Board Policies
PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE (PCD)
Students may use PCDs before and after school, during their lunch break, in between classes as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment, during after-school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities) at school-related functions. Use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any other time is prohibited and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.
However, technology including, but not limited to, PCDs intended and actually used for instructional purposes (e.g., taking notes, recording classroom lectures, writing papers) will be permitted, as approved by the classroom teacher or the building principal.
Students may not use PCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet websites that are otherwise blocked to students at school. Students may use PCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other Board-provided vehicles or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, or sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their PCD confiscated and held until the end of the school day or a parent/guardian picks it up, and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the parent/guardian is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity the confiscated-PCD may be turned over to law enforcement.
PCDs, with cameras or any other recording capabilities, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The District Administrator and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.
Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.
Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.
Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.
Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). Discipline will be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circumstances surrounding a particular violation. If the PCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity in which case the PCD may be turned over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
A person who discovers a student using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building principal.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.
Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
A student’s dress or grooming shall not affect the health or safety of students and staff; or disrupt or distract from the learning environment within the classroom or school.
During the school day, hats, caps, bandanas, head coverings, and outdoor styled jackets will be removed upon entering the school building and placed in lockers. These items shall not be worn or carried anywhere within the building unless special conditions exist and the administration has given permission.
No student shall be permitted to wear any clothing or jewelry that contains a reference to alcohol, tobacco, sexual references, profanity, illegal drugs, and/or gangs.
This includes no medallions, chains, other jewelry that may cause harm or create a safety concern.
Tattoos are to be kept covered as is reasonably possible.
All students are expected to wear appropriate footwear.
Tank tops, halters or half shirts must be covered with a shirt, sweater, or dress.
There should be no skin exposed between bottom of shirt and pants.
Tops must not be cut lower than the top of the chest in both front and back.
Undergarments shall never be visible
Students may wear shorts, dresses, or skirts that are appropriate.
Pants are to be worn on students' waistlines.
Undergarments shall never be visible
FIGHTING/ASSAULT AND BATTERY
This section includes all acts which Wisconsin statutes (laws) define as crimes:
Fighting, physical assaults, physical abuse, physical threats, inappropriate physical contact, or other similar behaviors are not allowed.
Students should not put themselves or others in a situation that would cause undue harm or be unsafe. Students are expected to use common sense and appropriate measures to act and be safe in school.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE
The possession, use, being under the influence of, or having the intent to distribute any prescription or illegal drug, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substance, look-alike substance or being in possession of any type of drug paraphernalia while on school property or attending a school-sponsored event is prohibited.
School policy, city ordinance, and state law prohibits minors from purchasing, being in possession of, and/or using tobacco products. Those who violate this rule must surrender these items to the proper school authorities. Smoking and/or use of tobacco products is not permitted on school grounds or at school related activities. Student possession of tobacco products will result in suspension from school and police referral.
ILLEGAL USE OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE
Students are expected to follow the prescription medication policy:
Students who willingly engage in the distribution or consumption of prescription or over-the-counter medications in any other manner, other than described in the District Policy.
This is in violation of schools rules, and may be in violation of the law consequences.
This may result in expultion from school and referral to local law enforcement.
BULLYING and HARASSMENT
It is the policy of Prairie River Middle School to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment.
No student shall be subjected to bullying or harassment. It shall be a violation of this Code of Conduct for students to harass other students, staff or visitors to the District through conduct or communications as described in Board policy.
Each administrator shall be responsible for promoting understanding and acceptance of, and assuring compliance with, state and federal laws and Board policy and procedures governing harassment within his or her school or office. Violations of this policy or procedure will be cause for disciplinary action.
Harassment
Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student.
Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.
Race/Color Harassment
Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon a persons’ race or ethnic background.
Bullying
Bullying rises to the level of unlawful harassment when one or more persons systematically and chronically inflict physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees and that bullying is based upon sex, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or state civil rights.
Bullying is defined as any unwanted and repeated written, use of data or computer software, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation.
The Board will not tolerate any form of harassment and will take all necessary and appropriate actions to eliminate it, including suspension or expulsion of students and disciplinary action against any other individual in the School District community.
Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to stop and otherwise deal with any third party who engages in harassment against our students.
The board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on the traits of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or state civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as unlawful harassment), and encourages those within the School District community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems.
Additionally, harassment means behavior toward a student or group of students that substantially interferes with the student's school or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive school environment. Harassment may occur student-to-student, staff-to-student, male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male, or female-to-female.
The Board will investigate all allegations of unlawful harassment and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps designed to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
STUDENT ANTI-HARASSMENT
Prohibited Harassment
It is the policy of the Board of Education to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities.
All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and individual's race or color and when the conduct has the individual’s race or color and when the conduct is has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one’s ability to participate in or on benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.
Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person’s race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial comments.
Religious (Creed) Harassment
Prohibited religious harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's religion or creed and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.
Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's religious tradition, clothing, or surnames, and/or involves religious slurs.
THEFT AND VANDALISM
No student may steal, deface, damage or destroy another person's property or public property.
This includes all acts which Wisconsin statutes (laws) define as crimes.
Each student should realize that vandalism to District property is costly to repair and is directly related to increased school taxes.
Attempts should be made to teach students respect for property which can be done in connection with the care of textbooks and the use of District materials and equipment.
In accordance with law, students who cause damage to District property shall be subject to disciplinary measures including suspension and expulsion.
Parents shall be financially liable for such damage to the extent of the law except that students over eighteen (18) years of age or older shall be liable for damage they cause.
The Board authorizes the imposition of fines for the loss, damage, or destruction of District owned, borrowed or leased equipment, school records, apparatus, musical instruments, library materials, textbooks, and for damage to District buildings.
The District Administrator may report to the appropriate authorities any student whose damage of District property has been serious or chronic in nature.
WEAPONS
The Board of Education prohibits students from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle, to the extent permitted by law without the permission of the District Administrator.
The term "weapon" means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms (including, but not limited to, fire arms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)), guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, (subject to the exceptions below) razors, with unguarded blades, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The District Administrator is authorized to establish instructional programs on weapons and reporting and dealing with violations of this policy.
The District Administrator will refer any student who violates this policy to the student's parents or guardians and may also make a referral to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
SCHOOL LOCKER AND STUDENT SEARCH POLICY
Lockers are provided for the convenience of the students and are to be used solely and exclusively for the storage of clothes, and school-related materials. No student shall use his/her locker for any other purpose.
Lockers are the property of the school district and may be searched at any time without prior notice to, or consent of, the student(s) and/or parent(s)/guardian(s).
The District Administrator, school administration, teachers, staff members, or employees of the district may conduct searches.
When searching the locker, students’ personal belongings may be searched. This may include backpacks, purses, coats, and other similar articles.
Any unauthorized items found in the locker will be removed. Items removed from the locker may be retained by the school pending an investigation to the nature of the item and may be turned over to law enforcement.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student shall be notified of items taken from the locker unless such notification would compromise an investigation. In addition, the student the locker is assigned to is solely responsible for items found in the locker.
Students may be subjected to an individual search based on reasonable suspicion that the student has dangerous or illegal items or substances on his/her possession.
Individual searches will be conducted in the presences of two district employees.
When possible an effort will be made to ensure that one of the district employees is the same sex as the student.
Searches of this nature may include the searching of a student’s purse, pockets, backpack, and similar personal articles. Strip searches are illegal and will not be conducted by school district personnel.
In an effort to protect the health and welfare of its students, Merrill Area Public School District authorizes the use of trained canine units to search outside of lockers, vehicles parked in the school lot, and any other area deemed necessary by school administration in conjunction with the district administrator.
DISRESPECTFUL/INSUBORDINATION/REPEATED REFUSAL TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
Defiance (refusal to obey, insubordination) of school personnel is not permitted. Every student is expected to comply with reasonable direction or request of staff members. Students who continually refuse to follow the rules outlined in this handbook or fail to follow school district policies on a regular basis will be subject to disciplinary actions up to and including recommendation for expulsion from school.
Law enforcement investigations on school premises fall into two(2) primary categories. First, some investigations will occur at the request of school administration due to suspicion of a violation of school policy that may also be criminal. Second, law enforcement investigations may occur without the initiation of school officials and may or may not involve activity on the school grounds. Unlawful conduct occurring on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.
USE OF RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION WITH STUDENTS
It is the policy of the Board of Education to permit reasonable measures to be used to restrain or seclude a student only when necessary to prevent the student from hurting himself/herself or any other person or property.
All students, including students with disabilities, must be treated with dignity and respect.
Behavior interventions and support practices must be implemented in such a way as to protect the health and safety of the students and others.
All employees and "covered individuals" shall comply with State and Federal law regarding the use of seclusion and restraint.
Seclusion is defined in the law as the involuntary confinement of a student, apart from other students, in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.
THE SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
The Board of Education is committed to maintaining the educational atmosphere of the schools and restricting access by individuals not part of the school system but also recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and its need for assistance from law enforcement in certain circumstances.
When law enforcement requests permission to interview a student at school, the District Administrator or building administrator shall be contacted prior to any further action by law enforcement. The administrator shall determine whether it is appropriate to provide access to the student based on the officer's purpose, whether the officer has stated that there is an emergency involving imminent threat, or that the officer is in possession of a valid warrant. A warrant shall be deemed valid if executed by a judicial officer and describes the school premises.
If law enforcement is contacted by the administration for assistance, administration shall maintain the lead role in the investigation and shall be present or contact a parent to be present for any interview to the extent reasonable.