Welcome to Fridley Public Schools!

Thank you for choosing Fridley Public Schools, Minnesota’s first and only full E-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school district!

Fridley Public Schools serves the central area of the City of Fridley with the following schools and programs: Fridley Preschool (3- and 4-year-olds), Hayes and Stevenson elementary schools (K-4), Fridley Middle School (5-8), Fridley High School (9-12), Fridley Area Learning Center (9-12), VISTA Elementary (K-5), VISTA Secondary (6-12) and Fridley Community Education (ages birth-seniors).

Our school district offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes to all students: Primary Years Programme in preschool and K-4, Middle Years Programme in grades 5-10, Diploma Programme in grades 11-12 and Career-related Programme in grades 10-12. IB Programmes are internationally recognized educational programs that emphasize creative problem solving, hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, global focus, and taking action in the community. More information on the IB Continuum at Fridley schools is in the Academics section of this handbook.

Fridley’s quality academics, positive school climate and personalized attention for each student are some of the top reasons families enroll their children in the school district.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds and there are more than 50 languages spoken in our schools. Fridley’s nearly 2,800 students and their families are served by more than 450 teachers and staff members. Welcome to Fridley Public Schools and we look forward to a great school year of learning!

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians:

Thank you for choosing Fridley Public Schools. We would like to warmly welcome you.

As we begin another year of school, we look forward to providing our students with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. Through this we ask each student to engage in our educational programs and services with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

This handbook contains important information about our buildings, practices, rules, procedures and policies. We encourage our families and students to discuss this information together. It is both the student and parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to be aware of the content of this handbook. Per request, additional copies of the school board policies referenced throughout the handbook are available at all schools and on the school district website at fridleyschools.org.

In the Fridley Public School district we hope our families and students will always do their best to help one another, agree to our district guidelines and policies and take advantage of all of the learning opportunities Fridley Public Schools has to offer.

Sincerely,

Fridley Public Schools Principals

Superintendent Brenda Lewis, Ph.D

Brenda Lewis, Ph. D. is the superintendent of Fridley Public Schools. She brings experience working with International Baccalaureate programs and is deeply committed to Fridley’s commitment to equity and mission of creating a world-class community of learners. Superintendent Lewis, a parent to three Fridley Public Schools students, is eager to partner and collaborate with students and families to ensure all students experience access, opportunity and belonging in our classrooms and co-curriculars.

Mission and Beliefs 

Fridley Public Schools is committed to developing internationally minded students who are caring, knowledgeable, and prepared to create a better world. Our mission, vision, and core beliefs guide all we do.

For the full statement of our mission and beliefs, please visit: www.fridleyschools.org/about-us/missionbeliefs

Fridley School Board

The Fridley School Board serves as the governing body of Fridley Public School District 14 and within established state guidelines and regulations, determines the educational, financial and administrative programs and policies under which the district functions. If you would like to contact the school board, you may email schoolboard@isd14.org or call 763-502-5060.

The board’s regular meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month in Room 109 at the Fridley Community Center, located at 6085 7th Street NE, Fridley, MN. Board work sessions are also sometimes held on the first Tuesday of the month. Special meetings are held as needed. All school board meetings are open to the public in accordance with Minnesota state law.

School Board Priorities for Improvement:

1. Ensure districtwide high-level school performance through review and inquiry.
2. Alignment of policies, procedures and performance that support best practices linked to high levels of student achievement.
3.  Alignment of policies, procedures and performance that foster an equitable, welcoming, safe and respectful environment for students, staff, teachers and community.
4. Protect and direct Fridley Public Schools’ financial stability through long-range planning and oversight.
5. Continuous improvement of parent, school and community partnerships through public engagement.

School Board Meetings: 

• Work session - 5:30 p.m.

Board members review background information related to upcoming agendas or other topics of general information. No formal action is taken at these “discussion only” sessions.

• Public Comment - 7 p.m.

Forum for public discussion for Board members and the school district community members.

• Business Session - 7:30 p.m.

Fridley Public School District Addresses

District Office

6000 West Moore Lake Drive | Fridley, MN 55432

Fridley Preschool

6085 Seventh Street NE | Fridley, MN 55432

Hayes Elementary School

615 NE Mississippi Street | Fridley, MN 55432

Stevenson Elementary School

6080 East River Road | Fridley, MN 55432

Fridley Middle School

6100 West Moore Lake Drive | Fridley, MN 55432

Fridley High School / VISTA Secondary

6000 West Moore Lake Drive | Fridley, MN 55432

VISTA Elementary

1317 Rice Creek Road | Fridley, MN 55432

Fridley Community Center & Enrollment Center

6085 Seventh Street NE | Fridley, MN 55432

District Administrative Offices

District Office. ........................................763-502-5000

Superintendent.....................................763-502-5001

Administrative Services.........................763-502-5002

Academics & Innovation. .......................763-502-5005

Enrollment. ............................................763-502-5081

Equity & Inclusion. .................................763-502-5063

Operations. ............................................763-502-5004

Buildings & Grounds. .............................763-502-5088

Transportation. ......................................763-502-5151

Nutritional Services ..763-502-5022 or 763-502-5021

Special Services.....................................763-502-5661

School Board Message Line. ..................763-502-5060

IB (Diploma, Career-related) . ............... 763-502-5062

IB (Middle Years Programme) ..........… 763-502-5036

IB (Primary Years Programme)

Hayes Elementary School ……..…….. 763-502-5228

Stevenson Elementary School .……. 763-502-5317

Fridley Preschool. .............................763-502-5117

Academic Honestly Policy

As a teaching and learning institution, Fridley Public Schools places a high value on academic honesty. This includes respect for intellectual property, fully acknowledging the work of others, and the submission of authentic pieces of student work. We will work to prevent behavior resulting in a student gaining unfair advantage over others through: plagiarism, collusion, duplication of work, fabrication of data, accessing unauthorized material during assessments, and other similar behaviors.

Students are expected to:

• Appropriately cite all work found in outside resources such as books and websites.
• Submit only work that is authentic and representative of their own knowledge and ability.
• Support the learning of peers without allowing copying or submission of work done by others.

Consequences for academic dishonesty are outlined in the District Policy 506 Student Discipline. Instances of academic dishonesty on assignments or assessments in IB Diploma courses will be reported to the IB in accordance with their policies. For more information see the District Policy 596 Academic Honesty.

Accidents

All student injuries that occur at school or school-sponsored activities should be reported to the building administration. Parents/guardians of an injured student will be notified as soon as possible. If the student requires immediate medical attention, the principal or other district leader will call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment and contact the parent(s).

Announcements

Announcements from students must be approved by building administration prior to being submitted to the main office.

Bicyles

Bicycle racks are available for students at each school. It is the students’ responsibility to secure their bicycle to the rack. All bicycles should be in a bike rack and not secured to posts of the school building. The schools accepts no responsibilities for bicycles.

Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. The school district’s general student behavior rules are in effect for all students on school buses, including non-public and charter school students. The school district will not provide transportation for students whose transportation privileges have been revoked.

The school district is committed to transporting students in a safe and orderly manner. To accomplish this, student riders are expected to follow school district rules for waiting at a school bus stop and rules for riding on a school bus.

While waiting for the bus or after being dropped off at a school bus stop, all students must comply with the following rules:

• Students are only allowed to ride their assigned bus. Students are not allowed to ride their friend’s bus to go home with them. If a parent wants his/her child to go home with another student, that parent must transport their child there.
• Get to the bus stop five minutes before yourscheduled pick up time. The school bus driver will not wait for late students.
• Respect the property of others while waiting at the bus stop.
• Keep your arms, legs, and belongings to yourself.
• Use appropriate language.
• Stay away from the street, road, or highway when waiting for the bus.
• Wait until the bus stops before approaching the bus.
• After getting off the bus, move away from the bus.
• If you must cross the street, always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal to you before crossing the street.
• No fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.
• No use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

While riding a school bus, all riders must comply with the following rules:

• Follow the driver’s directions at all times.
• Remain seated facing forward while the bus is in motion.
• Talk quietly and use appropriate language.
• Keep all parts of your body inside the bus. 
• Keep arms, legs, and belongings to yourself and out of the aisle. 
• No fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay. 
• Do not throw any object. 
• No eating, drinking, or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. 
• Do not bring any weapons or dangerous objects on the school bus. 
• Do not damage the school bus

Consequences for school bus/bus stop misconduct will be imposed by the school district under adopted administrative discipline procedures. All school bus/bus stop misconduct will be reported to the school district’s transportation director. Serious misconduct may be reported to local law enforcement.

FRIDLEY HIGH SCHOOL . ........................... 763-502-5600

Kelly McConville.........................................763-502-5601

Principal’s Administrative Assistant . ..........763-502-5602

Lamii Zarlee, Assistant Principal ................763-502-5603

Kari Varichak, Assistant Principal . ..............763-502-5036

Justin Reese, Activities Director. ................763-502-5605

Attendance ............................................... 763-502-5604

ALC Attendance ........................................ 763-502-5103

Guidance Office ........................................ 763-502-5612

Health Office . ............................................ 763-502-5626

Social Worker . ........................................... 763-502-5660

VISTA ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY. ......... 763-502-5055

Matthew Engelhard, Principal....................763-502-5110

Dept. Administrative Assistant...................763-502-5661

Director of Special Services........................763-502-5012

Social Worker . ............................................763-502-5145

FRIDLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL ....................... 763-502-5400

Jordan Halverson, Principal .......................763-502-5401

Principal’s Administrative Assistant. ...........763-502-5402

Kitty Hallin Payne, Assistant Principal . .......763-502-5403

Attendance.................................................763-502-5407

Student Support Services...........................763-502-5404

Health Office . .............................................763-502-5426

Social Worker . ............................................763-502-5575

HAYES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL . ................. 763-502-5200

Angaelicka Iverson, Principal ..................... 763-502-5201

Principal’s Administrative Assistant. ........... 763-502-5202

Greg Beeck, Assistant Principal ................. 763-502-5203

Attendance ................................................ 763-502-5207

School Counselor . ...................................... 763-502-5260

Health Office . ............................................. 763-502-5226

Social Worker . ............................................ 763-502-5232

STEVENSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL . ........ 763-502-5300

Veronica Mathison, Principal . .................... 763-502-5301

Principal’s Administrative Assistant. ........... 763-502-5302

Abby Jensen, Assistant Principal . ............... 763-502-5305

Attendance ................................................ 763-502-5307

School Counselor . ...................................... 763-502-5303

Health Office . ............................................. 763-502-5326

Social Worker . ............................................ 763-502-5310

PRESCHOOL ............................................ 763-502-5100

Afolabi Runsewe, Principal of FCC...................763-502-5101

Preschool’s Administrative Assistant......... 763-502-5105

Karin Beckstrand, Coordinator................... 763-502-5117

Health Office ............................................. 763-502-5114

Staff Directory Information is updated throughout the school year on the district website: fridleyschools.org. Select DIRECTORY on HOME page.

Bullying Prohibition

The school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Acts of bullying, in any form, by either an individual student or a group of students, is prohibited on school district property pr at school-related functions. See District Policy 514 bullying Prohibition, revised according to Minn. Statute 121A.031 for detailed information. 

Campus Parent Portal 

Upon enrollment, each parent/guardian will be required to sign a copy of the Internet Acceptable Use Agreement Form. Once this is done, they will be assigned an activation code to activate their own Campus Parent Portal account. The account remains active as long as the parent has children in the Fridley school district.

Existing parents/guardians who do not yet have a Campus Parent Portal account can get an activation key from their student’s school building secretary.

1. During the school year, parents will have access to the following data about their child:

A. Attendance - updated hourly.

B. Discipline - updated as events occur.

C. Transcript - available at the end of each current term/semester and all past terms.

D. Class assignment grades - updates will vary depending upon the course. Parents can expect that grades for an assignment will be posted 1-2 weeks after that assignment has been turned in. Teachers will need adequate time to grade all of the student work and to post the scores. Please keep in mind that the scores displayed in the Parent Portal give an approximate grade determination at that specific point in time during the semester.

E. Transportation - updated nightly with bus number, stop and time.

2. Parents should not share their password with anyone and should not set their browsers to auto login to the Portal.

3. Important Parent Portal Safety Features:

A. Three unsuccessful login attempts will disable the Parent Portal account. In order to use the Portal again, parents will need to contact the Parent Portal help desk to have the account reactivated.

B. You will be automatically logged off if you leave the Parent Portal Web browser open and inactive for a period of time.

C. All attempts at logging into the system are recorded and monitored, and a full audit trail is tracked.

4. Parent Portal Help Desk contact information. Telephone help is available by contacting your child’s building secretary.

Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices

Refer to the Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices Policy for full details. Your school may provide additional guidelines. We recommend leaving cell phones and electronic devices at home. If you bring them, you are responsible for their security. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Communcation

Peachjar Digital Flyers

Parents can receive digital flyers via email about school activities, after school programs and other school-approved programs in the Fridley area. Peachjar provides an email notification to parents for flyers posted from their child’s school. Peachjar is easily accessible via the district and each respective school’s website.

School and District Website

Fridley Public School website address is: fridleyschools.org. Each school has its own website within the district website. Families can find information here related to district and school news, announcements, and important notifications.

School Parent Newsletter

Schools may also communicate with parents through newsletters that are sent to parents through email or printed mail sent home with students.

Dress and Appearance 

Students should be dressed appropriately for school activities and in keeping with community standards. Appearance and dress are to be in good taste at all times. For health reasons, as well as community standards, proper school dress shall be enforced. Improper school dress may include anything deemed to be disruptive to the educational process.

If the administration believes a student’s appearance, grooming, or mode of dress interferes with or disrupts the educational process or school activities or poses a threat to the health or safety of the student or others, the student will be directed to make modifications or will be sent home for the day. The student’s parent or guardian will be notified. See District Policy 504 Student Dress and Appearance in School.

Early Childhood Screening

Fridley Public Schools provides early childhood screenings to its community at no cost to parents. These screenings are available beginning at age 3 and should be completed before a child begins kindergarten. Early Childhood Screenings include a review of the child’s immunizations, a snapshot of the child’s vision, hearing, and developmental progress. Screenings are required before a child can enroll in a public school, i.e. 4-year old preschool program and kindergarten. To schedule a screening for your child, please visit our website: commed.fridleyschools.org/early-childhood/early-childhood-screening

Equal Access to School Facilities 

The school district has created a limited open forum for secondary students to conduct non-curriculum- related meetings during non-instructional time. The school district will not discriminate against or deny equalaccess or a fair opportunity on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings. These limited open forum meetings will be voluntary and student initiated; will not be school sponsored; employees or agents of the school will be present at religious meetings only in a non-participatory capacity; the meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and non-school persons will not direct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups. All meetings under this provision must follow the procedures established by the school district.

Responding to the needs of families in our community, Fridley Public Schools’ Community Education department offers tuition-based childcare for both preschool and school age children through its Tiger Club program. This year-round programming offers both a full day preschool option during the school year and before-and-after school and summer school-age care option for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. For more information you can go to fridley.ce.eleyo.com OR contact 763-502-5107.

Extended School Year

Fridley Public Schools provides extended school year opportunities for students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if the student’s IEP team determines the services are necessary during a break in instruction (such as during the summer). For more information on extended school year opportunities for students with an IEP, please contact the district’s special education department at 763-502-5661.

Fees

Materials that are part of the basic educational program are provided with state, federal, and local funds at no charge to a student. Students are expected to provide their own pencils, paper, erasers, and notebooks. Students may be required to pay certain other fees or deposits, including but not limited to:

• Cost for materials for a class project that exceeds minimum requirements and is kept by the student.
• Admission fees or costs to attend or participate in optional extracurricular activities and programs.
• Voluntarily purchased student health and accident insurance.
• Use of musical instruments owned or rented by the school district.

Students will be charged for textbooks, workbooks, and library books that are lost or destroyed. The school district may waive a required fee or deposit if the student and parent/guardian are unable to pay. For more information, contact your child’s school.

Field Trips

Field trips may be offered to supplement student learning. Parents are required to give permission for each individual field trip. Information about the trip (cost, if any; need for a bag lunch, appropriate dress, etc.) will be sent home prior to the trip. Students may be required to pay for instructional trips that take place during the school day, related directly to a course of study, and require student participation.

Fundraising

All fundraising activities conducted by student groups and organizations and/or parent groups must be approved in advance by the building principal or activities director. Participation in non-approved fundraising activities is a violation of school district policy. Solicitations of students or employees by students for non-school related activities will not be allowed during the school day. See District Policy 511 Student Fundraising for more information.

Gangs/Threatening Group Activity

Gang/threat group activity such as the use of graffiti emblems, symbolism, hand gang signs, threatening language, jewelry, clothing, etc., is prohibited. Consequences may include: parent contact, police referral, suspension/expulsion. See District Policy 506 Student Discipline.

Graduation Ceremony 

Student participation in the graduation ceremonies is a privilege, not a right. Students who have completed the requirements for graduation are allowed to participate in graduation exercises, unless participation is denied for appropriate reasons, which may include discipline.

Graduation exercises are under the control and direction of the building principal.

• Seniors must complete all 27 required credits in order to participate in the Fridley High School Commencement ceremony.
• The school will communicate established standards of dress and behavior to those who are participating in commencement.

Guests at School Dances (High School)

School rules are in effect during ALL school activities. All students need a photo ID to enter school dances. In addition, the following policy and procedures below will be enforced. Guests may accompany Fridley High School students to Prom if:

1.  A dance consent form has been completed and returned to the main office by 3:05 p.m. the day before the dance.
2. All student guests must bring a valid student ID and/or driver’s license for verification purposes.
3. Guests may not be older than 19 years old.
4. Dances typically run from 8 – 11 p.m.
5. All students and guests must follow the rules of the school regarding appropriate behavior and/or attire at a school dance. The rules for appropriate behavior and/or attire are the following:
   • Be respectful and polite to others and staff.
   • No revealing or inappropriate clothing or costumes, as deemed inappropriate by the chaperone(s) or staff members in attendance.
   • No dance grinding; meaning, no rubbing up on a person, bending over in front of another person and dancing, wrapping legs around a person and dancing or other inappropriate grinding dance as defined by the chaperone(s) or staff members in attendance.
   • All school rules apply during a dance that would apply during the school day.
   • Students must follow the directions or special instructions given for a particular dance or by any staff member.

Failure to follow any of the above rules or guidelines can result in student discipline, including but not limited to, being asked to leave the dance, not being allowed to attend future school dances or activities, detention, suspension, or any other student consequence or discipline as defined in this Student-Parent Handbook.

Homecoming

Homecoming is the first big high school event of the year. Each year, one week is set aside for Homecoming activities. Students serving in the Homecoming Royal Court are elected by the senior class and their respective class.

Junior-Senior Prom

The Junior-Senior Prom is planned by the Prom Committee. This event is for juniors and seniors and their guests.

Harassment and Violence Prohibition

It is the policy of Fridley Public Schools to strive for a learning and working environment that is free from religious, racial, gender, or sexual harassment and violence. The School District prohibits any form of religious, gender, racial or sexual harassment and violence. It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school employee of the school district to harass a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature or regarding religion, gender, and race. See District Policy 413 Harassment and Violence, for more detailed information.

Hazing Prohibition

Hazing is prohibited. No student will plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. Students who violate this rule will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s Student Discipline policy and building practices. See District Policy 526 Hazing Prohibition, for more information.

The purpose of our advisory system is to help students connect with teachers by creating:

• An opportunity for teachers to get to know students in their advisories over the four years of their high school experience, both personally and academically, to help them achieve their goals.
• An avenue for sharing grade-specific information.

Internet Acceptable Use

All school district students have conditional access to the school district’s computer system, including Internet access, for limited educational purposes, such as use for classroom activities, accessing remote learning and instruction, and educational research. Use of the school district’s system is a privilege, not a right.

Unacceptable Use

Unacceptable uses of technology include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Participating in any activity that is in violation of U.S. law, state law or Fridley School Board Policy. Examples are: unauthorized copying of any software, copying any copyrighted material and plagiarizing.
2. Wasting school resources, such as file space, paper, spamming, etc.
3. Gaining unauthorized access to resources.
4. Invading the privacy of another.
5. Attempting to gain unauthorized entry to any computer, network, file, database, network device, workstation, IP address or communication.
6. Posting anonymous messages, personal contact information about any individual or sending network messages.
7. Using district equipment for commercial or private advertising or political lobbying.
8. Using district property for private, financial, or commercial gain.
9. Engaging in any unauthorized chat room activities.
10. Engaging in acts of vandalism such as, but not limited to; unauthorized copying of software to or from the network that has a computer virus causing damage or failure of technology devices, destruction of others files or work saved on computer or server, accessing, submitting, posting, publishing or displaying either privately or publicly defamatory, discriminatory or inaccurate, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material.

Unacceptable use of the school district’s computer system, technology, or the Internet may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges;
• Payments for damages and repairs;
• Discipline under other appropriate school district policies including, but not limited to, suspension, expulsion, or exclusion; or civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws.

See District Policy 524 Internet Acceptable Use for more information. Students are expected to understand and agree to abide by the policy as a condition of use of the school district’s computer system. All students who wish to use the school district’s computer system must sign and return the Internet Use Agreement form annually.

Important Notice

Fridley Public Schools takes measures to filter and monitor resources and information accessed through its information and data systems. Though effort is made to deter access to materials that are inappropriate for the educational setting, no safeguard is foolproof. The user is responsible for not seeking or initiating access to inappropriate material and is also responsible for reporting incidents should they occur.

Interview of Students by Outside Agencies

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than a student’s parents, school district officials, employees and/or agents, except as otherwise provided by law and/or district policy. Upon receiving a request to interview a student, it will be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. See District Policy 519 Interview of Students by Outside Agencies.

Media Center and Media Services

The Media Center serves as the focal point for information gathering and as our productivity center. At each school, students can access a variety of resources, including visual, electronic and printed resources.

The high school and middle school Media Center is available for student use before, during, and after school.

Elementary school students are allowed to check books out for two weeks. After two weeks, the books are marked overdue. Students can check out 1-2 books at a time, depending on their grade level. Each student is responsible for the books checked out. If a book is lost or damaged, reach out to the media specialist to discuss replacement costs.

Messages to Students

Should a message need to be relayed to a student during the school day, please contact the main office of your child’s school. Please refrain from calling a student’s cell phone, during school hours.

Non-Discrimination

The school district is committed to providing inclusive education and an equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, parental status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. The director of human resources is the district’s human rights officer who handles inquiries regarding non-discrimination. You may contact 763-502-5013. See the following district policies on nondiscrimination: Policy 521 Student Disability Non-discrimination, Policy 522 Student Sex Non-discrimination, Policy 528 Student Non-discrimination Due to Parental, Family or Marital Status.

Notice of Violent Behavior by Students

The school district may give notice to teachers and other appropriate school district staff when students with a history of violent behavior are placed in their classrooms. The student’s parents/guardians have the right to review and challenge their child’s records, including the data documenting the history of violent behavior.

Nuisance Items

Each school in the district reserves the right to ban nuisance items that have a disruptive effect. Items such as squirt guns, water balloons, noisemakers, or dice, to name just a few, are not to be brought to school. Electronic devices are not permitted in the classrooms during the school day without prior approval by the teacher.

Parent Right to Know

If a parent requests it, the school district will provide information regarding the professional qualifications of his/her child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional licensing status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been
• waived;
• The baccalaureate major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;
• Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the school district will provide parents with information as to the level of achievement of their child in each of the state academic assessments. The  school district will also provide notice to parents if, for four or more consecutive weeks, their child has been assigned to or taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Parent Volunteers

Parents/guardians are welcome in the schools and are encouraged to volunteer. To volunteer in the school building, parents/guardians should contact the building principal. Parents/guardians who visit the school should sign in at the main office. The school district will require criminal history background checks for volunteers who work directly with students.

Background Check for Volunteers

Volunteers are an important part of our school programs. Volunteers must sign in at the school office and receive an identification badge before assuming their duties. We invite you to consider volunteering in ISD14 Fridley Public Schools. Please contact your child’s school for further information. Volunteers are required to complete a district background check prior to performing service in the school district.

Parent and Teacher Conferences

The purpose of parent and teacher conferences are to provide opportunities for the parent/guardian and the child’s teacher to share information about the child including school progress. Parent and teacher conferences are held throughout the year. For more information, please see the district calendar. A parent may also request a conference with a teacher or principal by contacting his/her child’s school directly.

Parking Lot Expectations

Student Driving Regulations and Parking Procedures

1.  All student automobiles parked on school property must have a permanent current parking permit or daily parking permit clearly displayed on the vehicle’s window.
2.  Automobiles are to be parked appropriately in the parking lot designated for students. Students will be given a citation and/or towed if inappropriately parked in non-student area.
3.  The speed limit for all vehicles on the senior high grounds is 10 mph.
4. Automobiles are to be locked upon arrival and not entered until dismissal.
5.  Students are not to be in the parking areas during the day unless they have a pass from the attendance office.
6. Students are not allowed to “loiter” in the parking lot before or after school.
7.  Parking permits are to be used only by the person to whom the permit has been issued.
8.  Students improperly or illegally parked will be issued a citation and may have their vehicles towed at their own expense on the second offense.
9. Students who leave the school parking lot during the day without a valid pass, or who take other students who do not have a valid school pass to leave school with them in their vehicle, will forfeit  their parking privileges for the reminder of the school year. No refund will be made.
10. Students and parent/guardian agree to indemnify and hold harmless School District 14, its employees and agents for any loss, damage, or injury to the student, student’s vehicle, or property which may result from parking or driving on school district property.
11. The parking fee is $5.00 per year. There will be a $5.00 charge per permit for each additional vehicle registered per student. A $5.00 fee will also be charged for replacement of lost or stolen parking permits.

Should you be involved in an accident, report it to the attendance office, the Fridley police, and your parent. See District Policy 527 Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicle on School Property.

Photographic or Recording Devices 

Use of any photographic or recording device, film camera, digital camera, cell phone camera or video camera that impinges upon the rights of others is prohibited. This prohibition includes the distribution or receipt of a picture(s) or video recording that impinges upon the personal privacy of another. No photography, video or audio recording is allowed in locker rooms, rest rooms, or anywhere else in a way that violates the privacy of an individual.

Pledge of Allegiance

Students may recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Any person who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. Students will also receive instruction in the proper etiquette toward, correct display of, and respect for the flag. See District Policy 531 Pledge of Allegiance for more information.

Post Secondary Enrollment Options

PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE to inform FHS about your intent to take PSEO classes was May 30, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. State forms will not be signed after May 30, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, & 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he maycontinue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year, schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether online or on campus. Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting  policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.

All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board’s decision to the commissioner. The commissioner’s decision regarding the number of credits will be final.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

A student’s acceptance into a post secondary option program is a commitment by the student to abide by the rules of the post-secondary institution that he/she is attending as well as the rules of Fridley High School.

Students will be expected to attend all classes, participate, and maintain satisfactory progress. The post secondary credits earned will apply toward graduation requirements at Fridley High School. Grades earned at the post secondary institution are included in the high school grade point average. Courses taken outside of Fridley High School are not weighted in our weighted grading system.

Important To Remember (PSEO):

Students who intend to participate in PSEO should schedule an appointment through the Student Support Services with their academic dean. A parent or guardian is required to attend this meeting along with their student. The dean will provide the student with PSEO procedure, parent contract,and graduation requirements and review requirements, eligibility, process and procedures, and to discuss with the student their planned registration. Additional information on PSEO eligibility and application guidelines is available on the Fridley High School website. If you have any questions, please call Fridley High School Student Support Services at 763-502-5612.

District Policy 903P Visitors To Schools and School-Sponsored Events Procedure guarantees that in accordance with established procedures:

• A student enrolled in a post-secondary enrollment options course may remain at the school site during regular school hours in accordance with established procedures, and;
• May be provided with reasonable access, during regular school hours, to a computer and other technology resources that the student needs to complete coursework for a post-secondary enrollment course.

Promotion and Retention 

All students are expected to achieve an acceptable level of proficiency. Students who achieve at an acceptable level will be promoted to the next grade level at the completion of the school year. Retention of a student may be considered when professional staff and parents/guardians feel that it is in the best interest of the student. The superintendent’s decision will be final. The district has a variety of services to help students succeed in school.

Publications and Materials

The policy of the school district is to protect students’ right to free speech while at the same time preserving the district’s obligation to provide a learning environment that is free of disruption. All school publications must be approved by building administration. Non-school-sponsored publications may not be distributed without prior approval from building administration. See District Policy 512 School Sponsored Student Publications for more information.

Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Materials on School Premises 

The school district recognizes that students and employees have the right to express themselves on school property. This protection includes distributing non-school-sponsored material, subject to school district regulations and procedures, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner. See District Policy 505 Distribution of Non-school Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees.

District-Owned Media Platforms

Fridley Public Schools media including district and school websites, publications, district and school social media platforms are the sole property of the school district. The school district reserves the right to approve or deny approval of publishing content and images on any of its district owned publications, website and social media platforms according to Fridley Public Schools’ mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. For more information, see District Policy 904P Distribution of Non-school sponsored Materials on School Premises by Non-school Persons.

Posters and Flyers

Students must obtain permission in the Main Office before putting up any type of posters, pictures, or other forms of advertising. Further, students must take down these materials when their purpose has been served.

At Fridley High School, this media of communication is restricted to the glazed brick area of the building or walls in the cafeteria area.

Recess (Preschool, Elementary School, FMS 5th and 6th Grade) 

Preschool through 6th grade students routinely participate in outdoor recess. In the winter, students may be outdoors as long as weather conditions are conducive to outdoor activities. Appropriate attire is required for outdoor playtime during winter. Snow pants are highly encouraged. Children are not allowed to stay inside alone when other students are participating in outdoor recess.

Report Cards and Mid-Term Reports

Parents can utilize our Parent Portal to view their child’s grades and attendance/discipline records at any time during the school year. Parents may also contact teachers directly for current academic progress.

School Closing Procedures

School may be canceled when the superintendent believes the safety of students and employees is threatened by severe weather or other circumstances. The superintendent will make a decision about closing school or school buildings as early as possible. The district will inform parents of a school closing through multiple mediums, which include: phone call, SMS text and email notification, district website, district social media, and local television news channels. School closing announcements will be sent prior to the start of the school day. As long as buses can safely operate, schools are not closed in cold or snowy weather.

Searches

In the interest of student safety and to ensure that schools are drug-free, district authorities may conduct searches. Students violate school policy when they carry contraband on their person or in their personal possessions or store contraband in their desks, lockers, or vehicles parked on school property. “Contraband” means any unauthorized item, the possession of which is prohibited by school district policies, practices, and/or the law. If a search yields contraband, school officials will seize the item(s) and where appropriate, give the item(s) to law enforcement for ultimate disposition. Students found to be in violation of this policy are subject to discipline in accordance with the school district’s “Student Discipline” policy and building discipline practices which may include suspension, exclusion, expulsion, and, when appropriate, the student may be referred to law enforcement.

Canine Search

At the request of the administration, law enforcement or licensed private agencies, trained dogs may used on school premises and on school property to identify illegal or illicit material(s) as defined in the Student-Parent Handbook and/ or Fridley Public Schools School Board policies and to determine whether materials are present which may threaten the general health, welfare and safety of students and/or school district employees. The use of trained dogs to conduct these searches shall be unannounced and made at the discretion of the administration. Only the dog’s official handler will determine what constitutes an alert by the dog. The use of dogs shall be for the purposes of inspecting particular items, places and/or vehicles and not persons.

Desks

School desks are the property of the school district. At no time does the district relinquish its exclusive control of desks provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of desks may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Lockers and Personal Possessions Within a Locker

Students are responsible for the lockers that they are assigned. Sharing lockers is not permitted. All backpacks, bags and purses should be left in the locker. Students are responsible for their own lockers. All lockers are issued in a clean condition and must be left in a clean condition before vacating the locker.

Any damage to the locker is the student’s responsibility and should be reported to the attendance office immediately. The school reserves the right to remove illegal, dangerous, and unauthorized items from any and all lockers.

According to state law, school lockers are the property of the school district. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for the convenience of students. Inspection of the interior of lockers may be conducted by school officials for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. Students’ personal possessions within a school locker may be searched only when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school officials will provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched, unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

Patrols and Inspections

School officials may conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and other school district locations and routine inspections of the exteriors of motor vehicles in student parking lots. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without consent, and without a search warrant.

Personal Possessions and Student’s Person

The personal possessions of a student and/or a student’s person may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school rules. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness.

Vehicles on Campus and Search of the Interior of a Motor Vehicle

The interior of a motor vehicle in a school district location, including the glove and trunk compartments, may be searched when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law and/or school policy or rule. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness. Such searches may be conducted without notice, without consent, and without a search warrant. See District Policy 527 Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles on School Property.

Special Education

Fridley Public Schools strives to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities by providing them with comprehensive support and educational services.

A team of special and regular education staff works with parents to determine the type of educational setting and support services to best meet the student’s needs for a free appropriate public education. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed cooperatively between parents and school staff. Every planning and monitoring of the student’s education is legally protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Fridley Public Schools currently provides special education services for students meeting the eligibility criteria for all the disability areas under IDEA. To learn more about the district’s special education services and supports, please contact Laura Seifert-Hertling, director of special services, at 763-502-5024 or email seiferthertling@isd14.org

Student Code of Conduct: Shared Responsibility

Parents, schools, and communities share the responsibility of helping students develop positive self discipline. Fridley Public Schools is also responsible for setting a fair and consistent policy of expectations and consequences that hold students accountable for their actions. The district’s Policy 506 Student Discipline is intended to ensure that students attend school in a positive and productive learning environment. Parents, teachers, and others responsible for the welfare and education of students should cooperate in interpreting and enforcing these rules. Some of these rules and policies are included in this Student Parent Handbook and should be reviewed carefully by parents/guardians and students.

Students and parents/guardians are responsible for understanding the Student Code of Conduct.

Student Services and Counseling

Each school in the Fridley school district has a student support team made up of a social worker, a counselor and/or deans. The student support team is available to help students who may need personal and academic assistance. The schools’ counselors are there to help students have a successful and rewarding school career. Please contact your school’s counselor or dean for assistance or additional information.

Testing

Local and state standardized tests will be given periodically during the school year. Specific information about grade level testing will be sent prior to administration of each test.

Student Participation in Statewide Assessments can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education Website:  http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/fam/tests/ and a form found at the end of this handbook for refusal of student participation. 

Vandalism

Vandalism of any district property is prohibited. Violators will be disciplined and may be reported to law enforcement officials.

Tobacco-Free Schools

School district students and staff have the right to learn and work in an environment that is tobacco free. District policy is violated by any individual’s use of tobacco or tobacco-related devices in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. Students may not possess any type of tobacco or tobacco-related device in a public school, on school grounds, in any school-owned vehicles, or at any school events or activities. No 18-year-old is allowed to have tobacco or tobacco products on their person or use them on the school premises any time or day of the week. Any student who violates this policy is subject to school district discipline. See District Policy 419 Tobacco Free Environment, for more information. 

Drug-Free Schools & Workplace 

The possession and use of alcohol, controlled substances, and toxic substances are prohibited at school or in any other school location before, during, or after school hours. Paraphernalia associated with controlled substances also is prohibited. The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against anyone who violates this policy. District policy is not violated when a person brings a controlled substance which has a currently accepted medical treatment use onto a school location for personal use if the person has a physician’s prescription for the substance. Students who have prescriptions must comply with the school District policies 515 Student Medication and 506 Student Discipline.

Visitors in District Buildings

Parents/guardians and community members are welcome to visit the schools. To ensure the safety of those in the school and to avoid disruption to the learning environment, all visitors must report directly to the main office upon entering the building, with the exception of events open to the public. All visitors will be required to check in at the main office and to wear a “visitors badge” while in the building during the school day. Visitors must have the approval of the principal before visiting a classroom during instructional time. An individual or group may be denied permission to visit a school or school property, or such permission may be revoked, if the visitor does not comply with school district procedures or if the visit is not in the best interests of the students, employee, or the school district. Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school without prior permission  from the principal or assistant principal. See District Policy 903 Visitors to Schools and School-Sponsored Activities for more information.

Weapons Prohibition

No person will possess, use, or distribute a weapon when in a school location except as provided in school district policy. A “weapon” means any object, device, or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self- injury including, but not limited to: any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; airguns; pellet guns; BB guns; all knives; blades; clubs; metal knuckles; numchucks; throwing stars; explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stun guns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; and objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon. A weapon also includes look-alike weapons. Appropriate discipline and action will be taken against any person who violates this policy. The school district takes a “zero tolerance” position in regard to the possession, use, or distribution of weapons by students.

Discipline of students may include: immediate out-of-school suspension; confiscation of the weapon; immediate notification of police; parent or guardian notification; and recommendation to the superintendent of dismissal for a period of time not to exceed one year. A student who brings a firearm to school will be expelled for at least one year, subject to school district discretion on a case-by-case basis. For a copy of the District 501 School Weapons Policy contact the building administration.