in purchasing protective cases for all of the iPads. iPads need to be in the EPS issued protective case.

• The iPad should ALWAYS be in its protective case.
• For students taking devices home, the iPad should be charged (EPS provides a charger) and brought to school ready to use each day.
• Do NOT place your iPad in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy or sharp objects.

iPad Screen & Cleaning

The screens are sensitive to pressure and therefore can be damaged; they are scratch resistant, not scratch proof.

• The screens are made of glass and can either break or shatter.
• Do NOT use liquids to clean the iPad. This includes, but is not limited to: window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
• PLEASE USE: A soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.

iPad Care

• Only labels or stickers approved and placed onto the iPad by EPS staff are acceptable.
• Never leave an iPad unattended. It is your responsibility to keep your iPad stored in a safe, secure, temperature appropriate space.
• Do NOT dismantle or attempt to repair the internal workings of the iPad or the iPad case.
• If your iPad is not working, take your iPad to the Media Center as soon as possible and have EPS technology support specialist examine it. If your iPad needs to be worked on for an extended period of time, you will be issued a temporary iPad until yours is working properly.

Earphones

Eden Prairie Schools did not purchase earphones, earphones are requested as part of the K-6 Elementary Supply List.

• Earphones shall not be used within or on school property unless a teacher specifically requests or allows students to do so.
• If allowed to use earphones, the appropriate level is when only the person wearing the earphones can hear the sound.

Storing Documents

There will be limited storage on the device and academic files take priority over personal. Several backup options exist to cloud storage or personal computers. Students should backup their files.

Applications and Content

Students, with the support and permission of parents may install apps or other content having an educational purpose on their iPad. Applications or content that does not have an educational purpose and is disruptive to the educational process or at home will be removed from the device.

Student Discipline

If a student violates any part of the above policy, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. The disciplinary action for a violation will range from the student needing to check his or her iPad in and out of school each day for a period of time, to having all iPad privileges revoked.

In instances where the student has put his/her own safety or the safety of others at risk (i.e. bullying), iPad privileges will be revoked immediately.

We understand that there are instances of damage, destruction, or loss of the assigned iPad. These instances will be dealt with on a case-by case basis. Incidents of gross negligence or repeated incidents may result in financial restitution or a student may be provided with an alternative device that performs all the essential functions that are needed to engage in learning. 

• Intentional Damage:  Students who intentionally damage the device will be charged the full replacement price of the device. Students who alter, remove or change school issued protective measures (cases) and incur damage to the device, will be charged the full replacement cost of the device.

Over a students’ time in Eden Prairie Schools, each time the student damages a device, it will be tracked throughout their career. If a student damages a device in elementary school, that will be recorded and will follow the student through middle and high school. If more than one device is damaged during their career, there will be additional charges added to each recurring incident. For example: 

• First damaged device  - No multiplier
• Second damaged device  - Damage cost x 2
• Third damaged device   - Damage cost x 3

We believe each person has individual gifts, interests and talents, which is why we are passionate about incorporating volunteers into our district classrooms and programs. Community Education oversees the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program, which places community members, older students wanting to give back, and parent volunteers (including field trip chaperones) in one-time or ongoing volunteer roles across the district.

The Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program works with teachers and other building staff members to identify needs for volunteers. Placements are then made based on the availability, strengths, and interests of vetted volunteers. A wide variety of opportunities are available within and outside of the school day, including, but not limited to, lunchroom or recess support, guest speakers, media center volunteers, general classroom support, special event workers, and evening homework helpers/tutors.

All volunteers must start by submitting an application at www.edenpr.org/volunteer. Our Outreach and Engagement Supervisor will then connect to share next steps or discuss your interests and current opportunities. Most student-facing roles require a background check and brief orientation prior to the volunteer being placed. Financial assistance and reimbursement are available to ensure the background check fee is not a barrier to volunteering.

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at each elementary school is comprised of parents working to enhance your child’s school experience. The group sponsors family-oriented social and/or academic activities during the year and also organizes a wide variety of parent volunteer programs. The PTO plans events that serve as fundraisers with money used for programs and curriculum supplements that directly benefit students. 

Anyone interested in joining  or requesting additional information about the PTO  should contact the main office of the school(s), and someone will gladly assist in getting you connected to  a current PTO member.

Please know that most PTO volunteers who are volunteering during the school day must also go through the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program process (see above).

A variety of district-level committees and advisory councils, such as the Curriculum Advisory Council, Finance Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Council, and Community Education Advisory Council, are important ways parents can help shape district policies, procedures, and programs. For more information, log onto www.edenpr.org or call (952) 975-7150.

Eden Prairie students arriving late or leaving early must have parents call the attendance line. The message should include the parent/guardian’s name, student name, and reason for absence. Excused reasons for being late or leaving early will follow the same listing as excused absences. Students who are late due to oversleeping or missing the bus are considered unexcused and may be counted as tardy or in some cases, as an unexcused absence.

The following reasons shall be sufficient to constitute excused absences:

1. Illness
2. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family
3. A death or funeral in the student’s immediate family or of a close friend or relative
4. Medical, dental, or orthodontic treatment, or counseling appointment
5. Court appearances occasioned by family or personal action
6. Religious instruction not to exceed three hours in any week
7. Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm, etc.
8. Official school field trip or other school-sponsored outing
9. Removal of a student pursuant to a suspension.
10. Religious observance
11. Family vacation (limited to 5 days per year) handled as excused absences and students will be permitted to complete make-up work
12. Family emergencies
13. A student’s condition that requires ongoing treatment for a diagnosis

In order for an absence to be excused, a parent needs to call the school attendance line prior to, or the day of the absence. The parent needs to state when the child will be absent and explain the reason for the absence. Students whose absences are excused are required to make up assignments missed or to complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. Students who accumulate excessive absences, even when excused, will work with the school staff and parents to develop a plan to assure attendance at school daily.

Students are expected to be in their assigned area at the start of school or the start of a class. Failure to do so constitutes tardiness.

Students tardy at the start of school must report to the school office to be signed in. Tardiness between class periods will be handled by the teacher.

Valid excuses for tardiness are:

1. Illness
2. Serious illness in the student’s immediate family.
3. A death or funeral in the student’s immediate family.
4. Medical, dental, orthodontic, or mental health treatment.
5. Court appearances occasioned by family or personal action.
6. Physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm, etc.
7. Any tardiness for which the student has been excused in writing by an administrator or faculty member.

An unexcused tardiness is failing to be in an assigned area at the designated time class period commences without a valid excuse.

These are examples of absences that will not be excused:

1. Truancy which is an absence that is not approved by the parent and/or the school district
2. Any absence where the student/ family failed to comply with any reporting requirements of the school district’s attendance procedures
3. Work at home
4. Work at a business, except under a school-sponsored work release program.
5. Vacations with family without prior notice and exceeding 5 days
6. Any other absence not included under the attendance procedures set out in this policy

• School district staff will work with the parent, student and the Hennepin County Attorney’s office be@school program and follow the three-day notification and six-day Parent Group Meeting process.
• If unexcused absences continue after following be@school process, the Hennepin County Attorney's office will follow with necessary legal action to ensure attendance at school.
• Absences resulting from official suspension will be handled in accordance with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. 121A.40-121A.56.
• Days during which a student is suspended from school shall not be counted in a student’s total accumulated unexcused absences.
• Along with following the Hennepin County Attorney’s be@school programs, the student or his or her parent or guardian may, within a reasonable time, request a conference with school officials regarding the student’s absences and the prescribed discipline. The notification will state that the school strongly urges the student’s parent or guardian to request such a conference.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires school districts to annually notify parents, guardians, and staff about the presence of asbestos in district facilities as well as planned abatement activities. Eden Prairie Schools performs routine six-month periodic inspections of all asbestos-containing building material to ensure materials are in good condition. Records of these inspections are available for viewing in each building maintenance office and the Facilities and Safety Department at the Administrative Services Center. Anyone is welcome to review these plans with prior notice during normal working hours Monday through Friday. No planned asbestos abatement is scheduled for this school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the district’s Asbestos Designated Person, Jim Anderson, at 952-975-7126. More information on Asbestos can be found at: www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html

The Parents’ Right-To-Know Act that was passed by the Minnesota Legislature requires schools to notify parents, guardians, and staff regarding pesticide application in schools. The district uses Orkin Pest Control to conduct planned pesticide applications during the school year. Applications will be done as needed but will always be on the fourth Thursday of each month while school is not in session. However, the schedule may change due to inclement weather. Parents, guardians, and staff may request to be notified of any changes in the application schedule by contacting any of the school offices. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities and Safety Department at 952-975-7121. More information on Pest Management can be found at: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/integrated-pest-management.

Eden Prairie Schools has developed an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Program as required by the Minnesota Department of Education. The program includes information for concerned parents, guardians, and staff regarding the IAQ in our schools as well as an overall building walkthrough inspection that is conducted in all school district buildings annually. The program also includes a written set of procedures that describe ways to correct the identified IAQ problems, prevent future problems, and respond to emergencies and concerns. The district’s Indoor Air Quality Coordinator is Jim Anderson, Facilities and Safety Director. He can be reached at 952-975-7126. More information on Indoor Air Quality can be found here.

The school district will seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district. The school district also will seek criminal history background checks for all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid. These positions include, but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors. The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees. Financial assistance and reimbursement are available to ensure the background check fee is not a barrier to volunteering.

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state, federal, and local funds at no charge to a student. Students are expected to provide their own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks. Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including (not an all-inclusive list). Please contact your school’s principal or social worker if you need financial assistance to cover these supplies.

• Cost for materials for a class project that exceeds minimum requirements and is kept by the student.
• Security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Field trips considered supplementary to the district’s educational program.
• Admission fees or costs to attend or participate in optional extracurricular activities and programs.
• Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.
• Use of musical instruments owned or rented by the school district.
• Transportation to and from school for students living within two miles of school.
• Transportation of students to and from optional extracurricular activities or post-secondary instruction conducted at locations other than school.

Students will be charged for textbooks, workbooks, and library books that are lost or destroyed. The school district may waive a required fee or deposit if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay. For more information, contact your school’s principal. 

If a parent requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of his/her child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

1. Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional licensing status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;
4. Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the school district will provide parents with information as to the level of achievement of their child in each of the state academic assessments. The school district also will provide notice to parents if, for four or more consecutive weeks, their child has been assigned to or taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America weekly. Any person who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. Students will also receive instruction in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act requires school districts to notify parents/guardians and students that certain information from student records may be released and made public without the written consent of the parents or students 18-years-of-age or older. This information is called “directory information.” Directory information includes name, residential mailing address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade in school, major field of study, participation in officially organized activities and sports, weight and height of athletic team members, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous school attended, and photos. These publications could include district-initiated publications such as calendars, newsletters, annual reports, and brochures. They also include school-initiated publications such as student newspapers and yearbooks. In addition, media, including weekly community newspapers, metro daily papers, and television stations may ask to take photos of district students.

Parent/guardians or students of majority age who do not want directory information released for internal and/or external use should indicate this on the annual “Directory Release Form” located on the parent portal by October 1. If you need a hard copy of the form, please contact your child's school. Hard copies of the form should be turned into the school office by October 1.

Eden Prairie Schools has adopted a policy about the rights of parents and students with respect to school records. This policy complies with federal and state laws guaranteeing the right to examine and challenge the contents of student records. The Minnesota Legislature has said that all school records are deemed private. This means that the district cannot release any information without permission except directory information. A summary of census information along with grades and attendance data is stored electronically when students leave the school system.

Occasionally, the school district utilizes surveys to obtain student opinions and information about students. If you have questions related to the rights of parents/guardians and eligible students about conducting surveys, contact your principal.

Animals and pets are not allowed to visit inside schools without principal permission and specific policy requirements. This policy is in place because of student and staff health needs and air quality issues. Some exceptions may be made; please check with the principal before bringing any animals into the classroom.

Eden Prairie Schools encourages a fragrance aware and latex limited environment. “Fragrance Aware” means that we will try to have a fragrance and scent-free environment. “Latex Limited” means that no latex gloves or latex balloons are allowed.

Your school’s Health Services office should be notified when a student has a communicable condition (i.e. chicken pox, strep throat, head lice, COVID-19) so appropriate measures may be taken. Notices may be sent home with other students when these conditions occur in a classroom. For a list of common childhood diseases, symptoms, communicability, and source of infection, view the Health Services website.

The school nurse will work closely with students who have an acute or chronic health need such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, allergies, or other illness. Parents will want to notify Health Services about their student’s specific health needs. The student and parents will work with the school nurse to determine how best to manage the health conditions and plan for any potential life-threatening emergencies. Nurses will also be a resource for any ongoing needs related to isolation or exposure to COVID-19 based on current guidance from state and federal agencies.

Homebound or hospital instruction is provided for children who are absent from school due to prolonged illness or disability. If your child is going to be absent longer than 15 school days, please contact the school.

When should my child be kept at home, and when can he/she attend school?

• Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more – child should stay home until 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal
• Vomiting or diarrhea – child should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode
• Rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown – check with your health care provider before sending the child to school

If the child is ill at home, call the school attendance line daily to report the reason for absence. It is helpful if specific symptoms and/or diagnosis are reported. When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, first aid and illness management will be provided by the health paraprofessional and 911 will be called if it is needed. The parent/guardian will be contacted using the health and emergency information form. It is important that the names and phone numbers listed on the form are current and updated. Please list people who can pick the student up from school if you are not available.

Eden Prairie Schools is part of the “No Shots, No School” program. All students must have proof of vaccine to start school. Students who have special medical problems and cannot be vaccinated, or whose parents conscientiously object, may receive legal exemption. Contact Health Services for assistance with accessing immunizations or to get information on exemptions.

Eden Prairie Schools does not carry accident, disability, or medical insurance for students. Coverage is through the student’s family medical coverage, including the cost of ambulance services. The district does carry public/general liability coverage for district premises and/or employee negligence. MinnesotaCare health insurance is available for those families who qualify based on monthly income and family size. Questions about this plan can be directed to the school nurse or social worker.

Students are not usually permitted to administer their own medication at school. Parents requesting that prescription or non-prescription medication be administered during school hours are required to provide:

• A physician’s order/signature for medication during the school day
• Parent’s signature on a Medication Authorization Form or a note
• Medicine in original prescription bottle labeled with student’s name, etc. Please ask the pharmacy to put prescription medication in two bottles completely labeled – one for home and one for school.

All non-prescription medications must be provided in their original labeled container. No medications can be dispensed when provided in envelopes, plastic bags, etc. Medication Authorization Forms are available in the nurse’s office.

Written doctor’s excuses are required for students who need to be kept in from recess at elementary school or who need to miss physical education. The note must state how long the restriction will be in effect.

Students will be screened according to the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. Parents or teachers can also request vision or hearing screening any time if they have a concern about their child. If a student does not pass the vision or hearing screening procedure, the screening will be repeated. If the student does not pass the screening the second time, a physician referral notice will be sent to the parent. Parents are strongly encouraged to return the referral form to the school’s Health Services office.

The school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Acts of bullying, in any form, by either an individual student or a group of students, is prohibited on school district property or at school-related functions.

The school district recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes distributing nonschool-sponsored material, subject to school district regulations and procedures, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner.

The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled students.

The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

It is the policy of the school district to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance sexual orientation, or disability. The school district prohibits any form of harassment or violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

Hazing is prohibited. No student will plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. Students who violate this rule will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s “Student Discipline” policy.

Users are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited-purpose network. In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the district filters Internet access. Students are directed to inform staff immediately if they receive any image or communication that is inappropriate.

The school district is committed to inclusive education and providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. If you have questions about this policy, please contact your principal.

• Disability Nondiscrimination: The school district shall not engage in contractual or other arrangements that have the effect of subjecting its qualified applicants or employees with disabilities to discrimination on the basis of disability. The school district shall not exclude or otherwise deny equal jobs or job benefits to a qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or association.
• Student Sex Nondiscrimination: The school district provides equal educational opportunity for all students, and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex. No student will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the school district on the basis of sex. Read more on TitleIX page.

The school district will give notice to teachers and other appropriate school district staff before students with a history of violent behavior are placed in their classrooms. Prior to giving this notice, district officials will inform the student’s parent or guardian that the notice will be given. The student’s parents/guardians have the right to review and challenge their child’s records, including the data documenting the history of violent behavior.

School officials may, without a search warrant, search a student and/or their personal possessions based on a reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that a school official has grounds to believe that the search will result in evidence of a violation of school district policy, rules, and/or law. Personal possessions include, but are not limited to purses, backpacks, book bags, packages, clothing, cell phones, and vehicles. Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, school lockers and student desks are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers and desks provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers and student desks may be conducted by school authorities for any reason, at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

School district students and staff have the right to learn and work in an environment that is tobacco-free. School policy is violated by any individual’s use of tobacco or tobacco-related devices in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. Students may not possess any type of tobacco or tobacco-related device in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. Any student who violates this policy is subject to school district discipline. Contact the school principal or another staff member if you have questions or wish to report violations.

The district has adopted a weapons policy. Anyone who has reason to believe a weapon is on a school site, bus, or at a school-sponsored activity has a duty to report that information to the site administrator, police officer, or any adult supervisor. Possession is defined as, but not limited to, having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school environment. Weapons are defined as any object, device, instrument, or substance designed as a weapon or through its use capable of threatening or producing bodily harm, or which may be used to inflict self-injury, including, but not limited to: firearms, loaded or unloaded, functional or non-functional, look-alike or facsimile or having the appearance of a weapon; all knives; objects designed to be worn over fists or knuckles; blackjacks, clubs, nunchucks or throwing stars; explosive or incendiary devices; bows and arrows, slingshots, razors; poison chemicals including mace, pepper gas, or similar sprays; firearm muffler, silencer, or ammunition; any object modified to serve as a weapon; articles designed for other purposes such as pencils or scissors but used to inflict bodily harm or intimidate others.

Violation of the weapons policy may result in one or more of these consequences: out-of-school suspension, confiscation of the weapon; notification of the police, recommendation for expulsion or exclusion from school for up to one year. Students with disabilities who violate the policy will be disciplined in accordance with the requirement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Eden Prairie Schools has adopted a Wellness Policy to encourage students and staff to eat nutritiously and incorporate physical activity into a healthy lifestyle. A Wellness Advisory Committee was convened to monitor implementation of Wellness policies and guidelines, and to make recommendations to the district. Guidelines for healthy snacks, treats, and lunches from home were created. School district practices that have changed as a result of the policy include: providing at least 20 minutes of time after going through the lunch line to discourage hurried eating, no pop is sold where students are present during the school day, classroom birthday treats are discouraged, staff is encouraged to model healthy behaviors, food and beverage rewards are discouraged, healthy snacks from home are encouraged (a snack guideline is available at each site), classroom/holiday parties should be limited and not centered around food, and staff are encouraged to create opportunities for physical activity for students.

State law requires schools to have 11 emergency drills each school year, including fire drills, lockdown drills, and tornado drills. School staff train students on procedures required to observe each drill. During drills, staff will act immediately to assist students, visitors, and volunteers in evacuation to a safe location.

During emergency procedures or evacuation, students, visitors, and volunteers are required to:

• Follow all emergency directions given by school officials.
• Report to designated area for attendance and further instruction.
• Report any suspicious activity/behavior, concern or information immediately to school officials.

Juvenile Liaison Officer are connected with each school. Some have offices on campus, others visit regularly to develop relationships with students and teach safety programs. Officers also assist school staff with some student behavior investigations. Police Liaison Officers and the Facilities Department work cooperatively to review district crisis management plans and site emergency procedures so that there is a coordinated response to emergencies by the school district and emergency responders.

The following procedures have been established to insure the safety of all children at all times. Parents are considered visitors during the school day.

1. All must enter the school through the front security entrance and present their driver’s license to the receptionist. Visitors will be required to wear a badge indicating their destination in the building.
2. Parents wishing to pick up their child(ren) from school prior to regular dismissal time must come to the office. The security assistant or the receptionist will call your child to the foyer/office and ask you to sign them out. 
3. It is a common courtesy to let classroom teachers know prior to coming to visit the classroom. To avoid instructional interruptions, we ask that parents arrange classroom visits/ volunteer opportunities with the teacher or administrator prior to the day of the visit. Those wishing to volunteer must go through the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program. Learn more at www.edenpr.org/volunteer.
4. Visitors are asked to help maintain the consistency of the learning environment and are not allowed to observe in classrooms due to distractions and the importance of data privacy.
5. Only adults listed in CAMPUS as parents/guardians will be allowed to pick up a child. If a different adult will pick up a child, the child’s parent/guardian must provide a signed note, email, or verbal agreement and have it approved by the principal or designee.

The bus assignment process is as follows:

• June – Transportation Commitment Forms are due. Families inform the district of how their student(s) will be getting to school the following year, so the district can plan appropriately for bus routes and pedestrian and vehicle traffic at each school.
  • Students who have previously ridden the bus are automatically set up to ride the bus for the upcoming school year. Families who are new to Eden Prairie Schools will be asked their transportation preferences during the enrollment process and will not need to submit additional forms.
• Middle of August – Families receive preliminary bus route information (bus number, stop locations, pick-up and drop-off times). Families have the opportunity to contact Transportation if bus stop changes are needed.
• End of August – Families receive final student bus route information via email, including bus number, stop locations, pick-up, and drop-off times.

Students may ride a different bus to or from school on a space-available basis. You must send a signed and dated note with your child saying what bus he/she is to ride and with whom they are to ride. The student must then have the note signed by office staff before giving it to the bus driver of the alternate route.

Transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right, for an eligible student. A student’s eligibility to ride a school bus may be revoked for a violation of school bus safety or conduct policies or for violation of any other law governing student conduct on a school bus.

Bus Rules: Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Responsible

1. Hands and body to yourself.
2. Voice level should remain at 0-2.
3. Remain seated while the bus is moving.
4. Keep the aisle clear.
5. Keep your personal items to yourself.
6. Be considerate about food allergies.
7. Use kind words.
8. Avoid bullying behavior.
9. Be respectful to others.
10. Listen to your bus driver.
11. be at your stop on time.
12. Stay in your assigned seat.
13. Follow rules for technology use.
14. Keep all food, drinks and gum in your bag.

K-5 Consequences (listed in severity order)

1. Verbal warning & assign a disciplinary seat
2. Discipline appropriate to student’s school
3. One-day bus suspension
4. Three-day bus suspension, conference with student, parent, school, driver, and Transportation Department
5. Five-day bus suspension
6. Loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year

Severe behavior moves immediately to step 3, 4, 5, or 6 at the administrator’s discretion based on the severity of the action and/or previous bus violations.

Rules at the Bus Stop

1. Stay away from the street, road, or highway when waiting for the bus. Line up at least three feet away from the street in an orderly fashion and wait until the bus stops before boarding.
2. Respect the property of others while waiting at your bus stop. Do not pick flowers or shrubs, throw stones, snowballs, litter, etc.
3. Keep your arms, legs and belongings to yourself.
4. Do not use offensive or foul language.
5. Avoid standing in and blocking sidewalks and driveways.
6. No pushing, fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.
7. Do not run to the curb when the bus comes. Stay back until the bus is actually stopped. (A push at the middle or end of the line can send the front person into the bus or under its wheels.)
8. Older students should be helpful to younger ones.

Eden Prairie Schools has a well-trained staff of drivers and our buses are very well maintained. We have an excellent safety record. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. The majority of children injured in student transportation are not hurt on the bus but outside the bus. Students should be aware of the 10-foot area around the stopped school bus referred to as the “Danger Zone.” Parents and community members are required by law to stop at least 20 feet from a bus with flashing red lights.

Students may bring items such as musical instruments that they can hold in their laps or between their legs during the bus ride. Objects like balls, ice skates, and in-line skates must be stowed in a backpack or bag. Examples of objects not allowed on the bus include: guns (including toy guns or look-alikes); knives or other sharp objects; skis, ski poles, hockey or lacrosse sticks, bats, golf clubs, snow sleds (unless they roll up); flammable items; glass items; laser pens; balloons; and any items of dangerous or objectionable nature.