General Information & Policies

Academic Honesty, Cheating, and Plagiarism

We value honesty and therefore, we have a zero-tolerance policy toward cheating of any kind.

Students should not give or receive help on tests, quizzes or homework unless the teacher has granted this privilege on a particular project. Cheating and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty.

Cheating means the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids; unauthorized copying or collaboration. Examples include but are not limited to:

Copying another student’s homework without specific permission from teacher.
Using a cheat sheet, concealed answers, or non-verbal signals in a quiz or exam.
Using answers from another person’s paper during an exam.
Representing material prepared by another as one’s own work (also fits definition of “plagiarism”).
Using aids like Spark Notes or AI generated summaries in place of reading the original text.
Allowing other students to copy assignments or test answers.
Telling other students the specific content of tests of quizzes before they have taken them.
Taking photos of test pages.
Use of artificial intelligence tools to generate or outline content in place of or alongside your original writing.

Plagiarism is the use of another’s words, ideas, data, or product without appropriate acknowledgement; presenting someone else’s opinion as one’s own. This includes the use of content produced by an AI tool. Examples include but are not limited to:

Copying and pasting from an online source and submitting it as your own work.
Using a direct quotation from a source without quotation marks, even if the source has been cited correctly.
Substituting a word or phrase in a sentence, but using the same sentence structure.
Using graphics, experimental data, on-line foreign language translations, video, or audio without permission of the author or acknowledgement of the source. This includes content produced by an AI tool generating text, images, audio, or other content.
Correctly citing a specific passage, but then borrowing other ideas from the same source without proper attribution.
Buying or downloading a paper from an internet site and turning it in as your own.

Students who engage in cheating or plagiarism will receive an “F” grade on that test or assignment. The parents/guardians of the students involved will also be notified. The student may also be required to resubmit the test or assignment. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken depending on the circumstances of any cheating or plagiarism incident.

Attendance Policies

Regular attendance at school is an essential component to a student’s academic success; school attendance and timeliness is very important. Not only is it important for students to receive the direct, ongoing instruction provided during the school day, but students also need to form healthy habits of attendance and timeliness at an early age. Excessive absences and/or tardies may be considered grounds for reconsideration of student’s enrollment.

If a student is going to be absent, a parent must notify the school before 8:35 a.m. The attendance line is (612) 721-3359 (Lower/Middle) or (612) 728-7780 (Upper). Notification from a parent is essential, as we must be able to account for all students.

School Hours

The Upper School is in session from 8:25 a.m. -2:50 p.m. each day, and the Lower/Middle School day is from 8:35 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Vacations

We recognize the value of family vacations, and encourage families to plan trips during school vacations and days off. While it is helpful for teachers to know if a student will be absent, they are not expected to provide instructional materials or homework in advance of vacations. Upon returning from a vacation, students are expected to complete make-up work from the missed day(s). Parents should send a note to the main office at their respective campus to notify the Principal of a planned absence.

School Closings & Late Starts

School closures and delays can be caused by a variety of reasons outside of the school’s control including infrastructure (e.g. utilities) and weather conditions. Closings and late starts can be inconvenient and Minnehaha Academy works hard to keep the instructional calendar intact. However, the ultimate consideration is always student safety.

Instances of school closure or late start will be announced on Parent Square by 5:30 a.m. on the impacted day so that families can make necessary adjustments based on their individual circumstances. This information is also published on designated local news outlets.

Home Learning Days

In the event of a school closure, a home learning day will commence and Principals will send division-specific information about the plans.

Campus Safety

Drills

Throughout the year, Minnehaha Academy will conduct fire drills, tornado/severe weather drills, and lockdown drills in order to train students in emergency procedures. Students are provided specific instructions for each type of drill and the drills provide important opportunities to practice the instructions. Each classroom has the procedures posted in the event that a substitute teacher is in the classroom at the time of a drill or live situation.

Family Member and Prospective Student Visitors

All visitors are required to sign-in at the front office and receive a visitor’s name tag to wear for the entirety of the visit. Lower School students may have Lunchroom Visitors after the first two weeks of the school year. A family member may come to join a student for lunch, and the visit must align with the student’s daily lunch period.

Student visitors are limited to prospective students who are interested in attending Minnehaha. Student Visitors need to make arrangements through the Admissions Department (612) 729-8321. Except for prospective students, students who are not enrolled at Minnehaha Academy are not permitted in the building during school hours unless for special circumstances with prior approval from the school administration.

Chemical Use

Minnehaha Academy seeks to encourage healthy living and discourages illegal chemical use and chemical abuse. Minnehaha Academy’s Chemical Concern Policy applies to all Minnehaha Academy students throughout the calendar year, on or off campus. Our goal is to maintain an environment that is free of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, and to provide clear rules and consequences regarding chemical use.

While enrolled as a student at Minnehaha Academy, students cannot use or distribute chemicals of any kind (alcohol, THC, tobacco, e-cigarette and related products, prescription medication outside of intended use, etc.). This includes on campus use, use during school hours, non-school hours, weekends, and summers, as well as at school-sponsored functions. Minnehaha Academy has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption by minors, except for certain religious activities (e.g., communion).

The Chemical Concerns Policy is divided into three sections: Section A refers to students suspected of being significantly affected by chemical abuse. Concerns regarding possible chemical abuse on the part of a student or his or her family member(s) should be directed to the school administration. Sections B and C refer to documentable instances of chemical possession, abuse or distribution. In all cases the school administration and any coach should be notified.

A. Situations of Concern

Concerns of chemical use may arise which require the attention of school administration:

A student whose life has been affected by someone else’s chemical use may seek help from any member of the faculty, staff, or administration. This would include concerns of use by a family member, friend, or any Minnehaha Academy student(s). It applies as well to concerns surrounding use at an event, or general use patterns noticed, suspected, or known among Minnehaha Academy students. Students identified with these concerns will be referred to a member of the school administration.
A student may seek help from the same resources concerning personal chemical use. Again, students will be referred to the Student Support Team. Seeking assistance will not excuse the consequences of any policy violation. However, a student’s request for help indicates good faith in entering the process of help and may be taken into consideration when determining appropriate consequences.
A student who has been identified by a faculty/staff member, parent, peer or other concerned person as one who is exhibiting unusual behavior which could be related to chemical involvement is referred to the Dean of Students. The Dean or available administrator initiate(s) and conduct(s) an interview with the student to discuss problematic behavior. If needed, the administration contacts parent(s) and schedules a meeting. The student’s current behavioral concern is discussed, and an appropriate referral may be made. Consequences for a first violation of use or possession may be implemented.

B. Use or Possession:

Students are not to use or have in their possession tobacco, THC products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs at anytime, anywhere, on or off campus. A student must leave a party/gathering immediately if/when he or she becomes aware that tobacco, THC products, alcohol, or illegal drug use by students has occurred or is occurring. Remaining at the party/gathering will result in the same consequences as possession or use. The school will apply consequences where corroborative evidence is strong enough to indicate use or possession, whether a student admits or denies involvement. The above violations will generally subject a student to the following consequences*:

First Violation

1. The student will be immediately suspended from school and all school activities (typically a suspension of 1-3 days, but may be longer depending on individual circumstances).

2. Parent/student conferences with school officials will explore the degree of chemical involvement and course of action.

3. Required plan for addressing the chemical involvement,* which may include the activities listed below, at discretion of administration:

Professional chemical assessment to further determine degree of involvement and course of action. Parents/legal guardians and the student must agree that the results and recommendations will be communicated to the school and followed within an agreed-upon time frame.
Participation in a chemical awareness/insight group, on or off campus, which is designed for students to examine their chemical use.
research project may be assigned to study the effects of chemical use.

*Conditions listed above in 3 must be followed according to the agreed-upon schedule, or the consequences of a second violation as described below will be administered.

4. Suspension from participation in extra-curricular events/activities in accordance with the following schedule:

The student shall lose eligibility for the next three consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks (14 calendar days), of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. A student involved in Middle School events may not practice while ineligible, but a student involved in Upper School events is required to continue practicing during ineligibility, after returning to school. Third-party participation rules may separately address participation in other extra-curricular events or activities.

5. The President’s Office will be informed.

6. Local police may be informed.

Possession of chemicals prohibited under this policy at school or at a school-related event may result in consequences of a second violation as described below.

Second Violation

1. The student will be immediately suspended from school and all school activities (typically a suspension of 1-3 days, but may be longer depending on individual circumstances).

2. Parent/student conference with President and school administrators to explore degree of chemical involvement, course of action, and future status of the student with Minnehaha.

3. If a decision is made allowing the student to continue at Minnehaha after suspension, the following will take place:

Professional chemical assessment. Parents/legal guardians and the student must agree that the results and recommendations will be communicated to the school and followed within an agreed-upon time frame.
Participation in treatment and after-care programs, as recommended by assessment.
Participation in a chemical awareness/insight group.

Conditions listed above in 3 must be followed according to the agreed-upon schedule, or the consequences of a third violation (expulsion) will be administered.

4. Suspension from participation in extra-curricular events/activities in accordance with the following schedule:

The student shall lose eligibility for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks (28 calendar days), of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater. A student involved in Middle School events may not practice while ineligible, but a student involved in Upper School events is required to continue practicing during ineligibility, after returning to school. Third-party participation rules may separately address participation in other extra-curricular events or activities.

5. Local police may be informed.

Third Violation

The student will be immediately suspended and may be expelled.
Local police may be informed.

Intoxication

A student who appears to be under the influence of such a substance will be immediately referred to school administration for parental notification and possible removal to a detoxification center. A separate set of guidelines will be followed in handling an intoxicated student.

C. Distribution or Provision

The distribution or provision of tobacco, THC/cannabis, alcohol, or illegal drugs in any form by one student to another student will generally subject the students to the following consequences:

1. The student will be immediately suspended from school and all school activities

2. The situation will be forwarded to the President’s Office with the school administration’s recommendation of suspension or expulsion.

3. Parent/student conference with the President and school administrator to explore and determine the degree of chemical involvement, course of action and future status of the student with Minnehaha.

4. Suspension or expulsion of the student will be issued as follows:

First Offense: suspension or expulsion. If suspended, student is subject to consequences of “second violation” under Use or Possession with the additional activity of restitutionary service in the school and possibly in the extended community
Second Offense: expulsion

5. Local police may be informed.

6. Suspension or expulsion may include the denial of participation in year-end activities and/or graduation.

Students in grades 7-12 who are involved in extracurricular activities should refer to the Minnesota State High School League policy for additional restrictions or consequences.

Chemical Concerns Policy violation steps are cumulative throughout a student’s career at Minnehaha Academy.

Dress Code

It is important to maintain a learning environment free of distractions, including distractions that come from how students are dressed. Clothing must be appropriate for school wear, modest and must not be distracting or controversial.

Teachers and administrators will make judgments about the appropriateness of clothing. If a student’s dress is determined to be inappropriate in any way, the student will be asked to change clothes before returning to the classroom and the parent will be notified. If students continue to violate the dress code, the consequences may include detention or other consequences as deemed appropriate by the school.

Unacceptable dress includes:

Spaghetti strap tank tops or shirts, or shirts that reveal midriffs
Short shorts or skirts, no “booty shorts”
Clothing that shows genitals, nipples, buttocks
Hats and hoods (can be worn outside, but not inside the school building)
Clothing with tears, rips, or holes above the knee
Clothing with printed slogans that advertise alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, are sexually suggestive, or political
Pants with any words on the rear
Anything that allows undergarments to show
Pajamas (including pajama pants) or other loungewear
Tops that allow cleavage to show
On Spirit or other celebratory days, students’ dress may reflect their support or involvement in a school-related activity. Clothing must honor the dress code and reflect the spirit of the activity.

Food Service

Our contracted food provider, Taher, offers lunch service every school day.

Parents can bring a check or cash to the main office in an envelope labeled with the student’s name, grade, and teacher. Parents will be notified when there is a negative balance. It is Taher’s policy that students with a balance of -$5 or more can only purchase hot lunch, not a la carte items. If a student’s balance exceeds -$50, the student will be offered a sandwich, milk, and fruit, but will not be able to get any hot lunch until the balance is positive.

Lunch costs and schedules are provided to families at the beginning of each school year. All meals include the fruit and veggie bar and milk. A la carte items are also available. Students may purchase the hot lunch or may bring lunch from home. Students eat lunch in the cafeteria. Taher also serves breakfast items at each campus during designated times.

Please see your school’s division-specific information regarding food service, if applicable.

Harassment, Bullying, and Other Prohibited Conduct

We expect all students to adhere to our community standards and create a caring community where all members feel respected and valued. Minnehaha Academy provides a safe and positive climate for learning for all students. Maintaining a safe environment is very important to everyone who belongs to this community. Maintaining a safe environment refers not only to physical safety, but protection from verbal put downs and teasing. Name-calling and verbal put downs are hurtful and will not be tolerated.

The school defines harassment broadly as any and all behaviors that have the intent or reasonable effect to compromise the physical and emotional safety and/or the well-being if any individual in our community. Intent to harass it not necessary for conduct to violate this policy. Harassing behavior, verbal, physical or other, based on identity characteristics such as race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, physical or mental ability, political affiliation, gender, affectional/sexual orientation, age and marital, parental or economic status is strictly prohibited.

Harassment can also take many forms, including written or verbal communications, online communications (including texting, app-based communications, and the sharing of photos), both on-campus and off-campus. Even though harassment may be taking place during non-school hours, it is not acceptable at Minnehaha and will be investigated with appropriate discipline referrals made. Any form of online bullying, including the use of derogatory language or discriminatory behavior or commenting on other students in a negative way, is not acceptable and will result in disciplinary action.

Bullying is offensive intimidating, threatening, abusive or harmful conduct directed by a student toward one or more students: when either (1) there is a real or perceived imbalance of power between those involved and the conduct reoccurs or forms a pattern; or, (2) the conduct materially and substantially interferes with the student’s educational opportunities, performance, or ability to participate in school functions, activities or programs.

Any incidence of harassment or bullying should be reported in accordance with the complaint process outlined below.

Any student found to be in violation of this policy may face disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion. In addition, third-party participation rules may impact eligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Sexual Harassment Policy & Procedures

Minnehaha Academy is committed to a positive learning and work environment that is free from sexual harassment. Minnehaha Academy will not tolerate sexual harassment of students, employees, or other members of the school community whether on school property, at school or work-related assignments, at events off school property, or at school-sponsored functions. In addition to being demeaning and degrading, sexual harassment is unlawful and strictly prohibited by school policy. Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment may constitute unlawful sexual abuse or assault under federal and/or Minnesota law.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted or unwelcome sexual conduct, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature or related to a person’s gender, particularly when:

submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education or employment; or
submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment, or academic or school-related decisions affecting that individual; or
such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment is not limited to physical acts. The use of crude or sexually inappropriate language may be considered sexual harassment if it creates an uncomfortable environment for someone else. Sexual harassment may also include verbal teasing or inappropriate name-calling related to one’s sex; spreading rumors of a sexual nature; and sending crude or unwanted sexual messages via letter, e-mail, text message, or social media. Conduct prohibited by this policy includes but is not limited to:

suggestive sexual innuendo, comments, or slurs;
inappropriate or suggestive comments about a person’s body or appearance;
unwanted touching, patting, pinching;
displaying sexually suggestive pictures, cartoons, drawings, posters, or graffiti, including pornography;
writing graffiti of a sexual nature on school property, such as on bathroom walls;
subtle pressure for sexual activity;
coerced sexual relations;
or physical assault.

Complaints and Grievances

All students and employees must report any incident of possible harassment (including sexual harassment) or other prohibited conduct under this policy. Any student who believes he or she has been harassed or otherwise subject to prohibited conduct should immediately report such actions to the principal, vice principal, school counselor, school nurse, or the student’s teacher. Any employee who believes he or she has been harassed should immediately report such actions to his or her supervisor or to the Director of Human Resources.

Any school employee who receives a complaint from a student of harassment or other prohibited conduct must report this information to the principal or the Dean of Students. Reports of harassment or other prohibited conduct will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need for a thorough investigation and applicable laws, including mandatory reporting laws. Any student or employee who is found to have knowingly filed a false complaint of harassment or other similar prohibited conduct will be subject to discipline by the school.

In the event the school receives an anonymous complaint, it will follow similar procedures as if the complaint were submitted by an identified complainant. In order to conduct a thorough investigation, including follow-up and clarification, the school encourages all complainants to identify themselves. The school handles all complaints confidentiality to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation.

The school encourages students, parents, and employees to submit concerns as soon as possible after an incident has occurred. Complaints submitted verbally may be converted to a written report by the individual receiving it.

To ensure the prompt and thorough investigation of a complaint, the complainant should provide as much of the following information as is possible:

The name of the person or persons involved in the incident.
Description of the incident(s), including the date(s), location(s) and the presence of any witnesses.
The effect of the incident(s) on the complainant’s ability to perform in school
The names of other individuals who might have been subject to the same or similar incident.
What, if any, steps the complainant has taken to try to resolve the incident.
Any other information the complainant believes to be relevant to the complaint.

Investigation and Response

Following a complaint of harassment or other prohibited conduct, the school will take prompt action to investigate the allegations. Based upon its investigation, Minnehaha Academy will take prompt and appropriate corrective action.

The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and involve the request for any other documents deemed pertinent by the investigator. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment or a violation of the school’s policies, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct, and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated. Any person found to have engaged in harassment or other prohibited conduct will be subject to appropriate discipline or other corrective action, including up to dismissal or discharge from Minnehaha Academy.

Minnehaha Academy reserves the right to determine what information and outcomes of the investigation need to be shared with parties involved. Some forms of harassment may need to be reported to legal authorities pursuant to Minnesota law. Minnehaha Academy will comply with applicable legal reporting requirements in cases of suspected sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect of any student. In the case of criminal investigations, Minnehaha Academy reserves the right to conduct its own internal investigation.

Non-Retaliation

The school and its employees will not retaliate against any victim of, or witness to, harassment or other prohibited conduct, including based on any victim’s or witness’s complaint or participation in any investigation. Any such retaliation by a school employee is forbidden. Students are also prohibited from retaliating against any student who was a victim of, or witness to, sexual harassment, including based on any victim’s or witness’s complaint or participation in any investigation. Such retaliation shall be considered a violation of this policy and will subject that person to discipline. Such retaliation should be reported using the same reporting procedure as stated above for reporting harassment or other prohibited conduct.

In determining whether alleged conduct is a violation of school policy, Minnehaha Academy will consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all the relevant facts and surrounding circumstances.

Health Policies & Health Services

It is the mission of the Health Service Office to sustain a school environment that promotes and supports student achievement, health and well-being. Preschool has modified health policies. Please see the Preschool section for specific health services policies.

Staffing

Lower & Middle School Nurse: Paul Slininger RN, sliningerpaul@minnehahaacademy.net
Upper School Nurse: Heidi Streed RN, LSN, streedheidi@minnehahaacademy.net

First Aid and Emergency Care During School Hours (8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

First aid will be administered by any staff person qualified to administer appropriate first aid. In the event of a serious emergency, 911 will be called. It is expected that parents of children with life-threatening allergies, asthma, or other emergency conditions will notify the school nurse, as well as provide emergency supplies and medications at the beginning of each and every school year. Medication must NOT be expired and medication will NOT be kept over the summer. Any medication not picked up at the end of the school year will be destroyed.

First Aid and Emergency Care Before School, After School, and for Extracurriculars

If your student requires an emergency health plan or medication (epi-pen, inhaler, etc) and attends the before or after school programs, rides a bus, plays a sport, or participates in other activities outside of regular school hours, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to make the appropriate arrangements with coaches or before/after school program staff. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to supply these individuals with appropriate emergency plans, supplies, and medications. The health office and student’s classroom will be closed and locked outside of regular school hours; any medication stored there will NOT be available outside of regular school hours.

Required Health Forms

The following is a summary of which health forms are required annually for our students:

Grade	Skyward Health Information	Physical Examination Summary Form	Immunization Record Form
Preschool	Yes	Yes	Yes
Kindergarten	Yes	Yes	Yes
Grade 1-6	Yes	Only if there is a major health concern or for new students.	Only for new students.
Grade 7	Yes	Yes	Yes
Grade 8	Yes	Only if there is a major health concern or for new students.	Only for new students.
Grade 9-12	Yes	Only if there is a major health concern or for new students.	Only for new students.
Grade 7-12 Athletics	Yes	Every three years a new form is needed.	As new immunizations are given and for all new students.
How to Submit	Online (Skyward)	Physical copy (if in grade 9-12, can be submitted to Upper School nurse)	Physical copy

Due to the essential nature of this information, students are not able to attend class until the forms above are completed and submitted.

Illness and Communicable Disease

To protect your student and other students, please keep your child home if he/she shows any signs of illness or has a condition determined as contagious by the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department.

Students should NOT come to school with the following:

Fever of 100° F (orally) or 99° F (axillary) or higher within the past 24 hours
Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
An undiagnosed skin rash
Live head lice (determined by school nurse or parent/guardian)
A reportable illness or condition determined as contagious, including but not limited to: pink eye (conjunctivitis), chicken pox (varicella), strep throat, impetigo, influenza, ringworm, and scabies
Significant respiratory distress or unexplained lethargy

Students may NOT come back to school until:

Fever is less than 100° F (orally) or 99° (axillary) for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol/Motrin/Ibuprofen
No vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours since last episode
Skin rash is identified and treatment started if prescribed
Initial treatment for head lice has been done and there are no live lice present
Completion of 24 hours of treatment for contagious illnesses with antibiotics
Chicken pox lesions are completely crusted over

Additional guidelines:

Please call the health office if your student has been diagnosed with a reportable illness or contagious condition. In the event that other students are exposed to a contagious illness, written notices of exposure to illness may be sent home with students in the same class.
If your child cannot participate in Physical Education class or needs to stay in from recess, please send a signed note with that information. If your child will be missing gym or recess for multiple days, a doctor’s note will be necessary.

Life-Threatening Food Allergy Policy and Procedures

Accommodations for Students with Life-threatening Food Allergies

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Action Plans based on physician’s orders will be maintained in the health office. It is the parent/guardian responsibility to provide the health office and other staff with new emergency plans every year or when there is a needed update to the plan.
All faculty who have direct contact with students who have life-threatening allergies will be instructed on risk reduction and epi-pen administration.

Classroom Accommodations for Lower and Middle School

All classrooms are designated nut-free. Nuts and nut products will not be allowed in the classroom. Snacks that have been processed in a facility that also processes nuts are allowed, but not products that have been processed on equipment that also processes nuts.
Students will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water before school begins as well as before and after eating. If it is suspected that a student’s desk has been contaminated with an allergen, the desk will be cleaned with soap/water or disinfectant wipes. If a classroom has been used for an after-school program, the supervising adult will be responsible for washing desks and surfaces to remove allergens.

Bus and Extracurricular Accommodations

If your student rides the bus, parents/guardians will be responsible for addressing their student’s life-threatening allergies with the bus company.
Students will not eat on buses when traveling to and from field trips. If a change in this accommodation for a particular field trip is deemed necessary, the change should be discussed with the school nurse before the field trip.
If your student participates in the before/after-school program, sports, or extracurricular activities, parents/guardians will be responsible for addressing any health concerns with before/after-school program staff or coaches, including providing them with emergency plans and medical supplies as necessary.

Responsibilities

Student with Life-Threatening Allergies

Wash hands before and after eating, as well as avoiding known allergens.
Never trade or share food, containers, trays, napkins, or utensils with anyone.
Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and promptly inform an adult and report to the school nurse (bring a friend as an escort).
Discuss allergies with Taher for allergen clarifications.

Parent/Guardian of the Student with Life-Threatening Allergies

Inform school nurse and teacher of student’s allergy prior to school year or as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
Provide school nurse with a minimum of 2 up-to-date epi-pens and a medication order.
Provide before/after school program or other extracurricular staff with epi-pens.
Provide a bag of “safe snacks” for their student in the student’s classroom.
Discuss allergies with Taher for allergen clarifications.

School Nurse

Conduct education for appropriate faculty and staff regarding life-threatening allergies, symptoms, risk reduction procedures, and epi-pen administration.
Ensure that epi-pens are accessible to faculty and staff while students are present in the building from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. reduction procedures, and epi-pen administration.

Concussion

If a concussion is reported or witnessed or reported during school hours, the student is to report to the Health Office. The School Nurse will assess using the CDC “Concussion Signs and Symptoms Checklist” or other applicable health guidance. If a concussion is witnessed or reported during after-school athletic events the Athletic Trainer will assess using the Concussion Checklist. In both cases parents will be notified and the student will receive “Recognizing and Understanding a Concussion” handout.

For events that occur after school hours unrelated to sporting events or off school property, the student can come to the Health Office the next day if they are experiencing concussion symptoms.

In cases where symptoms seem to persist, it will be recommended that the student and family follow up with their personal family physician. Minnehaha Academy is willing to work with the student, family, teachers and the School Nurse to come up with the best plan of care for a student after two requirements have been met:

The student has seen a doctor and has given the School Nurse a copy of the doctor’s visit note.
The student is compliant with the doctor recommendations for treatment, (i.e. reduced screen time), per parent assessment and student report.

When symptoms have been resolved per the doctor, a final clearance note from the Doctor needs to be sent to the Health Office to clear the student of the hold on participation in future sports, gym class etc.

Medication Policy

For the safety of all students, it is recommended that medication be given at home whenever possible. However, if your child requires medication to be dispensed during school hours, the following medication policy will be followed for all medications (prescription and non-prescription):

School personnel will only give medication with the signed consent of both the licensed prescriber and parent/guardian. The Annual Authorization for Administration of Medication form can be found here: www.minnehahaacademy.net/parents/.
A new medication consent form is required at the beginning of each school year or if there are any medication administration changes.
Medication must be in the original pharmacy container, including the child’s full name, name and dosage of medication, time/directions for administration, physician’s name, and current date of prescription. The label must be in agreement with the signed consent.
Parents/guardians must bring the medication and consent to the health office in person. Students may not carry or transport medications.
Parents/guardians must pick up medication at the end of the school year. Medication and supplies left in the health office after the end of the year will be destroyed.
The only medications students may self-carry and self-administer are emergency inhalers and epi-pens. The parent and licensed prescriber must indicate permission to self-carry on the medication authorization form. We encourage older students (5thgrade and up) to self-carry/manage emergency medications.

Administration of Non-Prescription Medication

Health office personnel may administer Ibuprofen, cough drops, or anti-itch cream (Hydrocortisone) to students if parent/guardian consent has been given in Skyward. Remember, when possible, administer medication in the home.

Upper School students may carry and self-administer non-prescription pain medicine, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if the parent completes the Self-Administration of Non-Prescription Pain Medication for Secondary Students Form annually and the medication is brought to school in a properly labeled bottle.

The following policies apply to the administration of Ibuprofen to students at school:

The health office will maintain a stock bottle of Ibuprofen for communal usage.
The medication will only be given as stated on the label based on age or weight.
A physician/licensed prescriber order will be necessary if parents request a different dosage or if the nurse deems necessary for any other reason.

NOTE: Children and teens should not take aspirin products such as Excedrin because of its association with Reye’s Syndrome.

Lost and Found

All articles found in or about the school buildings or grounds are taken to the lost and found, located in the main office or front desk. We will offer opportunities periodically for parents to look through the lost and found items. Unclaimed items will be donated.

Reasonable Searches

The school reserves the right to conduct a search of a student in connection with any investigation or if a school administrator feels that there is reasonable suspicion that a school rule or policy or any law has been or is likely to be violated. Searches may cover a student’s locker, student belongings (such as backpacks, purses, coats, clothing, pockets, duffel bags, computers and electronic storage media) and student cars parked on school property or in parking lots. Each student agrees to make such areas available for inspection by the school upon request. Failure to comply with such a request may result in discipline.

Stealing and Valuables

It is recommended that students not bring valuable or irreplaceable items to school. Taking others’ property without their permission or the willful taking or misuse of school property will be taken seriously. Students caught stealing or abusing school property will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Technology Expectations

The Acceptable Use Policy is available on the Minnehaha Academy website. Students are accountable to the expectations set forth in the Acceptable Use policy.

Minnehaha Academy’s vision for education technology is to provide educational technology that is a catalyst for curiosity, connection, growth, and promotes whole and holy living in a digital age. Like any complex tool, however, electronic devices can be misused or abused. Adherence to the expectations provided in this policy will allow us to enjoy the benefits of various technologies in our school.

In addition to the practices and procedures in the Minnehaha Academy Acceptable Use Policy, faculty will hold students to the expectations listed in the following table.

The consistent focus of these rules is that, during the school day, electronic devices will be used for educational purposes only. In the event that a student does not comply with these expectations, the student will be subject to discipline as outlined in this handbook. In addition, the school reserves the right to inspect or search a device if there is reason to believe that the student has violated school policies or procedures regarding the use of the device or has engaged in other misconduct while using their personal device. If the device is locked or password protected the student will be required to unlock the device at the request of a school administrator.

Category	Expectation
School Use	During the school day: Students will use their iPad only for school-related work, as assigned by their teachers. Students will not engage in content which is not consistent with the educational focus of the school day (e.g. electronic games, movies, videos, and all social media sites). Any exceptions to this will require written approval from a teacher or the direct supervision of a teacher in a classroom or advisor setting. The “school day” is defined as the time between the first and last class period. Students will not use devices at any time during chapels or assemblies. Before and after school: Students may not access games, apps, websites, or social media that have age restrictions above their age. The same expectations apply after school and when students are involved in a school-sponsored event, activity, or trip off-campus outside of school hours. Students in Middle School are allowed to do homework on their iPads in the Redhawk Commons by the office until 8:15am and before students go to their lockers. Classroom/hallway use: Devices may only be used at the direction of teachers in the classroom and should be kept out of sight until that time. iPads may not be used in the hallways or other non-classroom spaces.
Cheating	Students will not use their learning device to communicate specific content of quizzes or tests to anyone else or to engage in any other form of academic dishonesty or prohibited behavior. (See Student Handbook for further explanation of “academic dishonesty” and consequences.)
Data	Minnehaha faculty reserve the right to delete nonessential apps, photos, and videos from a student’s iPad in the event of the iPad becoming full and unable to perform academic tasks. In addition, students will only download apps from the “Self Service” application after specifically being asked to do so by a faculty member. Students are responsible for safeguarding their data.
Liability	Each user is responsible for their own device and should use it responsibly and appropriately. Minnehaha Academy is not responsible for stolen, lost, or damaged devices, including lost or corrupted data on those devices. While school employees will help students identify how to keep personal devices secure, students will have the final responsibility for securing their personal devices.
Maintenance	Students who bring devices home agree to charge them prior to school, install regular software updates, and to backup their data regularly.
Messaging	Students will not text, video chat, Skype, Snapchat, or make phone calls at any time during the school day, unless instructed by a teacher to do so.
Networks	School devices will connect to the school network for filtered Internet access. The school’s network filters will be applied to a device’s connection to the internet and any attempt to bypass the network filters is prohibited.
Passwords	Students agree not to share passwords with other students. Students, starting in grade 3, should make an effort to remember their Minnehaha ID (WiFi, Google, and computer login).

Please see your school’s division-specific information regarding technology.

Transportation, Parking, and Traffic Flow

Transportation is available for students in Minneapolis and in the surrounding areas. Minneapolis bus schedules are sent home prior to the beginning of the school year; families on St. Paul and suburban routes will be contacted with route information by our provider prior to the beginning of the year. Please note that no route changes will take place until after the first two weeks of school.

There is also a scheduled shuttle that takes students between the Minnehaha Academy campuses each day.

Students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with expectations during the school day. Failure to comply with behavior expectations will result in a Discipline Referral and subsequent disciplinary processes. Bus drivers are authorized to contact school administration regarding student behavior.

To receive more information about the costs and times of any of these bus services or carpool options or to register your child for bus service, contact the Transportation Director at (612) 728-7788.

Please see your school’s division-specific information regarding vacations, transportation and student driving privileges.

Weapons

Students, parents, and other school visitors are not permitted to use or have in their possession weapons of any sort, including knives, firearms, air or BB guns while on school grounds (including in any school building), on a school bus or other school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity. Firecrackers, smoke bombs, lighters, and explosives of any kind are also forbidden.

Anyone who has reason to believe there is a weapon on a school site, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity has a duty to report that information to school personnel.

Students in possession of any of these items will be suspended immediately and referred for additional disciplinary action.