High School Handbook

10.1 Policies

School Policies

A policy is a set of rules or guidelines designed to help a school run smoothly, fairly, and safely. Policies explain what is expected of students, staff, and families, and they provide a consistent framework for decision-making and behavior. Whether it is about attendance, grading, conduct, or participation in activities, school policies are in place to support a positive learning environment for everyone. Understanding and following these policies helps ensure that all students have the best opportunity to succeed.

The most up-to-date policies are available through the Superintendent’s Office. Please note that there are additional school policies not listed below that are still in effect.

Current Policies

• 413 - Harassment and Violence
• 414 - Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse
• 501 - School Weapons Policy
• 502 - Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and Student's Person
• 506 - Student Discipline
• 507.5 - School Resource Officers
• 514 - Bullying Prohibition Policy
• 524 - Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
• 524.5 - Personal Electronic Communication Devices
• 525 - Violence Prevention
• 526 - Hazing Prohibition
• 531 - The Pledge of Allegiance
• 533 - Wellness

10.2 Acceptable Use Policy

Use of School Equipment

Students are expected to follow the guidelines in the Acceptable Use Policy when using computers, iPads, and other school equipment. Each student will need to review and sign the Acceptable Use Policy document. If a student does not follow the rules in the policy, they could lose their access to school equipment or facilities, as decided by the principal and the technology coordinator. There is also a separate policy for iPads that students need to be aware of. Additional information is available on the website.

10.3 Student Rights & Responsibilities

At Mesabi East, we believe that every student has the right to a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. With those rights come important responsibilities. Students are expected to act with integrity, show respect for others, and contribute positively to the school community. Understanding both your rights and responsibilities helps create a school culture where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed.

This section outlines the key expectations and freedoms that guide student life at Mesabi East.

Learning: Rights

• Students have the right to a complete and fair education that meets their needs.
• Students have the right to learn in a safe school environment.
• Students have the right to catch up on missed work.
• Students have the right to receive homebound instruction if eligible.

Learning: Responsibilities

• Attend school daily and complete work on time.
• Behave safely and respectfully.
• Complete make-up work.
• Complete homebound instruction work.

Free Speech: Rights

• Students have the right to free speech, as long as it does not take away the rights of others, causes disruptions, or interfere with the school’s learning environment.

Free Speech: Responsibilities

• Students must follow school rules about when, where, and how they share their opinions in written materials. They should share these materials in a way that is not harmful, offensive, or unfair to others, and that does not disrupt learning or other people’s rights.

Equal Opportunity: Rights

• Students have the right to have an equal chance to join any school activities or education programs they qualify for, as long as it follows the law.

Equal Opportunity: Responsibilities

• Students are responsible for following the rules of any school activity they or others are part of.

Fair Treatment: Rights

• Students have the right to a fair process if they break school rules. This includes hearing what rule was broken and sharing their side of the story.
• Students have the right to know the current school rules and policies that apply to them.
• Students have the right to know what is expected of them in the classroom. They are responsible for understanding and following those expectations and knowing how their work will be graded.
• Students have the right to be treated with respect by both staff and other students.

Fair Treatment: Responsibilities

• Students are responsible for coming to school every day, finishing their assignments on time, and bringing the materials they need for class.
• Students are responsible for acting safely and not doing anything that could harm themselves or others or disrupt other students' learning.
• Students are responsible for getting and finishing any make-up work for the days they are absent.
• Students are responsible for completing the work given to them during homebound instruction.

10.4 Rights to Privacy & Safety

At Mesabi East, we want every student to feel safe, respected, and protected. Here is what you should know about your rights with regards to privacy & safety:

Your Privacy

• Your School Records Are Private: Things like your grades, health info, and behavior reports are kept private. Only certain staff and your parents/guardians (if you are under 18) can see them.
• Lockers and Backpacks: Lockers and desks belong to the school, but we respect your space. If there is a good reason to believe something unsafe or against school rules is going on, we may check your locker or belongings.
• Using School Devices or Wi-Fi: When you are on school devices or Wi-Fi, your activity is monitored to help keep everyone safe and focused on learning.
• Photos and Videos: The school sometimes takes photos or videos at events. If you or your family do not want your picture used in school media, you can let us know.

Your Safety

• Physical Safety: You have the right to feel safe at school - no fighting, bullying, or threats allowed.
• Emotional Safety: Your feelings matter. We have counselors and trusted adults you can talk to if you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or hurt.
• Emergency Drills: We practice safety drills (like fire, lockdown, or severe weather drills) so we all know what to do. Listen to instructions and take them seriously.
• If You See Something, Say Something: If you notice something that does not feel right - whether it’s bullying, someone in distress, or something unsafe - tell a teacher, counselor, or the Administration.
• Serious Safety Rules: Things like weapons, drugs, or violence have no place here. Breaking those rules can lead to serious consequences, including police involvement.

10.5 Responsibility for School Property

We all share our school, and it is everyone's job to help take care of it. Here is what that means for you:

Take Care of School Property

• Respect the school building, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, furniture, and technology.
• Do not write on desks, walls, or books.
• Keep your locker clean and do not damage it.
• Treat borrowed materials (like library books, iPads, and sports equipment) with care.

Report Problems or Damage

• If something is broken or not working - tell a teacher or staff member right away.
• Accidents happen! If you break something by mistake, be honest and let someone know.

Be Responsible for What You Use

• If you check out a book or other school item, return it on time and in good condition.
• If you lose or damage school property, you and your family may be asked to pay to replace or fix it.

Keep Our School Clean

• Throw trash in the garbage.
• Clean up after yourself in the cafeteria, hallways, bathrooms, and classrooms.

10.6 Internet & Technology Usage Policies

Technology is an awesome tool for learning - but it comes with responsibilities. Here is what you need to know about using the internet and school devices:

Use Tech for Learning

• School devices and the internet are here to help you learn - use them for classwork and school-approved activities.
• Do not use school tech to play games, stream videos, or use social media unless a teacher says it is okay.

Be Respectful Online

• Treat others with kindness in emails, chats, and online discussions - no bullying, name-calling, or inappropriate language.
• Never pretend to be someone else online.

Stay Safe

• Do not share personal info (like your address or phone number) online.
• Only visit websites that are school-approved or part of your assignment.
• If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, report it to a teacher or adult right away.

Protect the Equipment

• Handle school devices with care.
• Do not try to change settings, install unauthorized apps, or mess with filters or passwords.

Following the Rules

• Breaking tech rules - like visiting inappropriate sites, cyberbullying, or damaging equipment - can lead to losing tech privileges or other consequences.
• Remember, school tech activity is monitored to keep everyone safe.

Technology Policy and Agreement

Mesabi East has a Technology Policy and an iPad Usage Agreement that all students are expected to follow. These rules help make sure school devices - like iPads and computers - are used safely, responsibly, and for learning.

Before using school technology, students and families must read and sign the agreement form. By signing, you agree to use devices properly, take care of them, and follow the guidelines for internet use at school.

If you do not follow the policy, you may lose your tech privileges or face other consequences. If you have any questions about the policy or the agreement, just ask the Administration.