mind that elementary schools do not have lockable lockers, and that any item causing a disruption may be taken away at the teacher’ s( or other staff member’ s) discretion to be returned at a later time.
Searching lockers and desks
Student lockers and desks are property of the school and school district and therefore can be searched by school personnel. Also see search and seizure in the district discipline policy on page 32.
Canine building and grounds sweeps at the secondary level
To ensure the safety of all Anoka-Hennepin students and staff, building administrators often partner with law enforcement to conduct canine sweeps of parking lots and lockers. These sweeps occur randomly throughout the year and their intention is to prevent individuals from bringing chemicals or controlled substances on school property. We want to do all we can to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
Dress code
Schools follow the dress code policy that is spelled out in the district discipline policy in sections II. B and III. B. 12( pages 27 and 28). In brief, dress and grooming must meet standards of safety, health and decency. Clothing, attire or personal grooming that disrupts the educational process or that violates common standards of decency as they apply to a school setting are not permitted.
Upon approval of school administration, head coverings and hats may be worn for special events, medical or religious reasons.
For physical education, elementary students must wear white-soled tennis shoes. Because of safety concerns slip-on tennis shoes are not permitted. Dark-soled tennis shoes are not allowed. Also, jewelry, accessories and certain other apparel may be prohibited for reasons of safety during physical education as well as lab classes.
Elementary students go outside for recess, so in the winter months it is important to dress your child in warm winter wear, such as winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves or mittens, and boots. See“ Cold weather questions and answers,” on page 7.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Alternative programs for middle and high school students
The Anoka-Hennepin School District offers alternative programs for high school and middle school students who do not excel in traditional school settings. Students are referred to these programs from their high school or middle school.
The secondary programs offer:
• Academic high school courses using small group, individualized or computerized instruction.
• Elective courses that meet diploma credit requirements.
• Vocational exploration.
• Independent study curriculum that will work in conjunction with classes offered in the program.
The school district offers alternative education programs with high expectations for students:
• COMPASS Programs serve students in grades K through 12, for more information call 763-506-1560.
• Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School, 1313 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, 763-506-7400, serves students in grades 10 through 12. This is a full-day program. Work experience classes, transportation and lunch are available.
• Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School, 1355 W Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303, 763-576-7960, which serves ages 18 through 21. This campus focuses on college and career readiness while completing a diploma. Flexible scheduling includes full-day, half-day and online courses. Additional programming is available through work seminar options along with partnerships at STEP, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, University of Minnesota and other colleges in the area. Breakfast and lunch are provided as well as full transportation from each of the district’ s high schools.
Students can self-refer to these alternative schools or be referred by their principal or counselor. The program is designed for students who need a smaller class setting, more flexibility or for those who are not being successful in a traditional school. For more information on alternative programs in Anoka-Hennepin contact the principal of Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School, 763-506-7400.
Students who qualify for alternative education should have a referral from their previous high school or can self-refer for consideration into the program.
Options for success in high school or to return and earn a diploma
The Graduation Incentives program is designed to encourage high school students who are not succeeding in the traditional school or who have dropped out of school to choose from a variety of nontraditional education programs to be successful in school.
Graduation Incentives, established by the state, allows qualifying students to enroll in:
• Alternative programs.
• Area learning centers.
• Post secondary courses at a college, community college or technical college, if eligible.
• Any public school.
• Adult Basic Education classes operated under Community Education.
A student ages 15-20 who meets any one of the following criteria is eligible to choose a nontraditional education program:
• Limited English proficiency or speaks English as a second language.
• Substantially below performance on a local achievement test.
• At least one year behind in satisfactorily completing coursework.
• Pregnant or a parent.
2017-18 School Handbook 15