4. Artificial knuckles or similar objects designed to be
worn over or inside the fist or knuckles
5. Blackjacks, clubs, throwing stars, martial arts devices
6. Explosives and/or similar devices and/or the threat-
ened intent to cause an explosion
7. Poisons, chemicals, combustible or flammable liquids,
or substances capable of causing bodily harm
8. Slingshots, bows and arrows
9. Chemical irritant i.e. pepper spray, mace
10. Any other device or instrument used to intimidate,
threaten, or inflict bodily harm or fear
D. Exceptions: This policy, in accordance with Minnesota law,
provides for the following exceptions:
1. Licensed police officers, military personnel, licensed
security personnel
2. Instructors of school district approved firearm safety
courses or activities conducted on school property
3. School district approved possession and use of
weapons by ceremonial color guards
4. School district approved possession and use of starter
guns for athletic contests
5. School district approved equipment and tools used
and stored appropriately on school property for
instructional or work-related purposes by workers
and students
6. Other exceptions as granted by the superintendent
E. Implementation of the Policy on Weapons
1. Weapons violation, Federal law: Pursuant to the
Federal “Gun Free Schools Act of 1994” any student
who brings a weapon (firearm and/or destructive de-
vice as defined under Federal law) shall be expelled
from school for not less than one year.
2. Middle school students: Possession of a weapon, as
defined in this policy, by students in middle school,
grades six through eight, will lead to the immediate
initiation of the expulsion process and may lead to
referral to the police. The School Board will expel
middle school students for a period of not less than the
equivalent of one trimester of student contact days,
and not more than 12 months. Alternative educational
services will be provided to the student during the ex-
pulsion. A student in middle school will reenter school
on the day the expulsion is completed.
3. High school students: Possession of a weapon, as
defined in this policy, by students in high school,
grades nine through graduation, will lead to immediate
initiation of the expulsion process and referral to the
police. The School Board will expel high school stu-
dents for a period of not less than the equivalent of one
trimester of student contact days, and not more than
12 months. Alternative educational services will be pro-
vided to the student during the expulsion. A student in
high school will reenter school on the first day of the
new term closest the completion of the expulsion.
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4. Administrative Discretion: While the Anoka-Hennepin
School District forbids the possession, use or distribu-
tion of weapons by students, the superintendent’s
designee may use discretion in determining whether,
under specific circumstances outlined by district
administration and the school board, a course of action
other than a referral to the school board for expulsion
is warranted. If so, other appropriate action may be
taken, including consideration of a recommendation
for lesser discipline.
5. Elementary school students: Principals in the elemen-
tary schools, when disciplining students in grades K-5
for possession of a weapon, as defined in this policy,
will suspend the student and determine the intended
and actual danger to other students and staff. (Note
Expulsion may be recommended.) The principal will in-
form the student's parents of the disciplinary action. In
all cases the student will receive information regarding
the danger of weapons.
6. Students with Disabilities:
a. Students with disabilities may be suspended for
violation of school rules in accordance with state
and federal law.
b. If the student is in violation of the district drug,
alcohol policy or has a weapon as defined by fed-
eral law is a student with a disability under IDEA or
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the student
may be placed in a 45 school day interim alterna-
tive placement, the specific placement and services
for the student will be consistent with state and fed-
eral requirements and are to be determined by the
student’s IEP Team.
c. The use of seclusionary time out or restraint of a
student with a disability requires development of a
behavior plan which meets specific criteria of state
and federal law and rule.
F. Search and Seizure
1. School Facilities/School Lockers: While the student has
exclusive control over his/her locker, desk, workstation,
and other similar assigned areas of school property as
against other students, such possession is not exclusive
as against the school and its officials. The lockers,
desks, work stations, and other similar assigned areas
remain the property of the school and, at any time it is
deemed necessary, the principal or his/her designee
has the authority to conduct a search and confiscate
items considered illegal illicit, or disruptive to the educa-
tional process or evidence tending to prove a violation
of law or a rule of the School District.
2. Students and their Personal Possessions: While the
student has exclusive control over his/her property in
his/her immediate possession as against other stu-
dents it is not exclusive as against the school and its
officials. When a reasonable suspicion arises that use
or possession of a student's property is illegal, illicit,
disruptive, or a danger to that student or others, a
search may be made of the student's person and/or
personal property; including vehicles.
ahschools.us/policies
2019-20 School Handbook