4. Behavior Information

INTRODUCTION

General Considerations

The Osseo Senior High School staff are dedicated to the education of our students. We strive to promote a quality learning environment that will foster intellectual development and promote positive interaction among our students. In addition, we believe that all persons in our school have the right to a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. Our collective goal is to maintain OSSEO EXCELLENCE, a way of being for all people in our community, centered on the values of being innovative, courageous, focused, reflective, and conscientious. We believe that students who demonstrate these values will have the greatest possible chance of being successful in school. Together, we fulfil the school-wide pledge that WE ARE OSSEO!

The maintenance of this quality educational climate requires expectations, behavior definitions, and consequences. The behavior expectations are set forth in this section of the handbook and are in accordance with the School Board approved ISD 279 policies. Copies of these Board policies are available at the school and at the Educational Service Center.

Behavior expectations are in effect on school property and at all school-related activities, whether on or off school property, for all students regardless of age.

Investigation of Incidents

When allegations of violations of school rules arise, School Behavior Guidelines or ISD 279 Policy or Procedures are brought to the administration’s attention, and the school or school district will conduct an investigation to find out the facts regarding the allegations to determine what action, if any, the school and/or school district will take. Action may include disciplinary action against the individual(s) involved. Students are not required to speak to the administrator, however, refusal to do so could be considered insubordination and could lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion/exclusion. Any information that is provided will be used to determine the facts and the subsequent action the school and/or school district will take. The information that is provided may also be shared with other school and/or school district officials, the school district’s attorney, and may also be shared with law enforcement or other responsible agencies.

BEHAVIOR DEFINITIONS

It is the responsibility of the Osseo Senior High School community, defined as adults and students at Osseo Senior High School, to promote a quality learning environment which is safe, respectful, and productive. This learning environment must balance the promotion of the best interests of students with student accountability. To that end, the following behavior definitions clarify behaviors that interfere with a productive learning environment and the response the school community will take to such behaviors. In short, student behavior that violates federal, state or local laws, School Board policies, building regulations, or the rights, health, safety or welfare of any person, including the offender, will result in disciplinary action.

• AMENDMENT CLAUSE - Any and all of the following material is subject to amendment by the school administration or the Board of Education at any time.

• AUTHORITY - Students should know that all employees of the school have the responsibility and obligation to enforce school rules and regulations.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined as any student behavior that creates a situation in which the student is not able to accurately demonstrate his or her learning due to behaviors including, but not limited to:

• inappropriate use of resources,

• cheating,

• plagiarism, and

• collusion.

Staff members are expected to teach, model and reinforce appropriate academic behaviors to all students, such as knowing how to use research tools and properly cite references.

Academic misconduct is addressed as a behavior, and not an academic penalty. An office referral will be submitted to administration and students will be required to provide additional evidence of learning at the discretion of the teacher. This may be taking a different form of an test, rewriting an assessment, or doing a different project as necessary to demonstrate learning. The teacher will establish a reasonable timeline for the student to complete the assessment(s), and they will be assessed with the opportunity for earning full credit by demonstrating what the student knows and can do.

In addition, the report of misconduct may be forwarded to the National Honor Society advisor; members are subject to consequences per the NHS constitution.

Students are responsible for knowing and avoiding the various forms and levels of plagiarism. Writers Inc. defines “plagiarism [as] the act of presenting someone else’s ideas as your own” (179). The following are the most common types of plagiarism that occur in student assessments:

• Word-for-word plagiarism is the direct copying of another’s material without giving credit.

• Paraphrase plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas without crediting the source of the material or idea in English or any other language.

• Spot plagiarism is using keywords or phrases without giving credit.

• Translation websites used to complete World Language assessments.

• In addition, a student who allows others to use their assessments in fulfillment of class requirements will also be held accountable.

• Dual Submission – submitting the same paper or substantially similar papers to meet the requirements of more than one course without the prior approval of all instructors concerned.

• Clarification for science labs and projects - groups may share data that is collected by their group in lab. However, they MUST contribute to the collection of the data. All sections of the lab report other than data MUST be individually written, not written by the group. These sections may include question, purpose, hypothesis, analysis, graph, and conclusion.

Chemical Violation: Use, Possession, and Distribution

District 279 does not tolerate the use/abuse, possession or distribution of mood altering chemicals (including steroids) as it may interfere with the learning process of students and it may jeopardize the personal safety of students. (The following are some items from School Board Policy 541. The complete document is available on the district website.)

• No student, regardless of age, may possess, use, be under the influence of, distribute, sell and/or exchange unauthorized or illegal chemical substances including but not limited to, narcotics, drugs, or other controlled substances, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances or mood-altering chemicals, drug paraphernalia or look-alike substances, or other articles that are illegal or harmful to persons or property. This prohibition also includes one student sharing a prescription medication with another. Medication prescribed by a physician must be handled in accordance with Policy 516 – Student Medication.”

• Chemical Use/Abuse applies district-wide on school property and at all school related activities, trips and functions, whether on or off school property, school bus stops, school buses, any other vehicle approved for ISD 279 purposes, and the area of entrance to or departure from school premises or events for all students regardless of age.

• Students under the influence, possessing and/or exchanging chemical substances or paraphernalia will be subject to Policy 506 – Student Discipline, and school consequences, including notification of law enforcement agencies and the application of school suspension and/or expulsion procedures.

• Students presently not under the influence who disclose their use of chemicals for the purpose of obtaining help with this problem will be treated in a non-punitive way by school personnel.

In the event a student receives treatment outside ISD 279, every effort must be made to effect a successful continuation in or re-entry into the school community.

Disruptions or Disruptive Behaviors

Disruptions are defined as acts which interrupt the peace and good order of the school or school-sponsored activities, which include any act disruptive to the educational process. Disruptions include but not limited to disobedience, disruptive or disrespectful behavior, or disrespectful language toward staff members or students. Other examples include the use of electronic communication devices, organizing or participating in walk-outs, sit-ins or cafeteria disruptions. Disruptions are also acts which are dangerous or detrimental to the student, which violate the rights of others, damage or endanger the property of the school or interfere with the mission, operations of ISD 279, or student or employee safety or welfare.

Dress Code

Osseo Senior High’s dress code expectations are intended to promote excellence and a scholarly atmosphere. We believe that part of identity development is also expressing oneself through attire. However, there also must be parameters around the way we interact with one another and present ourselves within our educational environment. As such, our dress code is intended to be inclusive, responsive, and absent of othering in reference to race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. Effective discipline is a collaborative responsibility that each stakeholder of our school community is to honor and uphold. Excellence lives here! Please be sure you do your part!

Standard of Excellence: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times.

The following body parts must be fully covered with opaque fabric: genitals, buttocks, chest, nipples, and undergarments (visible straps are allowed). All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic standard of excellence.

Students Must Wear, while following the basic standard of excellence above:

• A Shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND

• Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts), AND

• Shoes.

Students May wear, as long as these items do not violate the standard of excellence as stated above:

• Hats and hoodie sweatshirts (wearing the hat or hood overhead is allowed, but the face must be visible to school staff - staff discretion in classrooms as outlined in their syllabus).

• Religious/cultural headwear, head wraps/scarfs/do-rags.

Students Cannot wear:

• Clothing or accessories that:

  • depict violent images or language.

  • has images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity).

  • creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or marginalized groups.

  • could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.

• Bandanas.

• Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).

• Winter jackets, blankets, towels or large coverings. If there is a need for warmth, please see counseling.

Falsification or Alteration of Documents

Falsification or alteration of documents is defined as falsification of any records, documents, notes or signatures, or tampering with, changing, or altering records or documents of ISD 279 by any method including, but not limited to, computer access or other electronic means.

Forgery

Notes, emails, or telephone calls, which are identified as coming from someone other than the person identified, are considered as acts of forgery.

Gambling

Students may not participate on school property in games of chance with the express purpose of exchanging money or other goods while on school property or while attending any school-sponsored activity.

Harassment

ISD 279 prohibits any form of harassment or violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, marital status, or familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability (See School Board Policy 548 for more information.) Reported incidents of harassment will be investigated and could lead to disciplinary action as outlined in School Board Policy 506.

• Racial and Religious Harassment is defined as being any comment, gesture, joke, language or behavior, displayed in any manner that draws attention to racial, religious, or cultural differences in a demeaning, disrespectful or offensive manner.

• Sexual Harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Spreading sexual rumors, sexual name-calling, sexual jokes/cartoons/pictures, homophobic remarks and/or statements, inappropriate patting or pinching, intentional brushing against one’s body, pressure for sexual activity and any unwelcome discussion that is sexual in nature are all examples of sexual harassment.

• Sexual Violence is a physical act of aggression or assault upon another person that includes a sexual act or sexual purpose or other illegal or inappropriate sexual conduct.

Hazing

Osseo Senior High prohibits any form of hazing activity on the part of any student, employee, or agent of the school. Hazing refers to any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. This prohibition includes planning, directing, encouraging, aiding or engaging in hazing, as well as permitting, condoning or tolerating hazing and applies on and off school property during and after school hours. Apparent permission or consent by a person being hazed does not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. Further, any person violating law or school policy in order to be initiated or affiliated with a student organization will be subject to discipline.

Identification

Students have the responsibility to identify themselves when asked by a school staff member or employee. Failure to do so, fleeing, or giving a false name will be considered insubordination.

Insubordination

Students have the responsibility to follow a reasonable request from any staff member. The deliberate refusal to follow the reasonable request of a school staff member will be considered insubordination. Insubordinate behavior will always be treated seriously by Student Services.

Leaving Campus

Osseo Senior High School maintains a closed campus; scholars are expected to remain on campus for the entire school day unless they participate in a school-related event with administrative approval, or they have permission from their guardian and support from administration to leave campus. Scholars who leave campus without having had express permission from school administration will be prohibited from re-entering the building until the following school day.

Physical Violation

A physical violation is defined as acts which are rough or rowdy that can result in physical harm whether intentional or not. These acts include but are not limited to pushing, shoving, horseplay, play fighting, shadow boxing, or throwing objects.

Technology Violations

For questions about Acceptable Use of Electronics in District 279 Schools, please visit: https://www.district279.org/images/Dept/SchoolBoard/Policy-Procedures/Policy_524.pdf

Prohibited Uses:

• • Students may not use the school district technology and Internet resources while on or off school district property for any of the following purposes:

    • Personal gain or profit;

    • To advance directly or indirectly for or against a ballot proposition or election of any person to any office;

    • To access, review, upload, download, create, store, print, post, receive, transmit or distribute any visual depictions that are obscene, sexually explicit, child pornography or harmful to minors;

    • To access, review, upload, download, create, store, print, post, receive, transmit or distribute materials that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people or that may constitute harassment or discrimination;

    • Unauthorized access (hacking), violation of copyright, trademark or other laws protecting intellectual property, and other activities online that violate state or federal law; or

    • Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

• Students may not use school district technology to create or utilize personal social networking or other personal accounts.

Personal Electronics & Cell Phones: Students may possess or use electronic devices or cell phones on the school campus before and after school, during passing time or during their lunch break, provided that such use does not disrupt the education program or school activity. However, during class time, personal electronic devices may not be used and should not be visible to staff members. Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are advised to actively monitor their electronic devices or cell phones. At no time is Osseo Senior High School responsible for lost or stolen cell phones and will not be able to provide staff time to investigate and recover lost or stolen items. Administration has the right to modify this PRIVILEGE at any time during the school year.

• When walking in the hallways, please exercise the "one in, one out" rule for earbuds or headphones.

Threats

Threats of violence, verbal or written, or the reporting of dangerous or hazardous situations that do not exist will result in serious disciplinary action. Parents/Guardians will be contacted and the student may be referred to the School Resource Officers in Student Services.

Tobacco & E-Cigarettes / Use & Possession

All school buildings in ISD 279 are tobacco-free environments 24 hours per day. Use or possession of tobacco or E-Cigarettes is illegal and against district policy according to ISD 279 Policy 506 and State Statute 144.4165. No student, regardless of age, may possess, use, sell or distribute tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, including E-cigarettes, in any form or at any time at any school-related activities, trips or functions, at bus stops, on school buses, in school buildings, school vehicles or school contracted vehicles, or on school grounds or the area of entrance or departure from school premises, property or events.

Unsafe Behavior

Unsafe behavior is defined as acts which intentionally inflict, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict bodily harm upon another person or inflicting bodily harm upon another even though accidental or a result of poor judgment. Unsafe behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Participant in a Fight —Engaging in any form of fighting regardless of who initiated the fight. This could include, but is not limited to hitting, slapping, pushing, pulling hair, biting, kicking, scratching or any other acts in which a student inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm on another person.

• Physical Assault —When one or more persons attack an individual who does not physically retaliate with the intention of causing or attempting to cause harm to that individual.

Verbal / Non-Verbal Assault

Verbal or non-verbal acts which are abusive, degrading, threatening, intimidating and/or discriminatory will not be tolerated. This may include, but not limited to, verbally abusive language, threats to cause harm, insulting remarks, gestures or written language meant to degrade a person or person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical/mental abilities or other protected classification.

Weapons

Students and non-students, including adults and visiting youths, are forbidden to possess, store, transmit, or use any instrument that is considered a weapon or a look-alike weapon in school, on school grounds, at school activities, at bus stops, on school buses or school vehicles or school contracted vehicles, or entering or departing from school premises, property or events. Students in possession of a weapon will receive administrative consequences and will be referred to the police.

Weapons of any kind will not be tolerated. Real and look-alike weapons include, but are not limited to:

• All firearms, whether loaded or not

• Other guns of all types, including, but not limited to, pellet, BB, paintball, nonfunctioning or toy gun.

• Knives, including, but not limited to, switch blades, automatically opening knives, box cutters, or razor blades.

• Explosives, including, but not limited to, live ammunition and fireworks

• Flammable liquids or combustibles

Students are expected to report harmful, threatening or suspicious situations to an adult immediately. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. A student who finds a weapon on the way to school or in the school building and immediately takes the weapon to any staff member or to the principal’s office will not be considered in possession of a weapon.

NOTICE: OTHER WEAPON CONCERNS

Paintball, pellet, BB, nonfunctioning and/or toy guns are look-alike/replica firearms. Do not possess, store, transmit or use any look-alike/replica or real firearm. Possession, storage, transmission or use of a look-alike/replica or real firearm will result in suspension and a recommendation to the district office for expulsion.

BEHAVIOR RESPONSES

Teacher-Assigned Consequences

For some infractions at the classroom level, building administration supports teachers in assigning classroom-level consequences to students. Students who fail to comply with a classroom-level consequence issued by their teacher will receive a behavior referral to Student Services, where the consequence will be enforced by their administrator.

Office-Assigned Consequences

The school has developed consequences for those who show inappropriate or disruptive behavior. These consequences are assigned in an effort to correct or change behavior that is not acceptable. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to: meeting with the teacher/counselor/administrator, after school reflection, loss of school privileges, parent conference with school staff, modified school program, referral to school support services, referral to legal system, restitution, suspension from class, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, exclusion, or expulsion.

Restorative Practices: Students may be asked to participate in a restorative conference or circle, in order to repair relationships with affected individuals.

After School Reflection: Students sit with an administrator after school to reflect on ways to improve behavior performance during the school day.

School Community Service: SCS may be used in lieu of other disciplinary consequences.

Learning Packets / Modules in Schoology: Paper learning packets, as well as electronic modules housed in Student Services’ Schoology course, provide constructive, positive learning experiences for students who are being disciplined for violating a school standard for behavior.

Restitution: Students will make a payment to restore or make right on an incident that has caused a loss or damage.

Search: Administration has the right to search a student’s personal belongings when there is “reasonable suspicion” about his/her behavior. Searches may include clothes, backpacks, locker and automobile (if on campus). Refusal to allow a search will be treated as a statement of guilt.

Suspension from class: Students are removed for one or more periods from a specific class and are assigned to the office area.

Suspension: Students are removed from school and may not participate in or attend any school functions during the suspension. A parent conference is required for re-admittance to school.

Exclusion: Students are prevented from enrolling or re-enrolling in school for a specific period of time.

Expulsion: Enrolled students are prohibited from further attendance in school for a specified period of time.

Suspension, exclusion, and expulsion are governed by The Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.

Why Students are Removed from the Learning Environment

Emerging research suggests that exclusionary practices, like dismissals and suspensions, do not correct student behaviors or deter future behavior infractions. Osseo Senior High School works diligently to provide the highest quality educational experience possible to its students, with as little restriction as needed to ensure a safe and productive learning environment. However, taking students away from the learning environment may become necessary in extreme circumstances. This practice, used sparingly, reflects our collective beliefs, that:

• A victim should not need to face their perpetrator immediately following an incident.

• Osseo Excellence is maintained through reinforcement of its values during a student’s absence and purposeful reintegration of the student into our community following the absence.

Appeals Process

If a family member disagrees with the appropriation of a consequence of a grade level administrator or assistant principal, the family may request a meeting with the building principal to review the case.

In the event the family is still unsatisfied with the ruling of the school on behalf of the student, the family is encouraged to reach out to Sara Vernig, District-Level Principal, at (763) 391-7078.

How to Make Up Oriole Hours

Oriole Hours can be made up in the following ways:

1. After school study tables hosted by an administrator.

2. After school restorative circle hosted by an administrator.

3. Participation in Tuesday Tutoring (with pass from Tuesday Tutoring submitted to Student Services).

4. Attending a Guardian/School attendance planning meeting.

5. Service Learning - peer tutoring during Zero Hour.

6. Service Task - online/posted opportunity board (outside Student Services).

7. Completing an academic plan to submit missing assignments.

• Student Services creates new opportunities on a weekly basis. Check with your administrator for more information.