WELCOME!

Welcome to Plymouth Middle School. This book has been prepared to provide you with as much
information as possible regarding the operation of Plymouth Middle School. Please take time to
familiarize yourself with the handbook at the beginning of the school year it is designed to be a
valuable resource at your fingertips.
The PMS Staff Handbook contains valuable information which is helpful in dealing with policies
regarding students and school issues. Please refer to this handbook regarding school policies.
Other helpful information can be found on the Plymouth Middle School website. Through the Plymouth
website you can access calendars, forms, course syllabi, testing dates, policies, etc. plus other district
schools and websites. Go to: www.pms.rdale.org. Please take advantage of this valuable tool!
Thank you for your attention to this handbook it is our hope that it will be a helpful tool in your
everyday functions at Plymouth Middle School.
Have a great year!
The Plymouth Middle School Administration

District 281 School Board Goals:

Goal 1: All Students Achieve High Levels of Academic Performance
Goal 2: All Students, Families, and Community Members are Welcomed and Engaged in the Education
Process
Goal 3: All Parts of the Organization Provide, Assess, and Support Quality Services and Instruction

Plymouth Middle School Vision and Beliefs Statements

VISION STATEMENT:
We are a learning community dedicated to maintaining a healthy educational environment where all
students are supported to meet rigorous academic goals.
BELIEF STATEMENTS:

Climate: We believe:
that differences contribute to the richness of the school;
in the importance of mutual respect and a sense of unity among students, families, and staff;
that school should be relevant and meaningful to students present and future needs;
that students, families, and staff will listen, share, and interact to help make important decisions about
each students educational experiences.
Program: We believe:
that students are most successful in an active learning environment with a wide range of materials and
media;
that curriculum should be flexible, adaptable, and take the needs of the learner into account;
in providing personalized and varied performance expectations, and in recognizing our students and staff
for their accomplishments;
in encouraging students to be enthusiastic about learning and feel pride in themselves and in their school

Robbinsdale District Calendar

http://www.rdale.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_230078/File/About%20Us/District%
20Calendar%202016.17%20(2).pdf

Areas of Decision Making

Refer to RMS

CODE OF ETHICS FOR MINNESOTA TEACHERS

MINNESOTA BOARD OF TEACHING
8700.7500
(Updated July 2016)
Subpart 1. Scope. Each teacher, upon entering the teaching profession, assumes a number of obligations,
one of which is to adhere to a set of principles which defines professional conduct. These principles are
reflected in the following code of ethics, which sets forth to the education profession and the public it
serves standards of professional conduct and procedures for implementation.
This code shall apply to all persons licensed according to rules established by the Board of Teaching.
Subp. 2. Standards of professional conduct. The standards of professional conduct are as follows:
A. A teacher shall provide professional education services in a nondiscriminatory manner.
B. A teacher shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to health and
safety.
C. In accordance with state and federal laws, a teacher shall disclose confidential information about
individuals only when a compelling professional purpose is served or when required by law.
D. A teacher shall take reasonable disciplinary action in exercising the authority to provide an atmosphere
conducive to learning.
E. A teacher shall not use professional relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to private
advantage.

F. A teacher shall delegate authority for teaching responsibilities only to licensed personnel.
G. A teacher shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter.
H. A teacher shall not knowingly falsify or misrepresent records or facts relating to that teacher's own
qualifications or to other teachers' qualifications.
I. A teacher shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about students or colleagues.
J. A teacher shall accept a contract for a teaching position that requires licensing only if properly or
provisionally licensed for that position.
Subp. 3. Statutory enforcement of code: complaints, investigation, and hearing.
A. The enforcement of the provisions of the code of ethics for Minnesota teachers shall
be in accord with Minnesota Statutes, section 214.10:
"Minnesota Statutes, section 214.10, complaints; investigation and hearing.
Subd. 1. Receipt of complaint. The executive secretary of a board, a board member or
any other person who performs services for the board who receives a complaint or other
communication, whether oral or written, which complaint or communication alleges or
implies a violation of a statute or rule which the board is empowered to enforce, shall
promptly forward the substance of the communication on a form prepared by the
attorney general to the designee of the attorney general responsible for providing legal
services to the board. Before proceeding further with the communication, the designee
of the attorney general may require the complaining party to state the complaint in
writing on a form prepared by the attorney general. Complaints which relate to matters
within the jurisdiction of another governmental agency shall be forwarded to that agency
by the executive secretary. An officer of that agency shall advise the executive
secretary of the disposition of that complaint. A complaint received by another agency
which relates to a statute or rule which a licensing board is empowered to enforce shall
be forwarded to the executive secretary of the board to be processed in accordance
with this section.
Subd. 2. Investigation and hearing. The designee of the attorney general providing legal services to a
board shall evaluate the communications forwarded by the board or its members or staff. If the
communication alleges a violation of statute or rule which the board is to enforce, the designee is
empowered to investigate the facts alleged in the communication. In the process of evaluation and
investigation, the designee shall consult with or seek the assistance of the executive secretary or, if the
board determines, a member of the board who has been designated by the board to assist the designee.
The designee may also consult with or seek the assistance of any other qualified persons who are not
members of the board who the designee believes will materially aid in the process of evaluation or

investigation. The executive secretary or the consulted board member may attempt to correct improper
activities and redress grievances through education, conference, conciliation, and persuasion, and in these
attempts may be assisted by the designee of the attorney general. If the attempts at correction or redress
do not produce satisfactory results in the opinion of the executive secretary or the consulted board
member, or if after investigation the designee providing legal services to the board, the executive
secretary or the consulted board member believes that the communication and the investigation suggest
illegal or unauthorized activities warranting board action, the designee shall inform the executive
secretary of the board who shall schedule a disciplinary hearing in accordance with Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 14. Before the holding of a disciplinary hearing may be directed, the designee or executive
secretary shall have considered the recommendations of the consulted board member. Before scheduling a
disciplinary hearing, the executive secretary must have received a verified written complaint from the
complaining party. A board member who was consulted during the course of an investigation may
participate at the hearing but may not vote on any matter pertaining to the case. The executive secretary of
the board shall promptly inform the complaining party of the final disposition of the complaint. Nothing
in this section shall preclude the board from scheduling, on its own motion, a disciplinary hearing based
upon the findings or report of the board's executive secretary, a board member or the designee of the
attorney general assigned to the board. Nothing in this section shall preclude a member of the board or its
executive secretary from initiating a complaint.
Subd. 3. Discovery; subpoenas. In all matters pending before it relating to its lawful regulation activities,
a board may issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary
papers, books, records, documents, and other evidentiary material. Any person failing or refusing to
appear or testify regarding any matter about which the person may be lawfully questioned or produce any
papers, books, records, documents, or other evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, after having
been required by order to the board or by a subpoena of the board to do so may, upon application to the
district court in any district, be ordered to comply therewith. The chair of the board acting on behalf of the
board may issue subpoenas and any board member may administer oaths to witnesses, or take their
affirmation. Depositions may be taken within or without the state in the manner provided by law for the
taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process or paper may be served upon any
person named therein, anywhere within the state by any officer authorized to serve subpoenas or other
process or paper in civil actions, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as prescribed by
law for service of process issued out of the district court of this state. Fees and mileage and other costs
shall be paid as the board directs."
Subp. 4. Complaints handled by board. When oral complaints alleging violations of the code of ethics are
received, the executive secretary of the Board of Teaching shall request the complaining party to submit
the complaint in writing within ten days.
Upon the receipt of a complaint in writing alleging violations of the code of ethics, the teacher named in
the complaint shall be notified in writing within ten days of the receipt of the complaint.
The teacher shall be entitled to be represented by the teacher's own counsel or representative at each stage
of the investigation and hearing.

Subp. 5. Enforcement procedures. The Board of Teaching may impose one or more of the following
penalties when it has found a violation of the code of ethics. These actions shall be taken only after all
previous efforts at remediation have been exhausted.
A. The Board of Teaching may enter into agreements with teachers accused of violating the code of ethics
which would suspend or terminate proceedings against the teacher on conditions agreeable to both parties.
B. A letter of censure from the Board of Teaching may be sent to the person determined to be in violation
of the standards of the code of ethics. A copy of the letter shall be filed with the Board of Teaching. Such
letters shall be kept on file for a period of time not to exceed one calendar year.
C. A teacher who has been found to have violated the code of ethics may be placed on probationary
licensure status for a period of time to be determined by the Board of Teaching. The board may impose
conditions on the teacher during the probationary period which are to be directed toward improving the
teacher's performance in the area of the violation. During this period, the teacher's performance or
conduct will be subject to review by the Board of Teaching or its designee. Such review will be directed
toward monitoring the teacher's activities or performance with regard to whatever conditions may be
placed on the teacher during the probationary period. Before the end of the probationary period the Board
of Teaching shall decide to extend or terminate the probationary licensure status or to take further
disciplinary actions as are consistent with this rule.
D. The license to teach of the person determined to be in violation of the standards of the code of ethics
may be suspended for a period of time determined by the Board of Teaching.
E. The license to teach of the person determined to be in violation of the standards of the code of ethics
may be revoked by the Board of Teaching.

WHOS WHO AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL PHONE LIST

PLYMOUTH PARENT ASSOCIATION (PPA)

REQUEST FOR PPA ASSISTANCE FORM

WHOS WHO?
NAME

TITLE

PHONE EXT.

Cheri Kulland

Principal

7101

Joseph Purvis

Assistant Principal
& Grade 8 Administrator

7102

Krista Range

Assistant Principal
& Grade 7 Administrator

7125

Michael Sullivan

Assistant Principal
& Grade 6 Administrator

7127

Dana Anderson

Building Secretary

7105

Andrea Omodt

Bookkeeper

7107

Kris Combs

Media Clerk

7111

Paula Trulen

Media EA

7187

Theresa Jacobs-Wagner-am Attendance

Gail Gordon-pm
Attendance

7104
7104

Shelly Hughes

Grade 6 Counselor

7123

Trent Thompson

Grade 7 Counselor

7121

Deb Dragseth

Grade 8 Counselor

7122

Wanda Heglund

Guidance Office Secretary

7119

Sharon Cassidy

Nurse

7109
9

Linda Krickle
Rod Virnig

Nurses Assistant
Activities Coordinator

7108
7167

Patricia Brumitt

PC/LAN Tech

7151

10

Plymouth Parent Association

Board & Committee Roster
2016/2017
www.ppa.pms.rdale.org
plymouthparentassociation@gmail.com

Board Members:
Co-Presidents:

Debbie Fitzsimmons

debbiefitz17@comcast.net

763-521-7121

Nichol Sutton

sutton.nichol@gmail.com

763-545-6169

Molly Lopez

molly_lopez@yahoo.net

612-618-1555

Debra Anderson

kentanddebra@comcast.net

763-553-9662

Lisa Horner

garlishorner@comcast.net

763-509-1846

Jodi Massman

jmassmann@yahoo.com

612-991-6649

Treasurer:

Anne Saffert

amschotts@comcast.net

763-521-4172

Principal, ex-officio:

Cheri Kulland

cheri_kulland@rdale.org

763-504-7101

Joseph D. Purvis

joesph_purvis@rdale.org

763-504-7102

Krista Range

krista_range@rdale.org

763-504-7125

Michael Sullivan

michael_sullivan@rdale.or
g

763-504-7127

Co-Vice Presidents:

Co-Secretaries:

Other Administration Contacts:

Grade 8
Administrator

Grade 7
Administrator &
Facebook Admin:

Grade 6
Administrator:

11

PMS Secretary

Dana Anderson

dana_anderson@rdale.org

763-504-7105

PMS Bookkeeper
(financials)

Andrea Omodt

andrea_omodt@rdale.org

763-504-7107

PPA Check Request Form

12

TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Teachers are responsible for the instruction and guidance of their students and should promote the general
welfare of the school with students and with the community.
Some of the duties and responsibilities of the job include:
Establish a relationship with all students that the teacher comes in contact with.
Ensure that students reach the stated outcomes of their course/grade level.
Encourage and promote good attendance by students.
Keeping an accurate record of pupil progress toward outcomes and daily/hourly attendance and
making periodic reports as requested by the administration.
Responsible for books, equipment, and supplies used in their classes.
It is the responsibility of all adults in the building to exercise supervision and control over
students in the school building, on school grounds, and at any school sponsored activity.
Be alert for any unusual conditions affecting students and deal with the situation or make the
necessary office referral.
Keep updated on new teaching methods, techniques and materials.
Keep your Schoology grade updated and notify parents anytime a student is in danger of failing
your course. Parents must be notified if a student will receive an NC in your course.
Prepare make-up work for absent students when requested. Please bring work to the office within
24 hours of the request.
Participate in parent conferences and assist in scheduling such conferences concerning pupils
when requested by the parent, administrator of the school or when the teacher sees a need.
Contact parents when students are not productive in the classroom and/or are behaving in a
disruptive manner.
Attendance at school and student activities which occur outside the regular school day is
appreciated and sometimes assigned as needed.
Teachers are expected to uphold the Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers and accept the
responsibility of dealing with ethical problems in accordance with the terms of such code.

13

DEPARTMENT CHAIR JOB DESCRIPTION

Duties:

The department chair will be elected in the spring and the name given to the principal by May 1.
Plan and conduct meetings bimonthly with all department members.
Attend district level meetings and share information with all department members.
Prepare an agenda for bimonthly meetings and minutes of the meeting and distribute them to the
department members and give the principal, assistant principal, and grade level administrators.
Review the budget bimonthly and share with other department members.
Review and sign all requests for use of department funds.
Give input as to teaching assignments for the department members.
Be a part of the selection process for new department members.
Facilitate continuity and alignment of curriculum between teams, grade levels, and departments,
promoting interdisciplinary curricular cooperation and encouraging experimentation in
instructional methods.
Work with and assist curriculum associate in the continuing evaluation of the curriculum and
methods of instruction.
Disseminate information from the principal and assistant principal and give feedback when
requested.

TEAM LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION

Duties:
Team leaders will serve as a communication link between their team and the administration
team as well as other teams. The teams will elect the leadership positions and give the names
to the principal.
Prepare an agenda and conduct weekly meetings. The minutes of the meetings should be
shared with team members, grade level counselor, administrative team, and special education
case managers.
Be part of the selection process of any new team member.
Be available to give help to substitute teachers working on the team.
May be part of the evaluation process of education assistants or substitute teachers working
on the team.
Disseminate information from the administrative team and give feedback when requested.
Be the contact person for families who wish to set up team meetings.
Coordinate student interventions used by the team utilizing the SCAP form.
Coordinate special education paperwork done for students on the team.

14

COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.

Everyone is on at least one non-paid committee. Chair is identified.

Each grade level must be represented on a committee.
Do not add sign up slots for a committee. The allotted members allowed is there for a reason.
Sign up times for each committee will happen during the first two weeks of school. Staff may
sign up for the committee they prefer. Do not sign up colleagues for a committee.
5. Administration holds the right to assign anyone to any committee. Failure to sign up will result in
being placed on a committee based on need.
6. See Administration with questions.

Committees
Equity Committee
Meets once a month to discuss, prepare and staff for cultural growth. The committee goal is to develop
strategies in our building to close the achievement gap.
Recognition
Recognition ceremonies will be held at the end of quarters 1, 2 and 3. We recognize our students with
high academic and extracurricular achievements.
ROAR Advisory

NUA Advisory Committee

The committee will meet once a month to discuss and plan how to implement NUA strategies throughout
our school.
Technology & Perl 1.1 Committee
Meets once a month to address, oversee, and assist staff on New technological advances in our building
ex. Smartboards, LCD, streaming, etc.
Response to Intervention (RTI)

Communications

15

PBIS
RTI
Professional Learning
KEEP??? Not on the emailed list from Dana School Improvement/Staff Development Committee
(Labor Management Committee headed by the staff development chair and administration.)
Plan staff development days
Cooperatively work on the district staff development report
Oversee on-going staff development for the building
Plan workshop week schedule in the spring/summer
Facilitate mentorship program and buddies for people new to the building
Facilitate use of staff development budget by staff
Do school improvement planning and reporting as directed by the district
Keep track of student honors received during the year and meets monthly to do this
The student recognitions will be collected and shared at grade level recognition events three times
per year
The committee plans and organizes the student recognition events including making a PowerPoint
presentation for each recognition event and each grade level

16

SUPERVISION

ADC Room
OFFICE DETENTION PROCEDURES
CHAPERONING EVENING EVENTS
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
HALLWAY SUPERVISION
BREAKFAST SUPERVISION
LUNCH SUPERVISION
BUS DUTY

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
STUDY HALL SUPERVISION OR ROAR ROOM??

17

The study hall is a time for independent study. Students are expected to spend their time in study hall
productively. A quiet, orderly environment is expected in study hall to provide an atmosphere
conductive to learning and study. The goal of every student in study hall should be to complete his or
her assigned schoolwork. Please do not allow students to leave study hall without a pass. Only
ONE student at a time to the bathroom or locker. Do not send more than 4 students to the
media center to work at any time. This is also a time for staff to provide content specific
support for students.
CHAPERONING SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENING EVENTS
All teachers are required to supervise at least two after school activities. Teachers need to supervise
Volleyball, Girls and Boys Basketball, Wrestling, School Musicals, Choir/Orchestra/Band Concerts,
and Grade Level Activity Nights.
All teachers are expected to sign up during the first few weeks of school. If not administration will
assign by need.
Contact Dana Anderson in the main office if you have questions about activity dates.
Please report to Plymouth Middle School or the event site approximately 15-30 minutes prior to
starting time of the scheduled event. Check in with the person in charge to see what responsibilities
they would like you to assist with. Be present and available to ensure student safety and adult
supervision. Stay for the duration of the event, and before you leave the event, check with the person
in charge to see when you are no longer needed.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
Prior to the event, check with the coach to see what time you need to be present. Once you have
arrived, check in with the coach to see if there are any specific responsibilities for you at that time.
During the event it is your responsibility to ensure student safety. Students who are watching the
sport must be accompanied by HIS/HER OWN PARENT, not the parent of a friend. Please keep
your attention focused on the students and the crowd and stay the entire length of the game. Please
check in with the coach before you leave to see when you are no longer needed.

HALLWAY SUPERVISION (revised 2016/17)

18

PMS staff and teachers are always responsible for making a reasonable effort to protect students from
conditions harmful to health and safety. From 7:50 to 8:10 each morning, and from 2:55 until
students leave each day, we are responsible for providing a safe environment. Although you are not
expected to be posted at your classroom door, we each have a responsibility to respond when we
believe that there may be an unsafe situation occurring.
During the 4 minute passing times throughout the day, you are expected to be at your door welcoming
students as they arrive. Active supervision should be practice by all staff during passing time.
Students demonstrating ROAR behavior should be acknowledged and affirmed for their excellence.
Students not demonstrating ROAR behavior should have their behavior addressed, and re-teaching
and documenting the behavior should occur when appropriate. It is understood that a teacher may
need to use passing time to prepare for their next class, travel to their next classroom or to take
care of personal needs, but whenever possible the students need our attention. Please check
bathrooms periodically if one is near your classroom.
Recognize and affirm appropriate behavior and address or document inappropriate behavior,
particularly in the areas of:
Inappropriate physical and verbal conduct- including horseplay, fights, running, chasing,
use of profanity, and screaming.
Loitering-including clumping, gathering without purpose, and unexcused tardies.
Insubordination-including refusing to follow an adults direction and refusing to identify
oneself to an adult.
Unless a true emergency or major referral infraction occurs, the following steps should be implemented:
1. Recognizing and acknowledging non ROAR behavior by the adult witness
2. Re-teaching and documenting minor non roar behavior infractions when appropriate
3. Intervention by parent phone call by witness, team, or grade-level team member
4. Major referral documentation

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BREAKFAST SUPERVISORS

This is an excellent chance for you to engage with students. Please do so.
Breakfast is from 7:45-8:05 am. The line will close at 8:05 am.
Students must come right from the bus and not go to their lockers.
Dress code applies hats, headphones, and doo rags must be removed before students are allowed
to go through the food line.
All students are to be finished and excused by 8:05 am.
Students are not allowed to bring any food or drink out of the cafeteria check for this.

19

Each student is responsible for cleaning their place before leaving for Advisory.
Please do a final wipe of the tables after the students leave.
If the garbage cans and buckets with towels are not out, please get them from the kitchen.
Phone use???
Chromebook use???

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUNCHROOM SUPERVISORS

This is an excellent chance for you to engage with students. Please do so.
Please make sure you are in the cafeteria during your assigned time. If you cannot be there, you
must find a replacement. Everyone counts on your support during lunch supervision. We need to
all work together to make this work. Please walk around the tables during this time.
All students are responsible for keeping their tables clean. This includes the floor around the
table as well. Towels are available for students and they should wipe down their tables each day.
The lunch area should be completely clean before students are excused.
Students are not allowed to take food or drink from the cafeteria. Please check each student
as they leave.
Students displaying inappropriate behavior should be reminded that they need to behave in an
appropriate way in the lunchroom. Lunch detention may be used as an intervention.

A.M. and P.M. BUS SUPERVISION

THERE ARE REFLECTIVE VESTS AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE SUPPLY ROOM!
A.M.: 7:40-8:00 PLEASE REPORT ON TIME
Make sure students get off the buses safely. Keep students moving to the school and to Advisory,
not standing in the foyer or entryway.
Watch for problems; greet and interact with students.
Gently remind students to remove hats and headsets as they enter the building.
P.M.: 2:55-3:05 PLEASE REPORT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE BELL
Encourage students to exit the building and get to their buses safely.
Watch for problems.

20

High school students may not enter the building and must be on a bus, not standing around.
High school students must remain in the tennis court parking lot until 2:50.

School
One teacher on sidewalk by allied doors
One teacher in foyer area
One teacher on sidewalk by gym door

21

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Guidance Counselors
Social Worker
Psychologist
Nurse
School Resource Officer
Student Assistance Team (SAT)
Other Support Services
Crisis Procedure
Health Office Procedures
Equity Specialist

22

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Who We Are:
Grade 6:
Grade 7:
Grade 8:

Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:
Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:
Guidance Counselors:
Administrator:

Shelly Hughes
Michael Sullivan
Trent Thompson
Krista Range
Deb Dragseth
Joseph Purvis

763-504-7123
763-504-7127
763-504-7121
763-504-7125
763-504-7122
763-504-7102

As members of the educational team, we support students, teachers, and families to enhance academic
success. We are here for all students. There is one counselor assigned to each grade level. We work
with students individually and in groups on a wide variety of issues, including academic planning,
goal-setting, and problem-solving. Students who are in need of greater levels of support are referred to
outside organizations. In addition to working directly with students, counselors are responsible for grade
reviews to identify students who need more assistance, student registration, program placement, and
coordination of standardized testing. Counselors also work closely with the grade level teams to begin
interventions for special education and the WINGS program. We work closely with parents to facilitate
communication (i.e. student/parent, teacher/parent).
Social Worker
Cindy Pearson-Cater
7120
Julie Dahl
7184
The School Social Worker is involved in Special Education referral, assessment and support services.
She is available to all students, families, and staff for general support related to school, family, and
personal problems and to provide referrals to community resources. She is also responsible for
monitoring attendance and following up on truancy.
Psychologist
Dave Peterson
7076
The school psychologist collaborates with parents and staff to facilitate student achievement.
Psychologist duties include: assisting staff in developing classroom interventions, performing academic
and/or behavioral assessments for eligibility in special education, and communicates/interprets findings to
parents and staff. The psychologist facilitates an understanding for staff and parents about how the
special education process works and works with students with more severe behavioral and emotional
issues to help them be more successful.

23

Equity Specialist

7081

This individual acts as a liaison between home and school, facilitating communication and building
relationships. As a consultant to teachers and staff on issues of culture, heritage, and background, the
Equity Specialist ensures that students and families are treated equitably. This
person works with students individually and in classroom settings to teach them to be more successful in
school.
Nurse
Sharon Cassidy
7109 or 7108
The Health Office services students needing first aid, medication, and/or other treatments. The school
nurse coordinates vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings. Students must be in class and see the
health office staff only if they are vomiting, bleeding, possible fever, needing medication, or injured.
The health office does not provide any medication or treatments. These must be provided by the
parent/guardian with written doctors orders, and written parent permission. The medication must be in
the pharmacy bottle or store bottle (over the counter medication) for the health office to accept it.
Parents are responsible for obtaining this information.
Any students who will not participate in physical education class will need a written doctors note
for it to be an excused absence.
All students immunization (shot) records must be compliant with Minnesota state law throughout the
entire school year. Written notification will be sent to the students parent/guardian if the records are not
compliant throughout the school year. Exclusion from school will occur if records are not compliant.
All phone numbers for parents/guardians must be kept current so the school health office may reach
family or an emergency contact in case of illness or injury.
School Resource Officer
David Groth
7117
The Officer is in the building full time. He assists in classrooms by presenting information to students
and teachers. She investigates any criminal activity that occurs on the school grounds (thefts, assaults,
etc.) The Officer acts as resource for students and parents.
The SAT Team (Student Assistance Team):
The entire support staff, including administration and representatives from the Special Education
Department, meets weekly to discuss individual student and programming needs. Teachers are welcome
to join the meeting when they have insight regarding a student concern. The SAT meeting is where we
coordinate student services and initiate interventions, assessments, and referrals. The SAT team is one
link in the referral process to: Special Education, WINGS, and other support services and programs.
Teachers will decide as a team to present a student/issue to the SAT team after they have done
documented their own interventions.

24

Other Support Services

Native American Advocate
Liberian Advocate
Spanish Bilingual Home School Liaison
Cultural Liaison
Treehouse
Community Mediation Services
Youth Connections Referral Source for Families
Boulder Options
LaOportunidad

763-504-7078

763-504-7100
763-533-9667
763-561-0033
612-490-0726
612-338-8800
763-504-7100

How to Contact Us: Any of the Plymouth Middle School support staff can be reached by calling the
Guidance Office at 763-504-7119.

CRISIS TEAM PROCEDURES

CRISIS TEAM MEETING POSSIBLE STEPS
1.

The Crisis Team meets to discuss and determine the following:

Identify a crisis case manager.
Identify a contact person to inform staff of the situation surrounding events.
Monitor for hallways, bathroom, lunchrooms, etc. for withdrawn, isolated peers.
Help with the identification of at-risk students and appropriate intervention
procedures for these students.
Handling of the media (principal/assistant principal).
Handling of parent information/phone calls etc.
Contact of additional District 281 support staff if needed.

A. STAFF MEETING
Administrators will review the facts of the situation.
A written announcement should be distributed for staff to read to students.
Staff will begin to identify additional at-risk students.
Teachers should be encouraged to handle any expressions of grief or loss in their
classrooms to the extent that they are comfortable.
Discourage glorification only serious, frank, and supportive discussion of
depression, loss, and grief not suicide per se.
2. All classes should return to their normal routine as soon as possible.

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3. Students identified as high risk should be referred to the crisis team for intervention.
4. Another staff meeting could be held at the end of the day for staff support and coordination of
the days experiences and identification of high-risk students.
5. Crisis team should meet at the end of the day to discuss high-risk students, follow up, and
referrals to community resources.
6. In the event of a death, an announcement may be given to staff informing them of the funeral
arrangements. Students wishing to attend the funeral should be reminded of the need for
written parental permission to leave school.

HEALTH OFFICE PROCEDURES

SEND STUDENTS TO THE HEALTH OFFICE ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING
REASONS:
BLEEDING
FEVER
VOMITING
INJURY
NEED TO TAKE MEDICATION IN THE HEALTH OFFICE
MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP STUDENTS IN CLASS. SEND STUDENTS TO THE
NURSE ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. CALL THE HEALTH OFFICE AT x7109
OR x7108 IF YOU QUESTION WHETHER THE STUDENT SHOULD BE SEEN OR NOT.
Health Office hours are 8:00 am 2:55 pm except for the above situations
Students must have a yellow corridor pass to be seen in the health office. If a student does not have a
pass and is not urgently ill he/she will be sent immediately back to class. Passes must have the students
name, date, time, and staff persons full name and signature or the student will not be seen. Students must
have their pass visible at all times. When the student leaves the health office the time and signature of the
health office staff will be on the pass. Students on the no-pass list need to be escorted to and from the
health office. The teacher will be notified when the no-pass student is ready to return to class.
Students who are going home will be signed out by the health office staff after speaking with the students
parent/guardian. Students are sent home if their temperature reaches 101 F degrees. NO students are
allowed to lie down in the health office unless they are going home, or the health office staff recommends
rest, or they have a note from a doctor to rest.

26

All staff will be provided with bandages and gloves. Please ask for more of these items whenever
necessary. Never expose students or staff to blood borne pathogens. NEVER send a profusely bleeding
student to the office alone. A teacher with gloves should accompany the student, or call the health office
at 7108 or 7109 for an escort with a wheelchair. IF YOU CALL 911 YOU MUST NOTIFY THE
OFFICE (7100) IMMEDIATELY AND STATE WHERE YOU NEED HELP AND WHY. There
are first aid kits available in the tech ed, art, and science rooms.
Certain students in the school may have medical conditions where an emergency situation could develop.
These are students with diabetes, severe allergies, severe asthma, heart conditions, bleeding tendencies,
and seizures. The health office will, at the beginning of each quarter, give the students teachers a copy of
an emergency care plan for each student. PLEASE MAKE SURE A COPY IS IN THE SUBSTITUTE
FOLDER AS WELL.

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PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL BEHAVIOR POLICY

(PLEASE REFER TO THE DISTRICT 281 DISCIPLINE POLICIES HANDBOOK)

Student ID Card Guidelines

School Attendance and Tardies
Discipline Policy: Referral Form
Students with Multiple Chronic Discipline Issues
In-School Suspension (ISS)
Classroom and Hallway Expectations for Staff
Student Cell Phone Use
Student Chromebook Use
Yellow Corridor Pass
Setting Limits
Fight-Assault

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STUDENT ID CARD GUIDELINES

Student ID cards must be worn around the neck at all times.

Students must show ID cards when asked by staff.

ID card lanyards must be breakaway.

Students without ID cards will be the last through the lunch line.

Only house keys may be kept on the lanyard.

Lanyards cost $1.00 to replace.

Lanyards and ID cards together will cost $5.00 to replace.

Students must not deface their ID cards. ID cards must be easy to read and students
faces easily seen.

It is recommended that students keep their ID cards in a safe place at home (in a
backpack) where it will not be forgotten.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES

Teachers must take attendance in every class each day

29

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW Minnesota statutes state that all children between eight and
eighteen years of age must attend a public or private school during the entire time school is in session.
Students who are absent from school without an acceptable excuse are considered truant. Good attendance
is mandatory under the No Child Left Behind Act. Schools are penalized for poor attendance. Students
must make every effort to be at school and in class on time. Responsibility for completing make-up work
lies with the student.
*TEACHERS RESPONSIBILITY PER DISTRICT POLICY It is the teachers responsibility to take
daily attendance and to maintain accurate attendance records in advisory and each assigned class. It
is also the teachers responsibility to work cooperatively with the students parent or guardian and the
student to solve any attendance problems that may arise.
ATTENDANCE In all cases of absence, a parent/guardian must call the school. The phone number to
report an absence is 763-504-7110 (24 hrs). State the students name, grade, and reason for absence. In
the event of an extended absence from school because of an illness, which a physician feels may last three
or more weeks, a parent/guardian should notify the school nurse (763-504-7109) to initiate homebound
instruction.
SCHOOL HOURS Because staff supervision is not available, students are only allowed in the school
building from 7:45 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Students are allowed in the building after 3:00 p.m. only if they
are under the direct supervision of a staff member. Staff must stay with those students after school
until they are picked up or have boarded the activity bus.
MAKE-UP WORK Students are responsible for making up time and/or assignments missed due to an
absence, In-School suspensions (ISS), Out-of-School suspensions (OSS), or tardiness as determined by
the teachers or administration. Parents can call the guidance secretary at 763-504-7119 to request
homework if a student has been absent 2 or more school days. If suspended, by law we must provide
work equal to a class period of instruction per day of suspension. This goes beyond homework. We must
send work to the front office with their name and grade level on it for each subject. Teachers must create
work equal to the number of days of ISS or OSS. Homework may be picked up in the front office. If a
student has been absent from school he/she will be given a minimum of two days for each day absent to
make up class work. Bring work to the office the same day you receive the request so when parents
stop by there is work to be picked up. If a student receives an I (incomplete) on his/her report card
for quarter I, II, or III, two weeks will be given to make up missing work. ALL work must be turned in by
the last day of school quarter IV. If the student fails to make up all required assignments during this
period of time, the incomplete will be changed to NC (no credit).

30

TARDY TO SCHOOL Students tardy to school will sign in with the person at the front door and
receive a pass to home-base. These tardies will be entered into Infinite Campus by the attendance EA.
The teacher does not need to take action with these students.
TARDY TO ADVISORY Students without a pass should be marked tardy (TAU) in Infinite Campus
by the their advisory teacher. Teachers should then follow the tardy to class policy below:
TARDY TO CLASS (Frequently remind students what tardy to your class means)
Consequences for tardy to class: (always mark tardies in Infinite Campus)
First tardy = Verbal warning by teacher.
Second tardy = Phone call home by teacher.
Third tardy = phone call home by teacher or assign Team detention.
Fourth = referral to grade level principal using the referral form.
Fifth and subsequent tardies are dealt with by team interventions and team
consequences.
When a student arrives tardy to class, change the absence to tardy in Infinite Campus.
We encourage you to start class on time and have a clearly communicated expectation of
what tardy to class means. Consistency within a team and across grade levels is critical.
Students will be on time if they perceive the need to be there. Staff who choose to hold
students after class for whatever reason must provide a pass for the students to their
next class.
STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY A parent/guardian must sign a
student out in the office in order for the student to leave school. No student will be excused without the
signature indicating permission. Notes for excused absences should be brought to the main office by 7:55
am.

DISCIPLINE POLICY: REFERRAL FORM

1. Use a referral form for violations of the district discipline policy.
2. Use only one students name per referral form.
3. Fill out the form as completely as you can.

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4. When describing the incident, use facts only No opinions, editorializing, or suggestions about
how to handle a situation. These forms are sent to parents. Please feel free to attach personal ideas
or statements on a separate sheet of paper.
5. If you need to reference the participation of another person in an incident, a witness, or teacher,
please do not use his or her name. Refer to him/her as another student, witness number 1, etc.
These referrals are sent home and we need to respect data privacy laws.
6. Only the principal may record information below the bold black line.
7. Please try to include as much background information as you feel is needed in order for the
principal to make a sound decision. This may be attached to the referral on a separate sheet of
paper if the appropriate space on the form is full.
8. Referrals for students not sent to ISS can be put in the principals folders outside their offices.
These students will be seen at a later time.
9. Please leave all copies of the referral together. The individual who wrote the referral, the Team
Leader or the students Case Manager will receive a copy of the referral after the principal has
dealt with the situation and the referral has been entered into Campus. Remember, entering
referrals takes time. Teams will keep referrals so behavior can be discussed at team meetings.
10. Remember, a referral is your highest form of discipline. It should be reserved for serious
infractions, or used after other teacher/team strategies and interventions have failed.
11. When a student posses a physical danger to themselves or others, they should be sent
directly to the office. Call the office to obtain an immediate escort. A referral should be
sent to the principal as soon as possible after the student is removed.
12. Questions? Contact your grade-level principal.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH THE WAY A REFERRAL IS HANDLED, PLEASE
CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL INVOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO YOUR CONCERNS
CAN BE ADDRESSED. IF YOU ARE DISPLEASED WITH THE WAY WE HANDLE A
DISCIPLINE SITUATION, WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

DISCIPLINE ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Grade 6 Michael Sullivan

Grade 7 Krista Range
Grade 8 Joseph Purvis
Setting III Krista Range

32

At times, when one of the principals is out of the building or busy with other responsibilities, students
may be seen by one of the other principals. Our goal is to see students as quickly as possible.

Referral Refresher

Make your signature easily readable or print your name under the signature. (This saves a lot of
time).
Please describe the behavior using facts, not emotional adjectives.
Use the exact words the student said. We think we have read them all you will not hurt our
eyes.
Only one name per referral, first and last name and grade level.
Do not use any other student names on the referral on a separate paper list the other names
and witnesses are MOST helpful.
Dont tell us the policy that was violated describe the behavior as succinctly as you can.
If the student comes to class without a pencil give the student a pencil, please do not refer.
Please make sure that parent contact has been made when writing a referral for chronic
behaviors.

STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE/CHRONIC DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS

1. When a student accumulates 5 behavior events, a warning letter will be sent to the students
parent/guardian. It will be signed by the student, the Team Leader, the Counselor, and the
Administrator. The students team will discuss and implement interventions for the student.
2. Students with 10 behavior events will be put on the Student Assistance Team (SAT) agenda by
the grade level principal. A second Multiple Chronic Warning letter will be sent. The
administrator will contact the students parent/guardian to set up a team meeting. The team,
student and parents will discuss inappropriate behaviors and discuss further interventions and
consequences.
3. A student with 20 substantive behavior events will be referred to an administrative review at the
Education Service Center (ESC) with a recommendation for expulsion. Many students will be
offered an alternative school placement for a period of time (such as TASC). For accumulating
further referrals, including recommendation for expulsion, will be discussed. The district
discipline policy will be reviewed.

33

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS) GOLD CARD GUIDELINES

1. All students who come to ISS for behavior reasons must have a gold card. Do not send
students to ISS with less than 10 minutes left of class time. Please call the ISS EA to
inform him/her that the student is coming.
a. Students with a gold card remain in ISS for the remainder of the period.
b. Students with referrals must stay in ISS until a Principal is available to see them.
2. If a teacher sends a student 5 times to ISS the 6th offense becomes a referral to the grade level
principal. Teachers must keep track of the number of times students are sent to ISS.
3. In an effort to ensure that proper interventions have taken place to deal with students with
multiple discipline problems:
Any student who has been placed in ISS more than 3 times in one week, the ISS EA
will notify Team Leaders of the students ISS visits, teachers names, reasons, etc.
The Team Leader will discuss whether interventions have taken place such as phone
calls to parents, referral to the guidance counselor, referral to the principal, SAT
recommendations, start SCAP Form and next team meeting, etc.
This will ensure that the student is receiving the help he or she may need, and to
develop a positive approach to discipline issues before he/she becomes a
multiple-chronic discipline violator.
4. The ISS EA will return the gold cards to the teachers box at the end of the day. It is then the
teachers legal responsibility to call the family within 24 hours to discuss the incident. The
EA will attempt to call the parent at the time of the students visit to ISS, but will only share
with the parent that the student is in ISS. After the teacher contacts the parent, the gold card is
returned to the ISS EAs box for entry into the students Campus record. It is our legal
responsibility to keep accurate records of the time students are removed from instruction.
5. A parent will be called by the sending teacher for all students sent to ISS. The teacher will
give the parent details of the incident and will discuss interventions within 24 hours and
fill in the appropriate sections of the gold card and return it to the ISS EA.
6. Students are NOT to be sent to ISS for the following reasons:
Truancy and tardiness
Not having necessary materials for class or advisory
Not participating in gym class
Student request

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Before a student commits a classroom disruption. If sent, that student will be

returned to class.

By state law we must provide education for all students. Students sent to ISS by a teacher MUST have
work to do from the teacher. If the student refuses to take work from the teacher, notify the ISS EA. If
a student is sent to ISS by a principal, a hall monitor will gather the students work.
Work done in ISS must count toward a students grade.
Principals will email teachers when they need to get work ready for an ISS student.
The ISS EA will collect a textbook from each class to have available in the ISS room if needed.
Students who are assigned to ISS for multiple days must report to the office right from the bus or from
breakfast.
Students assigned for multiple days to ISS will eat lunch as arranged by the ISS EA.

UPDATE THIS FORM

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
REMOVAL FROM CLASS/IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION REFERRAL
STUDENTS NAME_______________________________________GRADE_______
NAME OF REFERRING STAFF MEMBER___________________________________
DATE_____________REMOVAL(PERIOD)___________(1DAY ONLY)_________(X)
SUSPENSION(PERIOD)___________(2-3 DAY)__________(X)
REASON__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
LIST ASSIGNMENTS TO BE DONE_______________________________________

To be filled out by ISS EA:

To Be Filled Out by Sending Teacher

35

Parent Name_________________________________

Parent Contact: Date_______________Time________

Home# Mom________________Dad______________

Comments:

Work# Mom________________Dad______________
Call Completed______________________________
Message Left_________________________________
No Answer____________________ No
Phone_______

Date________________________________________

ISS EA will return card to teacher the day of referral

Signature____________________________________

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION RULES

To Suspended Student:
You may be excused from in-school suspension only if you follow the procedures listed below:
1.
2.
3.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ASSIGNED TIME.

YOUR BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE.
YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE ISS ROOM WITHOUT THE PERMISSION
OF THE ISS TEACHER AND A PASS.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL ASSIGNED TIME.
To be filled out by the ISS EA:
( ) Obligation Satisfied
( ) Referral to Principal
_____________________________________________________
ISS EA Signature

36

IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION RULES

To:

Suspended Student:
You may be excused from in-school suspension only if you follow the procedures listed
below:
1. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ASSIGNED TIME.
2. YOUR BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE.
3. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE I SS ROOM WITHOUT THE
PERMISSION OF THE I SS TEACHER AND A PASS
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN ADDITIONAL ASSIGNED
TIME AND AN OFFICE REFERRAL

To be filled out by the ISS EA:

( )

Obligation Satisfied

( )

Referral to Principal

37

_____________________________________________
ISS EA Signature

CLASSROOM AND HALLWAY EXPECTATIONS FOR STAFF

Classroom Behavior
1. Provide students with classroom expectations in writing and post them in the classroom.
2. Hold students accountable according to the district discipline policy. Write a referral when an
expectation is not followed.
3. All students are to stay in the classroom for the first 20 minutes. No passes are to be issued.
Students are to leave class only for a health emergency: fever, bleeding, vomiting. Call the health
office 7109 and use a yellow pass when sending a student to the health office.
4. NO passes to lockers, please. Students should go to their lockers during passing time. Keep extra
supplies in your room. Keep a container of pencils and pens in your classroom for student use.
5. Students should use the bathrooms during passing time. Use restraint and good judgment in
allowing students to go to the bathroom during class time. Only one student should leave your
class at a time. Do not write more than one name on a pass.
6. If a group of students is going to the media center, call the office 7100 and we will have the hall
monitor escort the students.
7. The teacher dismisses the classroom, not the bell. You can allow students with IDs to leave
the room first. Do not allow your students to line up at the door to wait for the bell to ring.

Come prepared!! Visit the bathroom and your locker between classes.
No passes out of this classroom for the first 20 minutes.

38

STUDENT CELL PHONE USE

Attention Students and Parents:
Student safety and learning are our top priorities at Plymouth Middle School. In an effort to preserve
instructional integrity and personal safety, the use of cell phones by students will be strictly prohibited in
all areas of the building. Cell phones must be turned off at all times and kept out of sight. Phones will be
confiscated and turned over the grade level principal if they are seen during the school day, and in
some instances a parent must come to the school to pick up their students cell phone when it has
been taken away. Parents may pick up cell phones between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. unless other
arrangements have been made. Plymouth Middle School will not investigate or be held responsible for
any lost or stolen cell phones. In the event of an emergency during the school day, please call the main
office at 763-504-7100 and we can help you get in touch with your child. Thank you for your help in this
important matter.

STUDENT CHROMEBOOK USE

- Students should not have their Chromebook Charger at school. Chargers should be left at home, where

students charge their Chromebook overnight. The media center has had several situations dealing with
lost/stolen chargers. Students have to pay $36 (to the Media Center) for a new charger. On the rare
occasion a student needs their Chromebook charged during the school day, the Media Center has a
charging station. Send the student to the Media Center.

- Loaner Chromebooks are for those students that have a Chromebook in repair. If a student forgets their
Chromebook at home, the district does not provide Loaners for this situation.
- Remind students to leave stickers on their Chromebook and in their Chromebook Bag. There will be a
charge to replace stickers. All student Chromebooks MUST have stickers for proper ID in the building
and for repairs.
- Any Chromebook issues should be reported to the Media Center staff as quickly as possible. We are
open all day, every day for any Chromebook issue.
- Students should write down their login/password information and keep it in a safe spot in their binder.
The media center does not keep this information and if a student forgets his/her password, the media
center will have to reset it to a generic password that can then be changed.

39

CORRIDOR PASSES
Sending students to lockers or the bathroom should be avoided whenever possible.
1. Students should be kept in class, but when an emergency arises use the yellow corridor
pass.
2. When a student arrives tardy to class, change the absence to tardy in Infinite Campus.
3. The pass should be filled out completely (students first and last name) and signed in
ink by the teacher.
4. Only one students name per pass.
5. Passes to the media center should be made out by the teacher assigning the work.

Corridor Pass Example:

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 281

CORRIDOR PASS
Student __FIRST AND LAST Name_________________________
From_____390_________________ To____Office_______
Date ____4-21-16_________ School ________________
Time ___10:35 am_________
Signed___Legibly______________________________________
This pass must be returned to the teacher from whose room you
were excused.

ASSAULT FIGHT
1.

Intervene in appropriate ways to stop fight:

How to Break Up a Fight (CPI Crisis intervention institute Inc.)
Get Assistance
Intervening alone is dangerous

40

Remove the Audience

Onlookers fuel the fire. The intensity of an altercation often parallels the
intensity of the bystanders. Remove them as quickly as possible.
Avoid Stepping Between the Combatants
This puts you in a vulnerable position and the combatants aggression
can quickly shift to you.
Always Try Verbal intervention First
Often one or both combatants are waiting for someone to arrive and stop
the fight. Avoid the temptation to immediately revert to physical
intervention.
Use a Distraction
A distraction (loud noise, flickering of lights, etc.) can be enough to
break the intensity of aggression long enough to give you an edge.
Separate the Combatants
As soon as possible, break the visual contact between the combatants.
As long as they can see one another, their hostility will likely continue.

2. Call for help

3. Call health staff if there are injuries
4. Secure the area. A partial lockdown in the area may be needed. See Lockdown
Procedures.
5. You may need to call 911. Follow these procedures:
Call the school office at 1911
Instruct the office staff to call 911. Give your EXACT location and a brief
summary of the situation. The police dispatcher will want to know the
nature of the call.
Administration will call ESC if warranted.
Refer any news media to the building principal.

41

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL

Beginning of the Year Instructions for Teachers

Back to School Information

Student Schedules

Student School Supply List

Pledge of Allegiance

42

BEGINNING OF THE YEAR INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEACHERS

LOCKER INSTRUCTIONS
1. You will receive locker cards and student locker slips from the office during workshop week. Be
sure to emphasize to students not to share their locker combinations or lockers with any other
students.
2. Grade 6 Advisory teachers will assign lockers on Back to School Night during workshop week.
Grade 7 and 8 teachers will assign lockers the first day of school.
3. Write the first and last name of the student on the locker card and keep the card. The student locker
slip should have the locker combination and locker number written on it and be given to the student.
4. Advisory teachers should make a list of the locker assignments for future reference. Then
return ALL locker cards, used or unused to the office the first week of school.
5. When locker changes need to be made, send the student to the office. Under no circumstances can
lockers be changed without notifying the office.
SUPPLIES
If you need supplies or forms, please check with the office staff. Keep only enough supplies in your
classroom for one school years use and return any extras you may have or find to the office.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks may be provided for all students. This depends on the online availability of the textbook.
Some teachers have a class set in their rooms. Students should not take home a class set text book, they

43

should check one out through the media center. The media center will scan the students ID card and the
bar code on the textbook. Students will be charged for lost or damaged books. Quarterly checks of
student textbook possession is recommended.
LUNCH PRICES
Lunch credits can be purchased in the cafeteria before school.
Student Lunch
$2.60 includes milk or juice
Reduced Lunch
Free
Breakfast
$1.30 includes milk or juice
Milk/Juice
.50
Milk
.50
Faculty Lunch
Breakfast
Juice
Milk

$3.70
$1.80
.50
.50

Lunches for staff are available in the cafeteria during all lunches. Teachers may proceed to the head of
the line. You are welcome to eat in the faculty lounge or with the students.
Bus Information
Bus information will be sent home prior to the start of school. Students not riding the bus may be dropped
off in the parking lot after 7:45 a.m. Between 7:30 and 8:10 a.m. and 2:35 and 3:00 p.m. please use the
east parking lot near the tennis courts. Students may enter or exit the building during these times through
door #11, adjacent to the boys locker room. Dropping off students at the front door during these times
interferes with the arrival and departure of the school buses. Student pick-up must occur at the front door
(main parking lot) at all other times. There will be one set of activity busses this year at 4:00 p.m.
Students riding an activity bus must present an activity bus pass to be allowed on the bus. Passes are
obtained from the staff member supervising the after school activity. All students must ride the activity
bus or be picked up by 4:30 p.m.
Application for Education Benefits
District 281 Food Services has mailed information to all households in the district regarding Application
for Educational Benefits (free/reduced-priced meal applications). If you think you may qualify, please
complete the form and return it to school. A new application must be completed at the start of each
school year, even if you qualified the previous year. It is important for all that may qualify to fill out this
information because it provides extra money for the education of our students. We appreciate your help
with this.

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Athletics and Activities

Our athletic and activities opportunities have grown from last year. Informational meetings will be held
the first or second week of school depending on the activity. Meeting dates will be announced to students
with the daily announcements and will also be listed on the PMS website. Please see the activities flyer
for additional information.
After School Information
Only students participating in a supervised activity may remain in the building after 3:00 p.m. Students
staying after school with a teacher must pre-arrange this with the teacher. If your child misses the bus or
waits for a ride after school, he/she will remain in a designated area until his/her parent picks them up
through the office by 4:30 p.m. or the activity bus comes. For the safety and security of our students,
students will not be allowed to wait unsupervised for rides. If your child will be waiting for a ride
nightly, we would strongly urge you to consider signing them up for an activity. We do not have the staff
to supervise students that are simply waiting around the building for rides or to just hang with friends. It
is important that the administrator on duty knows who is in the building at all times. Students are
welcome as spectators at intramural sporting events, but the students parent or guardian must accompany
them.
Dress Code/Electronics
As you purchase clothes for fall and the school year, please remember:
No skin showing from shoulders to the top of the pants.
No sagging pants.
No spaghetti straps or tops with straps less than three fingers wide.
No shirts with inappropriate language or alcohol/chemical symbols.
Urge students to keep a sweater or sweatshirt in their locker, NO JACKETS allowed.
Advisory and 1st period teachers please check your students as they walk into your room for clothing
violations.
Teachers should deal with clothing infractions, only students who refuse to comply with teacher
request should be sent to the grade level admin.
School Pictures Thursday 9/8/2016
All students will have their pictures taken for school ID cards for identification upon the request of a staff
member, for use in our media center, and for student activities. ID cards must be worn by students on the
lanyard supplied by the school at all times. Picture packages will be available for purchase by families.
Order forms will be handed out during Advisory. Money for picture packages must be turned in at the
time pictures are taken.
Student Success
We value your partnership in providing a strong, successful educational experience for your child.
Communication plays a key role in this experience. Attending Plymouth Parent Association (PPA)

45

meetings, visiting our website at http://pms.rdale.org/ and checking Schoology, helps to keep you
informed of what is going on at Plymouth Middle School. Taking an active role in monitoring your
childs assignments and homework will assist in a successful school year. All students need to spend an
hour at home after school doing homework or quiet reading. Please help us make this happen! In
addition, students should arrive to school well rested, with homework and supplies, and prepared to learn.
Please remind your child of the following:
1. School is social, but the classroom is not the place for personal social time.
2. Effective learning cannot occur in the face of conflict.*
3. Students must be activity engaged in class by participating in classroom discussions and activities.
4. Seek out extra help during study hall or after school when you have a question or are falling behind.
*Students are encouraged to seek out adult support in settling conflicts when their own efforts have failed.
These resources are provided to all students at Plymouth Middle School.
Please check the student/parent handbook for more valuable information about Plymouth Middle School.
We are excited that you chose Plymouth Middle School for your child. We look forward to a successful
partnership in the educating of your student over the next school year!

STUDENT SCHEDULES
1. Review schedules with students. Make sure that each student has a class every period of every
day.
2. Students showing a study hall the same period as a class have an error in their schedules students
should attend the class.

3. Students without a schedule should be sent to the guidance office following Advisory.

4. Students with an unassigned period in their schedule should see their counselor during the period
in question on that schedule.

5. Students with general complaints regarding their schedule will not be seen in guidance until later
in the week.

46

6. Any schedule related questions should be directed to the Guidance Office at 7119.

7. Schedules for students who do not report to Advisory by Friday should be returned to the grade
level counselor:

Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8

Shelly Hughes
Trent Thompson
Deb Dragseth

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

http://pms.rdale.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_230078/Image/Schools/Plymouth%20Middle%20School/PMS%20School%20Sup
ply%20List%202016-17.pdf

47

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited at the beginning of Advisory every Monday morning. Dana will lead
the Pledge of Allegiance over the PA system will be listed in the staff bulletin each week.
This policy has been approved by the school board and recognizes the need to provide instruction in the
proper etiquette, display, and respect for the United States flag.
Pledge Etiquette:
1. Stand where you are.
2. Face the nearest flag.
3. Remove any head covering.
4. Hold your right hand over your heart.
5. Recite the Pledge in unison with those around you.
6. If you wish to not participate in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance you must:
a. Sit quietly.
b. Do not disrupt the Pledge or those reciting it.

48

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

EMERGENCY 1911 PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE PHONE PROCEDURE

EMERGENCY COMMUNITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

SAFETY PROCEDURES USED AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND DRILLS

TORNADO DRILL

FIRE DRILL

BOMB THREAT

CRISIS TEAM

DISTRICT 281 WINTER WEATHER SCHOOL CLOSING GUIDELINES

49

COMMUNITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Fire/Police/medical Emergency

911

Plymouth Police Dispatch

Plymouth Police Office (non-emergency)
Plymouth Fire Department (non-emergency)
Plymouth Administrative Offices

763-525-6210
763-503-5160
763-509-5120
763-509-5050

Golden Valley Police (non-emergency)

Golden Valley Fire (non-emergency)
Golden Valley City Offices

952-924-2618
763-593-8080
763-593-8000

New Hope Fire (non-emergency)

New Hope Police (non-emergency)
City of New Hope Administrative Offices

763-531-5171
763-531-5170
763-531-5100

Crystal Fire (non-emergency)

Crystal Police (non-emergency)
City of Crystal Administrative Offices

763-525-6215
763-525-6215
763-531-1000

Hennepin County Child Abuse/Protection

Hennepin Regional Poison Control

612-348-3552
612-347-3141

50

SAFETY PROCEDURES USED AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

BADGES
All employees are required to wear their District 281 ID badge during school hours including
after-school supervision.
Students must have their IDs with them at all times while on school property.

VISITORS

All visitors must sign in and out in the main office and obtain a visitors badge.
If you plan on having a visitor or speaker in your class, please let the office know and
have the person sign in and out in the office and obtain a visitors badge.
If you see someone in the hall you do not recognize and the person does not have a
visitors badge, tactfully ask if you can help them. Ask the person to report to the office
to get a badge, and let the office know they are coming.
If someone does not have a legitimate reason to be in the building, notify the office
immediately.

LOCKED ROOMS
All rooms should be locked when not occupied by a staff member.
The locker rooms will be locked after students have changed and the class period has begun. They
will remain locked until the end of the class period.

EXTERIOR DOORS
The exterior doors, throughout the building, are locked after 8:10 a.m.

Robbisndale Area Schools

51

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
REPORTING
Report observations that may predict violence:
1. Weapons, guns, knives, etc.
2. Unusual behavior
3. Self-isolating behavior
4. Verbal/written comments
5. Threats or violent plans
_____________________________________________________________________________

Drills
Evacuation (Fire)
1. Exit building via closest and safest route.
Take class roster, emergency kit and cell
phone.
2. Do not stop for belongings.
3. Go to designated area.
4. Check for injuries.
5. Take attendance.
6. Wait for signal from principal to return to
building.
10.
Tornado
1. Move to designated tornado shelter area.
Take a class roster.
11.
2. Get into tuck position.
12.
3. Take attendance.
13.
4. Remain in shelter until all-clear signal is 14.
given by principal.
15.
16.
17.

52

Lockdown
1. Go to nearest room.
2. Close windows and lock doors.
3. Cover windows; pull shades.
4. Turn off lights.
5. Sit on floor, under desks, away from
windows and doors.
6. Be quiet and stay calm.
7. Do not leave room.
8. Make a list of room occupants.
9. Wait for further instructions.

Reverse Evacuation
1. Use a whistle to get attention.
2. Move inside quickly.
3. Go to designated area.
4. Take attendance.
5. Wait for further instructions.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES & DRILLS

The number one priority in any emergency situation is the safety of our students and staff take steps in
preparing for emergency situations in our school by conducting practice drill: Our goal in any emergency
is to get students and staff to the safest place quickly. Our drills fall in the following categories:
1. EVACUATION: When it is necessary to evacuate to the building, follow the Fire Drill in this
handbook. Examples: Fire, chemical spill inside, bomb threat inside, damage inside the building.
2. REVERSE EVACUATION: When it is necessary to remain inside the building, follow the
procedures for Severe Weather in this handbook. Examples: severe weather, tornado, lightning.
3. LOCKDOWN: When it is necessary to shelter in place, follow the lockdown drill guidlines, drive
by shooting, hazardous material outside, bomb scare outside, weapons in building or outside of
building.
GENERAL LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES:
The following announcement will be made to alert all staff: WE ARE IN A LOCKDOWN
SITUATION.
Staff should immediately check the hallway outside of their room and bring any students found
there into the classroom. Students should be instructed to immediately go to the nearest
classroom if they are caught out of the room at the time a lockdown is announced.
Lock and close door.
Turn off lights and open window blinds. Move students to a place in the classroom that is low
and out of view from outside the classroom. Students should remain silent for safety and to hear
instructions.
Do not let anyone into your classroom after you have locked down. Administration will be
responsible for sweeping students in hallways to a safe location.
Use the classroom phone or cell phone to communicate with 911 only if you have information
which could assist emergency responders, otherwise leave the communication lines open.
Take attendance. Be prepared to provide administration with a list of students present, absent and
those students you brought into your room from the hall.
Attendance will be collected by administration.
Wait for further instructions.
In an extended lockdown, the green or red card found in your emergency envelope would be
placed in your classroom window to signal your rooms Green = good Red =
problem/emergency.
Doors should remain locked until the office staff announces: WE ARE NO LONGER IN A
LOCKDOWN SITUATION.

53

Buddy System: Have a backup identified in advance, someone who can take your students and your
attendance sheet in case you become unavailable.
Attendance Sheets: In all emergencies, you must have an attendance list with you so students can be
accounted for. Up to date attendance sheets should be kept in the emergency procedures envelope found
on the wall near your classroom door.

54

Emergency Situation Attendance:

List all students present and absent. Students collected from the hallway at the
time of the lockdown should be listed under additional students.
Teacher: ____________________________

Room #: _________________________

Present:
___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________
___________________________________

Absent:

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________
___________________________________

Additional students:

55

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

___________________________________

__________________________________

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL EMERGENCY CODES

CODE RED Life-threatening emergency; building is

LOCKED DOWN.

TEACHERS:

Lock doors; do NOT admit students; if outside, stay outside

Keep students QUIET; turn OFF LIGHTS
Students on floor sitting/crouching; away from windows and doors
Do NOT call office or anyone else
Do NOT have students/staff calling out on cell phones
Do NOT let anyone leave the room

CODE YELLOW
but school continues

Cautionary,

TEACHERS:
Lock doors. Students may be admitted to class if they have an administrative escort
Continue instruction, but do NOT allow students to leave the classroom. If a student must leave
a classroom, call O (front office) for an administrative escort
Make a list of absent students
Passing time will continue as scheduled unless we instruct you otherwise.
Students who are tardy to class will be taken to ISS for the duration of the code

56

 Administrators will be located throughout the building and will be highly visible. We will
remain on Code Yellow until further notification.

CODE GREEN
return to class; continue school

All clear;

PMS - TORNADO AND CIVIL DEFENSE TAKE COVER DRILL

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Close windows and blinds

Take students and emergency folder to assigned safe area. Close classroom doors.
Students in corridors should sit on the floor and facing the wall.
Students in classrooms should sit on the floor against an interior wall. Keep students away from windows.
Take attendance using the emergency situation attendance form. List all students present and absent.
Students not part of your assigned class should be listed under additional students.
6. Remain in your assigned safe area until the all clear announcement is made.
Shelter areas are assigned by the room students are in at the time of the alert.
ROOM
36
40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
51, 52, 53
101
102
103
104
106
107
108

SHELTER AREA
Girls Locker Room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Room 116
7th grade boys bathroom
Corridor between boys and girls bathroom
7th grade girls bathroom
Stay in room
Corridor between 104 and 108
Corridor between 118 and 119

57

109
110
111
112
116, 117, 118, 119, 116A, 117A
232
233
234
235
237
238
239
240
241
242

ROOM
246, 247, 248, 249, 246A, 247A
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363 and 363A
364
365
366, 367, 368, 369, 366A, 367A
480,
481

Corridor between 108 and 109

Corridor between 117 and 118
Corridor between 110 and 111
Corridor between 111 and 112
Stay in room
Grade 8 boys bathroom
Corridor adjacent 246
Corridor between 232 and 234
Corridor between 249 and 246
Corridor between 248 and 249
Grade 8 girls bathroom
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room

SHELTER AREA
Stay in room
Corridor across hall adjacent to 366
Corridor between 352 and 353
Corridor between 353 and 354, and adjacent to366
Corridor between 368 and 369
Corridor between 355 and 356
Corridor between 357 and 360
Stay in room
Stay in room
6th grade girls bathroom
Corridor 360 and 361
Corridor between boys and girls bathroom
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Teachers Lounge
Corridor outside cafeteria from ramp to 491

58

482
483, 484, 485, 496
491
492
493
494
494A, 494B,
495
506, 507, 508, 509, 512, 513, 515,
931
937
Cafeteria
Guidance and main office
Gym and pool
Kitchen
Locker Room
Media Center

Corridor outside cafeteria from ramp to 491

Stay in room
Corridor outside cafeteria from ramp to kitchen door
Corridor outside cafeteria from kitchen door to fountain
Corridor outside cafeteria from kitchen to fountain
Go to room 496
Go to room 496
Go to room 496
Stay in room
Stay in room
Stay in room
Report back to classroom and to assigned safe area
Planning room
Go to locker rooms
Corridor outside kitchen entrance
Stay in locker room
Go to room 509, 512, 513, 515

TORNADO DRILL
The statewide tornado drill is scheduled for April. Shelter areas are assigned by the rooms students are in
at the time of the alert. Close doors and windows. When the sirens sound at 1:45, an announcement will
be made for you to move to your shelter areas.
INSTRUCTIONS:

59

1. Students are to sit on the floor against a wall away from windows (except in lavatories where
they may stand).
2. Attendance must be taken upon arrival in the designated shelter area. During the drill,
administration will pick up your attendance. Please list all students who are absent and
unaccounted for.
3. Students are to remain quiet to hear further instructions regarding the drill or watch.

If a tornado warning occurs before school: clear the halls immediately. Students should go
to Advisory and follow instructions. Attendance should include students present and students
missing.

If a tornado warning occurs after school: coaches, teachers, and any students report to the
locker rooms. Attendance should include students present and missing from the activity.

In case of a real tornado, students and teachers will have very little warning. During the month of
April, please take the time at the end of EVERY class period to review the procedures and
LOCATION of the proper shelter area assigned for that classroom. You dont want to try to
explain this for the first time during a real take cover situation.
Any questions, contact Joseph Purvis at ext. 7102.

FIRE DRILL INSTRUCTIONS

Teachers must explain the following procedures to students in each of their classes. Review periodically.
Directions are posted in each room. Please notify the office of any room lacking posted instructions or
unclear directions.
1. Directions are posted in each room. Please notify the office of any room lacking posted
instructions or unclear directions.

60

2. Windows and doors are to be closed. Assign students these responsibilities.

3. Classes should proceed quickly out the door, turn as directed, and proceed to the proper
exit. If the exit is jammed up, take your group to another exit. You are encouraged to
make such a decision. Students present in a classroom wing will vary from class period
to class period.
4. Teachers are in charge of the groups going out and returning. All must leave the
building. Deal with students who do not stay with your class.
5. Occupants of each room must understand

The direction they turn as they leave the room

The exit door they must first attempt to use.

6. Remind students:
To walk briskly, but not to push or run.
To keep together as a group and to remain quiet,
To move away from the building,
To remain outside until the all clear bell is heard.
7. Take attendance once outside the building this is mandatory!

61

PLYMOUTH FIRE DRILL EXITS

62

BOMB THREATS
BOMBS AND BOMB THREATS
Bomb threats should be taken seriously. In case of a bomb threat, try to attract attention (without tipping
off caller) in an attempt to have the call traced. Additionally, the following procedures should be
followed:

DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS

1. Record every word caller says
2. Ask the following questions
a. Time set for detonation.
b. Exact location of bomb.
c. Type of explosive device.
d. What the device looks like.
e. What will cause it to explode.
f. Did you place the bomb?
g. Why did you put it in the building?
3. Listen
h. Note background noise/strange or unusual.
i. Listen carefully to voice characteristics.
4. Document
j. Specific time message is received.
k. Date and day of week.
l. Exact wording of message.
m. Estimate gender, age, and cultural background of person making call.
5. Notify the principal immediately, who will call the police, lead associate for security
and superintendent.

63

CEASE USE OF WALKIE-TALKIES as they could detonate a bomb

1. If a search is made, the police will organize it. They may ask for assistance from
the custodial staff and other employees. If necessary, the instructional staff will be
alerted and asked to report any items in their areas that do not seem to belong
there.
2. Building administrator or (designee)
Contact Police Department 911
Determine, after consultation with police, the advisability of building
evacuation.
Notify the Superintendents Office.
3. In the event an evacuation is ordered, an announcement will be made from the
school office and fire exit evacuation rules will be followed.
The building will not automatically be evacuated. Any decision to evacuate the building will be
based on the amount/characteristics of information received and any additional information
received from the police department.
Fire alarms can be used to evacuate the building.

DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS

BOMB DISCOVERY
IN BUILDING OR ON GROUNDS

EMPLOYEE WHO DISCOVERS BOMB

1. DO NOT MOVE OR HANDLE BOMB.

64

2. Notify the Police Department 911.

3. Evacuate the area immediately (fire drill procedure if appropriate).

BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR (or designee)

1. Ensure that building is clear.
2. Notify building custodian and nurse/health aide.

3. Notify the superintendents office.

BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST

65

Date of Call:

Exact Words of Caller:

Time of Call:
Time Caller Hung Up:
QUESTIONS TO ASK CALLER
When is bomb going to explode?

Where did you place the bomb?

What kind of bomb is it?

What does the bomb look like?

Why did you place the bomb?

Where are you calling from?

DESCRIPTION OF CALLERS VOICE

Male

Female

Young

Tone of Voice

Middle Age

Old

Accent

Background Noise

Is voice familiar? If yes, whom did it sound like?

REMARKS:

66

Crisis Team
The purpose of the Crisis Response Plan is to provide Plymouth Middle School staff with a concise
resource to use before and during school crisis situations. Planning for prompt and systematic response to
a potential crisis is essential to ensure protection of staff and students at Plymouth Middle School. The
Student Assistance Team (SAT) will be responsible for the implementation, review, and revision of the
crisis response plan. All crisis and potential crisis situations should be reported to the head principal. In
the event of an emergency, a crisis team code may be employed over the PA system, i.e. C-team report
to the principals office. The team will respond.

SUICIDE/SUDDEN DEATH/TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS

First Steps
1. Notify principal/assistant principal. School staff who learn of an incident should call an
administrator and state the facts as they know them.
2. The administrator will alert the crisis team members to be available for crisis response.

CRISIS TEAM
Principal
Grade 8 Assistant Principal
Grade 7 Assistant Principal
Grade 6 Assistant Principal
Guidance Counselors
Nurse
Social Worker
Head Secretary
Psychologist
Special Education
Police Liaison
Equity Specialist
Team Leaders (see rosters)

7101
7102
7125
7127
7121, 7122, 7123
7109
7120
7105
7076
7186
7117
7081

67

DISTRICT 281 WINTER WEATHER SCHOOL CLOSING GUIDELINES

Decisions on school cancellations, late starts, and early dismissals are always given careful consideration.
When it is necessary to cancel school or have a late start, the decision is usually made by 5:30 a.m.
Information about school cancellations are announced on:
WCCO Radio 830 AM; WCCO TV Channel 4; KSTP TV Channel 5; KMSP TV Channel 9;
KARE TV Channel 11; Cable Channel 12; www.rdale.org.
If schools are closed because of weather conditions such as snow or ice, loss of heat or electricity in
a building:
All school-sponsored activities, field trips, performances, and athletics are cancelled.
All community education classes and activities are cancelled.
All preschool and ECFE classes and activities are cancelled.
All district and school meetings are cancelled.
All activities sponsored by non-school organizations in school facilities are cancelled.
If schools are closed because of wind chill or extreme cold:
All daytime school activities are cancelled.
All preschool and ECFE classes are cancelled.
Evening activities, field trips, performances, and athletics are NOT cancelled.
Community education classes and activities are NOT cancelled.
District and school meetings are NOT cancelled.
Non-school organizations make their own decisions about cancellations; check with them for
closing notices.
Adventure Club families should check with their individual school for closing guidelines in all cases.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: STAFF RESPONSIBILITY
School Cancelled Due
School Cancelled Due
School Delayed
to Snow
to Cold
Teachers

Do not report

REPORT

Report ASAP

EA

Do not report

Do not report

Report ASAP

Adventure Club EA

Report ASAP unless

told otherwise

EAs scheduled report

unless told not to

Report ASAP

Office/Clerical

Do not report

REPORT

Report ASAP

Child Nutrition

Do not report unless

otherwise notified by
Program Director

Do not report unless

otherwise notified by
Program Director

Report ASAP

68

Custodian/Bus

Report ASAP to
respective building

Report ASAP to
respective building

Report ASAP

Principal

Report to building

Report to building

Report to building

Program Assistants

May be expected to
report at supervisors
request

May be expected to
report at supervisors
request

Report ASAP

Program Directors

The following must

report: Facilities,
Custodial, Finance,
Transportation

All report

Report ASAP

69

COMMUNICATION

STAFF COMMUNICATION

FACE TO FACE COMMUNICATION

E-MAIL COMMUNICATION

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL

PMS INFORMATION SYSTEM

SCHOOLOGY

70

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
The communication of information regarding Plymouth Middle School will be disseminated to staff and
students by the following means:
Weekly Bulletin Shared via google doc to all staff every Monday morning. Staff members are
welcome to place announcements in the weekly bulletin. Please email the announcement, state
what dates you would like the announcement to run, and your name in case there are questions,
and send it to the head secretary in the office.
Email Please check your e-mail daily, it is a primary tool for communication between staff
members as well as parents and other district employees. Remember, your 281 email box is
monitored and retrievable by other district employees. Limit the sharing of spam to the entire
staff. Be sure you review your email groups to be sure they are all willing participants.
Phones Please make sure your phone is ON to receive calls from within the building at all
times. The office staff will make every effort to keep phone interruptions during class time to a
minimum. Should a student need to receive an important message, the office will try to contact
the student within the first or last 5 minutes of class. If a student needs to use the phone, please
allow him/her to use the phone in your classroom. Do not send students to the office to use the
phone.
Phone Logs These are a good tool to document calls you may make as interventions and good
records for parent meetings. These are available in the front office. Use Infinite Campus to enter
all parent phone calls, emails, or meetings that you have with parents. Click on the teacher
contact log when viewing the student information summary page. Then enter factual data.
Voice Mail All teachers need to reprogram their voice mail at the beginning of the school year.
Make sure you de-activate the Do Not Disturb setting for the phone. You need to be able to
receive communication from the office if necessary. To change your voice mail greeting:
o Dial 8100
o Enter your security code
o Enter 7 for set up options
o Enter 4 for greetings and follow the instructions
Daily Announcements Announcements are made each morning during Advisory and again in
the afternoon at the end of 7th period. If you have an announcement you wish to have read over
the PA system, please email it to the head secretary in the office to be read in the morning and/or
in the afternoon. Please specify the date(s) and time(s) you want this read.
Schoology - this will be used to post announcements to students and staff. Please remind students
to check Schoology on a daily basis.

FACULTY MEETINGS

71

Fridays are reserved for faculty meetings which are held in the media center at 7:10 a.m. Please refer to
your master calendar for the dates of these meetings. They will alternate being mandatory meetings,
non-mandatory meetings, and grade level meetings. It is really important that staff attend these meetings.
Please do not schedule activities during these meeting times (7:00 7:40 am).

FACE TO FACE COMMUNICATIONS

Customer Expectations
Customers expect to be greeted with respect in a welcoming and engaging manner
Customers expect to be received by a knowledgeable staff that will assist them
Customers expect to be treated as a priority and their needs to be addressed
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
Guidelines for Greeting Visitors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

District name badge, prominently displaying staff name, is worn at all times.
Staff is intentional and purposeful about greeting and welcoming people
Staff greets visitors with a smile and welcoming non-verbal communications
Staff shakes hands and makes eye contact when appropriate
Staff is mindful of an appropriate social distance including touch and tone of voice

Standard Greeting for Visitors With Visitor Badges:

Hello, welcome (whenever possible, use their name) to Robbinsdale Area
Schools
My name is (name) and I am the (title)
How may I help you
Closing:
Thanks again. Please let me know if I can be of more assistance
Standard Greeting for Visitors Without Visitor Badges:
Hello, welcome (whenever possible, use their name) to Robbinsdale Area
Schools
My name is (name) and I am the (title)

72

I see you dont have a visitors badge. May I help you find the office?
Escort visitor to office

E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Customer Expectations
Because we are in an education institution, our customers have the highest expectations with regards to
proper and professionally written communications
Customers expect accurate and prompt information professionally written without grammatical errors
Customers expect accurate and prompt information professionally written without grammatical errors
Customers want to be assisted and their needs to be addressed
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people

Guidelines for E-mail Communications

1. Staff regards all e-mails as public records and is aware of this when creating, receiving, replying
and forwarding e-mails.
2. E-mails and documents are proofed for words that spell check misses before sent
3. Spell check is always used before sending both internal and external e-mails
4. Incoming e-mails are checked at least 1-3 times a day
5. All internal and external e-mails are acknowledged as soon as possible and by the end of the next
business day-unless otherwise noted
6. Administrators receive a large volume of e-mails on a daily basis. All internal and external
e-mails are acknowledged by the beginning of the next working week
7. BOLD and CAPS are not used because they imply shouting
8. E-mails do not contain cartoons, chain letters or jokes
9. Staff uses caution when receiving a blind copy e-mail and when sending reply to all
10. The standard message for e-mail auto signature is used in correspondence*
11. The standard e-mail format for writing e-mails is used in correspondence**
12. The standard auto reply for Out of office/Will reply soon is used when absent for an extended
time***

73

E-MAIL COMMUNICATIONS
-ContinuedGuidelines for Standard E-mail Formats
*Standards for E-mail Auto Signature:
Open Gmail, click on Settings > Signature > type in standard auto signature as:
Name, title, school/building, district name, address, phone, fax >
**Standard E-mail Format for Writing E-mails:
Welcome/Greeting
Use formal name (Mr./Ms.) when possible. Be respectful when using first names
Provide information requested or make request for information
Close with thank you
*Standard auto signature
***Standard Auto Reply for Extended Absences:
Open Gmail, click on Settings > Vacation Responder
Enter in the dates you want the auto reply to respond to your emails. Enter in the subject,
message and click done.
To turn off the auto reply when you return to the office:
Open Gmail > click on Settings > and then check the Vacation Responder Off box.
Remove check mark next to the rule by clicking on it > Close
Standard Format for Forwarding E-mails:
Inform customer who you are forwarding their e-mail to
When necessary, include prefacing statements that will provide the context of the e-mail
message that you are forwarding.

COMMUNICATION TOOLS FOR TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS

Team Conferences
Parents can contact the team leader and set up a team conference. The team leader must contact all
concerned teachers, schedule a meeting, and a location.
Phone Calls/Individual Conferences
Parents can contact a teacher over the phone to discuss students and if requested by the parents or
recommended by the teacher, they may set up an individual meeting. Teachers should call parents to

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enlist their help in working with students. Phone calls to parents are the best tool we have in working with
students. Make calls early in the school year and often after that.
Support Staff
Parents may contact any support staff member and discuss any concerns over the phone or set up an
individual meeting. Support staff and teachers may bring up students at the weekly Student Assistance
Team (SAT) meeting.
Progress Report Sheets
These are available in the guidance department. The sheets are kept by the parent and sent to school with
the student on the day set up with the team of teachers. There is space available for missing assignments
and grades.
Scheduled Contact with Parents
Staff may arrange a scheduled time to communicate with parents using e-mail, fax, phone, or Schoology
as needed.
Make-up Work for Student Absences
Make-up work may be requested via the students or parents through the Guidance office. Please allow a
full 24 hours for this to be compiled.
Make-up work for Student Suspensions
By law, we must provide work equal to a class period of instruction per day of suspension. This goes
beyond homework. We must send the work to the front office with the students name and grade level on
it for each subject per day of class missed.
Website
To access the Plymouth Middle School website, enter the following on your browser:
www.rdale.k12.mn.us/pms
E-mail
Parents and teachers/staff are encouraged to communicate via e-mail.

INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL

The Parent Portal is a service that Robbinsdale Area Schools offers to middle and high school parents.
This program allows parents to view pertinent information on their child from any internet compatible
computer.
The information available online is as follows:

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General demographic, emergency contact, health immunizations, mid-quarter or quarter grades,

attendance, discipline, food service balance, unofficial transcripts, testing results, and school contact
information.
This information is secure view only data that will be accessed through a confidential username and
password.
We all know how vital parental involvement is to the success of a students academic career and hope this
is one way we can help parents get information not only at their convenience but also on a more regular
basis.
Data is updated real time from our student management system.
Grades will be posted at mid-quarter and at quarter end.
To register for an account go to: www.rdale.org
Click on the Parent Portal tab at the top of the page
When the Infinite Campus screen appears click on to request an account
Fill out the form and send message. Your account username and password will be emailed to you within
1 to 2 days.
To Login go to: www.rdale.org click on the Parent Portal tab and click here to login and then enter your
user name and password. If you have forgotten your username or password you can email Gretchen
Cleveland at Gretchen_cleveland@rdale.org.

Schoology :
Assignment data and grades received on assignments will be posted by teachers at a minimum every two
weeks.
To login to Schoology, parents must use their username and password. Check with the guidance office or
main office if you are unsure of your username and password.
We are very excited about these programs and the access it gives parents to stay up to day with their
childrens academic progress. We hope that you enjoy using the parent Portal.

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SCHOOL INFORMATION SYSTEM

DISTRICT LOGIN

HELPDESK/TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Welcome to Plymouth Middle School Information Systems! This document will help yo
navigate the ISD281 Computer network. This is a basic overview for getting started on utilizing all the
technological tools available to you. If you have questions regarding your user account or you are having
problems you can contact your building PC/LAN Admin who will be glad to assist you with whatever
questions you have. Methods for contacting your building technician will be discussed later in this
document.

District Login
When first logging into your PC, you will be prompted to enter your username and password.
Your username is your first name, underscore (_), last name. For new users the first time password is
assigned by the PC/LAN Admin. After entering your assigned password you will be prompted to change
it. Once you have changed your password, write it down and keep it in a safe place. Passwords are to be
a combination of at least five characters or more using numbers and letters. Every 90 days you will be
prompted to change your password for security purposes.

District Applications
One you have logged in the first thing you will see is the Applications window.
Within this window you will find icons to launch applications such as Microsoft Word, Gmail, Schoology
and Infinite Campus. Simply click on the icon within the window to launch the desired application. For
applications that do not appear in the application launcher simply go to the Windows start menu. It is
recommended that you save all of your documents in your google drive. Create folders in your drive to
stay organized google docs are easy to share with others when needed.

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District Email
Gmail is the e-mail for the district. Your e-mail address will appear as firstname_lastname@rdale.org.
Gmail can also handle all of your scheduling, calendars and document needs in one place.
More than one window can be opened which is useful if you are responsible for managing more than one
client (mailbox, calendar, etc.).
You can also access your e-mail from home by going to www.gmail.com
You can access your e-mail from any computer connected to the internet. A link for your email can also
be found on the ISD281 home page at http://www.rdale.org . The Gmail application can also be found in
the windows launcher at the bottom left corner of your computer screen.

Using printers

To install a printer to your computer click on the Rdale Printers icon in your application launcher and
you will have the option of adding printers.
From the list of printers simply select the printer you want to install by clicking on the printer name.
Follow the prompts and you have installed your printer. To view printers already installed click on the
Rdale Printers icon in the application launcher and you can see which printers are installed on your PC.
To set a default printer (the printer you want to use most often) right click on the printer you want and
choose set as default from the menu. A checkmark will appear on the printer you select as your default. If
youre experiencing issues with printing, contact Patricia Brumit at 7151.

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Helpdesk/Technical Support

Whether you are experiencing a problem with your PC or you have a question regarding building
technology you can contact your building technician via the Helpdesk icon in your application launcher.
After opening the Helpdesk application you will be prompted to enter your location, category and a brief
description of what is happening and that will be forwarded to the building PC/LAN technician. The
building PC/LAN Technician will receive the request and answer according to severity/priority.
Instructions for Infinite Campus can be found in the Teachers Procedural Guide for Plymouth Middle
School. On-line learning for Schoology, Infinite Campus and Windows Applications tutorials can be
found on-line at http://intra.rdale.org/.
During Workshop week before school starts every year, Technical services will come to each building in
the district and give an in-service presentation for new and returning users. If you have any questions
regarding district technology you can go to http://intra.rdale.org and review the district technology plan.
District Technical Services and your building PC/LAN Technician look forward to serving you.

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PHONE TECHNOLOGY

BASIC PHONE TECHNOLOGY

PHONE USE

VOICE MAIL

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BASIC PHONE TECHNOLOGY

Customer Expectations
Customers expect staff to know how to use basic phone technology for placing calls on hold, transferring
and conference calls
Customers expect their call will not be lost
Customers expect a live person to answer the phone following a transfer
Customers expect to be introduced to the next person before they are transferred; customer doesnt want
to repeat question
Guidelines for Transferring, Hold and Conference Calls
Standard Message for Transferring a Call:
The best person to help you is (name)
Just in case, their phone number is (xxx)
May I place you on hold to see if (name) is available? Place caller on hold*
(Name) is available to take your call. Thanks for calling. I will forward your call
Transferring Call ???? Does this still work?
vi. Press FLASH button (single-line) TRF/transfer button (multi-line)
vii. Dial extension number of destination
viii. Announce call: advise destination party to stay on the line (if you stay on the line to announce the
call and voicemail answers-press the star* key four times on your keypad to disconnect the voice
mail system)
ix. Replace your handset to complete the transfer
x. If called station is busy or unanswered, press FLASH button 9 single-line) TRF/transfer button
(multi-line) to return to original party
Conference Call (with any three callers-establish first call then follow directions)
1. Press FLASH button (single-line) TRF/transfer button (multi-line)
2. Place second call and announce conference
3. Press FLASH button (single-line) CNF button (multi-line) to establish conference
Placing Call on Hold
-Single-Line 1. Press FLASH button
2. Dial #2 (do not restore handset to the hang-up position)

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3. To return to a held call, restore handset can call will recall immediately
-Multi-Line1. Press HOLD button once
2. To return to caller, press flashing phone line button

PHONE USE
Customer Expectations
The number one hope for our customers is that they talk to a live person
Customers expect their call will be received in a welcoming and engaging manner
Customers expect their phone inquiry will result in prompt and accurate information
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people

Guidelines for Answering the Phone

1. Phones are answered in a pleasant, friendly & welcoming tone
2. All phones are answered within 2-4 rings
3. Staff is mentally and emotionally present during phone conversations and is not multitasking or
talking too fast while with the customer
4. The standard message is used for answering internal and external phone calls
5. All unanswered calls rollover to voicemail and are received with a welcoming message, inviting
the caller to leave a message or press a specific extension to reach a live person
6. MN Relay services is utilized for communicating with deaf or partially deaf customers by dialing:
9-711, allowing for a long pause and following the directions.
Standard Message for Answering the Phone:
Good morning/Good afternoon
Thanks for calling Robbinsdale Area (school/department/program
(avoid using abbreviations)
This is (name/title)
How may I help you?
Closing:
Thanks again. Please feel free to call me

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VOICE MAIL
Customer Expectations
Customer expect voice mail messages to be acknowledged in an appropriate amount of time
Customers expect an option to talk to a live person instead of leaving a message when calling
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
Guidelines for Voice Mail
a. The rollover to voice mail option remains turned off while working at desk
b. When staff is absent, phones are forwarded to rollover option that goes directly to voicemail
where the caller is greeted with a welcoming message and instructed to either leave a message or
press a specific extension to reach a live person
c. All unanswered phones will rollover to voice mail in 5 rings
d. Voice mail is checked the same day that the red notification light comes on
e. All internal and external messages are returned as soon as possible and not later than the end of
the next business day
f. Voice mail messages are kept current, friendly and welcoming
g. A standard voice mail message is used*
h. A standard message, if absent for an extended time, is used**

*Standard Message for Voice Mail:

Thank you for calling Robbinsdale Area (school/department/program)
This is (name) the (title)
(avoid using abbreviations)
Please leave your message and I will return your call
Or, you may press (extension) to speak with (name)
Have a great day and thanks for calling!

**Standard Message-If Absent for an Extended Time:

Thank you for calling Robbinsdale Area (school/department/program)
This is (name/title)
(avoid using abbreviations)
Please leave your message and I will return your call
Or, you may press (extension) to speak with (name)
Have a great day and thanks for calling!

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ENVIRONMENT/EVENTS

SITE/PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

PLANNING EVENTS DURING AND AFTER SCHOOL

R-SCHOOL TODAY SCHEDULING SYSTEM

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SITE/PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Customer Expectations
Customers expect a clean, safe and inviting environment
Customers expect a user friendly site
Customers expect the building to be visually stimulating and welcoming
Customers, feel most welcome in environments where they see others, live and/or pictured, who look
like they look
Customers expect us to be inclusive of all people
Guidelines for the Parking Lots
1. Parking lots provide proper and well lit street signage
2. Ample handicapped and visitor parking, with proper signage, is available near entrance
3. Sites may need outside directional signs directing people to most appropriate entrance for specific
activity
Guidelines for the Foyers and Hall
1. Foyers and halls are maintained, clean and safe
2. Foyers and halls have effective internal signage/maps clearly communication location and visible
to visitors throughout building
3. Welcome signs are prominently displayed in foyers
4. The foyer and halls instill and reflect a sense of belonging
5. Colorful artwork by students, as well as photos and posters, are displayed
6. Buildings reflect multicultural, multigenerational and youth populations
7. Building rules are stated in a welcoming manner:
We welcome everyone. Please remove hats.
8. The districts mission/vision statement is displayed; individual program statements are displayed
if applicable
9. Signs identifying handicap accessible doors, bathrooms and elevators are prominently displayed
Guidelines for the Main Office

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1. District information packets are displayed and available in several languages for new families
2. Separate areas for receiving visitors and for managing discipline issues are provided
3. Frontline staff has nameplates prominently displayed on desks

PLANNING EVENTS DURING AND AFTER SCHOOL

Plymouth Middle School provides a wide variety of activities and events to be held during and after
school. Most of the Fine Arts and athletic events have already been scheduled and are on the master
calendar. Should you, as a staff member, wish to schedule a school sponsored activity during or after
school which will be held in one or more of Plymouth Middle Schools rooms or areas (gym, media
center, cafeteria, planning room, etc.) you will need to do the following:
1. Have the head secretary in the office put the event on the master calendar and confirm that
there are no conflicts.
2. Fill out the On-line facilities request form found at www.rdale.calendars.org. Click on the
name of your school building. Be sure to list any special needs or set-up instructions. Please also
TMA any custodial set-up needs.
3. The form will be automatically routed to the correct person for that building.
4. You will receive an on-line confirmation of your event with the permit number via inter-office
mail.
5. If students will be missing school for your event, ALL staff including administration must have a
list of who will be absent from class.
If district staff would like to reserve space that is not in their home school, click on the form called: Staff
Request for Use of Other District Space.

rSchool Today Scheduling System for Robbinsdale Area Schools

Guidelines for District Staff
Overview
The rSchool Today scheduling system provides a facilities scheduling system that allows designated
school activity schedulers to schedule school activities and a district facilities scheduler to schedule all
other activities. The result is a combined on-line school calendar that shows all activities scheduled at

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each school location. Applications and notifications for use of space are completed on-line and paper is
virtually eliminated.
Schedulers
Activity Scheduler: One person at each school is the designated activity scheduler for each school
building. It will usually be the school secretary. In the high schools it will be the activities director.
These individuals are trained to schedule school activities. School activities can take place during the
school day and when the regular day school is not in session.
Facilities Scheduler: Jennifer Bridgeman is the district wide facilities scheduler. She will schedule all
activities not considered school activities. Contact Jennifer at 763-504-4917 or
Jennifer_bridgeman@rdale.org.
Applications for Use of Facilities
All Facilities request forms can be found at w
ww.rdalecalendars.org. The left side of the page is for
district staff and the right side is for the general public.
Staff Requests for Use of Home School Space:
When district staff would like to reserve school space for school sponsored activities that take place in
their home school they will complete the facilities request form for the building they want to use which
can be accessed at www.rdale.calendars.org. Click on the name of your home school and fill out the
on-line form. The form will automatically route to the correct person for that building.
The descriptions below indicate the type of activities included here.
- The activity is a school sponsored activity initiated by a staff person at their home school
and held in their home school. Exception when internal organization activities require
billing see Other below.
- The applying organization is a booster or other school club.
Staff Requests for use of Other District Space:
If district staff would like to reserve space that is not in their home school, click on the form called Staff
Requests for Use of Other District Space. These forms will be routed to Jennifer Bridgemen, Facilities
scheduler.
The descriptions below indicate the type of activities included here.
- School staff requesting space for a home school activity; however, it will require billing
an internal organization (booster or other clubs etc.) for charges (i.e. custodial overtime,
etc.). Contact Jennifer Bridgeman if clarification is needed.
- School staff requesting space in a school/building other than their home school during or
outside of school hours.
- Robbinsdale Area Schools staff who are not considered on site staff at K-12 buildings (do
not have a home school) scheduling any activities (meetings, trainings, forums, etc.) in

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district buildings during or outside of school hours. This includes ESC staff unless they
are scheduling the ESC building which will continue usual scheduling procedures.
All community education staff at all locations requesting any district space.
All district staff requesting space at Cavanagh, New Hope, Hosterman and Winnetka.

Community use of Facilities: When individuals who are not employees of the district request use of
district facilities they will complete a Public Facilities Request form which can be accessed at
www.rdaelcalendars.org, click on the form on the right side of the page and it will be sent to Jennifer
Bridgeman, facilities scheduler. Community activities are scheduled only when the regular day school is
not in session.

FIELD TRIP POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Field trips provide a valuable learning experience for students, and no student will be excluded because of
financial hardship. Teachers must contact the grade level principal during the planning phase to arrange a
scholarship plan.
Field Trip Planning Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

9.
10.
11.
12.

Pick up a field trip packet from the bookkeeper at least 4 weeks in advance of the trip.
Submit plans to the principal with expected outcomes. Have the head secretary in the office
put the event on the master calendar and confirm that there are no conflicts.
Order buses at least 4 weeks prior to the trip.
Parental approval must be obtained for each student going on a field trip. You MUST use the
district-wide permission form found on the district intranet.
Tell students to make arrangements with teachers for make-up work in classes they will miss.
Give ample prior notice (two weeks) of a field trip to the rest of the staff. Please give a list of
students in your group to the attendance secretary two days before the trip. *ALL staff must be
notified of the date, departure, and arrival back at school times for the activity.
Communicate schedule changes to allied arts, guidance and other affected staff when adjusting
schedules for field trips.
Tell the head cook when you are going on field trips over the lunch period so they know when to
cut back on lunch preparation or rearrange the lunch schedule. Free and reduced lunch students
may have bag lunches. If you are planning to eat lunch at a different time in the cafeteria, please
see a principal to make arrangements.
Take attendance on each bus when departing and again upon returning.
Tell the students the field trip procedures and behavior expectations prior to the field trip.
Teachers must provide an alternative instruction plan to reach the outcomes for students not
participating in the field trips.
All teachers or teams need to fill out a field trip packet when taking students out of classes. This
packet is available from the bookkeeper. All allied arts teachers need to be informed of the
date/time and names of students who will not be in attendance in their classes.

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EXTENDED EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIPS (OVERNIGHT)

All requests for extended trips must be approved by the school district administration. Requests must be
made on forms available from Teaching and Learning or on the district intranet site.
Extended trips should be scheduled with minimal school days missed for students, and the purpose of the
trip must be clearly stated and evaluated.
Students must adhere to the district discipline policy and all trips will be supervised. Any non-staff
chaperones must have a background check done.
Requests for Extended Educational Field Trips must be presented to the building principal and then to
Teaching and Learning. Requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance for in-state trips and 60
days in advance out-of-state trips.

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

FIELD TRIP PLANNING SHEET
NAME________________________________GRADE LEVEL________________________________
(Individual/Team)
DESTINATION_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTURE DATE____________DEPARTURE TIME___________RETURN TIME___________
PURPOSE OF TRIP: Educational
goals/expectations/other_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Number of students participating_____________________Number of Adults_______________________
Arrangements for students not participating__________________________________________________
Specific conditions (if any) for student participating in trip______________________________________
Supervision arrangements and/or class coverage (if needed)_____________________________________

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STUDENT COST: Bus_____________Admission/Fees____________Total Cost__________________

(see bookkeeper for current bus rate)
The following must be completed please check off as done:
Field trip request must be turned in to the office at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the trip.
Notify the head secretary as soon as you know the field trip date so it can be placed on the master
calendar and in the weekly bulletin.
Bus request turned into the bookkeeper at least 4 weeks prior to the date of the field trip.
List of students excused (except for entire grade level) must be given to the attendance secretary and all
staff members affected by the trip including study hall supervisors and group/guidance staff at least 2
days prior to the trip.
Notify kitchen staff of the number of students leaving if gone over the lunch period or if there is a
change in the lunch schedule.
Approved: ____________yes ___________________no
Date:______________________________
Make a copy of this for your records and return the original sheet to the bookkeeper.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WORK DAY HOURS
The school day at Plymouth Middle School for staff begins at 7:35 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Teachers
are expected to be in the Advisory assigned to them or in the hallway outside their classroom before
school at 7:40 a.m. and after school until 3:00 p.m. or until all students have left the area.
IF YOU ARE ABSENT
Go to the Aesop site to request a Substitute/Report an Absence
Please see the head secretary if you are unfamiliar with the procedure used to create an absence and
request a substitute or for district materials regarding the substitute system.
Staff members need to report their absence (illness or any other) on the substitute online Aesop
system as early as possible. Contact Penny Recht (X-8019) if you are having trouble accessing
the system.

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If you are a teacher who splits his/her time at another school within the district, in addition to entering
it into the substitute calling system - please call Catherine at 763-504-7105. This will ensure that we
are prepared for your substitute when he/she arrives.
Staff requesting a substitute for an absence due to professional leave should check Professional as
the reason why they are going to be gone. In the Notes to Administrator box, state the event that
you are going to and who is organizing it. Administration will need to approve the absence. Staff
should enter the date in the substitute system as soon as possible. Substitutes may always be
canceled if the request for professional leave is denied.
Leaving the Building
If licensed staff must leave during non-teaching time you must sign out in the main office on the
clipboard located on the counter. Contact a principal whenever an emergency requires you to be
gone during your instructional time. Circumstances permitting, you are responsible to secure
someone to cover your classes before you leave. In the event that you need a class period covered
for a meeting, appointment, etc. y ou are responsible for finding coverage for that period. Please
do not ask the office to find a sub for you. Most of your colleagues are willing to help out.
Sending an all-staff email requesting help is very effective. You are expected to receive prior
approval from a principal if you need to be gone during instructional time for non-emergency reasons.
NOTE: Teachers who cover a class during their prep time for an absent teacher will be compensated
for ONE hour, according to the contract, and need to fill out a timecard to request that pay.
PTO (Paid Time Off Days- see teacher bargaining agreement for specific language)
In the event that it is necessary for a teacher to be absent from school to conduct personal business
which cannot be attended to outside of the workday, the teacher will be granted 12 PTO days per year
without salary deduction. The following situations are NOT covered under PTO days:
1. Absence connected with a second income
2. To engage in a strike, picketing, bantering, or any other concerted activity

FACULTY ATHLETIC PASSES

Plymouth Middle School staff members are entitled to free admission to District 281 athletic events
by showing their District 281 ID cards.
HOMEWORK
Homework should be practice of what was learned in class. Please coordinate the amount of
homework and due dates for large projects with other teachers on your team.
Parents may request make-up work after a student has been absent for at least two days. Parents will
contact the guidance secretary at 763-504-7119 to make this request. The guidance secretary will
contact the teachers that day. Please hand in make-up and homework assignments within 24
hours of the request.

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LOCKER CLEAN-OUTS
Each quarter, your Advisory students need to clean out their lockers to rid them of all non-school
items such as clothing and nuisance objects. Bring a list of your Advisory students and their locker
numbers with your entire class to the lockers and have each of them open their locker for you to
check.
Locker clean out dates: These will be scheduled quarterly and you will be notified on the weekly
bulletin.
ALL-SCHOOL locker clean out will happen within the last 2 days of the school year. NO lockers are
available to students on the last day of school.
LOCKER DECORATIONS
Students who wish to decorate a friends locker before or after school need to get a pass from A
TEACHER the day before. The teacher needs to be responsible to supervise these students. This does
not mean the teacher needs to stand and watch over them, but make sure they can hear the students
and check in with the students often.
MONEY COLLECTION
When collecting money from students for school functions, be sure you keep an accurate record of the
money collected in the envelope provided and deposit the money to the bookkeeper in the office as
early in the day as possible every day. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN YOUR DESK
OVERNIGHT.
HALL PASSES - Each student will receive a hall pass. The students are given 2 passes per week. It
is their responsibility to keep the pass in a safe place. They have to request permission from their
teacher before using the pass. The teacher makes sure the date, time and their signature is on it before
the student may leave the classroom. IF a student loses their pass, they have to check in with the
guidance counselor to get a new one (we do not mention this to the students and do not encourage
this). These passes are only used for bathroom and locker visits. If a student needs to go to the office,
media center or other location in the building, the teacher would write a yellow hall pass.
RELIGION IN THE SCHOOL POLICY
According to the Robbinsdale Area School Districts policy on religion in the schools, the proper role of
religion in public schools is in its education value, not in religious endorsement or celebration. It is
acceptable to use religious texts, music, and symbols as instructional aides, and our goal is to teach
students about the role of religion in a cultural, historical, and economic context.
The school district will not schedule or introduce new information, testing, assemblies, field trips,
graduation exercises or other special events on major holy days for Christianity, Islam, and

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Judaism. Our data suggests that these three world religions are followed by the largest number of
district families.
Beyond that, we make every attempt to honor the holy days of other faiths practiced by our students and
staff. Schools should plan activities to avoid or minimize religious conflict whenever possible. Students
should not be placed in situations requiring them to choose between participating fully in a religious or
spiritual/cultural observance and meeting academic or extracurricular requirements. Our schools will
always respect a familys request for an excused absence to observe a religious holy day.
WHEN YOU MOVE STUDENTS FROM YOUR ASSIGNED CLASSROOM
Please get permission from an administrator to take your classes outside. The office staff needs to know
that you are outside so they can find you if they need a student.
*If you should take your class to the media center, computer labs, another classroom, or change the
time for your students to eat lunch, please notify the office at 7100 so we know where students are
at all times.
STUDENT SUPERVISION
All students in classrooms or phy ed areas are to be supervised by teachers. NO students are permitted to
occupy school rooms without supervision.
COPY ROOM USE
The copy room has two machines:
1. The large machine is used by the copy room educational assistant to run copies requested by
staff. Please plan ahead and allow 3 working days for copying to be completed. Copy work
that involves special binding, paper, or extremely large amounts of copying should be sent to
Publications at Central Office. Ask the copy room EA if you are unsure whether she is able to
run your job on the large copier or not. Items sent to Publications need approximately 10
working days to complete. The head secretary will assist you in requesting Publications
copying.
2. The smaller machine is available for teachers and EAs who have been trained in its use with a
code. Please do not run more than 50 copies on this smaller machine it is not designed for
high volume copying. Please see the copy room EA for assistance.
3. Due to the rising costs of copying, the numbers of copies run by each department will be
shared with department chairs each month.
Do not send students to the copy room to run copies unless you call first and get an okay from the
copy room EA.

AFTER-SCHOOL POLICY

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Students are allowed to stay after school ONLY if they are in a supervised activity (including one to one
help with a teacher). Students must report to their activity or teacher at 2:55 p.m. with their coats and
backpacks. The building is closed to unsupervised students at 3:00 p.m. A pass to ride the activity bus
home will be issued by the supervising coach or teacher. Teacher/coach MUST remain with their
student(s) until the students ride or activity bus comes. NOTE: Students not participating in a
supervised activity cannot receive bus passes.
If you are keeping a student after school for any reason please ask if the student lives in the Robbinsdale
School District. We have students from outside the school district that may need to be picked up by a
parent or who are in the Choice Is Yours Program and would need a cab. Call Linda Freeman at
612-290-0925 at least one day ahead to arrange for a cab to pick up the student. Not all Minneapolis
students are in the Choice Is Yours Program and entitled to a cab.
TOBACCO POLICY
1. State law mandates that schools maintain a smoke free environment. Smoking is not allowed in
the school or on school grounds, including the parking lots.
2. No district employee may smoke or use tobacco products in any building or on any grounds
owned or leased by the district or during any school sponsored activities, regardless of location,
or in any vehicle owned or leased by the school district.
CUSTODIAL WORK ORDERS
All work that needs to be done by a custodial staff member, no matter how small the request, needs to
sent on a TMA work order. The TMA icon is found on your Windows Application Launcher. It is a
maroon box labeled Facilities Helpdesk. Open the icon, and begin by clicking on Submit a Request
and follow the prompts. This use this district-wide system so there is a record of everything our custodians
do for us. This should be used for all requests such as move orders, maintenance, clean up, phone work,
locker jams, etc. If you have questions on using the system or need some training contact either Head
Custodian X-7114, or Head Secretary X-7105 in the office.

DISTRICT 281 CARE OF FACILITIES

OSHA and the State Fire Marshall have been increasing their monitoring of the school district regarding
compliance with regulations. Indoor air quality and its impact on staff and students has been a growing
concern for parents as well as for staff. The district, in its building renovation efforts, has been trying to
meet the challenges in providing a safe and healthy environment for all students and all district
employees.
With that in mind, the district formed a committee of principals, custodians and teachers to address those
issues. Below are the recommendations that were made by that district committee to the Administration
in May 2001. Each recommendation is based on laws, financial data and health effects. All employees

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are asked to follow these recommendations commencing with the 2001 - 2002 school year in all District
281 buildings. Variances may be granted. Please contact your principal or supervisor if you have any
questions.
1.

No animals (mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects) are allowed except for those housed in
secondary laboratory science classrooms. Food for animals must be stored in tightly sealed
containers. Cages and areas around cages must be cleaned daily by the teacher.

2.

Food preparation, as well as food and beverage consumption should, whenever possible, be
limited to cafeterias and staff lounges and Foods labs in the secondary schools. Any food
(crackers, candy, etc.) kept in a building over night or longer must be stored in rigid plastic
containers which have a tight seal. If there is a need for a student snack, please try to schedule
that with the principal in the cafeteria.

3.

Plants should be limited to less than three per classroom or office. Each pot must have a water
collection saucer to prevent water spillage. Plants cannot be placed on unit ventilators.

4.

Appliances such as microwaves, toasters, refrigerators, toaster ovens, coffee pots, hot plates,
portable heaters etc. are allowed in staff lounges and kitchens. Coffee makers will be allowed in
certain conferences rooms and other designated areas with a variance.

5.

The State Fire Marshall does not allow household type floor and table lamps.

6.

Extension cords should only be used for portable equipment such projectors on carts, DVD
players, etc. Extension cords must be grounded 14 gauge cords. One power strip (up to 20 foot
long) with surge protection can be used per computer station.

7.

Exit doors, aisles and corridors should be kept clear at all times. Windows in doors should not be
covered with any decorations.

8.

The State Fire Marshall requires that all flammable and combustible liquids (spray paints,
solvents, gum removers, etc.) be stored in an approved flammable cabinet.

9.

Combustible artwork, teaching materials, posters, etc. should not exceed 20 percent of the wall
area. (State Fire Marshal - Life Safety Code 31-3.9) Non-flammable materials are acceptable.
Nothing should be hung from the ceiling. The committee and the district administration realize
that this may be a problem in some elementary classrooms, but every effort should be made to
meet the Fire Marshal regulation.

10.

In renovated buildings, all furniture must be ordered through the purchasing department. No
bookcases, shelving units, displays cases, etc. may be brought in from outside the district.

11.

Sofas, love seats, easy chairs, bean bag chairs, etc. brought in from outside the district should be
removed from the building.

12.

Carpet squares, carpet pieces, or rugs should be purchased through the district.

13.

Cleaning products, art chemicals, paints, pesticides, etc. may not be brought in from home.

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14.

Air freshener products such as spray, sticks and plug-ins, and air purifiers should be ordered
through the District.

15.

Unit ventilators should be clear and free from any obstructions to within three feet to allow for air
passage.

16.

Louvers/grills that allow air to pass into the halls should be kept clear.

17.

In renovated schools all materials should be stored in the storage compartments provided.
Materials should not be stored on the floor.

18.

Stuffed animals can be a problem and should be limited.

Plymouth Middle Schools Excellence for All Pre-Advanced Placement Program

Pre-Advanced Placement at Plymouth Middle School offers challenge and enthusiasm for learning
during the middle school years and prepares students for the rigor of the Advanced Placement classes at
the high school level.
The Advanced Placement Program at the high school level gives students the opportunity to take
college-level courses and to receive college credit for doing well on the final Advanced Placement exam
in each course. Over 90% of colleges and universities in the United States as well as colleges and
universities in 24 other countries use AP grades to grant college credit, college placement, or both.
Philosophy:
Pre-Advanced Placement classes are based on two important premises:
Students will have the opportunity to perform at rigorous academic levels. This expectation is
reflected in curriculum and instruction throughout the school and students are consistently
challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level.
As a school we can prepare our students for higher intellectual engagement by starting the
development of skills and our knowledge as early as possible.
Course Offerings:
Pre-AP: Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth-grade students will take Pre-AP classes in English, social studies and
science. Accelerated math is available at Plymouth Middle School and will lead to AP math in high
school.
Vertical Teams:
A Vertical Team is a group of educators from different grade levels in a given discipline who work
cooperatively to develop and implement an aligned program aimed at helping students acquire the
academic skills for life-long learning.

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Teachers are trained by a national organization, The College Board, and plan content and the process for
learning across grade levels in what is known as the Vertical Team approach. This group is interested in
using strategies which teach students how to learn. Students will use these important strategies throughout
their educational life.
Characteristics of a Successful Pre-AP student:
Excellent study and organizational skills
Ability to work well with others
Persistence in pursuing goals
A strong sense of responsibility
Ability to become an independent learner
CHOICE IS YOURS (CIY) PROGRAM
The Choice is Yours Program was established as a result of a desegregation case filed by the NAACP and
a number of minority parents. It provides an urban to suburban transfer program for low-income students.
TRANSPORTATION FOR CHOICE IS YOURS STUDENTS
If possible please arrange transportation for Choice is Yours (CIY) students at least a day in advance with
Linda Freeman at ext. 7081.
After school taxi transportation for CIY is only available to students in a supervised after-school activity.
If a CIY student becomes ill during the school day and needs to go home, a taxi may also be called. Under
some circumstances taxis can be provided for students being suspended from school.
In the event that Linda is unavailable, all administrators are authorized to order a taxi under the CIY
account. If a taxi has already been ordered and has not arrived, contact Town Taxi at 612-331-8294 and
give them the students name.
**There is a CIY activity bus M-TH at 4:30 pm. Please have the students use the bus if possible before
requesting a taxi.
OTHER CONCERNS REGARDING CHOICE IS YOURS STUDENTS
If you have any other concerns that pertain to the CIY students such as, attendance, behavior,
personal/family issues, please share that information with Linda Freeman,
x-7081 or 612-290-0925 (cell). Linda works closely with the CIY students and their families and may be
able to assist you in resolving these issues.

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TARGETED SERVICES AT PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

Targeted Services is an extension of the traditional school day. The primary focus of the program is to
accelerate student achievement through prescriptive teaching strategies. Learning opportunities are
designed to provide students with additional time to master academic skills as well as meet the broad
needs of learners. The focus of the program at Plymouth Middle School is reading and math skills.
Students are eligible to participate based on CALT scores, academic performance that is substantially
below grade level, parent request, or other factors that indicate that the student might not meet the
graduation requirement target. Classes of twelve to fifteen students stay after school for one hour once
or twice a week with a licensed teacher to work on additional skills.

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

FALL AND SPRING STUDENT/PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
SCHEDULE 2016-2017

FALL CONFERENCES
Tuesday, October 09, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
Thursday, October 13, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
Monday, October 15, 2016 3:10 8:20 pm
SPRING CONFERENCES AND BOOK FAIR
Tuesday, February 5, 2017 3:10 8:20 pm
Thursday, February 7 , 2017 3:10 8:20 pm
Monday, February 11, 2017 3:10 8:10 pm
*A 30 minute staff dinner break will be scheduled each night

All teachers are expected to be at conferences. Please have your syllabus available for parents
Be sure to get updated parent information especially cell phone numbers. Report any
changes to the guidance secretary
Offer parents a conference evaluation sheet. They will be available at the front doors also
Feel free to hand out your business card to parents

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PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Conferences are held twice per year using an arena style format. Students are encouraged to attend with
their parents. They have the open option to visit any or all of their teachers. Our belief is that the
relationship between parents and teachers is crucial to student success.
You will receive a conference packet via email in the weeks before conference time. In the packet you
will find a copy of the letter that goes home to parents, conference dates and times, teacher worksheets,
and any other specific instructions. Please use this packet to make copies of any forms you may need.
All parents need to be encouraged to attend conferences by:
1. Sending home the conference materials
2. Making a follow up phone call if you were not able to see a parent of a student that is failing
3. Having a phone conference with parents if needed
The Plymouth Parent Association provides one conference dinner during fall and spring conferences.
No other building activities, including detention, are scheduled on conference nights.
All students must go home after school on conference nights.

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADING

GRADING GUIDELINES
Please follow this guide as you do mid-quarter and quarter grades:
If you have had a student for 2 weeks or less, give the student a NM for your class.
If you have had a student for 2 4 weeks, you can use grades if you have had enough
assignments to warrant a grade. If not, give a NM for your class.
When you have had a student for at least 4 weeks, give the student a grade for your class.

STUDENTS RETURNING FROM TASC

Guidance Counselors will get the grades to the classroom teacher.

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Plymouth Middle School Grading Scale

All staff are expected to use this grading scale when calculating quarter, semester, and final grades.
100-94%
93-90%
89-87%
86-84%
83-80%
79-77%
76-74%
73-70%
69-67%
66-64%
63-60%
59-0% NC

A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
D-

Honor Roll:
Students who achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher are placed on the B Honor Roll
Students who achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher are placed on the High Honor Roll

PLYMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL

MEDIA CENTER GUIDELINES
1.

There are computer labs, laptop carts, plus the media center for your use. Please reserve the
media center and labs early they book up quickly.

2. Do not send students down to the media center with one of their Hallway Pass Sheets. The Media
Center requires a yellow corridor pass. Teachers wishing to send students to the Media Center
from class should write the pass for the student and sign it.
3. Please indicate on the pass what the student should be doing in the media center. If they are
checking out books, write it on the pass. If students are doing internet research please include the
topic on the pass.

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4. Dont forget to let the Media Center staff know which specific web sites you are asking the
students to use. It is the policy of this district that students are not permitted to just browse the
internet without specific educational purpose. These sites should be added as a link on your
Schoology page. If the web site is not accessible via the sites on your Schoology page, students
will be asked to log off and return to class. This is for the protection of the students.
The media center will send students back to class at 2:45 pm to allow passing time to help the
students be in class before the end of the day. Please expect them.
5. If you have one of the labs checked out, please remind students that they may not cut through the
media center. They must use the doors in the hallway to access the labs.
6. If you do not come with your students for a scheduled book check-out, the students you send
must have a pass stating that they are there for book check-out.
7. Teacher resource materials are available for check-out through the media center.
8. Media center staff will assist you in compiling books for research in your classroom. Please give
the media center 1-2 weeks notice if you would like a cart of books pulled for your classroom use.
9. The media center has many different types of technology equipment available for your use.
DVDs, camcorders, digital cameras, Digital Video Recorders, DVD Players and LCD projectors
can be checked out by contacting media center staff for a reservation and training if necessary.

10. DVDs are ordered from District 281 Media Services using WebMax on the intranet. You can
also download videos through United Streaming/Discovery Education. See media Specialist for
assistance and passwords.

11. All materials purchased must be processed through the media center. All books MUST be
bar-coded for check-out and tracking if lost.

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ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS

VIDEO SELECTION POLICY
Purposeful
Videos selected for classroom and non-classroom use should align with the goals of the district
curriculum or program and the design of a specific lesson. The materials should lead to the completion of
expressed standards, should enhance the total education program of the district and should be appropriate
to the developmental stage of the student.
Videos should be used for instructional purposes. In the rare event that a video is shown for
entertainment the video selection must comply with the district copyright policy regarding public
performance rights (consult with media specialist) and must be approved in advance by the building
principal.
Consistent with District Rating Requirements
The rating of any material for viewing, unless a variance is granted through district procedure, must not
exceed G for elementary students, PG for middle level students and PG-13for high school students
according the rating scheme developed by the Motion Picture Association of America.

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District staff may apply for a variance to the rating requirements. All requests for variance are approved
by the District wide Curriculum Council and must be received by the director of teaching and learning:
-

By October 1st for high school elective courses (beginning with the 2005-06 registration guide).
At least 6 weeks prior to the intended showing for all other requests.

Application forms are available on the districts Intranet, from the media specialists and from the director
of teaching and learning. A video title that has received a variance does not have blanket approval for
another purpose. The approval is based on the context in which the video is shown.
When a variance has been granted the staff member presenting the video must ensure that:
For high school elective courses
1. The video titles are included in the high school registration course guide and
2. The families of the enrolled students are notified at the beginning of the course of the video
titles and the educational merit of each title.
3. The families of the enrolled students are notified of the exact showing date for any videos that
contain highly sensitive or objectionable material and are informed of the manner in which
the students will be prepared and supported for the emotional experience that the film may
elicit.
For all other courses/subjects
1. The families of the enrolled students are notified at the beginning of the course (or semester
or unit of study as applicable) of the video titles and their educational merit and
2. The families of enrolled students are informed that they may request alternative instruction
provided by the teacher that is equal in credit and rigor to the regular classroom lesson.

ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS

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VIDEO SELECTION POLICY

REQUEST FOR VARIANCE
It is the policy of the Robbinsdale Area Schools that videos used in classroom and non-classroom settings
adhere to the rating requirements* described in the video selection policy. Any variation to the
requirements must be approved by the District Wide Curriculum Council. Requests for a variation should
be submitted to the director of teaching and learning at the ESC at least six weeks prior to the viewing.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
School ______________________________________________________________________________
Course Content Area or Program Title _____________________________________________________
Rating level of the video ______________ Grade Level of students viewing the material ___________
Please provide a detailed description for each item.
1. List the relevant standard; what the student is expected to know or be able to do at the end of the
course (for elementary, write the standard as it appears on the elementary progress report).
2. Provide a thorough description of the lesson design (lesson plan) through which the proposed
video will be presented including the lesson outcome(s), assessment of student progress and the
learning activities.

3. Describe how the video supports the lesson design and the intended student outcomes.

4. Describe the measures that would be taken before, during and after the presentation to ensure that
proper attention is given to the developmental stage of the students.

5. List any alternative materials available to demonstrate the concepts included in the lesson. See
media specialist for assistance.

6. Optional: Provide any additional comments for the DWCC that are germane to the variance
request.

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*Rating Requirements. Do not exceed:

G for elementary students
PG for middle level students
PG-13 for high school students

COPYRIGHT VIDEO RECORDING

It is the policy of Independent School District 281 to adhere to provisions of the current copyright laws as
they pertain to the use of video recordings by nonprofit organizations. Those guidelines are as follows:
1. A broadcast program may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission and
retained by a nonprofit educational institution for a period not to exceed 45 calendar days after
date of recording. After this 45-day period, all off-air recordings must be erased or destroyed
immediately. These guidelines do not apply to programs originating on cable. Each cable
company should be contacted for its own specific copyright requirements.
2. Off-air recordings may be used once by individual teachers in the course of relevant teaching
activities, and repeated only once when instructional reinforcement is necessary in classrooms
and similar places devoted to instruction within a single building, cluster or campus, as well as in
the homes of students receiving formalized home instruction, during the first 10 consecutive
school days in the 45-calendar-day retention policy.

3. Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of individual teachers and may not be
recorded regularly in anticipation of requests. No broadcast program may be recorded off-air
more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program
may be broadcast.

4. After the first 10 consecutive school days, off-air recording may be used up to the end of the
45-calendar-day retention period only for teacher evaluation purposes, i.e. to determine whether
or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum, and may not be used in the
recording institution for any non-evaluation purpose without authorization from the producer.

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5. A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet legitimate
needs of teachers under these guidelines. Each additional copy shall be subject to all provisions
governing the original recording.

6. All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast program as
recorded.

7. Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered
from their original content. Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically combined
or merged to constitute anthologies or compilations without written or purchased permission.

8. The following control procedures have been established to maintain the integrity of these
guidelines:
a. Independent School District 281 equipment may not be used for making illegal
DVDs.
b. The use of illegally copied DVDs in District 281 classrooms is prohibited.
c. The copyright reminder label will be attached to each DVD Player.
Legal copies of videotapes must meet one of the following criteria:
1. They have been purchased by or for the school district.
2. They have been purchased by the user.
3. They are being shown with the written consent of the copyright holder.
4. They are legal copies being evaluated for purchase.
5. They have been recorded off the air and are in compliance with fair-use of the guidelines put
forth by the copyright holders.

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USE OF RECORDED MATERIALS

Teachers may:
1. Use in face-to-face instruction a DVD purchased by the school even though it bears a warning
label for home use only. The key is that the DVD is incorporated as part of the systematic
teaching activities of the program in which it is being used.
2. Use for instructional purposes a rental DVD bearing the for home use only label if the program is
used as part of planned, systematic, direct instructional activities.
3. By abiding by copyright law, model for students a respect for the law and for the rights of the
producer.

Teachers may not:

1. Use either a purchased or rental DVD labeled for home use only in other than planned, direct,
instructional activities. The program may not be used for reward, entertainment or fund-raising.
Any use other than instructional must be negotiated at the time of purchase or rental, usually in
the form of a licensing agreement, which the rental agent is not in a position to negotiate.
2. Make an archival or back-up copy of a copyrighted film or DVD.

3. Make a copy for a friend, even though the teacher has purchased the program.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action.

MEDIA PROGRAM POLICIES

Selection Policy
Selection of Instructional materials Policy
Because the school board and the professional staff of Independent School District 281 are concerned
with the development of informed and responsible citizens, it is the policy of Independent School District
281, Robbinsdale Area Schools, to recognize the rights inherent in the First Amendment of the
Constitution of the United Sates and support the principles of intellectual freedom expressed in official
statements appended:

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Library Bill of Rights American Library Association

Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program: An
Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights American Library Association
A Policy on the Freedom To Teach, To Learn and To Express Ideas in the Public Schools
Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning
Minnesota coalition Against Censorship Internet Statement Minnesota Coalition
Against Censorship
To this end, the responsibilities of the professional staff are:
To provide materials that will enrich the student as an individual and support the adopted
curriculum, taking into consideration the individual needs, and the varied interests,
abilities, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and maturity levels of the students
served.
To consider materials on all sides of issues, beliefs and ideas so that young citizens may
develop the habit of critical thinking reading listening and viewing, thereby enabling
them to develop intellectual integrity in forming judgments.
To provide materials that will motivate students and staff to examine their own attitudes
and behavior, to comprehend their duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges as
participating citizens in a democratic society and to make informed judgments in their
daily lives.
To provide materials that accurately reflects all religious, social, political and ethnic
groups, and their contributions to our American heritage, as well as to acquire knowledge
and appreciation of world history and culture.

1.

Definition of Instructional Materials

Instructional materials are all print, electronic and non-print materials purchased by the district
and used in the education of the student. They may include but are not limited to texts, books,
periodicals, pamphlets, computer software, audio and video DVDs, graphic materials, globes,
maps, electronic resources, results of electronic searches, and other print and non-print materials.

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These materials are housed in or accessed from a district media center, a building media center, a
computer lab, a classroom or a department, resources centers, and are used by students, teachers,
and other staff members of the district.
2. Responsibility for Selection of Instruction Materials
The school board of independent School District 281 is responsible for providing instructional
materials for the education of the youth in the district. The board recognizes the right of the
superintendent and his/her administrators to work through licensed staff to select books and other
materials in accordance with current trends in education and the education goals of the district.
3. General Criteria for Selection
A. Authenticity
The materials should be produced or written by a recognized authority in the field, and
the materials should be reliable in terms of information presented.
B. Appropriateness
The materials should be appropriate to the needs of the students, the curriculum and the
total education program of the district.
C. Quality
The materials should be well organized in the presentation of information and should
achieve their stated purpose. They should have a superior print or non-print format.
Responsibilities for instructional materials used in the classroom but not purchased by the
district.
The district media collection does not include any materials with an R rating or beyond,
nor will they be considered for purchase at the district or building level. When
previewing video materials from other sources, potential selections having ratings of R
or PG13 require special consideration by teachers. When such selections merit use in
the classroom, staff must inform the building principal of its pending use and secure
parental permission as necessary, prior to classroom viewing.
D. Cost
The cost of the material should be justified considering the relative costs of satisfactory
substitutes and the money available for new materials.

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SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS PROCEDURES

1. Print and non-print media center instructional materials
A. Procedure for selection of materials to support curriculum needs.
1. The professional media staff (library and audio-visual personnel) works with other
professional staff to identify and determine curriculum needs.
2. The professional media staff evaluates the current collection in relation to stated curriculum
needs.
3. The professional media staff evaluates materials for selection as follows:
a. Checks sources for materials.
b. Previews and/or reviews materials with the help of other professional staff, to determine
appropriateness in grade level and content.
c. Determines whether to locally produce material.
d. Develops a file for consideration for purchase.
4. The professional media staff is responsible for the maintenance of the collections of
materials.
5. The professional media staff makes its decision for the selection and purchase of materials on
the basis of:
a. The needs as determined by the professional staff.
b. The cost of materials.
c. The balance of subject areas within the collections.
d. The inclusion of multicultural, gender-fair, disability-aware content.
B. The selection of materials by the media staff for non-classroom student needs follows the same
procedure as above.
2. Classroom materials
A. Procedure for selection of materials to support classroom instruction.
1. Classroom material for use by students, kindergarten through grade 12, is selected by the
subject-area curriculum-design team under the direction of the district-wide curriculum
council during the design phase.
2. It is the responsibility of the design team to select and recommend materials which:
a. Support the learner outcomes.
b. Include multicultural, gender-fair, disability-aware components.
c. Are cost-effective.
d. Are developmentally appropriate.
3. Supplementary materials may be selected by a process that is developed by each
building/secondary department, but which provides for approval by the building principal and
the senior associate for teaching and learning.

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3. Responsibilities for instructional materials used in the classroom but not purchased by the
district.
A. The teacher has the right to use materials that he or she believes will increase the
effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the course taught.
B. The teacher recognizes his or her responsibility to use good judgment in the selection of
materials in accordance with district policy. The teacher who is in doubt concerning the
advisability of using certain materials in the classroom should consult with the principal.
C. The district media collection does not include any materials with an R rating or beyond, nor
will they be considered for purchase at the district or building level. When previewing
film/video materials from other sources, potential selections having ratings of R or PG13
require special consideration by teachers. When such selections merit use in the classroom,
staff must inform the building principal of its pending use and secure parental permission as
necessary, prior to classroom viewing.
D. Donated materials are accepted on the condition that the district makes no promise about
using them. Donated materials, to be used, must meet the same criteria that would be applied
to purchased materials.
4. The term selection also implies the process of weeding or removal of materials.
When materials become dated, worn, or no longer relevant to the school program, they are
discarded. In this condition they are a hindrance to, rather than an enhancement of, the
curriculum.
5. Networked Information Resource
Telecommunications, electronic information sources and networked services open classrooms to a
broad array of resources. As much as possible, access will be designed in ways that point
students to those resources which have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. However,
because these resources may lead to any publicly available file server in the world, classrooms are
open to electronic information resources which may not have been screened by educators for use
by students. To ensure understanding of their responsibility, staff will provide guidance and
instruction to all students in the appropriate and ethical use of telecommunications resources.
Acknowledgment of these responsibilities should be obtained from both the student and
parent/guarding by using the Internet/Telecommunications Responsibilities Appendix.

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STAFF DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTIONS

In order to participate in a staff development activity that requires a substitute, please do the
following at least 2 weeks before the event:

1. Fill out an Application for Professional Leave from found in the office. Make sure
this form is filled out completely and signed.

2. If applicable, fill out the Application for Building Funds,also found in the office.

3. Turn the completed forms into the head secretary. She will turn them into the the
Principal for approval.

4. Enter the date in the substitute system as soon as you turn in your form. The sub can
always be canceled if the application is not approved.

5. If, on the day of your professional leave, a substitute has not picked up your job,
you will be required to come into work and cancel your leave. Check with the head
secretary the day before your scheduled leave to see if a substitute has picked up
your job.

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Is this still the correct form or do we still do this?

Independent School District 281 Robbinsdale Area Schools

APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL LEAVE

(please write firmly so all copies are legible)

TO: _____ Professional Development/Teaching & Learning, Education Service Center
_____ Desegregation/Integration, Education Service Center
_____ Student Services, Education Service Center
_____ Special Education, Education Service Center
FROM:
______________________________________________________________________
Staff Member Building Grade/Subject
Leave Date(s) _____ A.M.
Requested _____ P.M. _______________________________ _______________
_____ All Day Day(s) of Week Date(s)
Substitute Needed: _____ Yes _____ No
Destination and purpose of Professional Leave Request:
_______________________________________________________________________
__________
_______________________________________________________________________
_________
__________ __________________________________
__________________________________
Date Signature of Applicant Signature of Principal
Substitute will be reimbursed by:
Name:_______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________

This request must be received 10 days prior to professional leave date.

When approved, this form will be returned to your building principal. Staff member
should make
his/her own substitute arrangements.
The gold copy should be given to your Building Professional Development
Representative.
Education Service Center Approval: _____ Approved _____ Not Approved
Budget Code to be
Charged:_________________________________________________________________
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____________ _________________________________________________
Date Budget Authorization
Pink-Payroll Copy White-Principal/Approved Copy
Yellow-District Department Copy Gold-Building Professional Development Copy

Robbinsdale Area Schools Professional Development

Building Level Activity Clock Hours Pre-Approval
Building: _________________________Chair of Building Team: __________________
Date(s) of Activity: _________________ Time of Activity: ____________________
Identify your building professional development goal targeted through activity:
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Professional Development Activity: (check all that apply)
____Training specific to subject area or grade level subject/grade:
____Training designed to improve instructional practices and encourage Best Practices
____Training targeted at meeting the needs of diverse student population
____Technology training
____Staff collaboration activities (mentorship, peer coaching, examining student work)
____Equity Training
____Other - describe:
Briefly describe the activity:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
How will teachers use their new knowledge and skills from this activity, for improving
student learning and performance?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Number of clock hours requested: ________
Please submit this form to ESCProfessional Development at least two weeks prior to
the activity for pre-approval.

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ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS

LANE CHANGES, CREDITS, AND CLOCK HOURS
SEE TEACHER CONTRACT FOR SPECIFIC LANGUAGE
Teachers in the Robbinsdale Area Schools who participate in approved professional development
activities may earn credits or clock hours toward license renewal and/or movement on the salary schedule.
The options and procedures for lane changes, credits and clock hours are as follows. Please contact the
Professional Development office at the ESC for more information.
Changes in Training Level (Lane Change)
Teachers applying for a lane change submit a written request, accompanied by an official transcript for
each credit earned, to the Human Resources Department by October 1 (for credits earned by September1)
or March 1 (for credits earned by February 1).
The Director of Human Resources conducts an audit of the request and makes a recommendation for
approval to the school board.
Lane change requests require the accumulation of 15 credits, at least 8 of which must be earned from an
accredited college or university. A maximum of 7 board Credits may be applied toward the 15 total.
A lane change occurs at the teachers existing step on the salary schedule and is independent from the step
advancement awarded for years of experience.
Graduate Credit
All graduate credits applied toward a lane change must be verified by an accredited college or university
and relate to the teachers professional expertise or to a definite career plan in the field of education. Any
tuition or materials/incidental costs associated with a college or university class are not reimbursable with
district funds.
Undergraduate credits are applied on a ratio of 1.5 undergraduate credits to 1 graduate credit.
District Board Credit
Teachers may receive 1 board credit for every 12 hours of work or training on a district sponsored
initiative. The entire 12 hours must be devoted to work or training on a specific topic and must be
pre-approved by the Director of Teaching and Learning.
Teachers who apply for board credit submit an official certificate of participation to the Professional
Development Department along with a processing fee for each board credit requested.

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Non-District Board Credit

Teachers may receive 1 non-district board credit for every 12 hours of pre-approved work or training
offered by other school districts.
Pre-approval forms are available from the building staff development representative and completed forms
are forwarded to the Director of Teaching Learning at the ESC. The form is returned to the teacher to
indicate the status of the request.
The entire 12 hours must be devoted to work or training on a specific topic and district funds must not
support any expenses associated with non-district board credits.
Teachers applying for non-district board credit submit an official certificate of participation to the
Professional Development department along with a processing fee for each non-district board credit
requested.
Continuing Education Clock Hours
Clock hours may be awarded for participation in district and building professional development activities
and can be applied toward renewal of the teaching license.
A clock hour certificate verifies participant attendance at the professional development activity and is
available at the conclusion of the event.
Attach a District clock Hour Request form to each Clock Hour certificate and submit to the Continuing
Education Committee at the ESC.
For further information about clock hours and license renewal guidelines, visit the continuing education
link at the Robbinsdale Area Intranet site, or call the Professional Development department at 8027.
Stipend
A stipend may be paid to teachers who are recruited and trained as team leaders for a substantive district
sponsored task. The amount of the stipend depends on the nature of the activity and available funds.
Clock hours may also be available.
Activities for which a stipend is paid may include:
Teacher leadership activities associated with a district initiative
Training sessions for teachers designated to serve as key contact/trainer for an entire building for
a substantial amount of time, such as a school year
Training associated with a required curricular program

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ERMA (Employee Resource Management Assistant) is available on the district Intranet page under other
web sited. ERMA allows you to login and check your individual clock hour records. Please contact
Human Resources for help with your ERMA account.

FISCAL YEAR __________

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REQUEST
Facility_______________________________ Request No._________________________
Requestor_____________________________ Request Submittal Date _______________
Requested Fiscal Year Completion_________
Description of Request

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Negative Impact If Not Funded_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Longevity (Years)____________
Proposed Building Capital Contribution $____________________________________________________________
Requested District Capital Contribution $____________________________________________________________
Proposed Gift Account Funding:
What portion, if any, would likely be funded by fundraising/gift $________________________________________
Date Account Money would be available________________
B&G Response:
__________ Acceptable ________ Acceptable with the following actions:
__________ No Facility Negative Impacts _____________________________________________
__________ No Code/Policy/Standard Conflicts _____________________________________________
B&G Recommendations:
Recommend for FY08______________________________ Date ______________________________
Recommend for Future Year_________________________ Date_______________________________
Recommend for Denial to Funding____________________ Date_______________________________
Recommend for Denial Due to District Policy___________ Date_______________________________
If Approved TMA Work Order No.__________________
District Business Services Response:
Approved for FY08_________________________________ Date_______________________________
Denied for FY08 ___________________________________ Date _______________________________
Page 2 of 2

Facility___________________________________________ Submittal Date_______________________________

Request No._______________________________________ Revised Fiscal Year___________________________
BUDGET ESTIMATE
Total Estimated Cost:________________________________ (Attach supporting documents as required)
Is contingency included in this cost estimate?
Yes_______ No_______ Installation date basis for the estimate_______________________________
Estimators Comments: _________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated Cost (Dollars)

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Design_____________________________ Construction________________________________
Contingency________________________ Related FFE________________________________
Other_________________________________________________________________________________
FUNDING MECHANISM
Gift Account: Yes ______ No ______ If yes, date money is available ________________________________
Gift amount (dollars)________________________________________
Gift Organization/Donatee___________________________________
Health & Safety: Yes_____ No _____ If yes, state project no._______________________________________
Amount (dollars) ___________________________________________
Building
Program Capital: Yes_____ No _____ If yes, amount available (dollars)_______________________________
Date money is available______________________________________
District Capital: Yes ____ No _____ If yes, amount available (dollars)_______________________________
Date money is available______________________________________
Alternative
Facilities: Yes____ No_____ If yes, state project no._______________________________________
Amount (dollars) ___________________________________________
Project in
5 Year Plan: Yes_____ No_____ Plan Year_________________________________________________
Project needed earlier than or later than requested: Yes_____ No_____ If yes, reason: _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Approval Status: Approved ______________________________________________________________________
If not approved: Not approved due to funding:_____ Not approved due to concept:_____ Deferred to Year______
Facility Committee Approved __________________________________ Date______________________________
Business Office Approved_____________________________________Date_______________________________

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