A major student responsibility at all grade levels is regular attendance. Many studies correlate regular attendance with success in school. Regular attendance means that the academic learning process is not interrupted, less time is spent on make-up assignments, and students benefit from participation and interaction with others in class. State law requires every child between 7 and 16 years of age to receive instruction. Students with excessive absences will be considered truant. Establishing a pattern of good attendance will benefit the student in school and in the workplace. The district has established more detailed guidelines for high school student attendance, as follows:

Expectation: With the exception of verified school-authorized absences, high school students are expected to attend each class every day. Students must remain in the building unless given permission to leave by an Assistant Principal or pre-approval through the attendance office from an authorized guardian.

Maximum Absence Rule - We are committed to regular student attendance. In order to ensure students are regularly attending their classes, school administration will intervene when necessary to provide support. Early intervention may include student support plans, behavior contracts and consequences, or county truancy reporting.

If the early interventions listed above are unsuccessful, students may not receive credit for a class in which absences (including those accumulated through tardies) reach 7 in one quarter. Upon the 7th absence one of the following may occur:

• The student may receive an “NC” if the student remains in class, follows behavioral expectations and meets all course requirements by the end of the quarter. An “NC” will have no effect on the student’s grade point average.

• The student may receive an “F” if they are disruptive and have to be removed from the class and placed in a study hall, if the student chooses to leave the class, or if the student does not meet all course requirements, an “F” grade will have a negative effect on the student’s grade point average.

• The student may receive credit and earned grade if the student remains in the class, follows behavioral expectations, improves attendance, and meets all course requirements by the end of the quarter. The committee may grant the appeal, resulting in reinstatement of credit or deny the appeal, resulting in loss of credit in the course(s).

• If extenuating circumstances arise that will impact attendance, it is the responsibility of the student and family to communicate to administration and/or counselors to discuss barriers and create a support plan.

Absences that are counted in the maximum absence rule include, but are not limited to the following.

• Excused - Absences which are verified by the parent or guardian with reasons accepted by the school, such as illness, medical or dental appointments that cannot be made outside of school time; court appearances; pre-authorized, pre-planned absence of one day or more (arranged prior, preferably at least one week, to the absence in order to be verified); in school suspension, out-of school suspension.

• Unexcused - Unexcused absences are inappropriate and insubordinate and will result in disciplinary consequences for misbehavior outlined in district policy. Unexcused absences occur when a student chooses to be absent from school without the approval of the school and/or parent. Such absences include, but are not limited to, truancy, oversleeping, car trouble and planned absences which were not pre-approved by the school. Consequences will be assigned to students who have unexcused absences following current guidelines.

• Tardies - Tardies are defined as being late to class without a pass after the bell rings. Students that arrive to class more than five minutes late will be marked absent for the period. Three tardies per class will be counted as one absence and will be applied to the maximum absence rule. Consequences may be assigned to students with excessive tardies.

  • Teachers may use professional discretion and allow additional time for students arriving to first period.

Types of Absences:

Absences which are NOT counted in the maximum absence rule include, but are not limited to the following:

• School-sponsored curricular and co-curricular activities

• Official religious holidays

• Death of an immediate family member (parent, step-parent, guardian, sibling, grandparent)

• Unique or emergency circumstances which are authorized (or, whenever possible, pre-authorized) by a school administrator

• Chronic or long-term illnesses (3 or more consecutive days), which are verified by a doctor’s signed statement and authorized by the school administrator

• Authorized appointments with school personnel

• In School Suspension and Out of School Suspension.

Make-Up Work:

Students with excused absences, regardless of the reason, will be given opportunity to make up missed class work in order to continue their educational progress. This includes out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions.

Suspended students must make their own arrangements to get makeup work until they return from suspension.

If a student is going to be absent from school, please do the following:

1. Parents/Guardians are to contact the attendance office on or before the day a student is absent and provide the reason for absence. You can do this one of three ways:

   • 1. Call the attendance line: (24 hours) 952-226-8601

     2. Contact the attendance office via email: hsattendance@plsas.org

     3. Fill out the online attendance form

   • Parents will be notified by phone after the school day if their student was marked absent for any or all periods. Students must clear an absence in 24 hours or be considered truant, and an appropriate consequence will be assigned.

   • If no telephone contact has been made on the day of the absence, a note signed by a parent stating the reason for the absence must be presented to the school’s attendance secretary prior to first hour on the day the student returns. The school will then determine whether the absence meets the criteria to be regarded as excused.

2. Students are responsible for all academic work missed during an absence. Teachers will give their make-up work policy to students at the beginning of each term. Generally, two days will be allowed to make up work for each day of excused absence.

Guidelines/Policy/Requirements

While parents have the authority to remove their students from school at any time and for any reason they choose, the school has the responsibility, under state law, to determine whether the absence is excused, and if not, to take corrective action, frequently including disciplinary consequences.

Regular attendance is necessary to maintain a good scholastic record. Excessive absenteeism is harmful to both academic and social development and may jeopardize the student’s opportunity to be promoted with their class and to participate in extracurricular activities. Excessive absenteeism is a primary cause of low grades.

The school attendance policy and state law, in general, do not accept the following as excused absences: 1) oversleeping; 2) parents needing an errand performed; 3) haircuts and beauty appointments; 4) friends or relatives visiting; 5) pets needing care; 6) friends or relatives needing a ride; 7) shopping ; 8) missed bus or vehicle problems except in extremely severe weather; 9) senior pictures; 10) non-family vacations; 11) going out for breakfast or lunch. These excuses are viewed as inappropriate disruptions of the student’s education, both by the school district and by state law.

Students who miss all or parts of a school day due to a dental, medical or other appointment must provide written note from the dental, medical office where they received treatment. This note must be on the office’s letterhead, state the date and time of the appointment, and be signed by an employee of the office. This note must accompany the student if they return the same day or be turned into the office the next morning.

Students with a history of excessive absences may, at the discretion of the administration, be placed on attendance contracts that limit the total number of allowable absences whether excused or unexcused. Those who exceed the limit may lose credit for their classes.

Absences Due to Family Vacations:

Interruptions of education due to prolonged absences from school can be damaging to a student’s academic progress. An effort has been made to build into the school year calendar opportunities for families to take vacation, such as spring break, winter break, etc. Nevertheless, we understand that some family vacation plans conflict with the school calendar and we want to work with parents and students to ensure that a student’s academic progress is minimally affected.

If your family’s vacation plans conflict with school, the following steps need to be taken in advance of the trip in order for the absence to be excused:

1. Parents need to contact the attendance office at least one week prior to the vacation.

2. Students need to pick up the “Parental Requests for Extended Absence” form in the attendance office and have it signed by each of their teachers and turned back into the attendance office

3. Students need to make arrangements for make-up work with each teacher. Students will be able to take final exams early only at the discretion of an administrator.

Please try to avoid scheduling vacations during the last week of the quarter/semester. Vacations taken during school days will count toward the 7 absence rule.

Participants must be in school all day unless one of the following situations arise:

• Medical Appointment: If a participant must be absent during the day for a medical appointment, they must provide a note from the provider on office letterhead. This must be turned into the attendance office.

• School Related Function: If absent due to a school related function, such as a class field trip

• Pre-Approved Absence: Absences, other than medical appointments and school related functions, MUST be pre-approved by the Activity Director

Early Release/Late Arrival:
State regulations require that the minimum length of the school day be six hours excluding lunch. All students must be enrolled for the entire six hour day.
There are two exceptions to this rule:

1. Students enrolled in a school-sponsored work program may be excused early for work.

2. Students who are in their junior or senior year may be excused from their 1st or 6th hour class provided:

   • They are enrolled in an open period, (no schedule changes will be made for this purpose)

   • Abide by all rules stated on the early release form

   • Obtain written permission from a parent on the release form

   • Remain in good standing with regard to academic progress, behavior, and attendance.

   • Students are not granted early release/late arrival until lists are posted. Generally 3-5 days after submission.

“College Days”:

Juniors are excused from school for one day to investigate post-secondary educational options such as college, the military, technical schools, and/or apprenticeship programs. Seniors are allowed as many as two such days. Prior to taking a college visit day, students must have written parent permission in the PLHS attendance office. Students must provide proof of their visit to post-secondary programs or institutions upon returning to school the following day. This proof must include the name and phone number of a staff member at the program or school the student visited with whom the student had contact during the visit. College days will count toward the 7 absence rule.

Attendance at State Athletic/Activity Meets

We celebrate and are proud of our students’ accomplishments in athletics competition, in an effort to make sure that students and parents follow/understand the procedures regarding state tournament attendance, the following are the rules we will use if a Prior Lake team or individual athlete advances to the state competition:

1. Students must obtain written/verbal permission from parents that must be turned into the attendance office before the student leaves for the tournament. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT.

2. Students must bring a ticket stub from the day’s event to the attendance secretary upon their return to school.

If no Prior Lake teams or athletes are involved in the state competition:

1. Only members of the varsity, J.V. and B squads in that particular sport are eligible to attend the state tournament.

2. Student needs prior written permission from parents to attend the event, and must turn in a ticket stub upon return to school.

At Prior Lake High School, we expect each student to adhere by "The Laker Way" and to demonstrate Pride, Respect, and Responsibility throughout their day.

If a student violates the rules of Prior Lake High School, certain consequences will follow. The specific consequence will be determined by the severity and frequency of the offense. Potential consequences include:

Loss of Privileges

Violations of school rules will typically result in a loss of one or more privileges a student might have. This may include, but not be limited to loss of open period, parking pass, or access to school activities such as dances or athletic events.

Student Privileges

Students in 11th and 12th grades qualify for late arrival or early release as long as they remain in good standing, obtain parental approval, and have an open period during 1st or 6th hour.

Nuisance Items

In order to maintain an environment that focuses on learning, nuisance items are not allowed in the building. These items may include, but are not limited to: air horns / noise makers and laser pointers

In-School Suspension (ISS)

Students assigned ISS will spend one to six periods in the ISS room. Cell phone use and conversation will be limited and students will be expected to complete academic work. Failure to comply with the rules and expectations of the ISS supervisor may result in Out of School suspension.

Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS)

OSS is typically assigned for up to five (5) days for serious offenses such as fighting and drug, alcohol, and tobacco violations, as well as violations of attendance and behavior contracts. Repeated violations or serious acts of violence against individuals or the school may result in suspensions up to ten (10) days in length.

Suspension from Senior activities

Seniors who engage in conduct that endangers others, disrupts the educational process or vandalizes the school may also lose the privileges of attending prom or participating in the graduation ceremony. Seniors may lose the privilege of not having school the two days prior to graduation for cases of pranks, skip day, etc.

Suspension from co-curricular participation

Students who commit serious violations of school rules may temporarily or permanently lose the privilege of participating in activities or athletic programs.

Expulsion

For particular offenses outlined in the district behavior policy, a student may be expelled by the School Board.

Junior and Senior students in good academic standing and making adequate progress toward graduation may be registered for an Open Period. During the open periods, students will be required to check in to the first floor common area near the Laker Cafe.

During open periods, juniors and seniors may not be in the halls unless they have a hall pass signed by a staff member. This privilege will be removed for various disciplinary offenses, and students will be assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS)

A dress code policy is in place to enhance the education of students by establishing expectations of dress and grooming that are related to educational goals and community standards.

It is the policy of this school district to encourage students to be dressed appropriately for school activities and in keeping with community standards. This is a joint responsibility of the student and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

Appropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Clothing appropriate for the weather.

• Clothing that does not create a health or safety hazard.

• Clothing appropriate for the activity (i.e., physical education or the classroom).

• Clothes that encourage comfort and modesty.

• Hats are allowed in the building, but must not interfere with the educational environment of the individual or classmates.

Inappropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Clothing bearing a message that is lewd, vulgar, or obscene.

• Apparel promoting products or activities that are illegal for use by minors.

• Objectionable emblems, badges, symbols, signs, words, objects or pictures on clothing or jewelry communicating a message that is racist, sexist, or otherwise derogatory to a protected minority group, evidences gang membership or affiliation, or approves, advances, or provokes any form of religious, racial, or sexual harassment and/or violence against other individuals as defined in policy 413. 5.

• Any apparel or footwear that would damage school property.

• Any item of apparel deemed disruptive to the educational process by an administrator.

• Students who are in violation of this policy will be asked to change out of the offensive clothing. Other options may include sending the student home, covering the inappropriate attire, wearing PE clothes, or other disciplinary actions. If your student questions appropriateness of clothing, they should check in at the office with a principal or counselor before the start of the school day.

• More information can be found in School Board policy 504, Student Dress and Appearance.

Minnesota Law 120.06 states that school districts may impose the same rules and regulations on students 18-21 years of age as those imposed on students under 18. All Prior Lake High School students are expected to adhere to the same set of policies and guidelines.

The taxpayers of our school district have given us the gift of an outstanding high school building; it is imperative, therefore, that all users of the building – students, staff, and community members – take great care in maintaining the high quality of the facility.

With the exception of water, food and beverages may not be consumed in classrooms and other instructional areas, such as the fine arts and physical education areas and the lecture room. Signage is posted at the entries to the academic clusters indicating the no food/no beverage policy in those areas. Garbage and recycling bins are located at the entries to the clusters for your convenience.

Food and beverage purchased in the Laker Cafe / Cafeteria may be consumed in the commons throughout the day. Food and beverage may not be consumed in the locker bays on any floor. Food purchased in the cafeteria or brought from home for lunch must be consumed in the lunchroom area. If litter becomes a problem in the commons, food and beverage privileges in that area will be removed.

During special and athletic events, posted signs will indicate where food and beverage items may be consumed. For the gyms during athletic events, spectators will be allowed to have capped plastic bottles and food items unlikely to cause a mess (such as popcorn sold at the concessions area). All other food items must be eaten in the commons.

Only a principal may grant an exception to the food and beverage policy stated above. Students with special health needs may possess and consume food and/or beverages by arrangement through the health office.

Students are not permitted to leave the building during the day for food and are prohibited from having food delivered via food delivery services.

Student Use of Information Technology

Policies and guidelines are in place for access to the school district computer system and acceptable and safe use of the Internet, including electronic communications and social media. The information below is a portion of the Student Use of Information Technology policy 524.

The school district provides students with access to the school district computer system, which includes Internet access. The school district system has a limited educational purpose that includes the use of the system for classroom activities and educational research. Students are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Use that might be acceptable on a Student’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited-purpose network.

The proper use of the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents, and employees of the school district. District policy requires permission of and supervision by the school’s designated professional staff before a student may use a school account or resource to access the Internet. Students must adhere to the Acceptable and Unacceptable Internet Use by Students and Student Code of Ethics Using Social Media as stated in policy 524.

Use of the school district system is at the student’s own risk. The system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The school district will not be responsible for any damage students may suffer, including, but not limited to loss, damage, or unavailability of data stored on school district diskettes, tapes, hard drives, or servers, or for delays, changes, or interruption in service or miss-deliveries or non-deliveries of information or materials, regardless of the cause. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the school district system. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the school district system or the Internet.

Outside of school, parents bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies, and other possibly offensive media. Parents are responsible for monitoring their student’s use of the school district system and of the Internet if the student is accessing the school district system from home or a remote location.

Parents will be notified that their students will be using school district resources/accounts to access the Internet and that the school district will provide parents the option to request alternative activities not requiring Internet access. This notification should include:

• A description of the parent/guardian responsibilities

• A notification that the parents have the option to request alternative educational activities not requiring Internet access and the material to exercise this option

• A statement that the school district’s acceptable use policy is available for parental review

The following uses of the school district system and Internet resources or accounts are considered unacceptable.

• Pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material or other visual depictions that is harmful to minors

• Obscene, abusive, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually explicit language

• Materials that use language or images that are inappropriate in the educational setting or disruptive to the educational process

• Material that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination.

The use of the school district system and access to use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, unacceptable use of the school district system or the Internet may result in one or more of the following consequences:

1. Suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges

2. Payment for damages and repairs

3. Discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension or expulsion

4. Civil or criminal liability under applicable laws

Electronic Technologies Acceptable Use Policy

Students are able to access the Internet from every classroom. Students also have access to iPads and Google Apps for Education, including Chromebooks. Students are expected to follow guidelines for acceptable use of the Internet and Student Code of Ethics Using Social Media.

Parents (or students 18+) who wish to opt out of Student Use of Information Technology should give notice in writing to the district by October 1st of each year. They may also request alternative educational activities not requiring Internet access. An opt-out form is available on the district website and should be submitted to the district office: 4540 Tower Street SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372

Electronic Devices

Electronic Devices: iPads, cell phones, and laptop computers as examples.

The Prior Lake-Savage Area School District is committed to teaching 21st century skills. We believe that using technology for teaching and learning supports communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity in the classroom.

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools want to ensure students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to responsibly navigate this emerging modern world. Therefore, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools has implemented a 1:1 (student to computing device) program for grades 8-12 using the Apple iPad to create a seamless and dynamic educational experience for students. The goals of the 1:1 program are:

• Enhance and accelerate learning

• Leverage technology for individualizing instruction

• Promote collaboration, increasing student engagement

• Strengthen the 21st century skills necessary for future student success

All iPads are the property of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and as a result may be seized and reviewed at any time. The student should have NO expectation of privacy of materials found on the iPad.

Students may choose to bring their own electronic device to school such as an iPad or other Smart Tablet. The school district is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Also, personal electronic devices should be turned off in the classroom unless under the direct supervision and permission of the instructor.

Access to the technology in the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District has been established for educational purposes. The use of the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District’s electronic technologies is a valued resource to our community. All electronic technologies must be used in support of the educational program of the District. This access may be revoked at any time for abusive or inappropriate conduct related to the use of electronic technologies. Improper use may also lead to restrictions placed on the iPad device itself.

Technology Norms at Prior Lake Senior High School

• Bring iPad fully charged

• Be a good digital citizen

• “Screen down”

• Always muted

• No games, pics or video

• ...unless instructed to do otherwise!

Whether using the school district issued iPad or your own personal device, failure to comply with the District’s Bullying Prohibition Policy (#514), Electronic Technologies Acceptable Use Policy (#524), the Website and Intranet Policy (#525), the Student use of Cellular Phones, Digital Image Devices and Other Personal Electronic Devices Policy (#526) or the guidelines stated for care and use of the iPad may result in school consequences.

Allocation and Distribution

There is a limited number of parking spaces available for student parking. Permits are sold starting in August. Students apply each year for a parking permit and show a valid driver's license when they pick up their permit. Students may not purchase a parking permit before receiving their driver’s license.

Yearlong Permits will be sold on an academic basis. Permit allocation will proceed as follows:

Students in grade 10, 11 and 12 with a valid Drivers License (Students who do NOT have an active drivers licenses CAN NOT apply)

Priority 1: Students with Academic needs Grades 10-12 (PSEO, MNCAPS, Work Program, and Bridges)

Priority 2: Grades 11-12

Priority 3: Grade 10

In priority 3, if more students apply than there are spots available, 10th grade students will be placed in a lottery

Communication will be sent out detailing the application, payment and pick-up process each year.

Expectations/Violations/Rules

Student Expectations

• Students who are not in good academic standings may have their parking privileges revoked. This includes but not limited to, attendance, grades, and behavior.

• Passes are non transferable. Resold, gifted or transferred permits will be forfeited.

Parking Violations

Parking violations may result in the issuing of a ticket. Various reasons are:

• Failure to display permit $10

• Parking in any non student parking space (visitor, fire lane, disabled, staff, etc.) $25

Failure to pay parking fees will result in vehicle immobilization, possible towing at owner's expense, and/or parking privileges revoked.

Parking Lot Rules

• Parking lanes are designated by painted lines or lamp post indicators (when lines are not visible).

• The vehicle will be used only for it's intended purpose. Violation of other school policies can lead to loss of permit.

• Vehicles should be locked during the day and valuables out of sight.

• Safety is a priority, the speed limit is 10 MPH in the lot and 20 MPH on the lot entrance and exit lanes.

• Students should not congregate in/at their vehicles or parking lot at any time.

• I understand that the district may use canine dogs to search vehicles in the parking as a means to deter the use and possession of illegal/dangerous substances

• By filling out this form I understand that I am giving consent to have my car searched and/or impounded if deemed suspicious by school/police officials.

Free Parking

Students have access to a free parking lot, south of the building near the softball fields. The parking lot is first come first serve and the same violations and parking lot rules as above apply.

Bussing

Students are encouraged to make use of the safe and economical bus service provided by the district.

Any student who believes a school employee has treated them unfairly may appeal that employee’s actions in an attempt to resolve the situation. The student should see a counselor or administrator for assistance with the appeals process.

Tennessen Warning

During investigations of student misconduct, students may have the right to say nothing. There may be consequences applied, regardless of the student’s decision. Students have the right to know the intended use of any personal information requested and who is authorized to see such information.

School sponsored co-curricular activities may post signs/banners/posters to advertise activities concerning school functions with the approval of their group’s advisor. School clubs may post signs to advertise meeting times and location with the approval of school administration. Functions that are not school sponsored must have approval of school administration before being posted. PLHS will have designated posting areas within the building, and all signs/banners/posters must be within these designated posting areas. Any sign/banner/poster not posted in the approved areas or posted without administrative approval will be removed. Those who post information are expected to remove it the school day following the event.

All PLHS students attending school dances or activities are required to have a PLHS photo ID for admission. Non-PLHS students may also attend if they attend with a PLHS student and have completed a dance guest permission form available in Student Services. Guest must at least be in 9th grade and younger than 21 years of age. Appropriate behavior and dancing must be displayed at all times, or students will be asked to leave the dance.

The Media Center serves as a learning materials resource for students and teachers. Books, periodicals, audio-visual materials and equipment of many kinds are available to meet the educational needs and interests of students.

General Policies

1. The Media Center is to be used for research, quiet study, or leisure reading with permission from a teacher or school administrator. Users are expected to be respectful of the needs of others to have a place where they can think, write, study, read, view or listen.

2. Most materials are available on loan to students. Books may be checked out for three weeks, reference books overnight only and audio-visual materials and equipment by special arrangement.

3. Materials are to be returned by the due date. It is especially important to return all outstanding obligations at the end of each semester. Lost or damaged materials must be paid for. A late fee will be charged for late payment for overdue materials.

Fees

Public education in Minnesota is free to all residents under the age of 21. However, fees may be charged to students under the following circumstances:

1. A project in art, family/consumer science, industrial education, or other course that is/are in excess of the minimum requirements of the course outline, provided that the student elects to do such a project with the approval of the instructor. Students may provide their own materials for such projects with the approval of the instructor.

2. Cost of school equipment or material either lost, destroyed, broken, or unduly damaged through carelessness or failure to follow instructions, in the amount necessary to restore the item involved to service.

3. A deposit for locks, lockers, laboratories or shop breakage may be required. The deposit will be returned at the end of the school term unless loss or damage has occurred.

4. Costs of field trips that is not required as a part of a course.

5. Cost of the yearbook, graduation announcements, or class rings.

6. Admission fees for concerts, plays, athletic events, and other programs or activities that the student may attend at his/her option.

7. Students are required to furnish their own paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, graph paper, sketchpads, calculators, physical education clothing, tennis and athletic shoes and other items of personal equipment.

8. Participation fee for co-curricular activities such as athletics. See the activities office for information about these fees.