5. General & Extracurricular Information

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE

Digital and information literacy skills are fundamental in preparation of students as citizens of the world. District 279 expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the school district computer system and the Internet through the curriculum and that they will provide guidance and instruction to students in their use.

Use of District’s network/Internet resources is intended only for educational and informational purposes, such as research, professional development, instruction and collaborative education projects.

The use of the school district system and access to the use of the Internet including electronic communication is a privilege, not a right, established by District 279 Policy 524. Consequences for students who fail to abide by Policy 524-Internet Acceptable use and Safety will be included in the building discipline procedures required by Policy 506-Student Discipline. Infractions by students will also be referred to legal authorities when appropriate.

Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using network/Internet sources. While the school will monitor student network/Internet use as closely as possible, the school cannot guarantee that students will not independently access network/Internet resources. If parents/guardians do not want their student to access network/internet resources in school, they must notify the principal in writing.

SCHOOL DANCES

The following statements apply to all dances sponsored by any organization. Students are required to present their identification for admission to a dance. Once a participant leaves a dance, they cannot return. Students may bring a guest from another school (one guest per OSH student). Guest must be pre-approved by OSH administration prior to the day of the dance. Tickets for all dances are sold in advance. Students will not be allowed to purchase tickets for dances if they have outstanding fines, fees, or Oriole Hours.

Dress Code (in accordance with ISD 279 Policy 504):

• School dress policy applies for all dances

• Dress lengths may be no higher than 4 inches above the knee and dress slits no higher than 4 inches above the knee.

• Anyone not meeting this dress code will not be allowed into the dance. Tickets will not be reimbursed for a dress code violation.

Dance Conduct Guidelines on and off the dance floor:

• Sexually suggestive dancing may result in a student being removed from the dance. Parents will be notified.

  • Hands on waists or shoulder only

  • Overt and/or prolonged public displays of affection.

Homecoming / Sno Daze / Prom Expectations:

Expectations for Students serving as Royalty during weeks leading up to the Homecoming / Sno Daze / Prom dances:

• Students elected as Royalty will be expected to attend all classes and participate in the formal ceremonies. All Royalty students must exemplify Osseo Excellence and adhere to the rules and expectations of the school or they risk removal from the week’s activities.

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION

Signs

Any sign, poster or literature that is to be displayed or distributed in the school building or grounds require the prior approval of the Principal. Information and spelling should be double-checked. In general, public school buildings may not be used to advertise commercial activities or products.

SENIOR CLASS INFORMATION

Eligibility

Eligible students must complete the following requirements to participate in the commencement ceremony. They include the successful completion of 64 credits in prescribed areas, successful completion of Advisory, payment of all outstanding fees and fines, and completion of Oriole Hours. All requirements must be completed by the senior’s last day of school.

Commencement Ceremony Participation

A commencement participation fee will be collected in May from all eligible 12th grade students wishing to participate in the graduation ceremony. The fee is determined by the school board each year, and is payable by cash only at the Greeter’s Desk.

Caps and Gowns

Caps and gowns will be provided by the school at no additional cost for those students participating in the commencement ceremony. Commencement is a formal affair. All graduating students will wear the cap and gown as provided, with no additional outside decoration. Caps and gowns are ordered in the late fall and are distributed to students on the senior’s last day.

Graduation Announcements & Jewelry

An agency visits the school so students can order graduation announcements and/or jewelry. The school is offering a service, but the student is welcome to order any or all products from any source.

Senior Pictures

The school recognizes an official photographer for the purpose of providing identical quality color pictures for the yearbook. The studio takes three or four poses free of charge for each student and one of these is used for the yearbook. Students may choose to order from the studio or may choose any other photographer for their photos.

Senior Honors

Honors and High Honors awards are determined by the student’s cumulative weighted or unweighted GPA at mid trimester during the 3rd trimester. All grades entered in the system at that time are used in the calculation. At graduation, students are given recognition in the following manner:

High Honor – students with a 3.800 and above are individually recognized. An honors medallion is presented to each student during the commencement ceremony. High honor students also have the opportunity to purchase and wear a gold tassel.

Honor – students with a 3.000 have the opportunity to purchase and wear a gold tassel and students are identified in the program.

Senior Last Day

The last day of school for seniors is intended to be a “regular” day. Lockers must be cleaned out before the end of the day and all requirements must be complete and turned in. Osseo Senior High is not responsible for any items left in the students’ lockers after the seniors last day of school. There will be no unsanctioned parking lot (or other school grounds) celebrations permitted. Students choosing to attempt to celebrate inappropriately may be kept out of the graduation ceremonies.

Senior All-Night Party

On the night of graduation the senior parents sponsor an all-night party for seniors only. This event is well attended and well planned. It offers a tremendous culminating activity for a relatively small cost.

STUDENT RIGHTS

Age of Majority Status

According to Minnesota Statutes, once a student reaches the age of 18, they attain age of majority status. When the student reaches age 18, many of those rights previously granted to the parent/guardian are automatically the rights of the student. For adult students who reside and continue to receive support from their parent/guardian, OSH practice is to continue to communicate directly with the parent/guardian regarding school matters and to expect the parent/guardian to excuse all absences.

Bullying Prohibition

It will be a violation of Policy 514 – Bullying Prohibition for any student, employee, or agent of the District to bully a student, employee, or agent of the District through conduct or communication in person or through misuse of technology of a bullying/intimidating nature as defined by Procedure 514. It will also be a violation of Policy 514 – for any student, employee, or agent of the District to engage in bullying conduct at any time or any place that interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school district by affecting the safety or welfare of the student, other students, or employees. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying.

Child Abuse Policy

Minnesota Statute Section 626.556, Subd. 3 – “A professional or his delegate, who is engaged in the practice of education, who has knowledge or reasonable cause to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused, shall immediately report the information to the appropriate agency.

Recognizing the relationship that exists between successful school experiences and good physical, mental and emotional health of children, it is the policy of Independent School District #279 to protect children by requiring the reporting of suspected physical abuse, sexual abuse, or conditions of neglect involving minor children whether occurring in the home, school, or community. This information can be found in ISD 279 Policy 414.

Harassment & Violence

The District prohibits any form of harassment or violence on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability.

It will be a violation for any student, employee or agent of the District to harass, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict violence through conduct or communication upon any student, employee, or agent of the District on any of the bases listed above. This information can be found in ISD 279 Policy 548.

Married Students

District #279 recognizes each student as an individual and, therefore, denies no rights to students because of marital status. Married persons are encouraged to remain in school and complete their education.

Pledge of Allegiance

Per ISD 279 Policy 647, anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so and that students must respect another person’s right to make that choice.

Pregnancy

A pregnant student retains all the rights and privileges of other students. If a student becomes pregnant, they should contact the health service specialist or a counselor to discuss the various educational supports available to them.

Student Records

ISD 279 Policy 515 – Protection and Privacy of Education Records outlines the collection, security, storage and release of student information as required by State and Federal laws. The school district must obtain and use information about each student to plan the best education program and ensure the rights of each student and parent/guardian to privacy. Therefore, access to information by third parties is controlled.

The Superintendent of Schools, who has overall responsibility for student records, delegates the day-to-day responsibility to Administrators in charge of each elementary and secondary school and to certain District personnel. Anyone wishing access to or a copy of the student records policy or procedures should contact a building principal or Kate Emmons, Assistant Director, Student Support Services, (763) 391-7124.

STUDENT RECORDS

Statement of Rights

Parents/guardians and eligible students have the following rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Inspect and review the student’s records;

• Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

• Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA and its regulation authorize disclosure without consent; and;

• File with U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the education agency or institution to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

This is a summary of the “Statement of Right.” The entire statement is Appendix A in Policy and Procedures 515 Protection and Privacy of Education Records.

All rights and protections given parents/guardians under the above statutes, regulations, and District policy transfer to the student when the student becomes an eligible student.

Policy and Procedure 515 “Protection and Privacy of Education Records” is available on the district website.

Student Data

Student data is classified as public, private or confidential.

Public data is directory information which may be disclosed in the form of class lists or other lists. Directory information does not include any personally identifiable information. School Board Policy 515 designates the following student data as directory information:

• Student’s name

• Dates of attendance

• Student’s address

• Degrees and awards received

• Date of birth

• Participation in officially recognized activities/sports

• School of attendance

• Weight/height (if a member of a team)

• grades completed

• Photograph

A parent/guardian of a student or an eligible student may object to the designation of the above information as directory information and may notify the building principal or superintendent of schools in writing using Appendix C of School Board Policy 515. Appendix C may be obtained from any school office or the district website. Designation of directory information to private is in effect for one year or until modified.

Requests for directory information are made in writing to the Coordinator of Information Systems, 11200 93rd Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369, (763) 391-7000.

Private data is data on an individual student which is not accessible to the public but is accessible to the parent/guardian or eligible student. Additionally, private data is accessible to:

• School officials, within the District whom the District determines have a legitimate education interest in such record.

• Officials of other schools or school districts in which the student seeks or intends to enroll. Records sent to a transfer school will include information about disciplinary action taken as a result of any incident in which the student possessed or used a dangerous weapon. Suspension and expulsion information pursuant to section 4155 of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and, if applicable, data regarding a student’s history of violent behavior.

• State and Federal agencies authorized to audit records.

• Education research when not identifying individual students.

Confidential data is data which state statute or federal law has declared not public and not accessible to the student and/or his/her parent/guardian. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Reports of child abuse and neglect;

• Individual student data received from outside agencies which the agency has classified as confidential and is classified as confidential by State statute or Federal law; and

• Chemical abuse data collected by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

Release of Information

Federal and state law require all school districts to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the name, address, and telephone numbers of all 11th and 12th grade students unless the parent requests in writing that the information not be provided. Parents choosing to NOT have this information released should provide a written statement to the building principal by October 1, which states they do not wish to have this information released. The statement should include the student’s name, grade level, school attending, address, and parent’s signature.

Storage of Student Records

Student records are kept secure in the school the student is attending. Records are kept in locked file drawers or secure computer systems except when used by employees of the District whose work assignments require access to the records. Records of students who withdraw or graduate will be kept at the school of attendance for one year and then sent to the Educational Service Center, 11200 93rd Avenue North, Maple Grove MN for permanent retention.

Transfer of Student Records

When a student moves from one school to another within the District, the entire record will be checked for completeness and then be forwarded to the student’s new school. When a student withdraws to enroll in another school district copies of the student’s records, including records of disciplinary action as a result of any incident in which the student possessed or used a dangerous weapon, suspension and expulsion information and, if applicable, data regarding a student’s history of violent behavior will be forwarded to the student’s new school. Written permission of the parent/guardian is not necessary in the transfer of records to a school in which the student intends to enroll. Parent/guardian may request a copy of the records transferred and may challenge the content of the transferred records in accordance with the Section X of Procedures 515.

Access of Student Records

Parent/guardians or eligible students wishing access to or copies of student records and/or policy and procedure should present their request to the Osseo Senior High administration. If there is a need for the student records or policy and procedure to be translated to a different language, that request should be made at the same time as the request for records.

An eligible student is…

A student who has reached the age of eighteen (legal adulthood) or who is attending an institution of postsecondary education.

Questions concerning student records should be directed to the District Compliance officer, at (763)391-7000.

STUDENT SERVICES

Announcements

Students are provided information via the audio/video announcement system and the student bulletin. Information to be included in the announcements should be turned in to the secretary in the main office with the advisor’s approval.

Career Resource Center (CRC)

Students and parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the information and resources available in the College Resource Center (CRC). Questions about life after high school, including college admissions, careers, NCAA eligibility, financial aid (FAFSA), military, etc. can be answered by the CRC staff. To schedule an appointment in the CRC, speak with Kristi Voight (Career Resource Center ESP) or Michelle Mazanec (College and Career Specialist) at (763)391-8668.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are governed under a usage agreement and protection plan, which is separate from this handbook. The usage agreement and protection plan forms can be found at http://osseo.feepay.com .

Misuse of Chromebooks - see Behavior Information section.

Fundraising

Throughout the year, various clubs, classes, music groups, and other organizations need to raise money to support a special activity or trip. The usual method of covering expenses for these special events is through fund raising approved by the district office.

The organization may begin their fund raising activity only after the Director of Secondary Education has given approval.

Monies raised by school-approved activities become the property of the school district. These funds are to be used as directed by the request and cannot be distributed to individual students for their personal use. In the event the activity shown on the request form is cancelled, the advisor and the group members may choose an alternate event with permission of the Principal.

No individual student or outside organization, public or private, charitable or otherwise, may use the school to sell literature or products for profit. School organizations which have received approval for fund raising may not sell items in the classroom. Staff members may not be solicited during their workday.

Guidance and Counseling Services

Counseling services at Osseo Senior High School are divided among the School Counselors and the Career Resource Center (CRC). Every student at Osseo Senior is assigned to one of the school counselors by the first letter of the student’s last name. The following services are available to students:

• Assistance with career planning

• Scholarship information

• Help with personal problems

• Helps with concerns related to academics

• Assistance in appropriate course selection

• Help with general concerns

The alphabet split for the School Counselors for 2019-20 school year will be as follows:

A – Da = Sarah Seldon

DE – J = Jackie Trzynka

K – Ng = Meg Holton

T– Z = Michelle Schlorf

Bridge Counselor = Katy Burns

Student Assistance Counselor = Krista Brenno

Students may schedule appointments with their School Counselor by speaking with the Counseling Secretary or their Counselor. To schedule an appointment in the CRC, speak with Kristi Voight (Career Resource ESP) or Michelle Mazanec (College and Career Specialist). Students and parents may also contact any of the counseling staff via e-mail or voice mail. You may reach the Counseling Department at (763) 391-8675 and the CRC office at (763) 391-8668.

Immunization Requests: According to MN Statute 121A.15, all students must be in compliance with state immunization requirements, be in the process of receiving the immunization series, or meet exemption criteria. Student immunization data is shared with ImmuLink, the Hennepin County immunization registry. This secure computerized registry makes immunization data available to schools and physicians. Parents may opt not to participate in the registry by calling (612) 676-5100 or the school health office for more information.

Physical Exams: It is recommended that students have a physical examination before they start high school. This is particularly important for sophomores because of their physical education course requirements.

Insurance

The District will provide the opportunity for families/students to purchase student accident insurance. Insurance enrollment materials will be made available to students in each building. The student/family will pay premiums or other charges directly to the insurance company. The filing of claims and payment of benefits and/or claims will be the sole obligation of the insurance company and the individual. The District or its employees will not become involved in the collecting of insurance fees, filing claims, or payments of benefits.

Lockers: Due to Covid - 19 procedures, OSH will not be using lockers for the time being.

Students need to have a lock on the first day lockers are available. Once lockers are assigned, students may not trade or move to another locker. Administration reserves the right to reassign a student’s locker if warranted. Senior lockers are located in assigned areas and may not be in other parts of the building. Seniors must register their locker number with the Student Services office as well as their Advisory teacher. Each student will be held responsible for the condition and contents of their assigned locker, therefore, students are encouraged to safeguard their combinations and not share their locker with others. All lockers are the property of the school and are loaned for student use.

AS SCHOOL PROPERTY, LOCKERS ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS. Students may not write on the inside or outside of the lockers. The school cannot be responsible for personal property kept in lockers. Any problem concerning lockers should be reported to a Student Management Specialist. Lockers must be cleaned and emptied by the end of the last day of school. Osseo Senior High is not responsible for items left in student lockers after the students’ last day.

Lost and Found

Students who incur property loss or theft should report their concerns to the Student Services Secretary and complete a “Theft Report” which will then be processed through an administrator. Also, students who find articles that are not secured should turn these materials into the office at once. Unclaimed items may be discarded or donated to a charitable organization after the last day of each trimester.

Media Center

All day school rules will apply in the Media Center and Tech Center areas both before and after school. Students must abide by these rules or will be asked to leave and lose the privilege of being there. Students must have a pass from a classroom teacher to use the Media Center or Tech Center areas after school. If you are not immediately exiting the building when you leave the Media Center or Tech Center, you must get your pass signed to go elsewhere.

Pictures - Grades 9, 10, and 11

A professional photographer will take individual pictures in natural color during the August orientation. A make up day for student who did not attend orientation will take place on the first Monday of Trimester 1. A retake date will be scheduled in early October. Packages can be ordered in a wide range of prices. Order packets are sent home in the Back-To-School Flier and are available in the office. A black and white photo will be provided for the school yearbook and for the student identification cards.

School Service Charges

The school provides equipment and materials. However, there are some items students must furnish or for which there is a charge. Every student must furnish his/her own notebooks, paper, pen and pencils. The following is a list of charges and costs for the coming year:

• Life Skills, Tech. Ed.: Special projects (cost of materials)

• Band & Orchestra – Reeds, oils, polish ( $1.25 to $3.00 + tax)

• Instrument rental - $20.00 to $120.00

There may be other incidental costs or expenses during the year. Students will be notified if these costs are necessary.

Special Education Services

Special Education services are available for OSH students meeting state and district criteria. Parents and students may access assessment/services by contacting their teacher, counselor or Special Education Building Coordinator, Cindy Loftsgard.