Elementary Handbook

3.1 Phones and Electronics

School phones are to be used by students only in emergency situations. Cell phones and personal listening devices are not allowed during the school day

Cell phones, AirPods, headphones, and other communication or listening devices are subject to the following guidelines:

Students in grades PK-6 must keep their cell phones and personal listening devices in their lockers. They are not allowed to have or use them during class time.

Students serving detention, or in-school suspension (ISS) are not allowed to have cell phones or personal listening devices regardless of their grade level.

If a student uses a cell phone or personal device during non-approved times, they will be in violation of school rules and face disciplinary action. If a staff member asks a student to hand over a device due to inappropriate use, the student must comply. Failure to do so will be seen as disrespectful or defiant and will result in consequences.

Recording physical altercations or any other inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. Students caught videoing such incidents will have their phones confiscated and could face up to 5 days of out-of-school suspension (OSS). A parent or guardian will need to retrieve the phone from the school.

Students who refuse to disperse when witnessing an incident could face up to 2 days of OSS.

Students who post recorded altercations on social media will be subject to consequences.

According to the Code of Conduct, all students must follow the directions of any staff member. This includes complying with instructions, not walking away during a conversation with a staff member, and speaking respectfully.

Cell phone violation Consequences:

• First violation: The teacher will collect the cell phone and hold it until the end of the class period.
• Second violation: The teacher will collect the cell phone and it will be held in the office until the end of the school day.
• Third violation: The cell phone will be held in the office and a parent/guardian conference will be held.

Violations are counted for each incident, not based on individual teachers.

3.2 Student Records

Each student has a permanent or cumulative record on file. This record is kept in the office and includes grades, attendance, truancy,, health history, and standardized test scores. Records are confidential. Any parent/guardian may see the contents of these records by making an appointment. Any other person (with the exception of school administration, or teachers) must have a release form signed by the parent/guardian.

3.3 Fire, Tornado, and Crisis Drills

Practice drills will be held during the year. Whenever a fire alarm rings, quietly leave the building. The directions for the evacuation of the school building are posted. Clear the building as soon as possible in an orderly manner.

Elementary crisis plan is in effect for all emergency drills and lockdowns. Schools are required to hold five (5) Fire Drills, five (5) Lockdown Drills, and one (1) Tornado Drill each year.

3.4 Dress Code

At Mesabi East, our appearance is important to us. The following guidelines are set in accordance with community standards.

Dressing appropriately for the weather is expected. Backpacks, crossbody bags, purses, blankets and winter/heavy jackets are not allowed in class and must be kept in lockers during school hours for safety reasons.

Inappropriate clothing includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Clothing that exposes any private parts, undergarments or midriff or shows an excessive amount of skin
2. Clothing bearing a message that is lewd, vulgar or obscene
3. Clothing promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors
4. Clothing that communicates a message that is racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory
5. Clothing that communicates gang membership or affiliation, or approves or provokes any form of religious, racial or sexual harassment and/or violence against individuals
6. Clothing that would damage school property or injure people
7. Hats/hoods are not allowed with the exception of designated days.

Students will be directed to make modifications to their dress by changing into appropriate clothing or calling a parent/guardian for a change of clothes if administration believes a student’s appearance, or mode of dress interferes with, disrupts the educational process, or poses a threat to the health or safety of others.

3.5 Support Services

Support services are available for the following programs:

1. Special Education Services
2. Speech Therapy
3. Adaptive Physical Education (DAPE)
4. Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy
5. Title 1/Giant Success
6. A.D.A.P.T through Range Mental Health
7. School based therapy
8. Check and Connect

For further information, call the Elementary Office at 229-3321 ext. 203.

3.6 Behavior Expectations of Mesabi East Students PreK-6

School Rules: Work, Respect, Belong

WORK

Be Prompt and Prepared

1. Be on time
2. Come with appropriate materials to class (pencils, erasers, books, etc.)
3. Come with assignments completed

Demonstrate a Commitment to Learning

1. Remain on task
2. Respect the rights of others to learn

RESPECT

Respect Staff

1. Listen to any and all adults in the building
2. Follow directions
3. Accept responsibility for your behavior

Respect the Rights of Others

1. Use appropriate voices and language
2. Listen to the speaker
3. Respect opinions, differences,and sensitivities

Respect Property

1. Respect personal property of others
2. Respect school property

BELONG

Demonstrate Appropriate Social Skills

1. Accept disagreement, criticism, consequences, and complaints gracefully
2. Be courteous
3. Wear appropriate clothing
4. Promote safety and good health for yourself and others

3.7 7 Mindsets

1. Everything is possible - Dream big, embrace creativity, think positive, act and adjust
2. Passion first - Focus on strengths, explore your interests, take a stand, be authentic
3. We are connected - Embrace everyone, maximize positive relationships, build your dream team, lead with value
4. 100% accountable - Own your life, overcome limiting beliefs, focus your energy, grow through life
5. Attitude of gratitude - Treasure yourself, be more grateful, thank it forward, elevate your perspective
6. Live to give - Stretch yourself, Make a difference, receive gracefully, create a legacy
7. The time is now - Embrace every moment, get in the zone, let yourself be vulnerable, act with purpose.

3.8 Discipline Policy

This discipline policy has been established to improve the academic and social behavior of the students. Discipline and consequences will always be at the discretion of the classroom teacher and or administration. Detention will be served from 3:15 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Discipline Vision

Each day, every student will come to school to learn how to be productive, respectful, and responsible members of the school community. He or she will leave school having been challenged, feeling successful, and looking forward to tomorrow.

DETENTION

Students may receive detention for the following reasons:

1. Cheating
2. Profanity
3. Disrespect of Authority
4. Classroom Disruptions
5. Violation of school rules
6. Stealing
7. Lying

SUSPENSION

Students may be suspended for the following reasons; however, not limited to the following:

1. Nicotine/drugs/alcohol
2. Fighting
3. Vandalism - additionally, fines will be assessed and assigned according to damages.
4. Inappropriate internet content
5. Threats of Violence
6. Profanity directed at a staff member
7. Weapons
8. Skipping

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Consequence is related to fixing the problem created by the student’s misbehavior or as an alternative to detention, suspension, or expulsion. Efforts are made by the administration to examine alternatives to suspension that address the policy or violation, hold students accountable for their behavior, and weigh the safety and learning environment concerns for all students. Disciplinary actions not covered above will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Administration reserves the right to final determination of all disciplinary actions.