Student Handbook

Grade Point Average (G.P.A)

G.P.A calculation will be based on all credits attempted in grades 9-12. Our G.P.A. is calculated for you at the end of the quarter.  You receive honors points as follows.

	B+ = 3.33	C+ = 2.33	D+ = 1.33	F = 0.0
A   = 4.0	B   = 3.0	C   = 2.0	D   = 1.0
A- = 3.67	B-  = 2.67	C-  = 1.67	D-  = 0.67

 

Graduation Requirements

Students are assigned a staff member to act as an advisor.  In addition, the school has a school counselor and many support staff to guide you.  All staff in collaboration with parents/guardians will work with each student to develop a successful and appropriate program of study. Students, however, are responsible for keeping accurate records of all requirements and to report any discrepancies that could affect their graduation.  Students are encouraged to review their course credit summaries frequently.

The Minneapolis Public School Graduation Requirements

	Subject	Years required in subject	Credits required in subject
	English Language Arts	4 years	4.0 credits
	Social Studies	3.5 years	3.5 credits
	Math	3 years	3.0 credits
	Science	3 years	3.0 credits
	Art	1 year	1.0 credit
	Health	0.5 year	0.5 credit
	Physical Education	0.5 year	0.5 credit
	Ethnic Studies	0.5 year	0.5 credit
	Electives	5.5 years	5.5 credits
	Total		21.5 credits

 

Criteria for Participating in Graduation

In order to participate in the high school graduation ceremony, a student must be within 0.75 credits of completion of all graduation requirements.  These credit totals must be completed by the end of 4th quarter. A diploma will be awarded after ALL graduation requirements have been completed.  If the student is in a post-secondary program where the grades will not be received until after graduation, the student may participate in the graduation ceremonies; however, she may not receive an official diploma until the high school receives the final grades from the post-secondary institution.

Plans for DURING and AFTER High School – Are You Ready?

There are many resources at your high school that can offer personalized support in preparing for: college, post-secondary education and training, job search, social service referrals and career options.  Within the counseling department at Longfellow, students will work with the college and career coordinator (CCC) for support in career exploration, college search, and identifying additional post-secondary options.

Your school counselor will assist students by maintaining academic records, which include grades, test scores and transcripts. Your counselor can help you understand your school records and assist you in making an academic plan to help you be successful in school.  Your school counselor is also available to assist with any personal or social concerns that may be affecting your experience in school.  The school counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:10 pm.

 

 

Destination:  Diploma to Degree

The Destination: Diploma to Degree (D3) program is a dual-credit program that allows students to define a career pathway and work towards earning an Associate’s Degree while meaningfully progressing toward earning a high school diploma.  Students are dual-enrolled as full-time high school and college students, and may take college courses at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCC) during summer, fall and spring semesters.  Classes at MCC are tuition-free to students participating in the D3 program.  Additionally, students that continue on at MCC full-time after earning a high school diploma are given priority placement in the Power of You program. Students that are able to maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher in college are also offered the opportunity to continue their tuition-free education at Augsburg University through the Auggie Plan. Students beginning their college career in D3 are eligible to earn an Associate’s Degree from MCTC and then Bachelor’s Degree from Augsburg College on a full-ride scholarship with no out-of-pocket cost for tuition—worth over $80,000! Longfellow students participating in D3 are also able to take advantage of onsite childcare and free transportation while attending college courses during the school day.

Sample career pathways offered in the D3 program:

Health Care

• Health Care Addiction Counseling
• Polysomnographic (Sleep) Technology
• Nursing

Building Sciences

• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Machine Tool Technology
• Welding and Metal Fabrication
• Architecture Technology

Public Service

• Administrative Assistant/Software Support Specialist
• Legal Office Assistant
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Human Services
• Law Enforcement
• Business Management
• Criminal Justice Studies

Digital Media

• Software Development (Information Technology)
• Computer Networking (Information Technology)
• Photography and Digital Imaging
• Graphic Design
• Library Information Technology

To qualify for the D3 program…

1. Students must be able to complete all remaining high school credits required for graduation before they age out of Longfellow.  *See your school counselor to check on minimum credit requirements.
2. Students must be enrolled full-time in a State Approved Alternative Program (such as Longfellow).
3. Students must demonstrate high daily attendance at school.
4. Students must participate in "bootcamp" and orientation at MCC.  Orientation will include preparation for college entrance exam (Accuplacer), campus tours, application and registration support.
5. Students must complete the application by submission deadline.

IMPORTANT!  Call if you are going to be absent and leave a message.

612-668-4711

Attendance Policy

The high school staff at Longfellow recognizes that classroom attendance is essential to the academic success of students. Good attendance gives students more time to investigate and pursue learning, provides more classroom instruction time and a greater opportunity to utilize resources for a student’s post-secondary planning. Also, there are required amounts of time that a student must be in attendance to keep her placement in the Early Learning Center.  Students not maintaining regular school attendance should expect a call or home visit from their Dean and/or Early Learning Center Staff.

Student Responsibility

It is the student’s responsibility to be in school and to attend all classes on time each day. It is also the student’s responsibility to provide documentation of excused absences. Students are to use their lunch time to deal with student attendance issues needing clarification.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to encourage and monitor their child’s school attendance, to verify all excused absences, call school when there is a change of address or phone number, and to work cooperatively with the school and student to solve any attendance problem that may arise. Parents must provide verbal and written documentation of excused absence. Please call the school office at 612-668-4700 to report an absence.

School Responsibility

It is the school’s responsibility to monitor student attendance and to keep accurate records of a student’s daily attendance. It is also the school’s responsibility to communicate attendance concerns to the student’s parent/guardian, social worker, and other appropriate staff.  A student support team will assist students to improve their attendance.

Principals are responsible for making certain attendance decisions.  They may delegate these decisions to an assistant principal or school social worker.  Principals or their designees may excuse absences for confidential reasons that may not have one of the excusable reasons recorded when necessary to protect the privacy of the student or the student’s family.

Attendance is taken hourly by classroom teachers.  Tardiness is based on class times.

Students need to arrive by 8:20 am.  Call by 9:30 if you are going to be late to let them know when your child is coming to the Early Learning Center!

Interventions

Teachers shall provide an opportunity for students to make up work missed due to excused absences. Teachers may establish a reasonable limit of time to make up for missed work. Teachers may allow students to make up work missed during an unexcused absence but are not required to do so.

Excused absences

Parents or guardians may excuse their student under the following circumstances. 

• Illness: School staff may request a health care provider’s verification for absences longer than three (3) consecutive days or more than four (4) absences due to illness, or illness of a dependent, in a semester. If the family does not have a medical provider, the student should be referred to their school nurse for assistance.
• Religious instruction or observance, when the school is notified in advance.
• Recognized cultural observance, when the school is notified in advance.
• Funeral or other family emergency, for four (4) days or longer if a request is made to the principal in due to travel or cultural observances.
• Family activity for up to five (5) days within one school year, when arranged in advance.
• Any additional time must be discussed with the classroom teacher to ensure the student’s academic success.
• Transportation problems caused by a failure of the MPS transportation system.
• Appointments with health care providers or other professionals and court appearances when unable to schedule outside school hours and when school is notified in advance.  We request that students provide Ms. Geneva/Ms. Maria “notice of scheduled health care appointments” one school day in advance.  Any note of verification should be given to the attendance staff.
• Extended field trips/family activities: Students who miss school because of extended family activities are responsible for making up missed work.  They should contact their teachers prior to the missed days so that they have necessary assignments. Students should also understand that teachers may not be able to re-teach missed work and that a student may not be able to earn as high a grade as if they were in the class every day if the work is not completed. 

Unexcused Absences

An “unexcused absence” is an absence that does not fall within the parameters of the “excused absences” rule. Students with fifteen (15) consecutive days missing half or more of the scheduled classes will be dropped from the official enrollment at our school.

 

IMPORTANT!  Call if you are going to be absent and leave a message.

612-668-4711

Classroom Tardiness

Each student and teacher has the right to expect a class time free of interruptions, such as a student coming in late to class. Therefore, tardiness will be treated in the following manner:

• All students are expected to be in class before the designated start time (refer to schedule)
• Class time begins immediately as scheduled. Being tardy means losing instruction or quality participation in classroom activities and may result in lesser or lower quality work completion for the course and sometimes less credit earned.
• Students will be allowed to enter class with a pass without any consequences.
• Students entering without a pass will be entering late. 
• Students are expected to have a pass when they are in the hall during regular class periods. Each student is encouraged to properly request a pass from the staff who they are with. 

Early Release Pass for Appointments

Early Release Pass from school is only excused for health care appointments or court appearances. Leaving early means losing instruction or quality participation in classroom activities.  We understand sometimes circumstances warrant an Early Release Pass.   In these cases, these events must be clearly communicated and approved prior to leaving school with a 24-hour notice to your dean.  Students under age 18 can expect a phone call to a parent/guardian prior to the student leaving school (emergency situations are an exception).

Whenever possible, please schedule appointments during non-school hours. All excuses for medical appointments are handled through our Health Assistant. A note written by a parent/guardian should be given to the Attendance Staff. To release a student without a note, the school health office or attendance office will need to validate the appointment with parent/guardian or clinics. This may include a direct phone call to a parent/guardian. It is imperative that we have valid and up-to-date phone numbers to reach a home.

• Students must have a completed “Early Dismissal Pass” form signed by your dean before leaving the building.  
• Before leaving for the day, students must sign out in the main office and turn in the signed “Early Dismissal Pass” form. 
• Students should also notify the Early Learning Center the morning of the appointment.  
• Your lead will communicate with the Early Learning Center to prepare your child for dismissal.
• You must sign out your child prior to leaving for an Early Dismissal.  If you are not at school, your child must be with you.

Interventions for Early Release

Longfellow staff will take into consideration each Early Release Pass request.  Misuse of Early Release Pass may result in an intervention and you may lose Early Release Pass privileges.

 

Social and Emotional Learning:

At Longfellow, we incorporate social and emotional learning as a way to develop the skills necessary to understand ourselves and others, and to create a community of caring and support. We practice three signature practices in our classrooms to maintain fidelity in this important work and teach SEL skills to our student parents to support their children and families.

What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

www.casel.org

 3 Signature Practices:

Highly engaging, effective, and purposeful classrooms are created using 3 key social and emotional learning practices:

• WELCOMING RITUALS:  Activities for Inclusion
• ENGAGING PRACTICES: Sense-Making & “Brain Breaks”
• OPTIMISTIC CLOSURES: Reflections & Looking Forward

 School Norms & Guidelines:

• Have a pass when you leave a classroom during class time or when you visit childcare
• Have all materials and supplies with you when you arrive to class
• Use your non-class time to make phone calls, make appointments
• Keep food out of classrooms after breakfast
• Use appropriate voice volume.
• Refrain from profanity
• Do your own work
• Listen and follow teacher and staff directions immediately
• Keep private conversations private
• Arrive and finish on time
• Refrain from chemical use and/or possession
• Limit visits to childcare and have a pass
• Communicate attendance issues, plans to leave school early, and concerns to the office
• No “bullying” or “cyberbullying” will be tolerated

All teachers will work with students to develop a classroom plan that is reflective of these guidelines and that promotes student engagement in learning.  Teachers and students must work together to promote credit attainment.

Students that violate these norms and guidelines can expect to have the behavior addressed by the teacher.  This may include a short discussion and/or a reminder of norms and guidelines and, if necessary, a request for the student to do some self-reflection.  If the behavior continues students may be asked to leave class for a short period of time.

Students presenting continual disruptive behavior, making threats, sexting, stealing, vandalism, or in possession of stolen property and/or drug paraphernalia or refusing to follow school rules will be referred to administration.  These students will be required to meet with relevant staff before returning to class.  Administrators may suggest a mediation session that includes the teacher and themselves.  The goal of mediation is to repair relationships, reflect on what happened and develop a plan to “make things right”. Students may also be required to have a family conference before returning to classes.

In the event of fights, chemical use, weapon possession, drug or alcohol possession, assault, or intent to sell chemicals students will be escorted to administrators immediately. Students will be required to have a family conference before returning to school.   These actions are as outlined in the” MPS District Student Behavior Policy” as identified by the school board.

 

Students need to arrive by 8:20 am.  Call by 9:30 if you are going to be late to let them know when your child is coming to the Early Learning Center!

 

Classroom Re-Entry

Productive students are engaged in class activity as much as possible.  Our goal is to provide engaging, productive learning opportunities for all students.  Disruptive or non-cooperative students may be asked to leave class for a period of at most 15 minutes and to participate in some self-reflection.  This time is designed to allow students to refocus and return to class.

Behavior Referrals

The behavior referral form is used to communicate specific information about an incident regarding a student’s behavior. All behavior referrals are entered into a tracking log for follow-up and/or the development of an intervention plan. Each student should strive to not have a behavior referral written for her conduct.

Mediations

As a staff we believe that it is important to help students develop communication skills, including conflict resolution and restorative practices. Students experiencing conflict or harassment by other students are encouraged to notify staff for guidance or other support and to decide on a conflict resolution plan. Students involved in a conflict are expected to participate in formal mediation that may be facilitated by a behavior management team member or other identified staff.

Suspensions

“Suspension” means an action taken by the school administrator, under rules established by the school board, prohibiting a pupil from attending school. This definition does not apply to dismissal from school for one school day or less. Each suspension action shall include a readmission plan developed by school staff and a student’s parent or guardian.

Student Use of Social Media

Student use of electronic social media and/or filming of classroom activities is strictly prohibited.  This includes filming of fights/conflicts, posting to any Social Media or online pages, use of instant messaging, video chats, and other similar types of online presence.  Posting of such activities will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension  or removal from school.

Student Behavior in the Longfellow Neighborhood

The school behavior expectations extend to our Longfellow Community.  This includes behavior taking place on and around school grounds before, during and after the school day.  Students are expected to show appropriate behaviors at local business establishments, in public streets and on private property in the community.  Students in violation of these standards may be subject to school and community consequences. 

MPS Behavior Standards And Code of Conduct: Regulation 5200A

5201A: Bullying and Hazing, Reporting Procedures and District Action

5201B: Bullying and Hazing Definitions

Tornado Drills

During tornado drills, all students will take appropriate shelter as directed. All students will stay with their designated class.  Child(ren) will not be picked up by their parents from childcare. Childcare staff will practice the drill with their children.  An all clear will be given to signal a return to the school schedule.

Emergency Drills (Lock Down/Lock Out)

Emergency drills are held during the school year to practice staying inside a classroom or other secure area, should a situation warrant it. All individuals will remain out of the view of anyone possibly standing outside of a locked door. Another term for the required drills or situation is called LOCKDOWN (formerly known as code red) or LOCKOUT (formerly known as code yellow). During the drill there will be no access to TAP Child Care, hallways or bathrooms. An “all clear” will be given to return to normal schedules.

Evacuation/Fire Drills

Emergency exit drills are required by law and are essential for all students to practice exiting the building as quickly and safely as possible. Exit drills are necessary precaution and will be held at irregular intervals. Teachers will also provide information to students regarding procedures to follow. Students are to exit the building with their class in an orderly fashion, moving quickly and quietly while listening for additional instructions given by staff members. Students should return promptly to their classes when the all-clear signal has been given.

Hold (in place)

In the event of a medical emergency or other need to keep halls cleared, we will call a HOLD in place. Students must remain in their classrooms until an “all clear” is given over the intercom. If a student needs to use the restroom or has an emergency during a HOLD, staff will need to escort them to and from their classroom.

Emergency Procedures in Childcare Rooms

Childcare classrooms practice the same drills at the same time as the High School Classrooms.  Childcare teachers are trained and prepared to keep every child in their classroom safe in the event of an emergency (fire, tornado, or lockdown/lockout).  In the event of a real emergency, high school students should not attempt to go to childcare for their child(ren).  Be assured that you will be reunited with your child(ren) as soon as it is safe to do so.  For more information on childcare emergency procedures, please talk to your child’s teacher.

Breakfast

Breakfast at Longfellow is eaten in the cafeteria between 8:20 am and 8:30 am.  There is no off-campus breakfast.  All food needs to be put away or consumed before first hour begins at 8:30 am.

Lunch

Student Lunch is 30 minutes in length.  All students are allowed to leave the building during lunch with permission.   Students under 18 must have signed parent permission to leave the building.  The following policies are “non-negotiable”.  Staff members are asked to support the policies and hold students accountable to following each of them.

• Food purchased during lunch MUST go in your locker before class begins
• No microwaves will be available to students
• If you leave to purchase lunch off campus, you should consume before coming back to the building or eat (ONLY) in the cafeteria during lunch time - no exceptions.
• Students are not allowed to eat lunch in the media center, hallways, or classrooms
• Hot food must be consumed in the cafeteria and may not be taken into classrooms
• Students leaving campus during lunch must return by 12:20 PM and arrive to class on time
• Students arriving to 5th period class tardy without administrative permission and/or an administration approved pass may lose off campus lunch privileges.
•  No Microwaves will be available for student use.
• Students who bring lunch from home should prepare meals that do not require microwave use!

 

 

 

School media and computer workspaces are an extension of the classroom. Working with the classroom teacher in delivery of the curriculum is a primary function of the media center. Therefore, it cannot be a place to socialize with friends or to cause any disruption to other students or staff. Students who are unwilling to demonstrate these requisite behaviors will be asked to leave the media center. The following are the student and staff responsibilities for the media center and shared computer work areas:

Student Responsibilities

• Be polite
•  Use appropriate language--this means no profanity
• Respect school rules and behavior standards
• Use the computer network in a manner which does not violate any laws, regulations, or copyright
• Accurately represent yourself
• Send email only with teacher’s permission
• Remember that email is not private
• Respect the privacy of others
• Respect computer equipment and use of the network

Staff Responsibilities

• Teach students the appropriate and ethical use of the Internet and email
• Help students understand the guidelines
• Help students locate appropriate sites for school use
• Monitor student use of the Internet
• Not posting any student work on the Internet without parental/guardian permission
• Limit access to the Internet or the School Computer Network
• Limit printing of materials

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Students will receive a copy of the Internet policy and be asked to sign the following agreement:

“I have reviewed the Internet policy and agree to abide by the guidelines set forth. I understand that if I do not follow the guidelines, I will be denied online access for the remainder of the school year and may receive other school disciplinary action.”

Breaking the rules on proper use of the Internet can greatly hinder your work completion.

The school requires that all students are up to date with diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, and hepatitis B. The school clinic provides required and recommended immunizations, including Gardasil for HPV and Menactra for meningitis protection.

The school also requires that all students have an Emergency Contact Sheet on file. An emergency referral card must include names, addresses, work and home telephone numbers, clinic and hospital of choice. Students are expected to give any updated information for their emergency referral card to the main office. This is extremely important if you were to become suddenly ill and action had to be taken.

Illness During School

Students who become ill or injured during school hours should report to the health office with a pass for evaluation. Parent/guardian/or emergency contact will be called if early dismissal is warranted. All students must have an emergency contact number on file that is current and up to date. Emergencies happen and we need to be prepared.

Absence Due to Illness

Healthy students are better learners. Up to eight (8) cumulative days of absence or three (3) consecutive days will be excused as a student illness per academic year.  A health care provider’s verification is required for absences that exceed eight cumulative or three consecutive days due to illness. If a parent/guardian does not have a health care provider or is unable to pay their co-pay, they should be referred to the school nurse, health assistant or social worker for assistance.

Annual Health Information

This form is a very important source of information to us about a student’s health. This form is required for each and every student. Parents, if your student has had a physical examination during the summer, (recommended for students entering tenth grade) please send a copy to our school office staff for the student health record.

Medication

Health Services recommends that medication be given at home whenever possible. Students needing to take prescriptions or over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.) during the school day must have a consent form signed by their parent/guardian.   A new form for each school year will be on file in the health office and all medication (except inhalers and epi-pens carried by students) will be kept in a locked cabinet in the health office. Staff is not permitted to give out over the counter medications to students.

Students with special health concerns that may require classroom or school accommodations are asked to contact administrative staff to verify issues and make arrangements.

Age of Majority – The Eighteen-Year-Old and Older Students

Students who are eighteen years old and older are still viewed as students. They are governed by school district policy and school procedures within or on the school premises and at school-sponsored events. The parents/guardians of 18-year-old students may notify the school in writing if the student is to be fully responsible for his/her own attendance and school progress, thus indicating that the parent/guardian does not wish to be notified in case of student attendance problems or lack of progress. Students who are 18 years old are expected to provide the school health office with emergency information. All policies and procedures apply to our entire high school students; therefore, they apply to 18-year-old students.

Alcohol/Drugs

Possession or use of alcohol or drugs on school property is prohibited. Being under the influence of intoxicating beverages or drugs is prohibited on the school grounds or at school activities. Any person found in violation will be referred to local authorities and suspended according to District Policy. Substances meant to appear to be drugs or alcohol will carry the same consequences. Students may also be referred to partnering chemical health programs.

Tobacco

Use of tobacco by any staff, student, visitor or contractor is prohibited on school district property. “School district property” shall include, but not be limited to building, grounds and vehicles owned, leased or contracted by the school district and school sponsored functions.

District Policy 5220: Tobacco Use, Student

District Tobacco-Free Environment Policy Notice

MPS has adopted a Tobacco Use policy that affects all persons, including students, staff and visitors.  Adults and students may not smoke, vape, chew or otherwise use tobacco, tobacco products, electronic cigarettes or electronic devices designed to deliver tobacco, nicotine or other substances on school property.  School property has an extended definition to include district vehicles, including school buses, and off-campus school sponsored events.  In addition, students may not possess tobacco products or electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices while at school or at school-sponsored events, regardless of the time or location.  American Indian students, with written parental consent and notice to their principal are permitted to carry tobacco in a container for the purposes of spiritual or cultural observance or ceremonial support.   

CELL PHONE USE

The research is clear on cell phone use and its negative impact on our mental health. We have become reliant on smart devices to keep us in touch with the world 24/7/365. This constant connection has its upsides, but the downsides have had a clear negative impact on our daily interactions with one another and with setting boundaries for ourselves and others.  Staff must act as role models for students regarding proper cell phone use.  Please place your phone on vibrate or silent mode during class/student contact time.  Do not take calls during critical instruction time, PLC time, or special meetings unless it is an emergency.  Please be sure to secure your phone during the school day.

Student Cell Phone District Policy 5210

Possession and use of personally owned devices at school is a privilege, not a right. All MPS high schools follow the MPS District Policy 5210.

High school students may have personal electronic devices (cell phone) at school, or at school events off campus.

Students shall secure their cell phone either out of sight and turned off.  Students may not take phone call/facetime/text during class time.

High School student use of cell phones is limited to:

1. Before and after the regularly scheduled school day.
2. During the student’s scheduled lunch period.
3. During passing time between classes.
4. During the school day by permission from the school principal or principal’s designee for pressing personal reasons.

Once again, your use of a personal cell phone at school is a privilege. Use of cell phones in a school setting can present problems in our learning environment. We wish to help you maintain the proper use of your cell phone at school.

Student use of electronic social media and/or filming of classroom activities is strictly prohibited.  This includes filming of fights/conflicts, posting to any Social Media or online pages, use of instant messaging, video chats, and other similar types of online presence.  Posting of such activities will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension or removal from school.

Students will put their cell phones away during class time and may not use it during class or when/if they leave to use the restroom. Cell phone use is not permitted in restrooms at any time. The following steps will be taken to support students in having healthy boundaries and valuing their education through proper cell phone usage:

First: Teacher redirects/reminds student to put phone away

Second: Student gives phone to teacher for the remainder of the class period

Third/Student refusal: Student referred to Dean and phone will either be held for remainder of day or picked up by caregiver if student is emancipated.

Fourth: Meeting with caregiver, dean, principal, social worker to discuss support plan for healthy boundaries with cell phone usage.

Staff should not have to get into a power struggle with any student. If you are having difficulty with responsible use of your cell phone, we will move to step four (above) to support your health and well-being.

Telephones

The telephones in the main office and classrooms are only to be used with staff approval. Students may make immediate phone calls in the student support office (social worker’s office), with a pass from their teacher. Exceptions can be made for difficult and legitimate situations. Always ask before expecting assistance of any kind.

Dress Code

We encourage all of our students to dress in their own style within reason and to wear clothing that is comfortable and kept well.  A student’s clothing must not become a distraction or disruption to the educational environment. Students are expected to dress in a professional manner for school, with an understanding that cultural expectations and resources vary. We recognize that no one is responsible for how others might view them, but everyone is responsible to be respectful of others in the way they present themselves at school.  In general:

• Cover up at least from shoulders to mid-thighs. 
• Keep underwear and private parts out of sight.
• Shoes must be worn in the building at all times.
• No offensive or inappropriate images or words on clothing.
• Clothing or accessories must not cause a disruption to learning.

It is the District’s policy that the standards of dress for school should conform to the standards generally accepted by the local community. The administration, with parent and student cooperation, is encouraged to participate in establishing acceptable minimum standards for student dress. Unless some standard of appearance presents an obvious health or safety hazard to the student or others involved in the schools’ activities, student dress and grooming is the responsibility of the parents and the students (District Policy 5460).

Field Trips

Students must ride school district provided transportation to and from the field trip unless special permission from the Principal is granted prior to the trip.   In order to be eligible, students may not have been involved in behavior problems at school prior to the trip.  Family members are generally not allowed on field trips.  Exceptions may be made only if they are approved by the field trip organizer and approved as a volunteer by the district.

The following rules apply to all field trips:

Students will…

• Sign a field trip agreement form at least one day before the trip.
• Sign up with the leader at least one day prior to the trip.
• Turn in their phone to the trip leader (if asked).

Students may not…

• Leave the facility or location during the trip.
• Use chemicals (including tobacco) at any time on the field trip.
• Use profanity at any time.
• Use cell phones during the trip unless special permission is granted by the administrator.

Violations of policies result in removal from future field trips. Administrator and Deans will be consulted before the final decision is made.

Lockers

Each student will be provided with a locker. Students will be expected to use their assigned locker and lock. Students must return locks when withdrawing from school. No sharing of lockers will be permitted. Lost/damaged locks are to be reported to Ms. Geneva.  A fee of $5.00 will be charged for a lost/damaged lock. Student lockers are school property on loan to the student and remain at all times under the control of the school; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers. Any items found in lockers are the responsibility of the student assigned to that locker. All lockers are subject to the MPS Discipline Policy.

Search of Students' Lockers

School officials may search students for items that may be harmful to themselves or to others and to detect items that are prohibited from being on school grounds or other places under supervision of school personnel, i.e. buses, field trips. Consent of the student is not required prior to the search and each student is required to cooperate when asked to show a purse, pocket or other possessions. Any personal search will be conducted in a confidential area. Do not bring anything to school that is prohibited including, pocket mace, a pocket knife, or drug paraphernalia. The State of Minnesota has specific laws and the school district has specific policies/rules on such actions.

Minneapolis Public Schools Policy 5680: Search of Students/ Lockers/ Desks, Motor Vehicles

School officials may search students for items that may be harmful to themselves or to others and to detect items that are prohibited from being on school grounds or other places under supervision of school personnel, i.e. busses, field trip locations. Consent of the student is not required prior to the search. Except for lockers and desks, all searches will be based upon reasonable suspicion.

Student lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school; however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers. Periodic general inspections of lockers may be conducted by school authorities for any reason at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

School desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. Periodic general inspections of desks may be conducted by school authorities for any reason, at any time without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Lost/Stolen Items

Assume full responsibility for the security of your belongings.  Items lost or stolen will not be replaced by Longfellow School.

Passes

During class time, students must have a pass to leave class.  This includes going to the main office, media center, counselor as well as childcare or Hennepin County offices. All students must also have a pass to see any support personnel, e.g. social worker, counselor, director, principal, etc.

Parenting Classes

Parenting class is required for any student who has a child in the daycare at Longfellow High School. It is an elective class and you earn credit based on your participation in class and your attendance for class. Class time consists of check in time and also class topics such as, your child’s development, play ideas, things to do with your child, feeding, sleep, general care for your child, prenatal development, labor and delivery, projects, and parent child time. The parenting teacher works with the childcare staff to make connections between childcare and parenting class. The parenting teacher is also available to answer questions you may have or help to get resources you may need on your parenting journey.

Parent/Child Time is the time when you will be with your child during your parenting class time. The number of times we have this time varies but it is typically twice a month. During parent/child time you will have a chance to practice and apply things we have talked about in the parenting class. It is also time to be with your child and have fun with them, see what they are learning and be with other parents in your class and childcare staff. Parent/child time is a very important part of the parenting class, so these are the following expectations:

• No phones in parent/child time
• No food in parent/child time
• Parents are expected to participate in the activities i.e.: circle time, reading books, and projects based on what their child is doing and the child’s interests
• Parents will use positive words with their child and positive actions
• Be respectful of other parents and their children, as everyone parents differently

Parent/child time should be a fun time with your child, and you will be expected and encouraged to follow your child’s lead and their needs for that time

Plagiarism

We, the community of Longfellow Alternative High School, understand and value intellectual property. Plagiarism is not only dishonest but also stunts the learning process and teaches students that they can succeed through dishonest means. Therefore, we strive to teach students the importance of documenting the ideas and words of others in all formats. In order to do so, we must not only teach the ethics and mechanics of documentation, but also hold students responsible for the ethical use of the ideas and words of others.

Plagiarism includes:

• Direct copying of the work or ideas of another submitted as the student’s own, including copying from that of another student or adult, or from an internet or print source
• Lack of appropriate in-text documentation
• Documentation that does not check out or does not match the Works Cited or Works Consulted list
• Work turned in without any evidence of research, creative process, or that is obviously inconsistent with student’s previous work

Students involved in plagiarism can expect consequences that may include: grade reduction, lack of credit attainment, and/or administrative interaction.

Visitors

All visitors must check in at the Front Office.  If approved, a name tag will be issued and must be visible for all visitors. Visitors must be listed on the student’s emergency contact sheet. Any visitors who are not listed on the student’s emergency contact will not gain access and will be asked to immediately leave school property. There are also restrictions as to when visitors may be allowed to visit. This is at the discretion and guidance of the administration for the safety and security of all students and staff at Longfellow.

District Contact Number: 612-668-2300

You must call transportation if your bus has been stopped.

 (Transportation stops your pick up if you do not ride 3 days in a row)

Students riding school buses are subject to all provisions of the MPS Discipline Policy. Violations may result in discipline as provided for by the Citywide Discipline Policy, including suspension, expulsion, and/or exclusion. Breaking of school district bus rules will result in the denial of transportation privileges upon notification of the parent/guardian. The program coordinator in consultation with the Transportation Department will determine the length of time transportation privileges are denied.

Morning Bus Procedures

• When students arrive to school, they must go directly into the building.
• Children of students must be “signed in” to the Early Learning Center immediately.
• No infants, toddlers, or pre-school children are allowed on the high school side of the building.
• Students should get breakfast and go directly to their first hour classroom.

After-school Bus Procedures

• Bus passes should be requested from Ms. Geneva or during breakfast.
• Students will be released from 7th hour by a bell and should go directly to the Early Learning Center to pick up their child.
• Students not using childcare should go directly to the bus or after school transportation.

Students need to arrive by 8:20 am.  Call by 9:30 if you are going to be late to let them know when your child is coming to the Early Learning Center!