CANNON FALLS
STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO
CANNON FALLS SCHOOLS!
Stephen Fredrickson, Principal
fredrickson.stephen@cannonfallsschools.com
Beth Giese, Assistant Principal
giese.beth@cannonfallsschools.com
High School office 507.263.6800 – Option 6
E Mail: hsoffice@cannonfallsschools.com
Middle School office 507.263.6800 - Option 5
E Mail: msoffice@cannonfallsschools.com
Fax: (507) 263-2555
Dear Students, Parents, Staff and Community Members:
This handbook offers its’ readers an explanation and clarification of the educational programs and policies at the middle and high school. Please retain this copy and use it for reference.
Students live and function in the general community as well as the school community. As school and community citizens, you are expected to act and conduct yourself responsibly. The guidelines set forth in this handbook apply to conduct on school premises, school buses, at school activities, or involving any school property. These rules also apply to conduct outside school, a premise that directly affects other students or the school. The Board of Education sets forth policies, rules and regulations to help each student citizen conduct him/herself in a manner considered to be appropriate for the school and community at large.
Students and staff benefit from actively involving themselves in the academic and co-curricular activities offered through Cannon Falls schools. Staff and student leaders are here to assist you in getting the most of what our school programs have to offer. We welcome the opportunity to help you make your experience here a successful one.
Best of luck with your school year!
Cannon Falls Board of Education
Academics Page 5
Curriculum/Course Requirements
Graduation Requirements
High School Graduation Incentives Program
Academic Honesty
Grading System
Online Grading
Honor Roll
Top 5 Achievers
Report Card/Progress Reports
Incompletes
Course Add/Drop Policy
Schedule Changes
Awards and Scholarships
Work Programs
Co-Curricular Activities Page 8
Student Organizations
Co-Curricular Eligibility
Fees and Admissions
Dances
Sportsmanship Policies
Discipline, Due Process and Consequences Page 11
Behavior Expectations
Detention and Saturday School
Gang/Treat Group Activity
Harassment and Hazing
Search and Seizure
Substance Use and Abuse
Emergency Procedures Page 15
Drills
Evacuation
Code Blue
Nuclear Incident
Expectations and Responsibilities Page 16
Attendance
Absences
Leaving School
Activity Participation
Adult Students
Insubordination
Classroom/Building Disruptions
Off Campus/Off Limits
Student Services Page 18
Building Hours
Cashier’s Office
Chemical Health and Violence Prevention Support Services
Clerical Staff
Community Ed.
Display and Distribution of Materials
District Office
Dress Code
Education Foundation
Food Service
Guidance Office
Insurance
Lyceum
Nurse’s Office
Parking
Pledge of Allegiance
Principal’s Office
Transportation
Tutoring
Unauthorized Areas
Visitor Policy
Weather Related School Closing
School Policies Page 23
Annual Public Notice
Bullying Policy
Computer Labs/Acceptable Use Agreement
Data Privacy Policy
Free and Reduced Lunch Policy
NSF Check Policy
Student Attendance Policy
Student Disability Nondiscrimination
Student Sex Nondiscrimination.
Student Weapons Policy
Tennessen
Warning
ACADEMICS
CURRICULUM AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The Cannon Falls Board of Education establishes curriculum and course requirements. A handbook on requirements and course offerings is available during registration and orientation. A copy may also be obtained in the high school or guidance offices.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student must have earned a minimum of 24 credits during the 9th through 12th grades and passed the Basic Skills Reading, Mathematics and Writing tests and completed the MCA’s in reading and math as of 2011 and science and writing as of 2010 to graduate. All credits consist of required and elective courses as outlined by the Cannon Falls Board of Education, Minnesota Department of Education and Federal government. Students earning fewer than 22 credits may not participate in the graduation ceremony.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
The traditional high school setting is not the only option available to students in obtaining a high school diploma. The Minnesota Legislature authorizes a number of “options” for students. Some of these options include: Open Enrollment, Post-Secondary Options, Alternative Learning Center, Age 21 and Over, and Early Graduation. Contact the guidance counselor or principal for further information or questions about any of these options.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Cannon Falls students are expected to achieve success with integrity. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of scholarship standard at Cannon Falls High School. Any act that misrepresents a student’s schoolwork or that abridges the rights of other students to fair competition is forbidden. Academic dishonesty includes, but it not limited to, cheating on assignments or exams, plagiarizing (misrepresenting another’s work as one’s own original creation), sabotaging another student’s work and using without attribution a computer concept or program. Any faculty member may make written reports of academic dishonesty. A substantiated report of academic dishonesty will result in one of the following consequences:
*First Offense: Grade of “F” on assignment/test/activity/project on which academic dishonesty occurred.
*Second Offense: Quarter grade of “F” for the class in which the incident of academic dishonesty occurred.
*Third Offense: Failure of the semester in the class in which the incident of academic dishonesty occurred. On the event of a third offense, the student will be immediately removed from the class or activity involved and a final grade of “F” will be assigned. A student may not enroll in another class or activity until the semester following the removal. Students may appeal such action to the department group within three school days of the notice of removal.
All written, substantiated reports of academic dishonesty shall become a part of the student’s disciplinary file. Incidents of academic dishonesty shall be cumulative, including all classes and activities, all semesters, and all years of enrollment at Cannon Falls High School. Parents will be informed of each incident and its consequences at the time the report is received.
GRADING SYSTEM
Cannon Falls Schools utilizes a 4.0 point grading system. There are no “weighted” classes. All grade values are listed in the following “Honor Roll” section.
ONLINE GRADING
Parents and students can view attendance and grades through the school website. Contact the office for access.
HONOR ROLL
At the end of each quarter, two lists for academic achievement are published:
“A” Honor Roll – GPA of 3.666 or above
“B” Honor Roll – GPA of 3.00 to 3.665
When calculating a current GPA, earned letter grades are converted to the corresponding numeric value below. Add the values and divide by the total number of course credits attempted to determine a grade point average.
Please carry 3 decimal places
A = 4.0 A- = 3.666 B+ = 3.334 “P”= Pass = 0
B = 3.0 B- = 2.666 C+ = 2.334 “N” = No Pass = 0
C = 2.0 C- = 1.666 D+ = 1.334 D = 1.0 D- = .666 F = 0
TOP FIVE ACHIEVERS
At each quarter’s end, students achieving a GPA within the top five in their class have their names and pictures displayed in the academic showcase. Since this recognition effort is intended to include all students achieving top five status, it is common that more than five students per grade are recognized if more than five students fall within the top five GPAs.
REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards are issued at each quarter’s end or approximately every nine weeks. Mid-quarter reports are issued to high school students between the fourth and fifth week of the quarter, middle school reports are issued every three weeks during each quarter to notify students and parents of academic progress. Students are encouraged to share these reports with parents.
INCOMPLETES
All incomplete quarterly grades must be made up within ten calendar days of the end of a marking period to receive a grade/credit. Fourth Quarter incompletes must be made up no later than ten (10) days into the upcoming academic year. The administration may grant an approval for extended time in emergency situations.
COURSE ADD/DROP POLICY
Students are discouraged from dropping courses they selected through registration. Students are allowed to drop for a lower enrollment class until the end of the school year. Summer drop/adds are based on emergency situations only.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
Students who find it necessary to make a schedule change must meet with the principal or guidance counselor. When in doubt as to a procedure, students are urged to see their advisor. Schedule changes may be granted under at least one of the following criteria:
*To select a higher-level course if enrollment permits and there is a teacher recommendation.
*To select a lower level course if the student is doing poorly or failed a similar course and there is a teacher recommendation.
*To find another section that is available to the student, due to maximum.
*Enrollment being reached in a course.
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID
CFHS is extremely fortunate to award approximately $50,000 is local scholarships each year to its graduating seniors. The package of information on local scholarships is mailed to seniors and their parents on Feb. 1st. The application is due back in early March to the Guidance Office. These scholarships, along with department awards and academic letters are presented at the Academic Awards program in mid-May. Other local, state and national scholarships are posted in the Guidance Office. Please check this area frequently to see what is available for you to apply for. Check with your parent’s employers and insurance agents to see what they offer for scholarships. Two good internet sources to research scholarships are www.fastweb.com and www.schoolsoup.com. You can apply for financial aid through the site www.fafsa.ed.gov after Jan. 1st. The web site to apply for reciprocity (tuition agreement between neighboring states) is www.getreadyforcollege.org. The Guidance Office manages applications and information about available scholarships and application processes. Students having interest in scholarships should inquire with the Guidance Office.
WORK PROGRAMS
The State Board of Education Ed. 44 currently states: In all classified secondary schools, the minimum length of the school day for each pupil, exclusive of the noon intermissions, shall be six hours. Students involved in school-approved work programs such as Agri-business, etc. are excused from school to work.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The following is a list of some of the co-curricular activities and organizations available at Cannon Falls Schools. Students interested in participating in any of the following should see the Activities Director or coach/advisor for more details.
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Annual (Yearbook) Staff |
Jazz Choir |
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Band |
Knowledge Bowl |
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Baseball |
Lantern (newspaper) |
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Business Professionals of America |
National Honor Society |
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Basketball |
One-Act Play/Musical |
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Cheerleading |
Pep Band |
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Choir |
Softball |
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Cross Country |
Speech |
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Dance Team |
Student Council |
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Debate |
Steel Drum Band |
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Football |
Tennis – Girls |
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Future Farmers of America |
Track |
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Golf |
Volleyball |
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Interact |
Weightlifting |
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Jazz Band |
Wrestling |
CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILTY-HIGH SCHOOL
Participation in any (co-curricular) activities is dependent on maintaining a passing grade status in all academic areas. (Co-curricular) activities are intended to augment academic experiences, not replace them. Cannon Falls High School is an active member of the MSHSL and conducts its curricular and co-curricular activities in compliance with their rules and regulations. The Minnesota State High School League established eligibility standards for athletics and other co-curricular activities. These standards are the minimum basis for eligibility for all co-curricular activities at Cannon Falls schools.
Mid-Quarter Grades:
Students have a 10-day period from the time grades are released from the Athletic Director’s office to get his/her grades up to passing. A “passing status” form must be signed by the teacher(s) and turned into the AD office on or before the end of the 10th day. If after the 10th day a student still has an “F”, then he/she is ineligible until the student raises the “F” to passing. If the student fails to raise the grade to passing, he/she is ineligible until the next grading period.
Quarter Grade Policy:
At each quarter’s end, grades are issued and an automatic ineligibility period takes place when the AD receives the “failure list”. Ineligible students cannot compete in games, contests or performances, but may practice. The following penalty scale is applied:
*One “F” equals suspension from one game/meet/dance competition or 2 contests of every other sport or activity. The penalty is assigned immediately on the next contest.
*Two “F’s” equal 2 games, meets, dance competitions or 4 of anything else;
*Three “F’s” equals 3 games, meets, dance competitions or 6 of anything else.
CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY-MIDDLE SCHOOL
Academic eligibility for co-curricular participation will be checked at each progress reporting time (every three weeks) and at the end of each quarter. Any student who receives one or more failing grades will be ineligible to compete in co-curricular games, events, matches or contests until they obtain passing status and provide proof of such status by following the procedure outlined in #’s 4 and 5 below. Students are allowed to continue to practice and/or attend meetings during their ineligibility.
1. Teachers will submit to the middle school office a list of all students with a failing grade for a grading reporting period. The office staff will provide the athletic director with a copy of a comprehensive list.
2. The office shall notify coaches and advisors of these individuals. He/She is ineligible to compete effective immediately until the student obtains passing status. There is no grace period. The student should immediately focus attention on regaining passing status.
3. As soon as the student returns the grade(s) to passing status, the student will secure a “Passing Status” form from the office and have the teacher validate the passing grade by signing the form. In the event the student is in more than one activity, the student will be required to get a form for each activity in which he/she participates. The student will take the signed passing status form to the office to have them validate it and then turn the form into their coach/advisor and be immediately eligible to participate. However….#4
4. If a student has one or more failing grades at the end of the quarter, he/she is ineligible until the next progress reporting date.
5. The coach /advisor is encouraged to advise the student of best methods of reaching that objective. It is the sole responsibility of the student to take appropriate steps needed in order to raise the grade to a passing status and follow the procedures required to
FEES AND ADMISSION
An activity fee structure is established annually, for all co-curricular activities, to cover or subsidize the expense of the activity. Each activity has set rates and a maximum amount is set per family. Activity fees vary based on the nature of the activity.
Cannon Falls schools charges admission to certain activities. Season passes are available for individual students, adults and families. Additional information regarding these fees can be found at the Cashier’s Office or the cannonfallsschools.com website.
DANCES
Student council considers applications from school organizations for approving school dance dates. The organization sponsoring the dance completes a dance request form and files it with the principal at least one week prior to the dance. Rules and guidelines for dances and sponsoring are available through the student council, its’ advisor or the middle and high school offices. Following are guidelines specifically regarding who may attend dances and any restrictions that apply to guests and grade levels.
1. High School dances are open to Cannon Falls students in grades 9 through 12 and their guests unless designated a “grade” specific dance. (i.e. Spring Prom is for grades 11and 12 and their guests who are 20 and under or in grades 10-12).
2. Guests must be registered by a Cannon Falls student by noon on the school day prior to the dance in the high school office. Only one guest is permitted per student and is subject to the approval of administration. The guest must accompany the Cannon Falls student.
3. Cannon Falls area home school students are welcome to attend dances; they must register by calling the high school office.
4. All participants are expected to honor the same social standards and school regulations as required during the school day. (Exception: Appropriate caps and coats may be worn outside the normal school hours.)
5. Cannon Falls students are responsible for the behavior and/or actions of their guest.
6. Guests who cause problems will be excluded from all future dances and the Cannon Falls student from the next dance.
7. Students who leave or are removed from a dance do not receive an admission refund and may not return.
8. Students who are excluded from the school day due to sickness, suspension or removal are not eligible to attend a school dance occurring that day.
Prom is a school activity and a privilege extended to juniors, seniors, and their guests in grades 10, 11 and 12 or ages 20 and under. All 10th graders and guests who are not students of Cannon Falls Secondary School must fill out a registration form and the principal must approve their attendance. Former students, who have been in good standing while they attended Cannon Falls, may attend prom. In addition to the above restrictions, truancy and behavior issues on or about prom week may result in students losing their prom privileges regardless of what grade they are in.
SPORTSMANSHIP POLICIES
Activities are intended to provide enjoyment, entertainment and/or information to all spectators. Therefore, the following standards are established:
*No pop is allowed in the gymnasium.
*Spectators are expected to remain in the gym while an activity is in progress.
*Students are not re-admitted after leaving the building.
*Students are expected to abide by the same social standards and school regulations as required during the school day. (Exception: appropriate caps and coats may be worn outside of normal school hours.)
Consequences for not observing the Sportsmanship Policy are as follows:
1st Step – Warning.
2nd Step – Exclusion from next home activity.
3rd Step – Exclusion from next five home activities.
4th Step – Exclusion from next ten home activities.
SEVERE CLAUSE – Fighting, insubordination, vandalism, and/or stealing results in disciplinary consequences such as exclusion from all home activities for the remainder of the school year and prosecution, if appropriate. Any student violating an imposed exclusion is placed on the next step.
DISCIPLINE, DUE PROCESS AND CONSEQUENCES
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of all persons involved in the educational process, exercising the highest degree of self-discipline in observing and adhering to legitimate rules and regulations. Further, students are expected to comply with all school, local, state and federal policies and laws.
Cannon Falls students are responsible for their own actions and behavior. Students are expected to be courteous, respectful and cooperative. Students are to respect others at all times and to follow school rules. The administration of Cannon Falls High School recognizes that it is impossible to list behaviors that are unacceptable in a learning community. By necessity the administration must reserve the right to disallow any behaviors or dress that, in our best judgment, are not acceptable. Student conduct must show respect for the differences in others. Cannon Falls High School students are not only expected to show respect for others but also for the property of others. Students are expected to solve individual differences in a non-violent manner. Physical confrontation of any type will not be tolerated. Students who violate this code of conduct are subject to school disciplinary action including detention, exclusion and/or expulsion, as well as referral to local authorities for possible criminal prosecution.
DETENTION AND SATURDAY SCHOOL
Classroom teachers or administrators may assign students to after-school detention, before school detention and Saturday school. After school detention will begin at 3:05 p.m. and end at 4:05 p.m. Saturday school will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. Students will not be excused from detention for participation in any extracurricular activity after school or weekend work. Missing Saturday school will result in an automatic one day out of school suspension. Detention must be served in a timely manner of its assignment. Consequences for unserved detention range from additional time to a one-day out-of-school suspension. Students may complete community service to make restitution for detention, if pre-approved by the principal. Office detention is a primary consequence for behavior violations. Students choosing to engage in inappropriate behaviors are typically subject to consequences assigned by a teacher or principal using the following guidelines:
*Aggressive physical behavior/ Hostile pushing = warning, detention to 1 day OSS
*Dress code violation = warning and remedy the violation; possible surrender of item(s)/student sent home to change.
*Failure to follow attendance procedure = detention
*Failure to serve classroom teacher’s detention = detention
*False activation of fire alarm = 3 days OSS to expulsion
*Fighting (hostile striking, pushing or kicking) = 1 to 5 days OSS
*Forgery = detention
*Gambling/Card playing is prohibited = confiscation, detention
*Student games, like hacky sack and others, which can be disruptive to the educational process, are prohibited in the school building. = detention
*Inappropriate language = detention; suspension
*Inappropriate use of passes = no pass privileges for the duration of the term
*Inappropriate use of vehicle = campus parking and driving privileges revoked
*Insubordination = detention; suspension
*Parking violation = vehicle ticketed and/or towed at owner’s expense
*Possession of controlled substance = parent notification, 3-5 days OSS and police referral.
*Possession of paraphernalia used with a controlled substance = confiscation, 3 day OSS, and police referral.
*Threats to cause injury to other students = 1 day OSS to expulsion
*Tobacco or tobacco look alike possession (first offense) = 1 day OSS, (second offense) = 3 days OSS (third offense) = 5 days OSS, police referral.
*Under the influence of controlled substance = parent notification, up to 5 days OSS and police referral
*Unexcused absence from class = detention or Saturday School; referral to county attorney
*Vandalism or theft = Parent notification, restitution, suspension, police referral
GANG/THREAT GROUP ACTIVITY
Gang/threat group related activity such as, the use of graffiti emblems, symbolism, head gang signs, threatening language, jewelry, clothing, etc., are prohibited. Consequences may include parent contact, police referral, and/or suspension/expulsion.
HARASSMENT AND HAZING
ISD 252 strives to maintain learning and working environment free from religious, racial or sexual discrimination, intimidation, hazing and/or harassment. Harassment includes “repeated, intrusive or unwanted acts, words or gestures that are intended to adversely affect the safety, security or privacy of another, regardless of the relationship between the actor and the intended target.” Minn.Stat 609.8748, subd.1 (a)
Report of harassment
a. Any student or employee who believes he or she is the victim of a student should report the incident to the principal and (in the case of the student) to his or her parents.
b. The employee need not discuss the matter with the person who may have been the victim if he/she does not feel comfortable having such a discussion.
c. When an employee receives a complaint that a student or employee has been the victim of a student, he or she will report the complaint to the principal.
d. When a complaint is received that an employee or student has been the victim of a student, the principal will immediately and impartially conduct an investigation including meeting with the alleged perpetrator and informing the parents and will make a written report and recommendations within five working days of receipt of the complaint. District No. 252 may take corrective measures in accordance with Policy #526.
Complaints involving criminal actions
Any student or employee who believes he or she is the victim of a criminal act should immediately contact local law enforcement officials. If the Executive Director of Instructional Support or the Director of Human Resources believes a criminal act has been committed, he/she should immediately contact local enforcement officials.
Assistance in Resolving Complaints
The Executive Director of Instructional Support and the Director of Human Resources will be available to provide information and assistance to administrator and supervisors regarding these procedures.
Sexual Harassment may include unwelcome verbal abuse, pressure for sexual activity, gestures, and physical contact, including personal displays of affection beyond hand holding, other than is necessary to provide restraint of pupils by teachers, administrators or other personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property.
Racial Harassment consists of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual’s race when the purpose is to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment.
Religious Harassment consists of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct that relates to an individual’s religion when the purpose is to create an intimidating environment and interferes with performance.
Hostile Environment Harassment is defined as situations created by an individual(s) where the school or work environment is saturated with sexual, racial, religious bias or discriminatory acts evidenced by demeaning verbal slurs, inappropriate pictures or publications, inappropriate jokes, or any acts that are unwelcome, pervasive and unreasonable. Such acts cause feelings of discomfort and exclusion, interfering with a student’s right to education and are not tolerated. Students creating a hostile environment in school are subject to disciplinary action.
Hazing is defined as “committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act that creates substantial risk of harm to a person or property, in order for the student to be initiated or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.” Hazing includes, but is not limited to; beating, striking, placing a harmful substance on the body, sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, forced consumption of foods, beverages or tobacco products or drugs, or any activity that intimidates, threatens, ostracizes, embarrasses, shames or adversely affects the mental health or dignity of a student. School officials investigate all reports and take appropriate action.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Pursuant to Minnesota statutes, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted for any reason at any time, without notice, student consent, or a search warrant. The personal possessions of students in a school locker may be searched when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that a search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. School officials must provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials. Personal possessions of students and/or a student’s person may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion the search will uncover a violation of law or school rules. Note: School officials operate under the standard “reasonable suspicion,” while law enforcement operates under the search standard of “probable cause.”
SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE POLICY (SMOKE FREE/DRUG FREE SCHOOL)
Cannon Falls Schools is a Smoke Free and Drug Free facility. Students found in possession of, or under the influence of mood-altering chemicals (including tobacco) will be suspended from school. This includes violations in or on school property, or away from school property while participation in a school-sponsored activity and/or on school owned, leased, or contracted vehicles. Police are called at the time of the violation and all paraphernalia and substances are turned over to the authorities and the incident recorded. Parents are notified and asked to come to school immediately to remove the student. If the student is under the influence and parents cannot come to school or refuse to come to school, transportation to a detoxification unit by police is arranged. Note: Minnesota “Drug-Free Zone” laws allow that anyone convicted of selling or holding illegal drugs within 300 feet or one city block of the school is subject to severe penalties that could include treating a high school student as an adult in court.
Consequences:
*First Violation: Three (3) to five (5) day suspension, re-entry meeting with parents and student, chemical pre-assessment administered by the Chemical Health Educator, Education program provided by the Chemical Health and Educator for student (and parents—optional). This may include alcohol and drug screenings.
*Second Violation: Five (5) day suspension, re-entry meeting with parents and student, recommendation for chemical assessment at a chemical treatment center will be made, chemical assessment recommendations are expected to be followed including alcohol and drug screenings, police citation issued.
*Third Violation: Five (5) day suspension, re-entry meeting with parents and student, recommendation for chemical assessment at a chemical treatment center will be made, Chemical Health Educator provides education program options to the student and parent, the school administration makes a recommendation to the superintendent regarding the expulsion of the student from school for the remainder of the school year, police citation issued.
*Subsequent Violations: Violations beyond the third violation are treated as a third violation.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
Selling, distributing, delivery, exchanging alcohol or drugs results in a five-day suspension, police referral and recommendation for expulsion. Students who take prescription medication during the school day must have a Medication Authorization Form on file with the school nurse. All medications must be distributed through the Nurse’s office.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
DRILLS
Fire, tornado and intruder drills are held during the school year. An exit plan is posted in each classroom. Students are responsible for knowing specific directions for leaving classes.
EVACUATION
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures. All evacuations should be treated as a real situation. Failing to evacuate the building is considered a disciplinary offense.
CODE BLUE
If there is a medical emergency a “Code Blue” page will go out across the intercom. The code blue team, which is made up of staff members, will respond and all staff and students are asked to remain in the classroom until the all clear is sounded.
NUCLEAR INCIDENT
In the event of a nuclear incident, an evacuation procedure is in place that involves transporting students out of Cannon Falls to Northfield. These procedures are consistent with state and federal guidelines and with practices of other school districts in the area. Further information on these procedures may be obtained from the school district office.
EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILIES
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is very important for successful schoolwork. While a student is enrolled in school, his or her number one job is attending classes regularly and fulfilling all the class requirements. Regular and prompt attendance is a habit and should be cultivated as such. Minnesota State Law governs the attendance of pupils and obligates schools to ensure regular attendance. The Minnesota Law (MA 120.10) provides that every child between seven and eighteen years of age shall attend a public school or private school for not less than nine months during any school year.
ABSENCES
Parents/guardians are to call the school office (507.263.6800) each day your son or daughter is absent. You may call the attendance line 24 hours a day, please call before 9:00 a.m. each day. Your prompt telephone call greatly assists us in maintaining accurate attendance records. When your son/daughter returns to school following an absence or tardy, if no contact has been made, you are to send a signed note with him/her stating his/her name, grade, date(s) of absence, and reason (s) for absence. The note must be presented to the attendance office before 8:05 a.m. If a note is not available at check in, one must be turned in before school on the following day. Failure to bring a note will result in an unexcused absence.
See Policy 503 Student Attendance Policy
LEAVING SCHOOL
If you become ill during the day, or if you must leave school for any reason, you must receive permission from the office. If you leave school for any reason without notifying the office prior to leaving, your absence will be regarded as unexcused.
ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
A student must be in attendance a full day in order to participate in after school activities that day. When a student’s absences become excessive and a student is not meeting the necessary requirements to pass a course, the following may result:
*Teacher(s) requesting that an Academic Success Plan be developed in collaboration with the student, principal, and guidance counselor.
*A student may be removed from class, receiving no credit for the semester.
ADULT STUDENTS
Minnesota laws, rules and regulations are enforced on all students, regardless of their age. Students, regardless of age, should verify their absences through their parents. Similarly, parents of adult students are contacted if a student’s behavior is deemed inappropriate, as is the case for minor students. Parents are also kept informed of academic progress of their students.
INSUBORDINATION
“Insubordination” is refusing to
comply with a reasonable request of directive of a staff member. Consequences
may include a conference with staff member, principal, parent notification,
detention, suspension or other appropriate disciplinary action.
CLASSROOM/BUILDING DISRUPTIONS
In order to maintain an environment conductive to learning, student behavior must not interfere with the orderly operation of the classroom or building. Items causing a disruption may be confiscated. Examples of items are, but not limited to, pagers, cell phones, and laser pointers. Student behavior resulting in classroom disruption is subject to school disciplinary action as well as referral to local authorities.
OFF CAMPUS/OFF LIMITS
Students leaving campus or in an off limits area without permission are subject to consequences of the attendance/discipline policies. Students are not to go to the parking lot during school hours without permission from the office.
STUDENT SERVICES
BUILDING HOURS
The school facilities are open for operation and supervision during the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Students utilizing the building outside of these hours may do so only under the supervision of a teacher or coach. Students having no legitimate reason to be in the building before/after hours are not allowed in the building.
CASHIER’S OFFICE
The cashier’s office is staffed for students from 7:30 AM to 8:05 AM, the middle and high school lunch periods in order to receive cash payments from students for activities such as lunches, ticket sales, or field trips. The cashier’s office also generates account balance letters nine times per year for students.
CHEMICAL HEALTH & VIOLENCE PREVENTION SUPPORT SERVICES
The Chemical Health Support Services at Cannon Falls Schools intend to provide the necessary support for students and families experiencing adverse effects from drugs/alcohol use or the impact of someone else’s chemical use. A staff person exists to provide K-12 education and support to Cannon Falls students for drug, alcohol and violence education. Parents or students interested in making a contact or referral should speak with the school principal or guidance counselor.
CLERICAL STAFF
The guidance, middle and high school office areas are staffed with secretarial support from the hours of 7:30 AM to 4 PM. These staff members do a wide variety of tasks in serving students, parents, teachers and administration. It is expected these staff members be treated with the same respect and consideration afforded all adults in authority.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Community Education is a district wide program providing opportunities for learners of all ages to come together as active partners in the life-long learning process. Whether it is driver’s education or a ski trip, the Community Education office is always open to new and creative ways to educate the Cannon Falls community. The phone number is 507-263-6800, extension 9.
DISPLAY AND DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS, CHARTS, PICTURES AND ANNOUNCEMNTS
In order to provide a safe and orderly environment, protect school property, and maintain an attractive building, posters, pictures and similar material must have the principal authorization before being posted or distributed. Those posted without the principal’s authorization will be removed.
DISTRICT OFFICE
The district office houses the district superintendent and support staff such as the administrative secretary, payroll bookkeeper, and accounts payable bookkeeper. Community members with district level/Board of Education concerns should bring their concerns to this office. The phone number is (507) 263-6800, extension 8.
DRESS CODE
Student appearance reflects the quality of the school, students’ behavior, and schoolwork. Therefore, only attire deemed as appropriate is acceptable for school.
Violations of the school dress guidelines results in penalties ranging from verbal warning to out of school suspension (OSS). Parents/guardians must meet with school administration prior to a student being readmitted after OSS. The following are guidelines for dress at Cannon Falls schools:
*Clothing cannot promote or encourage anything that is gang-related, obscene, offensive, or advertises tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
*“Obscene” means clothing that shows or hints at sexually explicit acts or objects.
*“Offensive” means clothing that shows or hints at ideas or attitudes that put down groups or individuals because of who they are or what they believe. Clothing accessories, which are likely to cause others to feel intimidated or typically associated with gang activity, are not permitted during school or at school functions. These items include, but are not limited to, gloves, bandanas, single pant leg rolled up, wristbands, studded necklaces and bracelets, and chains.
*Students will not be allowed to wear caps, hoods, bandannas, head bands, etc or other head coverings in Cannon Falls High School during the school day, which is considered to be 8:05 am - 2:55 pm nor may they be carried from class to class during the school day.
No hats or immodest clothing are permitted during school hours. This includes, but is not be limited to shirts that display stomach skin, halter-tops, overly tight clothing, visible undergarments including brassiere straps and boxer short elastic bands. Mini skirts and short shorts are not allowed, length of skirts and shorts are limited to the full length of the students arm to fingertips. Coats, jackets and hats may be worn into the building but must remain in lockers during school hours. During the winter, students are permitted to wear jackets if their classroom is particularly cold but hats must remain in lockers. Final discretion on dress code decisions are left to the school principal.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Cannon Falls Education Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting the Cannon Falls School system’s educational efforts. Grants are provided for educational activities by making application and submitting the application to a building principal. Donations to the Foundation can be made in a variety of ways. There are also several fundraisers throughout the year. The phone number is (507) 263-6800, extension 8.
FOOD SERVICES
Balanced nutrition has a direct impact on learning. The Cannon Falls Schools Food Service program attempts to offer balance and selection in the school meal programs. Program prices are adjusted periodically and are indicated on the cannonfallsschools.com website or by contacting the cashier’s office by phone at
263-6800 ext 1432 or by email at fox.stephanie@cannonfallsschools.com.
All students are issued a family lunch account number and individual identification number. Payments are made to one family account for use by each student assigned to that family. With online access you may view account balances and purchases made on the account, make online payments and receive an email notice when the balance is low. To register for online access stop in the cashier’s office and sign a release form or send an email request to the cashier.
It is important to maintain a positive lunch account balance. If a balance falls below minus $10.00 per student those students will not be served the regular school lunch, but instead be served a peanut butter, jelly or cheese sandwich, fruit and a carton of milk until their account shows a positive balance. Several a la carte items are offered in the cafeteria. These items may be purchased by students with an account balance that is above $2.00 per family. Charging to another individual’s account is not permitted. Photo identification cards with bar codes are provided to each student free of charge and may be used by that student only. If a card is lost or destroyed it will be replaced at a cost of $3.00.
Lunch Periods
Lunch periods for students in grades 7 through 12 are closed. Students are required to stay on school grounds during lunch. Any student leaving school grounds without permission is subject to disciplinary action. Students bringing their lunch should eat in the cafeteria. Students may remain inside during inclement weather and be outside when the weather is nice. The cafeteria must be kept neat and clean in order for lunch to be pleasant. Every student must do his/her part to clean up after eating. The lunchroom management and other students appreciate cooperation with the following:
*Be orderly in the serving line.
*Be courteous and respectful to food servers.
*Keep all food in the cafeteria.
*Leave the table and floor around your space in a clean condition.
*Return trays and utensils to proper place.
*Cooperate with supervisors.
Food In The Building
Consumption of food in classrooms is considered acceptable, when part of the educational experience. Water is permitted in classrooms with the exception of the Media Center, all computer labs or the discretion of a classroom teacher. Consumption of beverages, except energy drinks is allowed in school hallways. Students may store beverages, except energy drinks in their lockers and should properly dispose of containers. Students observed leaving a mess or not disposing of containers properly are assigned appropriate consequences. Students may not take beverages into any part of the building other than hallways. This includes unopened and re-closed containers. A policy of no beverages in the hallways may result if students do not comply with the above expectations, to the point, where it is deemed a problem.
GUIDANCE OFFICES- HIGH SCHOOL
The high school guidance counselor is available daily to assist anyone needing information, help with a personal concern, class schedules, selection of a college or technical school, or wanting to share an idea. Please request an appointment and a pass from the counseling office located at Room B-116, or by calling (507) 263-6800, extension 1440. The following are some examples of the many services provided by the guidance counselor:
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Career Planning |
Individualized and Group Counseling |
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College and Vo-Tech Visits |
Referral Resources |
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Course Selection |
Scholarship Information |
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Credit Tracking |
Standardized Test Interpretation |
INSURANCE
Cannon Falls School District DOES NOT provide any type of health or accident insurance for injuries incurred by students at school, any sports or school-sponsored activities. The District has an excess accident insurance policy available. Information is available in the middle and high school and district offices.
LYCEUM PROGRAMS
NURSES OFFICE
A nurse is available every day during school hours. Students who become injured or ill are referred to this office, where a determination is made regarding the student’s status. Students may leave the building on the recommendation of the nurse, and after parent or guardian permission has been obtained.
Any medication that needs to be taken at school should be stored in the health office during school hours. Prescription medication taken daily, or to be available for longer than two weeks, will need both parent and physician authorization signatures. This includes emergency medications such as Epi Pens, and inhalers. Students whose parents and physician agree that the medication may be carried with the student will need to inform the nurse of their medication and sign a Self Carry Medication Contract. Students who carry their medication are asked to keep a back up medication in the health office.
Students who wish to keep an over the counter medication in the health office will need to bring in the medication in the original container, along with a signed note from their parent or guardian. Medication authorization forms may be used for these, but over the counter medication does not need a physician signature. Medications will not be given if they are expired, and only within the dosage guidelines on the container. Students from one family can share the same bottle of an over the counter medication such as acetaminophen, but each family member needs signed permission. Medication authorization forms are available in the health office, high school and middle school offices, and local health clinics. Cough drops may be kept in lockers or backpacks. All other medication needs to be kept in the health office.
All students must have immunizations or exemptions on file with the school, in accordance with Minnesota law. Students who do not have immunization paperwork in to the school health office may be excluded from classes until their immunizations are complete. Vision and hearing screening may be conducted in the fall for 7th and 10th grades and on a as needed basis. Scoliosis screening is conducted in the spring for 7th grade girls, and 8th grade boys. Parents and guardians will be notified if follow up is indicated.
Questions about health or medications should be directed to the school health office, 263-6800, ex 1435. If a student has a health history: allergy, reaction to medication, hearing, vision or physical limitation, medical diagnosis or a condition such as seizures or ADHD, or takes a medication at home, we ask that you update the health office every year to let us know if this is still current for the student.
PARKING
Student parking is available for a nominal user fee. Parking is a privilege that can be revoked if abused by students. Upon purchasing a permit at the cashier’s office, students receive a program brochure and sign a parking agreement, which includes expectations and guidelines.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Cannon Falls High School learning community will regularly recite The Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. However, Minnesota Statutes 121A.11 mandates the following: