C . Definition of Weapon : weapon is defined as a knife , firearm , or an item which looks like a firearm , whether loaded or unloaded , in working or non-working condition ; destructive explosives , any incendiary device or look-alike and / or the threatened intent or intent to cause an explosion ; or any other device or instrument which is utilized in such manner so as to threaten , intimidate or produce bodily harm or the fear of such . Weapons include , but are not limited to the following : 1 . All firearms , loaded , unloaded , working or not working 2 . Other firearms of all types including pellet , BB , stun , splat , starter pistols , and / or look-a-likes , or replica firearms which include facsimile or toy versions of firearms and reasonably appear to be a pistol , revolver , shotgun , sawed-off shotgun , rifle , machine gun , rocket launcher , or any other firearm
3 . Knives including switchblade or automatically opening blades , butterfly knives , Swiss army knives , pocket knives , box-cutters / utility knives hunting knives , daggers , swords , razors
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 threatened 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 device 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 expulsion . 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 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 expulsion . A student in high school will reenter school on the first day of the new term closest the completion of the expulsion .
4 . Elementary school students : Principals in the elementary 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 inform the student ’ s parents of the disciplinary action . In all cases the student will receive information regarding the danger of weapons . 5 . 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 federal 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 alternative placement , the specific placement and services for the student will be consistent with state and federal 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 educational 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 students it is not exclusive as against the school and