A Mesabi East commitment to student growth, opportunity, and direction.
Expectations. Responsibility. Student Success.
The Mesabi East High School Handbook serves as a guide for students and families, outlining the expectations, policies, and procedures that help maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. It provides important information about academic requirements, attendance, student conduct, and school activities.
By understanding these guidelines, students can take an active role in their education while contributing to a positive school community. The handbook helps ensure that everyone at Mesabi East works together to support learning, responsibility, and student success.
Expectations. Responsibility. Student Success.
The Mesabi East High School Handbook outlines important policies, expectations, and guidelines that help students understand school procedures and contribute to a safe, respectful, and successful learning environment.
Content will load when selected…
Content will load when selected…
This section explains the behavioral expectations for students at Mesabi East. The policies below outline standards for respectful conduct, school rules, and procedures used to address disciplinary situations.
Advisory is a daily opportunity to build a strong classroom community, prepare for the day, and develop important social and emotional skills (commonly referred to as SEL). Students are expected to:
Arrive on time and bring a positive attitude.
Be prepared for daily activities, including SEL discussions and reflections.
Listen actively when classmates are speaking.
Speak kindly and allow others to share their thoughts without interruption.
Advisory is a judgment-free zone - be open-minded and respectful of different experiences and perspectives.
Participate in building a sense of community and trust.
Participate in check-ins, journaling, mindfulness, goal setting, or group discussions.
Take SEL lessons seriously - they are meant to help you grow as a person.
Use devices only when appropriate and with permission.
Be present - avoid distractions during reflection and conversation.
Be honest, accountable, and kind - to yourself and others.
Support your classmates and contribute positively to the advisory environment.
When riding in buses and vans, it is important to follow the safety rules. At the start of each school year, we will go over safety tips, expectations, rules, and what happens if those rules are not followed.
If a student causes trouble on the bus or van, they may need to visit the Administration, and consequences could include losing their bus riding privileges. Also, everyone will have assigned seats to keep things organized and safe.
Bullying is when someone repeatedly hurts or intimidates another person, whether through physical actions, words, or online behavior. It is more than just teasing or joking around - it is meant to make someone feel scared, embarrassed, or powerless. It can happen anywhere, like in school hallways, on social media, or even in group chats. Everyone deserves to feel safe, so recognizing and stopping bullying is important for creating a positive environment for everyone.
Bullying is not acceptable behavior. Students who engage in bullying will face disciplinary action.
If you need to report bullying, please reach out to any adult in the building who can guide you on the next steps.
Cell phones, AirPods, headphones, and other communication or listening devices are subject to the following guidelines:
Violations are counted for each incident, not based on individual teachers.
Recording physical altercations or any other inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. Students caught recording such incidents will have their phones confiscated and may face up to five days of out-of-school suspension (OSS). A parent or guardian will be required to retrieve the phone from the school.
We expect everyone attending school events to be respectful. If someone is acting inappropriately, they will be asked to leave, and refunds will not be given. Students should stay in the area of the school where the event is taking place and not wander into other parts of the school. If behavior becomes an issue, students might lose the privilege of attending future events, as decided by the Administration.
Attending school sponsored special events is dependent on grade level, age, eligibility, and other criteria set by the Administration. These are based on our core values: attendance, academics, and behavior.
Mesabi East students can bring guests to Snoball and Prom, but they need prior approval from the Administration. To do this, students can get an approval form from the high school office, which must be signed and turned in two weeks before the event. Homeschooled students are considered guests of Mesabi East students. No one over the age of 20 can attend school dances. Advisors will make sure there is enough supervision with chaperones at all dances.
If a student does not meet the expectations of our core values: attendance, academics, and behavior, their eligibility to attend the next scheduled special event will be revoked. However, students can appeal by submitting an Activity Participation Appeal form to the high school office. A committee, including the principal, Dean of Students, and the event advisor, will review the appeal and make a decision. Appeals should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the event.
To be eligible for Homecoming/SnoWeek Royalty, a student needs to have completed at least one semester at Mesabi East, be passing all of their classes, have no major behavioral referrals, and maintain 90% or better attendance. If a student has a nicotine, alcohol, or chemical violation, they will be ineligible for Royalty for the next Royalty cycle (Fall or Winter).
At Mesabi East, students are expected to maintain good grooming and dress appropriately for the weather. For safety reasons, backpacks, crossbody bags, purses, blankets, and heavy jackets are not allowed in class and must be stored in lockers during school hours.
If a student’s appearance is considered disruptive, inappropriate, or unsafe by staff, they will be asked to change into appropriate clothing or contact a parent or guardian for a change of clothes. Refusal to meet dress code guidelines is considered insubordination.
Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit and extend approximately 3 to 4 inches down the upper thigh. Clothing must not have holes above the 3-to-4-inch length requirement.
If you are experiencing challenges related to personal grooming or hygiene and need support, please let a staff member know. We are here to help and can provide guidance or resources to assist you.
Food and drinks should stay in the cafeteria, large commons, or small commons areas. As for classrooms, it is up to each teacher to decide whether food and drinks are allowed.
Mesabi East is committed to creating a learning environment free from religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence. Harassment is defined as any unwanted behavior, physical or verbal (or even suggested), that makes a reasonable person feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or mentally distressed.
Any form of harassment or violence based on religion, race, or gender is not allowed. The district will investigate all complaints, whether formal or informal, verbal or written, involving students, teachers, administrators, or other school staff. Parents or guardians of both the victim and the offender will be notified as soon as possible.
If the incident involves illegal activity, law enforcement will be contacted.
Respect and cooperation are essential for maintaining a positive learning environment at Mesabi East.
Insubordination refers to any willful and intentional refusal to follow reasonable instructions from school staff or any act of defiance that disrupts the school environment. This includes, but is not limited to, refusing to comply with directions, walking away while being spoken to, using disrespectful language or gestures, and failing to cooperate during school activities.
All students are expected to follow staff instructions promptly and respectfully. Insubordination will result in disciplinary action.
The cafeteria is a space for students to enjoy their lunch and socialize. We encourage students to take advantage of our hot lunch program, and forms are available in the office if needed.
Students should not use devices or items that have not been approved by the Administration or their teacher as educational tools. This includes things that could disrupt the learning environment, create distractions, or are unsafe.
As a senior, you have worked hard to earn more freedom, and Open Campus is one of those privileges. This allows 12th-grade students to leave campus during lunch or free periods, as long as you are in good academic standing, follow school rules, and have your parent or guardian’s written permission. It is important to use this freedom responsibly - come back on time for your next class or activity, and make sure you are meeting expectations.
If the privilege is misused, like being late or breaking school rules, it could be taken away. Think of this as a way to show your responsibility while enjoying a little extra independence!
Juniors (11th-grade students) are allowed to leave campus during lunch.
Sometimes, choices have consequences, and when school rules are not followed, disciplinary actions like detention, in-school suspension (ISS), or out-of-school suspension (OSS) may be assigned. Here is what each one means:
Restorative Justice - Restorative Justice focuses on repairing relationships and improving behavior. Instead of jumping straight to disciplinary action, the Administration and staff work to find alternatives that address the issue, hold students accountable, and keep the safety and learning environment in mind. Restorative measures might include things like meeting with the school social worker, mediation, restitution, school service, or a restorative meeting with staff and the student. Each situation is handled individually, and the Administration has the final say on any disciplinary actions.
Our goal is not just to hand out consequences - it is to help students learn, grow, and make better choices moving forward. Let’s work together to create a respectful and positive school environment!
Taking photos or recording at school without permission is not okay and can lead to some serious problems. School is a place where everyone should feel safe and respected, and taking pictures or videos of others without their consent can invade their privacy. Think about how you would feel if someone recorded you and shared it online without asking.
Plus, snapping photos or recording during class or other school activities can be a big distraction. It can pull your focus away from what is important - learning - and might make others feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. If you want to take a picture or record something for a class project or a school event, always check the rules and ask for permission first. By respecting others’ privacy and following our guidelines, we can all help keep school a positive and safe place for everyone.
Recording physical altercations or any other inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. Students caught taking photos/recording 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.
The Minnesota State legislature states that school officials can search a student's phone if they have reasonable suspicion that it contains evidence of a crime, a violation of school rules, or a threat to school safety.
Picture Day provides photos for school IDs and yearbooks. All students are required to have their picture taken, even if they are not purchasing a photo package. For identification and security purposes, photos must clearly show each student’s face. Therefore, masks, wigs, hats, or alternate costumes are not permitted during the photo session.
A few weeks after the main Picture Day, a retake day is scheduled. This is an opportunity for students who missed the main Picture Day or those who are unhappy with their original photo to have their picture taken or retaken.
Students should dress in accordance with Mesabi East’s dress code to ensure appropriate and professional photos. If you have any questions or concerns about Picture Day, please contact the Administration.
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited during the 1st period each day to recognize the privileges and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States. If a student chooses not to participate for personal reasons, that is okay. It is important that everyone respects each other’s right to make that choice.
At Mesabi East, we want every student to feel safe and comfortable at school. No one should worry about getting hurt or dealing with violence.
We expect all members of our school community to uphold standards of respect, conflict resolution, and positive behavior so that our school remains a place where everyone can learn and thrive without fear.
Fighting, physical altercations, and violence of any kind are not tolerated at Mesabi East. Any student who engages in a fight or physical altercation will be subject to disciplinary consequences.
Students who participate indirectly in a fight — including recording, encouraging, or refusing to disperse — may also receive 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.
Mesabi East understands that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google Groups, Snapchat, TikTok, and others are great tools for sharing important updates. The school has its own social media platforms to share news and highlight events for students and the community.
However, if students use social media in negative ways - like bullying, harassment, or violating the academic integrity policy - they will face disciplinary actions.
Students are expected to use district-provided transportation both to and from any school event (field trips, class trips, athletic teams, etc.).
Transportation to/from ME3C is conducted for classes hourly from the main campus. Please adhere to transportation rules and policies while commuting to and from ME3C.
Students self-transporting to ME3C need to have a parental signed document on file with the High School office. Students are not allowed to transport other students to or from ME3C.
If there is a need to take different transportation to the event, it needs to be cleared ahead of time with the Administration. Parents or guardians should contact the high school office to make arrangements, and the coach or advisor must also approve it.
After an event, students can leave with their parents or guardian, but only if the coach or advisor is informed in person and it is documented.
One more thing - students are not allowed to give rides to other students. This helps ensure everyone’s safety.
Vandalism of school property is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This includes any intentional damage, defacement, or destruction of school buildings, equipment, books, iPads, or other property owned or used by the school. Vandalism not only disrupts the learning environment but also impacts everyone by causing unnecessary costs and taking valuable resources away from educational purposes.
Students found responsible for vandalism will face disciplinary actions, which may include restitution for damages, detention, suspension, expulsion and, depending on the severity of the incident, legal action, and charges.
Students are encouraged to take pride in their school and report any instances of vandalism they witness to a teacher, administrator, or other staff member. Respect for school property helps maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Content will load when selected…
Content will load when selected…
Content will load when selected…
Content will load when selected…
© 2026 Developed by: 
Northwoods Professional Group, LLC All rights reserved. All trademarks, service marks, trade names, product names, and logos appearing are the property of their respective owners.
