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|  | | | | Introduction | | Welcome to Highland Park Junior High School. This booklet will provide
you with information to help you have a successful year at Highland
Park Junior High School.
We believe that every member of the
staff is considered your teacher and each of us helps create a great
learning environment. The custodians help us keep the building warm and
clean, our cooks provide healthy food everyday, our teachers provide
you with the education you need, our counselors, social worker, nurse,
principals and other support staff are here to provide you with any
other special needs that you may have.
This year will be
rewarding if you accept the challenge to get involved in your class
work and other school activities. You should participate in
extracurricular activities. In these activities you will meet new
friends and learn to work with others. Together you will accomplish
much more than you could do alone.
It is important to remember
that Highland Park Junior High School is a school that is open to the
community. This increases your own learning opportunities. It also
means that our guests will know Highland by the way our students
represent it. The way you act around school and in your community will
say much about you and Highland.
All members of the school staff extend to you best wishes for a great school year. May it be full of work, fun and adventure.
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How to Succeed in SchoolLockers, Backpacks and School PropertyActivities After SchoolAttendance InformationDress CodeParent/Teacher CommunicationPersonal Electronic DevicesCafeteria and Bus RulesVisitorsTobacco/Drug Possession or UseConflict ResolutionSchool Nurse and MedicationStudent Acceptable Use PolicyRights and ResponsibilitiesHarassmentZero Tolerance and WeaponsConsequences for InfractionsIn School Suspension (ISS)Educational Intervention Program (EIP)Pupil Problems CommitteeHow to Succeed in School
You become what you practice."
1. Use the secret of the 3 P's: Be Punctual, Be Prepared and Be Productive. Students who are in class on time with their materials and who complete their assignments will be successful. Its that simple.
2. Respect others. Every student deserves to be treated just as you would like to be treated: with respect and dignity. Each of us (students and staff) has a job to do. Those jobs become easier when everyone works together.
3. Listen carefully to the teacher and the contributions of the other students. If you don't understand, ask! Study or review your work at least an hour each day in a quiet place without TV or radio. The difference between a 'C' and an 'A' is only about four hours of study time per week.
4. Know the requirements for earning grades and credits. Ask your teacher if you are not clear on this.
5. Know where and how to get help. If you do not understand something in class ask your teacher to meet with you before or after school.
6. If you have problems with friends, other students or adults see a teacher, counselor, social worker, assistant principal or principal.
7. Plan ahead when you have a large project. Don't expect to get the whole thing done the week before it's due. Start working on it as soon as it is assigned because it is much better to get it done too early than too late.
8. Get involved in school activities. You have talents and ideas to share with others. Students who get involved in activities often see their grades go up as well.
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Lockers, Backpacks and School Property
LOCKERS
Safeguarding your clothing, book supplies and equipment is important. Your locker and combination lock provide that safety for you, but you are also an important part of providing that safety. DO NOT GIVE YOUR LOCK COMBINATION TO ANY PERSON - EVEN CLOSE FRIENDS. Also, make sure your locker is closed and that you turn the dial ONE FULL TURN and give the handle a test pull to make sure it is locked before you leave your locker. For security reasons, only school issued combination locks are allowed to be used on school lockers. You are not to share a locker with anyone else; this can lead to problems.
Your rights to privacy in your school locker will be maintained. However, the locks and lockers are the property of the school and the administration reserves the right to inspect any school locker when necessary to maintain the safety and security of the school environment. There will also be occasional locker "clean outs" during homeroom.
If your locker becomes broken, remove your valuables from your locker and carry them with you, or bring them to the office for safekeeping. LARGE SUMS OF MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.
BACKPACKS
Backpacks are to be used to transport educational materials to and from school. Backpacks are not to be carried between classes.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Textbooks, lockers and other school equipment used by you are actually the property of Highland Park Junior High School. You are expected to use these items responsibly and return them in good condition to be used by future students. If you lose or damage a lock, library book or textbook, you will be required to pay for a replacement.
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Activities After School
The staff at Highland Park Junior High School are concerned about all students safety and security. While in the building all students must be supervised by an adult. If you are not involved in a supervised after school activity you must leave by 2:05 p.m. "Hanging out" in the halls or at school is not permitted. If you are involved in an after school activities, including detention, make arrangements for a ride to pick you up five minutes after the activity is completed. |
Attendance Information
ABSENCE
When you are to be absent, your parents should call our Student Absence Line at 228-3698, box 7000 by 9:00 a.m. to explain the reason for your absence. When you have returned to school, a written note signed by your parent or guardian is required even though they may have called earlier. The Ramsey County Attorneys Office works collaboratively with the schools to combat truancy through a program call the Truancy Intervention Project (TIP). A child between the ages of 12-18 is considered truant if he or she is absent for three or more class periods without a legal excuse.
STUDENT ARRIVAL
When students arrive at school they should immediately report to the cafeteria for breakfast or go to their lockers and begin preparing for the day. This is good time to make sure you have all your materials for the day's classes. You should also use this time to review notes and homework. Students are not to be in the building before 7:00 a.m.
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
Please be on time - no later than 7:25 a.m. A bell will ring at 7:25 to remind students to report to class. When students are late, they miss the most important part of the class and a lot of extra office work must be done to deal with tardiness. If you arrive at school after 7:30, you must report to the office for an admit slip. A written note signed by your parent is required to explain your tardiness. Only illness (a doctors note may be required), doctors visit, religious holiday, or an extreme family emergency is acceptable reasons for students tardiness. All other tardy students will be given detention. Parent conferences may be arranged for students who are tardy too often.
TARDINESS TO CLASS
Be to class on time. Plan to carry materials for two or more classes so that you don't have to stop at your locker every period. If a teacher keeps you after class you must get a note from that teacher explaining your tardiness. Class tardiness may result in detention, in-school suspension or parent conference. If a staff member sees any student wandering the hallways without a pass during class time, that student may be dismissed.
LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
Requests to leave school early must be in writing. They must state the reason for the request and be signed by your parent/guardian and give a daytime phone number. Please present these requests to the office before 7:25 a.m.
VACATION OR SPECIAL ABSENCE
Extended absences from school for vacations or other reasons are sometimes unavoidable. The principal must approve all requests for vacations during the school year. However, planning ahead will minimize any problems with schoolwork. You should bring a note from home at least three days before you leave. You should ask your teachers about any makeup work you will need to do.
MAKE-UP OF MISSED WORK
It's the students responsibility to make up all class work missed during a time of absence. Make arrangements with each of your teachers to get the missed assignments. The Guidance Office will collect assignments for students who are going to be absent because of an extended illness. Materials may be picked up two days after they are requested. The school office is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each school day.
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Dress Code
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Highland Park Junior High School does not allow manner of dress or personal grooming, which the school authority believes will, or actually does:
1. Present a clear danger to the students health and safety.
2. Cause an interference with work.
3. Create classroom or social disturbance.
At Highland, students are asked to dress in ways that do not distract themselves or others from learning. Hats, head coverings of any kind, except for medical or religious reasons, and outdoor jackets are to be removed upon entering the building and left in lockers all day. Clothing that advertises alcohol, cigarettes, sex or drugs are not appropriate for school. Clothing with profane, obscene or racist language is also unacceptable. Inappropriate dress includes items that show underwear, or that exposes a bare midriff or shoulders.
GANG RELATED WEAR
Highland Park Junior High School is a safe place where all students can learn without interference. No clothing which indicates a potentially dangerous, non-school association will be allowed. For example, bandanas or shoelaces used to signify an association will be unacceptable. Other means of association, such as written symbols, hand signs, or special ways of wearing attire are also prohibited. Tattoos that represent gang names, titles or symbols must be completely covered while a student is in school.
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Parent/Teacher Communication
Parent and teacher communication is important to help students do well in school. If you have a question or concern about your child, please contact the teacher via telephone or e-mail. The school telephone number is (651)293-8950, and e-mail addresses are teachers first name. last name @spps.org. For example, jane.doe@spps.org |
Personal Electronic Devices
PAGERS AND PERSONAL PHONES
Students are not allowed to use pagers or cellular phones during the instructional day. If these items are used during this time, they will be confiscated and returned only to parents/guardians. Highland Park Junior High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
RADIOS, WALKMANS, CD PLAYERS, LASER POINTERS, ELECTRONIC GAMES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of these items is prohibited at Highland Park Junior High School. These items will be confiscated and returned only to parents/guardians. Highland Park Junior High School is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
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Cafeteria and Bus Rules
CAFETERIA RULES
1. Teachers will escort their students to the cafeteria.
2. Students should empty their trash and return to their seats
when finished eating.
3. Use your INDOOR voice, not your OUTDOOR voice.
4. Students are not allowed to leave the cafeteria without
written permission.
5. Stay seated until you are dismissed. The teachers will
escort you back to the classroom.
6. Food is not to be removed from the cafeteria.
BUS SAFETY
Each transported student has the right to a safe and enjoyable ride to and from school. Good conduct of all transported students while waiting for the school bus and while traveling to and from school is primary to a safe and enjoyable ride for all students. Transportation to and from school is a privilege. Misbehavior while on the school bus may result in consequences ranging from a warning up to suspension from riding the bus.
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Visitors
GUESTS VISITORS
As mentioned in the welcome letter, our school is open to the community and we have many adult visitors. Parents, voters and speakers are often in our building. COURTESY IS A STRONG TRADITION AT HIGHLAND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Treat all guests as you would wish to be treated.
STUDENT VISITORS
It is Highlands policy not to allow student visitors in school except under extraordinary circumstances, such as student council exchanges or student tours. Never bring little brothers or sisters, relatives or friends to school. They will be asked to leave the building.
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Tobacco/Drug Possession or Use
TOBACCO
The use or possession of tobacco products, matches or lighters in school or on school property is prohibited. Such items will be confiscated. Students caught using tobacco in school or on school grounds will be issued a Ramsey County Juvenile Smoking Ticket and will be required to complete smoking education classes with the chemical health counselor. The third offense will result in an appearance in Juvenile Court and up to a $75.00 fine.
POSSESSION/USE OR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR ALCOHOL
Students found to be selling, buying, using, having in possession of or under the influence of the above, will be immediately suspended. The police will be notified and the student will be required to undergo a chemical health evaluation before returning to school.
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Conflict Resolution
How we disagree is just as important as what we disagree about. A number of staff and students at Highland Park Junior High School are specially trained to help solve conflicts between two or more students. This process is called conflict resolution. Conflict resolution helps students get real answers and ease difficult situations. Conflict resolution has helped students avoid fighting. To learn more, stop by and see our social worker or counselor. |
School Nurse and Medication
SCHOOL NURSE
The purpose of the nurse is to advice and counsel students, teachers and parents regarding the health of the students. The nurse also helps students take responsibility for their own health and encourages regular health exams by the family doctor and dentist. Please return dental or physical exam cards to the nurse. Parent emergency phone numbers must be on file with the nurse.
1. You may see the nurse before or after school for counseling or for any health reason most days of the week. The nurse's hours will be posted and you will be asked to report to the office if he/she is not available.
2. A student who becomes ill in school must get a pass from his/her teacher before leaving class to go to the Nurse's Office. In an emergency, go directly to the Nurse's Office.
3. If a sick or injured student must be sent home, the nurse will contact the parent/guardian. Students should know their parents work phone number and emergency phone number.
4. To be excused from Physical Education for ONE DAY, a student must bring a note from home. For extended PE excuses, a doctor's written request is necessary.
MEDICATIONS
To take medication prescribed by a doctor during the school day, you must bring the nurse a note from home and from your doctor. An adult will administer the medication at the Nurse's Office. No medication can be given to students without parent's AND doctor's written request.
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Student Acceptable Use Policy
Summary of Responsible Use of the Internet and E-Mail for Saint Paul Public School Students
Teachers of Saint Paul Public Schools are responsible for instructing students on responsible use of the Internet, e-mail
and other technology resources. The districts Information Technology Usage Policy, adopted by the Board of Education on March 16, 1999, covers all technology resources including computer workstations, local area networks, wide area networks, the Internet, and e-mail.
* Responsible Use
Complying with all existing Board of Education Policies.
Evaluating information resources.
Respecting the privacy of other users.
Maintaining the security of district technology resources.
Recognizing and honoring the intellectual property rights of
others.
Immediately disclosing inadvertent access of unacceptable materials or Internet sites to an appropriate district official.
* Acceptable Use
Acceptable use is that which:
Is consistent with the mission of the Saint Paul Public Schools.
Encourages efficient, cooperative and creative methods to
perform job duties or educational tasks.
Is related to instructional, administrative and other support
activities considered consistent with the mission of the
district.
Is required for authorized and appropriate access to voice,
video and data systems, software or data.
* Unacceptable Use
Unacceptable use includes:
Gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to the districts technology resources.
Interfering with the ability of students/staff members to use
the districts technology resources.
Activities resulting in the loss of a student/staff members work.
Distributing material that may cause congestion of the voice,
video and data networks.
Distributing or collecting obscene, abusive or threatening
material via telephone, video, electronic mail, the Internet
or other means.
Using technology resources for commercial, political or
profit-making enterprises.
Engaging in any illegal act.
Violating copyright laws.
Posting private information about another person.
* Limited Expectation of Privacy
Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of
personal files on the school districts system.
* Possible Consequences
Unacceptable use of the districts information technology
resources may result in one or more of the following:
Suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges.
Discipline under other appropriate school district policies,
including exclusion or termination of employment.
Civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws and
policies.
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Rights and Responsibilities
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Please remember that YOU are responsible for YOUR behavior. Whenever you are in school, on school grounds, or attending a school event, every staff member is your teacher. A more complete listing of student rights and responsibilities is contained in the St. Paul Public Schools Student Conduct Guide.
ABOVE THE LINE BEHAVIOR
Be on time
Be prepared
Be on task
Treat all people and things with respect
Have calm body and voice
BELOW THE LINE BEHAVIOR
Cheating
Defiance/ Insubordination
Disruptive behavior
Fighting/ Assault
Gang activity
Harassment
Vandalism
Verbal abuse
Technology abuse
Theft
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Harassment
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
1. Sexual harassment is defined as, but not limited to:
Words or actions relating to sex that are derogatory, offensive, exploitative, and/or degrading; or
2. A display or circulation of materials and/or pictures, which are sexually explicit or demeaning.
RACIAL HARASSMENT AND RACIAL BIAS
Racial harassment is defined as, but not limited to:
1. Words or actions relating to another individuals or groups race that is derogatory, offensive, exploitative, and/or degrading; or
2. A display or circulation of materials and/or pictures, which are derogatory to a persons race.
The Board declares that persons subjected to racial bias and racial harassment have unreasonable burdens placed upon their rights to learn, work, and grow. The Board believes that a trusting, cooperative, and positive atmosphere is necessary for students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community members to attain educational goals.
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Zero Tolerance and Weapons
ZERO TOLERANCE
In order to maintain positive student interactions and to insure the safety of all students at school, we have instituted the rule of ZERO TOLERANCE, which states that anyone who is involved in a physical fight, regardless of who started the fight, will be suspended from school for at least one full day.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY ON WEAPONS
The Saint Paul Board of Education and the Superintendent
of Schools have established a "zero tolerance" policy on the possession of a weapon on school grounds or at school functions. Any student found to be in violation of this policy may be recommended for immediate expulsion from Saint Paul Public Schools. Please see the Student Conduct Guide for details.
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Consequences for Infractions
DETENTION
Administrators or teachers may assign students to detention for minor offenses such as tardiness to class or class disruptions. Students must make arrangements with their parents for transportation home after the detention is served. Students need to leave the building as soon as their detention is served.
DISMISSAL
This is removal from school for one day or less. Normally parents are notified by phone and a written notice is sent home with the student.
SATURDAY SCHOOL
This is used as a consequence, often in place of suspension. It allows the student to remain in school with the expectation that he/she will attend the three and one-half hour study hall at a district location on Saturday morning. Failure to attend will result in an automatic dismissal or suspension.
SUSPENSION
A two- to ten-day removal from school in accordance with the" Minnesota Fair Dismissal Act may result for any very serious or chronic violations. A parent conference is required for re-admission into school. For repeat violations a Pupil Problems Committee may be convened to discuss future plans for the student in the Saint Paul Public School system.
EXPULSION
This is a formal action taken by the School Board to prohibit the enrolled student from further attendance for a period not to exceed one school year.
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In School Suspension (ISS)
It is our goal to keep students in the classroom and significantly reduce or eliminate removal from class. When a student's behavior interferes with his/her learning and the learning of other students, the teacher will implement classroom management procedures. Sometimes these procedures do not result in a change in the student's behavior. When this occurs a student is asked to report to an administrator or to the ISS room.
If a student is sent to ISS more than once in the same day, the student will be dismissed.
The following will occur when a student has been sent to ISS for the:
Third time in a semester:
* Saturday School will be assigned to make up for the three-class period.
Fifth time:
* Student will meet with the ISS supervisor or administrator. Parents will be notified and invited to attend the meeting. The purpose of the meeting will be to develop an intervention procedure to prevent the behavior from occurring again.
Eighth time:
* Student and parent/guardian will meet with administrator and teacher(s). The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the problems the student is having in the classroom(s) and develop strategies to help the student stay in class.
* A contract will be established outlining specific and appropriate behaviors to be achieved.
Tenth time:
* Saturday School assigned.
* Dismissal.
* Student and parent/guardian will meet with all teachers, including homeroom, an administrator and a counselor. The purpose of this meeting will be to develop any further interventions or support services that can help the student stay in class and be successful. The student may be referred to either the Student Support Team or Child Study Team.
It is the responsibility of the ISS supervisor to complete the following:
* Record time, date, teacher, and reason for each student that reports to ISS. Return referral form copy to teacher.
* Enter the student incident on CAMPUS (electronic database).
* Notify administrators when a student has been sent to ISS for the second time in one day.
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Educational Intervention Program (EIP)
The EIP, located at St. Johns (951 E. 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55106), is a 3-5 day experience and is intended for students who have committed suspendable offenses. (The program is not intended for Level 4 and 5 special education students.) EIP staff will reinforce and encourage students to improve their behavior in the area of pro-social behavior. Students will receive academic assistance in the area of reading and writing.
*A breakfast (for on-time students) and a boxed lunch are provided daily.
* Instructors will daily provide approximately 150 minutes of academic curriculum with a focus on reading and writing workshop skills.
* Students will receive daily lessons encouraging pro-social behavior and receive classroom information on appropriate attendance and behavior.
* An on-site assistant principal will be available to communicate with school administrators regarding behavioral issues or concerns.
* EIP teachers will provide daily feedback on student academic activities via the CAMPUS web site. Home school teachers and administrators are responsible for checking the web site.
Daily attendance will be faxed or e-mailed to school attendance clerks by 3:00 p.m. each day.
* School Bus # 286 from Highland Park Junior High School will pick up students at 7:20 a.m. on Montreal Avenue.
* Students will return to Highland Park Junior High School at 1:50 p.m.
School Responsibilities
* If students miss one or more days of their 3-5 day experience at the EIP Program, they are considered TRUANT, unless their parents have called to indicate an illness or family emergency.
*Make plans to send required medications with students to EIP. REPORT ANY ALLERGIES OR OTHER HEALTH ISSUES TO THE EIP. Please call (651) 312-9053 for any questions or concerns.
* If students are tardy to school and miss the morning bus for any reason, they will not be picked up by returning buses due to tight transportation schedules. If tardy students are transported to EIP by any other means, please call (651) 312-9053 and indicate the names of those students who will be arriving late.
*EIP staff will reinforce and encourage teachers to view the CAMPUS web page for information on how their students are progressing.
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Pupil Problems Committee
Pupil Problem Committee (PPC) is a committee consisting of school administrators and staff dedicated to resolving problems relating to student discipline. The committee may be comprised of the principal, assistant principal, counselors, teachers, social workers, or nurses. The committee meets regularly to consider disciplinary and behavioral problems of students referred to it by the principal or designated representative and recommends actions that are in the best interest of students and the school.
The PPCs goals are to:
* Improve the schools ability to recognize students who are behaving in ways that would indicate a possible "at risk" situation.
* Support staffs who work directly with students and assist them in helping students maintain a desired achievement level.
* Assess outcomes, discuss problems, modify behavioral plans, and provide support.
PPC CRITERIA
* Students who commit a violation against the school district's Standards of Conduct Guide, such as assault, aggravated assault, criminal acts, fighting, pyrotechnic devices, possession of firearms or other weapons, criminal sexual conduct, robbery/extortion, theft, or willful damage of school property.
* Students who exhibit increased severity behavior. There will be a logical relationship between the severity of the offense and the administrative action taken.
* The action taken will be in the best interest of the school and students.
* The school provides a service and intervention plan for students, and parents are notified of the behavior issue.
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