Student Handbook

The school office is the main center of activity and information for parents.It is open from 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.and the telephone number is: 651-379-2500.

Conferences, Harambee Facebook page, progress reports, classroom newsletters, the Communication Folder, and the Harambee Life, are some of the ways you can learn about your child’s school experience.

Equally important are informal ways to stay informed.Set aside time each day to hear about what your child has learned in school.Talk about the day’s happenings, friendships, and feelings.Talk about school projects and become active in the Harambee PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization).

Blackboard Connect is our automated calling system used to send notices to multiple families at a time.

The Harambee Life is an electronic newsletter sent to email inboxes each Thursday.Hard copies are sent home by request for families without internet access.It brings information of interest and value to you and your child.The newsletter includes reminders of important school dates, notes from the principal, Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) parent group information, and youth programs.Let us know if you wish to have an item included, have suggestions, or are not receiving your newsletter.The newsletter will include items that may add to or modify information contained in this handbook.

And please, whenever you feel the need, phone your child’s teacher.If you have questions, ask them. If you have a concern, pursue it.If you are happy with the progress your child makes, express your thanks.We like to hear from you!

During the intersession break, we offer a range of programming to students at Harambee School.Friendship Connection is offered during breaks.You must register for each session separately and space may be limited depending on the number of classes available.

This central area of our school serves as the resource for our print and non-print 

materials.Books, computers, videos and other learning aids are located here.Each class has instruction and resource time in our media center.Media Center materials may be checked out for one week.Payment will be requested for lost materials.Your assistance in ensuring books are returned on due dates will keep our Media Center circulation efficient.

By law, schools are required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week.Students will be allowed to opt out.

Progress reports and conferences are two of the traditional means of reporting progress of students to their parents/guardians.At Harambee, we like to emphasize the need for two-way communication throughout the school year.Progress reports will be completed at the end of each semester – February and July.

In case of inclement weather or any other emergency, official school closing will be announced on radio station WCCO-AM.The following television stations will carry information about emergency school closing: KSTP, KARE 11, WCCO, and Fox 9.Our school district will be referred to in the following way “Roseville Area Schools, District 623”.Emergency closing information due to inclement weather will also be posted on the homepage of the district website at isd623.org by 6 a.m.or on Facebook at facebook.com/isd623.The district attempts to keep schools open if possible in order to minimize family schedule conflicts and to provide as much educational opportunity for students as possible.

All grades K–6, start at 9:35 a.m.and are dismissed at 4 p.m.If your child does not attend the Friendship Connection childcare in the morning, please do not drop them off before 9:15 a.m.as there is no adult supervision available before this time.Children eating breakfast at school may enter the building at 9:15 a.m.and proceed to the cafeteria for breakfast.If children are not eating breakfast at school, they may go to the classrooms starting at 9:25 a.m.

Each teacher and staff member is responsible for providing a positive and safe environment in which students can learn.Our teachers and staff have established classroom behavior rules that support appropriate behaviors and learning.We will make sure that all rules are enforced fairly and consistently so that a safe, orderly learning environment is maintained throughout our school.Teachers and staff will communicate with parents in a timely manner should concerns arise regarding student behavior and learning.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools, ISD 623 Board Policy 804

The school board reaffirms its position on the importance of maintaining an environment that is safe for students and employees and free of activity that may be disruptive to the student learning process or the employee working environment.

We encourage parents to visit our school often.However, we ask that all visitors sign the visitor’s log in the front office and obtain a name badge so we know who is visiting.As a courtesy to teachers, if you wish to visit your child’s classroom, please notify the teacher in advance if possible so that the teacher can accommodate you.

Minnesota state statutes require that kindergartners be 5 years old on or before September 1 of their kindergarten year.Requests for early entrance are handled by the district, with procedures for testing to determine if a child is developmentally and emotionally ready for school.For more information, contact Roseville Area Schools at 651-635-1600 for early admit procedures and deadlines.

Children should not arrive at school before 9:15 a.m., as supervision is not available.Students participating in the breakfast program may arrive at 9:15 a.m.and proceed to the cafeteria at that time.

At various times throughout the school year we will have all-school assemblies.During this time students need to follow these guidelines:

Arrive and dismiss in an orderly manner; watch and listen to your teacher.

Focus your eyes on the speaker, listen with your ears, close your mouth, and keep your hands to yourself.

Stay seated.

Show appreciation with good listening and applause.

Leave the assembly only in an emergency and with the permission of your teacher.

Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to school.

Healthy kids learn better.In order to align with federal mandates that aim to provide the best learning environment possible and support student achievement, the school district made changes to its wellness policy starting with the 2017-2018 school year.

In addition to updates to physical activity, school nutrition, and other district wellness, birthday celebrations will not include food or drink.Parents/families are asked to not send birthday treats with their student to school.The new guidelines help students avoid unhealthy snacks while still providing plenty of room for tradition and fun.

If there is a non-birthday classroom event that calls for families to provide snacks, families are asked to only send nutritious snacks.Information about healthy snacks can be found on the district’s Nutrition Services webpage at rosevillenutrition.com.

An important goal at the Harambee School is to help each student be sensitive and responsive to the needs and values of others.To be consistent with this goal, please do not send birthday invitations to school.Please use other methods of communication that do not involve the school setting.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 508

Roseville Area Schools has revised Policy 508 – Bullying Prohibition, to comply with the requirements of the Safe and Supportive Schools act, MN Statutes 121a.031.This policy assists the district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence and other prohibited conduct.

Bullying means: repeated intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance, ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services or privileges.This includes cyberbullying which is the use of technology or other electronic communication transmitted through a computer, cell phone or other electronic device to bully.

No teacher, administrator or other employee of the school district will knowingly permit, condone or tolerate bullying.The school district will investigate complaints of bullying by students and take appropriate action against any student who is found to have violated this policy.

You are asked to inform the school immediately of any changes in your family status.This might include change of residence, telephone number (home, work, or emergency), email address, or parent’s change of marital status.Please give advance notice if the change requires a change in bus transportation.All of this information is necessary for our records in case of emergency and is kept confidential.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 400

1. PURPOSE

This policy is to set forth rules and guidelines for acceptable use of and access to the district computer systems and the Internet.

2. RATIONALE

In an effort to promote quality educational resources, computers and internet access are available in ISD #623.Users are expected to use technology resources to further educational goals.To use these resources in a responsible and effective manner, the Board of Education directs the superintendent to establish and promulgate appropriate rules and procedures to assure that technology users understand acceptable use.

3.USE OF THE SYSTEM IS A PRIVILEGE

The use and access to the school district computer systems and internet is a privilege, not a right.

Use of the district computer system and Internet access shall be consistent with the mission, core values and instructional program of the school district.

4. NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY

The school district may inspect, copy, store or remove any information or files created, stored, processed or communicated by or through its computers and networks without further notice to users.

Directory information in Roseville Area Schools generally means information contained in the education records of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.Directory information shall include:

Parent/guardian name

• Grade

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

• Dates of enrollment

• Degrees and awards received

• Pictures for district-approved publications, webpages, social media, local media and local cablecasts

Directory information does not include identifying information on a student’s religion, race, color, social position or nationality.

This information will be public information that the district may disclose from student records without consent.In order to make the directory information listed above private, the parent/guardian must make a written request to the principal by October 1 of each year.

Students will engage in many activities during the school day.During the winter months, students go outside almost every day.Be certain that you send your child to school in clothes that are comfortable, warm, properly fitted, and suitable for the extreme weather conditions.Please keep the following guidelines in mind:

Clothes can influence how we feel and act.

Clothing should not be a distraction to self and other classmates.

Headgear, unless for religious purposes, is not permitted.(No baseball caps, do-rags, bandanas, etc.) 

During cold weather, we REQUIRE students to wear hats, mittens or gloves, coats, and boots to go outside for recess and environmental science class.All outer clothing should be clearly labeled with the student’s name.

• Boots and other outdoor footwear are not to be worn during the school day.Children should have a pair of indoor shoes available at school.

• Students are required to wear white-soled gym shoes (no slip-ons) for physical education.

• Any clothing items that promote the following messages will not be allowed in school: use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; racially motivated or discriminatory pictures, drawings, or statements.

• Flip flops are not safe at gym, recess, and other outside activities, therefore, flip flops should not be worn to or at school.

• Shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh.

• Tops must cover midriff.

When driving your students to school, please be extra careful.Children do not always act in logical ways or look before running into a street.The extra time it takes to drive a little slower or park and walk to the school is well worth it.Student safety is everyone’s responsibility.

When dropping children off for school or picking them up, please observe all posted parking and traffic signs, including the bus zone.Please do not enter the school bus drop off area located in the east parking lot.

All students being picked up from school need to be signed out before leaving.Please notify the school if someone other than a parent/guardian will be picking up your child.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 404 and 432

The purpose of these policies is to maintain a safe and healthful environment for Roseville employees and students by prohibiting the use of alcohol, tobacco, toxic substances and controlled substances without a physician prescription.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 708

Pursuant to this policy, tailored emergency management plans are developed for each Roseville school.

Fire Drills

Students will be instructed on proper evacuation procedures.Fire drills will be conducted five times a year.When the signal is given, everyone must clear the building quietly and as quickly as possible along the designated routes made for each classroom.The routes are posted in each of the classrooms.Students remain with their teacher until the all-clear signal is given.

Lockdown Drills

A lockdown drill will be conducted five times a year to prepare students in case of a lockdown situation.

Tornado Drills

A tornado drill will be conducted during the Severe Weather Awareness Week.

If there is a change to your child’s schedule at the end of the day, (i.e., picking up instead of taking the bus, etc.) please use pick-up patrol, a web-based program that you can access from a computer or mobile device.

Most classrooms take field trips each year.These trips either tie directly to the curriculum at the grade level or provide enrichment.State regulations govern school field trips.Equal opportunity is a primary reason for the guidelines.A fee cannot be charged for any field trip that is part of the curriculum (required).Fees may be charged for extracurricular field trips (optional).Donations may be requested.

All necessary arrangements, plans, and precautions will be taken for the care and supervision of the students during field trips and parents/guardians will be notified before each field trip takes place.It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school immediately if you do not want your child to attend a particular field trip.Parent/guardian volunteers are always welcome (see Volunteer Opportunities).

We offer before and after school childcare (also during intersession and release days) through Roseville’s Friendship Connection.We provide a multiage, inclusive environment for all children.The program gives children time to socialize, develop skills, work on special projects and participate in relaxing activities.Because every child has special and unique needs, we strive to work with families to create an atmosphere that encourages growth.The partnership between parents, child, school and staff is key to our success.

Hours are 6:30 a.m.until 6 p.m.This is a fee-based program.For information about fees, financial assistance, or enrollment, go to isd623.org/harambee and find the Quick Link to School Age Childcare.If you do not have access to online services, call 651-604-3505 or our site leader at 651-379-2702 or 651-379-2566.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools, ISD 623 Board Policy 416

It is the policy of Independent School district No.623 to maintain learning and working environments that are free from sexual, racial and religious harassment and violence.The school district prohibits any form of sexual, racial, and religious harassment and violence.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel of the school district to harass a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel through conduct or communication of a sexual nature or regarding race and religion as defined by this policy.(For purposes of this policy, school personnel include school board members, school employees, agents, volunteers, contractors or persons subject to the supervision and control of the district.)

It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel of the school district to inflict, threaten to inflict, or attempt to inflict sexual, racial, or religious violence upon any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 544

The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff that is free from hazing.Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the school district and are prohibited at all times.

Federal law requires schools that receive federal education funds under Title 1, Part A to provide information to parents about the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers.You have the right to request and review this information, and it must be provided to you in a reasonable amount of time.

The information you may request includes the following:

• Has the teacher met state qualifications and licensing requirements for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction?
• Is the teacher providing instruction under emergency or another provisional status that means regular state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived?
• What college degree does the teacher have, as well as any other graduate degree or certification? In what academic subject area(s) were the degrees received?
• Are paraprofessionals providing instructional services to my child? If so, what are their qualifications?

The district is also required to inform you if your child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the federal definition of being “highly qualified.” Highly qualified teachers are those who have met state qualifications and licensure requirements.If this is the case, you will be notified.

All teachers were required by federal law to be highly qualified by the start of the 2005-2006 school year.One of the law’s intentions is to improve student achievement by focusing on improvements in teacher quality.For additional information about the requirements for teacher quality, visit the U.S.Department of Education’s website at edu.gov.

Homebound instruction may be made available to students who are chronically ill or are expected to be absent from school more than 15 days due to a serious illness or accident.A physician’s authorization is necessary to coordinate the student’s educational program with medical treatment.Please contact the school nurse if your student has a diagnosed medical condition that prevents regular school attendance.

For the protection of students/staff that have latex allergies, no latex balloons are allowed in schools.Latex products have been removed from health offices.

There are times when it is necessary for a child to leave school early for an appointment.We would appreciate it if you would attempt to schedule those appointments either before or after school, or on the days when school is on intersession break.However, when it is necessary for your child to be excused during school hours, we ask that a note with your request be given to the teacher or the front office.Please come to the office to sign out your child.

Elementary children are not allowed to leave the school grounds for ANY REASON from the time of their arrival without an authorized adult.

All of the children that are getting picked at the end of the day will come down to the Multicultural Resource Center where the parents/guardians will sign them out. Please do not go to the classroom. Strict procedures are necessary to assure the safety of all Harambee students. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE SIGNED OUT.

At School: Elementary children frequently misplace clothing or items brought to school.Please put your child’s name on everything your child brings to school.A “LOST AND FOUND” collection is kept in the building.Lost and found items will be displayed on conference days.In addition, parents and students are welcome to check the collection anytime.At the end of each quarter we will donate unclaimed items to a local charity.

On The Bus: Any student who loses an item on the school bus should contact the bus driver the next time the student rides the bus.Lost items found by drivers are held on the bus for one week and then transferred to the school district’s bus garage.

To ensure that money you send to school arrives at the proper destination, always send it in a sealed envelope.Label the envelope with your child’s name, the amount and teachers’ name.If at all possible, checks are preferable to cash.Checks should include your name, address, phone and driver’s license number.If your check is returned, it may be represented electronically.You authorize service charges and processing fees, as permitted by state law, to be debited from the same account by paper draft or electronically at our option.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 104

It is the policy of the school district not to discriminate against students or qualified employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, disabilities, familial status, status with regard to public assistance or sexual orientation in its education programs or employment policies and practices as required by state and federal law.

The district will provide equal educational opportunity for all learners and will identify, evaluate, and provide an appropriate public education to learners who are disabled within the definition of Section 504.

The school district will provide a means for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination or any action prohibited by district policy or state and federal law.

There is no reason to bring any articles to school or on the bus that do not pertain to a school activity.Such articles may interfere with learning.These articles include, but are not limited to the following items: cell phones, iPods, game systems, radios, roller blades, trading cards, toys, skateboards, laser pens, headsets, CD players, perfume, footballs, basketballs, or balls of any type.Such items may be confiscated and will be returned to the parent/guardian.

The school is not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items.

Harambee is a peanut-aware environment.We have a number of students in our school with severe peanut allergies that include great danger of significant health issues related to ingesting, inhaling, or having contact with anything containing peanuts.At Harambee, we treat each student’s allergy individually and adopt plans that emphasize continued vigilance.School staff are trained to understand and accommodate student needs.It is our intent to provide a safe environment for all students.

What does this mean for our school?

Our cafeteria is a peanut-aware environment with all menu items.

Nutrition services make ingredient lists available; however, there is no guarantee of the absence of major food allergens in menu items.In accordance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, major allergens are identified on food labels.Food manufacturers are not required to declare these same allergenic ingredients that may be introduced through cross contact.

We are using one of the lunchroom tables for students eating peanuts/peanut butter during lunch.After consulting with health professionals, this is the most effective way to limit contact allergies as well as ingestion allergies.This option allows lunchroom supervisors to assist with hand-washing and monitor possible allergen contact.

Please avoid snacks and lunches that contain peanuts (including peanut butter).Take extra care in reading labels to be on the lookout for anything that could cause a peanut-related allergic reaction.

We know many families like to celebrate birthdays and other occasions with special treats.We encourage parents to celebrate with non-food items such as stickers, pencils, themed erasers, or other small items, rather than food.

Any food sent in to share with students should be pre-packaged and contain an ingredient label.Please give these items to your child’s teacher for distribution.

Please instruct your child to not share food with other classmates unless a teacher gives approval to do so.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse or cafeteria manager.

Harambee Elementary collaborates with several area colleges to train student teachers.When the regular classroom teacher is absent, guest teachers will be teaching in classrooms.Students are expected to extend the same courtesies and behaviors to the student/guest teacher as they do to their regular classroom teachers.

Students will be outside for 30 minutes of supervised recess each day.Please dress your child with this in mind throughout the school year.On rainy or extremely cold days the students will stay inside for recess.In winter, we use the National Weather Service recommendations for wind chill to determine if students should go outside for recess.Generally when the temperature at recess time is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit or the wind chill is -17 degrees Fahrenheit students will remain indoors.

A doctor’s note must be received in order for a child to have indoor recess for any other reason.

Harambee Elementary School has adopted the use of the Responsive Classroom.The Responsive Classroom approach has both proactive and reactive components and is founded on seven guiding principles.The principles include:

1. The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.Research shows that social skills are better than academic skills at predicting adult success.Learning requires an environment that is socially, emotionally and physically “safe.”
2. How children learn is as important as what they learn.Children learn best when they construct their own learning through hands-on activities, mistakes, trials, and reworking.
3. The greatest growth in learning occurs through social interaction.It is in the sharing of the thinking and learning that children make their greatest gains.

4. There is a specific set of social skills that children need in order to be successful academically and socially.The social skills are known as CARES (Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, Self-control).

5. Knowing the children in our school individually, culturally and developmentally is as important as knowing the content that needs to be taught.

6. How the adults at school work together to accomplish the mission of the school is as important as individual competence.We are constantly modeling for children!

7. Parent involvement is essential to a child’s education.

At the heart of the Responsive Classroom approach are 10 classroom practices:

• Morning Meeting: Gathering as a whole class each morning to greet one another, share news and warm up for the day ahead.
• Rule Creation: Helping students create classroom rules to ensure an environment that allows all class members to meet their learning goals.
• Interactive Modeling: Teaching children to notice and internalize expected behaviors through a unique modeling technique.
• Positive Teacher Language: Using words and tone as a tool to promote children’s active learning, sense of community, and self-discipline.
• Logical Consequences: Responding to misbehavior in ways that allow children to fix and learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity.
• Guided Discovery: Introducing classroom materials using a format that encourages independence, creativity, and responsibility.
• Academic Choice: Increasing student motivation by differentiating instruction and regularly allowing students teacher-structured choices in their work.
• Classroom Organization: Setting up the room in ways that encourage students’ independence, cooperation, and productivity.
• Working with Families: Creating avenues for hearing parents’ insights and helping them understand the school’s teaching approaches.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Using conferencing, role playing, and other strategies to resolve problems with students.

Restorative Practices refer to a range of methods and strategies that can be used both to prevent relationship-damaging incidents from happening and to resolve them if they do happen.

Restorative Practices enable those who have been harmed to convey the impact of the harm to those responsible and for those responsivle to acknowledge this impact and take steps to make it right.

There is good evidence that Restorative Practices deliver a wide range of benefits for schools.Schools that practice a restorative approach have many benefits, including increased attendance, reduced exclusions, and improved achievement.Restorative Practices can also allevaite problems such as bullying, classroom disruption, truancy and poor attendance, antisocial behavior, and disputes between students, their families, and members of staff.

A report published by the Department of Education gave whole-school Restorative Practices the highest rating of effectiveness at preventing bullying with a survey of schools showing 97% rated Restorative Practices as effective,

Individual student pictures will be taken twice during the school year; once in the fall and then again in the spring.Packets are available at a reasonable cost to those who wish to purchase pictures.Details will be sent home prior to “Picture Day” in the Communication Folder.

Parents will receive a list of school supplies prior to the start of the new school year.If you find it difficult to purchase the required school supplies, please contact the school social worker for supplies that have been donated.

A cumulative school record containing progress and developmental information is maintained for each student.The folder contains such items as copies of progress reports, student work, standardized test scores such as the MCAs, suspension notices, and attendance records.These records are confidential.Access to a student’s record is restricted to the parent/legal guardian and persons with a need to know who are directly associated with the student (i.e., teacher, counselor, nurse, etc.).Persons other than authorized school officials will not have access to student records without the written permission of a parent, except where a student’s record is formally requested by an authorized investigative agency.

Academic learning time will not be interrupted to call a student out of class for a phone call or message unless it is an emergency.Students are not allowed to call out on the school telephone except when approved by office staff.

Harambee Elementary provides textbooks, workbooks and other instructional supplies.Proper care and use of these items should be stressed to help the child develop a feeling of personal responsibility for books or supplies furnished for their use.Children who lose or damage school books or other school property may be held accountable for that loss or damage.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 520 – Student Discipline

No student or non-student, including adults and visitors, shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon when in a school location.

Students who become aware of a weapon being brought to school or on school property must immediately notify an adult staff member.Students should not, however, pick up or transport the weapon.

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; air guns; pellet guns; BB guns; all knives; blades; pocket knives; clubs; metal knuckles; nunchuku; 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.

No student shall possess, use or distribute any object, device or instrument having the appearance of a weapon and such objects, devices or instruments shall be treated as weapons including, but not limited to, weapons listed above which are broken or non-functional, look-alike guns; toy guns; and any object that is a facsimile of a real weapon.

No student shall use articles designed for other purposes (i.e., belts, combs, pencils, files, scissors, etc.), to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate and such use will be treated as the possession and use of a weapon.

“School Location” includes a school building, school grounds, school activities or trips, school buses, school-contracted vehicles, the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events, and all school-related functions.

“Possession” means having a weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control in a school location.

Procedures to Implement this Policy

The following procedures shall apply to any possession, use, or distribution of a weapon by a student:

• The weapon will be immediately confiscated.
• The building principal or principal’s designee shall conduct an investigation;.
• Immediate or continuing effort will be made to notify parent or guardian.
• Police will be immediately notified.
• Superintendent of schools or designee will be notified.

Consequences for Weapon Possession/Use/ Distribution

Pursuant to Minnesota law, a student who brings a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school will be expelled for at least one calendar year.

The school district and each school take a position of “zero tolerance” in regard to the possession, use, or distribution of weapons by students.Thus, the consequences for students possessing, using or distributing weapons shall include:

• Confiscation of the weapon.
• Immediate out-of-school suspension and notification of parent or guardian pursuant to the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn.Stat.§§ 121A.40-121A.56.
• Notification of police.
• Notification of parent or guardian of school sanctions.
• Recommendation to the superintendent or designee for further disciplinary action, which may include expulsion for one calendar year.

Community Education/Youth Enrichment provides opportunities for youth to pursue their interests, expand their abilities, and improve their social skills in an informal, friendly atmosphere.Courses are offered for grades K-6 immediately after school, before school, early evenings, non-school days, and Saturday mornings at the district’s elementary schools with sessions lasting one to two hours.The fee-supported offerings consist of a variety of subject areas including academics, technology, foreign language, art, science, games, hobbies, and drama.Quarterly flyers are distributed through youngest and only students at the elementary schools.For more information call 651-604-3770 or isd623.org/commed/youth.

Before-and-after school classes at Harambee are coordinated by Community Ed’s Friendship Connection program.Students will need to be picked up by parents if staying for after school activities.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools, ISD 623 Policy 504

1.0 Purpose
It is the position of Independent School District No.623 that regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students’ emotional and social development, provides opportunity for important communication between teacher and student, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.Consequently, the following attendance policy is intended to be positive and not punitive.

2.0 Responsibilities
This policy also recognizes that class attendance is a joint responsibility to be shared by the student, parent or guardian, teacher, and administrators.This policy will assist students in attending classes regularly to meet their academic responsibilities.

2.1 Student’s Responsibility

• It is the student’s right to be in school.
• It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with all the procedures governing attendance.
• It is the student’s responsibility to attend all assigned classes and study halls every day that school is in session and to follow the correct procedures when absent from an assigned class or study hall.
• It is the student’s responsibility to complete any assignments missed due to an absence.

2.2 Parent or Guardian’s Responsibility

• It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to ensure that the student attends school and to understand the school’s attendance procedures.
• It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to accurately inform the school, in a timely manner, of the reason for a student’s absence.
• It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to work cooperatively with the school and the student to improve student behavior as to school attendance.

2.3 Teacher’s Responsibility

• It is the teacher’s responsibility to take daily attendance and to maintain accurate attendance records in each assigned class and study hall.
• It is the teacher’s responsibility to be familiar with all procedures governing attendance and to apply these procedures equitably.
• It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide any student who has been absent with any missed assignments upon request.
• It is the teacher’s responsibility to work cooperatively with the student’s parent or guardian and the student to address any attendance issues that occur.

2.4 Administrator’s Responsibility

• It is the administrator’s responsibility to require that students attend all assigned classes and study halls.
• It is the administrator’s responsibility to be familiar with all procedures governing attendance and to apply these procedures equitably to all students.
• It is the administrator’s responsibility to receive and maintain accurate records on student attendance.
• It is the administrator’s responsibility to work cooperatively with the student’s parent or guardian and the student to address any attendance issues that occur.
• It is the administrator’s responsibility to inform parents and students annually of the need for regular school attendance and of the regulations, procedures, and implementation plan for this policy.

3.0 Requirements
In accordance with the regulations of the Minnesota Compulsory Instruction Law, Minnesota Statutes Section 120A.22, the students of District No.623 are required to attend all assigned classes and/or study halls every day school is in session unless the student has a valid excuse for being absent, has been excused by the school board because the student has met all state and district graduation requirements, or has been directed by the school district not to attend school for a specific amount of time.

Legal References: Minn.Stat.§ 120A.22 (Compulsory Instruction)

We are a year-round school and regular attendance is expected during all four quarters of the school year, including the summer months.There are two types of absences: excused and unexcused.

Excused Absences

• Illness of a student: A parent or guardian must verify the student’s illness.If school personnel determine the illness absences are excessive, Minnesota law permits the school to require the family to provide medical verification or to see the school nurse.
• Religious observances required by the student’s religion.
• Extreme family emergency (e.g., house fire, critical injury to parent/guardian, funeral of a close family member).
• Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours.

All other absences are considered unexcused. Family reunions, vacations, and camps are considered unexcused absences, without principal approval in advance.Families should schedule vacations during the intersession breaks.Under Minnesota law, school administration has the right to determine the validity of any request for an excused absence.

Unexcused Absences

Harambee carefully monitors unexcused absences and will send written notification to parents regarding school attendance issues.Failure to improve will result in referral to the School Attendance Matters Program (SAM).

• STEP 1: Families will receive a letter of concern via U.S.mail.
• STEP 2: Families will receive a second letter indicating that they could be referred to SAM.Parents may be required to attend a meeting at the school where an assistant Ramsey County attorney explains the Minnesota Compulsory Attendance law, the legal and social consequences of poor school attendance, and the SAM process.
• STEP 3: Families will be referred to Ramsey County SAM Program.

Schools are encouraged to refer children who are chronically tardy or have excessive illness absences.

Harambee attendance is calculated in half days, a.m.and p.m.Being in class on time is important to the child’s transition from home to school each day.Being punctual for school helps kids to develop stronger relationships, be involved in learning from the beginning of the day and to keep up academically.The same goes for early dismissal.Students who are in class until the end of the day are not rushed to get their belongings, they are engaged in learning until the teacher has finished and they have the opportunity to get everything they need without interrupting the learning of the other students.The parent/guardian should accompany their child to school and sign them in at the front office.

Please call 651-379-2595 before 9 a.m.to report your child’s absence (each day your child is ill).Should we not hear from you, you will receive an automated call by 11 a.m.

Please report to the school immediately if your child has contacted any communicable disease (suspected or confirmed) and nuisance conditions such as head lice or scabies.

If a child continually complains about illness and does not wish to go to school, yet displays no apparent symptoms, there may be other reasons.Please call your child’s teacher or the principal or school social worker.

We urge you to carefully consider circumstances that keep your child out of school.Regular school attendance is related to the degree of success in school.Thank you for your cooperation in insisting that your child attend every school day.

When a child must leave during the school day because of illness or an appointment, parents will need to come into the front office to sign their child out of school before taking their child out of the classroom or nurse’s office.

If your child should stay home from school by doctor’s recommendation, please get a written doctor’s excuse and send it to the school or have the doctor’s office fax the excuse with the number of days the child will be out of school to the Harambee office at 651-379-2590, attention: school nurse.

Each school in Roseville Area Schools has a health office staffed by a health assistant under the supervision of the licensed school nurse. The school health office functions to support students who become ill or injured during the school day, administer medications to students who require it, and provide assistance to students who need support with the management of chronic health conditions at school.

You are encouraged to contact the licensed school nurse if your student has a chronic health condition requiring management during the school day, or if you have a question regarding your student’s health.

If your student becomes ill or seriously injured at school and it is necessary for them to go home, you or your designated emergency contact person will be contacted by the Health Office to pick up your student. Students who are 18 or older may sign themselves out at the discretion of school staff.

Please notify the school office immediately each time your phone numbers or emergency contact names/numbers change, or update them in ParentVue (CLICK HERE). We depend on you for this information and we need to be able to reach you quickly in case your student is ill or injured. If we cannot reach you or your emergency contacts, we may call 911 or contact the police. Students are not allowed to call parents from a classroom to request permission to go home. 

Not every health office visit will be reported home. You are encouraged to call your school health office with any questions.

The following will help you decide whether your child is too sick and should stay home from school.

• If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or more, they should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal and remains normal without fever-reducing medication.
• If your child has vomited or has diarrhea, they should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.
• If your child had any rash that may be disease-related or the cause is unknown, check with your healthcare provider before sending them back to school.

If your child is ill, please call the school to report the absence each day of the illness. If you have questions regarding your child's illness, please call your school nurse or healthcare provider.

For students with health conditions that require medication during the school day, parents/guardian-provided medication is administered by the licensed school nurse, or by the health assistant or other staff under the direction and supervision of the licensed school nurse. There is no school supply of medication.

For the protection of students, families, and school personnel:

• A new medication permission form is required each and every school year.
• All medications needed during the school day are stored in the health office. Medications required in other programs or outside the normal school day hours are stored in a secure location in that program’s area.
• If there are concerns about any student medication, the licensed school nurse may contact the health care provider and/or request a healthcare provider’s order for an over-the-counter medication.
• Medications prescribed for more than two (2) weeks and which must be taken at school must have the “Dispensation of Medication” form signed by the prescribing provider and the parent/guardian. For over the counter medications, a parent’s signature only is required.
• Medication prescribed for less than two (2) weeks requires written permission from the parent/guardian only.
• All medications must be in original containers labeled with all of the following: student’s full name, medication name, dose, and times of day to take medication.
• Students are not allowed to self-administer medication without approval from the licensed school nurse, parent/guardian approval, and health care provider signature (for prescription medication).
• At the end of the school year medications will be sent home with students unless otherwise indicated. Return of controlled medications (e.g. ADHD medications) will be coordinated with families. 

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the licensed school nurse at the child’s school to discuss any concerns or special needs, or to request assistance in obtaining required authorization from their healthcare provider.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in the Health Office. Emergency medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, seizure medications, epinephrine pens) will be stored in an unlocked cabinet for easy access in the event of an emergency.

Roseville Area Schools are allergy aware and strive to provide a safe school environment for students with life threatening allergies. Please provide an anaphylaxis action plan each school year, or every 12 months. To plan accommodations specific to your student, please contact the Licensed School Nurse.

Minnesota law requires students to be immunized against certain diseases or have a signed, legal medical or conscientious exemption kept in the student health record. These requirements apply to all students whether they attend public schools, private schools, or home schools. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the school health office in order for the student to enroll or remain enrolled. If a parent or guardian objects to immunizations for either medical or personal reasons, a notarized statement is needed on the Student Immunization form. The notarized statement specifies the immunization(s) the child will not be receiving. Download the form here, or contact the health office for information about obtaining a medical or conscientious exemption.

Licensed school nurses conduct vision and hearing screening at school in alignment with the recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Teachers may identify a student who appears to struggle to see and then can request that the student is screened. Parent/guardians may also contact their licensed school nurse and request screening for their child.

Schoolwide screening provided in select grades, as recommended by MDH, are a way to identify students who may need glasses. Students may also be screened as part of a school special education evaluation. Often individuals are not aware that they are struggling to see details at a distance, so screening is helpful to identify those who should follow up with their healthcare provider.

Health screenings that licensed school nurses can provide at school include: 

• Distance vision acuity
• Close vision acuity
• Spot Vision Screener that can identify several different vision conditions
• Eye muscle balance for lazy eye (amblyopia) (for preschool to grade 1)
• Color vision deficiency 
• Hearing

When a student’s ability to attend school is interrupted by major illness or injury, they may become eligible for homebound instruction when the length of absence is anticipated to be fifteen or more school days. The application for homebound instruction is made through the school nurse. Allotted time is one hour per day for each day missed. When students have an extended illness that does not qualify for homebound instruction, they may request homework from teachers through the nurse or student support services.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to establish statewide academic standards for all students in reading/language arts, math and science.ESSA also requires statewide testing on those standards and a comprehensive reporting system to demonstrate progress and improvement in several categories.Minnesota has created a set of academic standards indicating what a child should know and learn at each grade level.Minnesota has decided that in addition to the ESSA required standards in reading, math and science, standards will also be developed for social studies and required in the arts.Arts standards may be locally developed.

Required content areas for Minnesota schools include mathematics, language arts, science, social studies and arts.Reading standards are included in language arts.Standards and benchmarks for mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies were established by the Minnesota Department of Education and authorized by the Minnesota Legislature.Each school district is responsible for selecting curricula and educational materials that align with state academic standards.

Assessment is a natural, ongoing, and positive process through which students examine and report their own work and progress, and adults provide feedback and guidance about student learning and achievements.

Assessment involves informal measures such as:

• Verbal and written feedback
• Use of checklists
• Observation
• Self-evaluation
• Informal conferences

Formal assessment includes:

• Curriculum testing
• Progress reports 
• Performance assessment
• Formal conferences
• State testing (MCA, Access for English Learners)
• District testing (FAST)

Elementary orchestra and band involves 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.Beginning violin and cello instruction begins in 4th grade, beginning instruction on all the other instruments (viola, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone and percussion) starts in 5th grade.The major goal of the elementary orchestra and band experience is to provide a solid base of musical skills and techniques, while providing an opportunity for students to have fun making music with others.This is accomplished through weekly lessons, large group rehearsals, school concerts and district festivals.

Success in music is largely determined by the desire to succeed, the motivation to practice consistently, parental support, and quality instruction.

Students receive instruction in small group once a week for 20-30 minutes in like-instrument and/or like-ability groupings.Lessons are scheduled so students will have as little interruption in their daily schedules as possible.Students are expected to practice between lessons and record practice time on a practice card/calendar.Large group rehearsals are held once a week to prepare for the school concert and district festivals.

At Harambee many students speak languages other than English.To assist students in acquiring English, the school employs specialized teachers who provide direct instruction in English.The teachers provide a range of direct and indirect instructional support 

based on the needs of the student.Each student will be provided an instructional program that is based on the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment standards (WIDA), as required by the State of Minnesota.

Core Curriculum: The Minnesota state standards provide the guide for literacy expectations at Harambee.We use unique curricular materials to provide instruction in critical elements of literacy while integrating skills and concepts needed for intercultural understanding.

Voices Reading—authored by Dr. Patrick Walker in collaboration with Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Dr. Catherine Snow and Dr. Robert Selman—is recognized as the first program to embed character development within systematic, comprehensive literacy instruction.The program’s innovative use of instructional read-alouds and theme-based character development concepts inspire young learners to reflect, express and connect literacy instruction to their lives.

In addition to the comprehensive materials provided through Voices Reading, we also have core materials for specific language arts skills and concepts, and a multi-faceted spelling and vocabulary program.

Literacy Support: Harambee Elementary qualifies for federal support under the Title I program.At each grade level, teachers work in teams to strengthen core instruction and to identify students in need of additional support in literacy.A wide variety of assessments are used to determine students’ proficiency in literacy including standardized tests and teacher developed materials.Intervention staff work with grade level teams to address the needs of students who are not meeting grade level expectations.

Core Curriculum: Harambee uses Math Expressions by Houghton Mifflin.Math Expressions is a K-6 math curriculum that combines traditional and standards-based instruction.

Math Support: Math Expressions has built-in differentiation activities for students who need additional support and those who need extra challenge.Extra support is provided for students who are not currently meeting grade-level expectations, as well as enrichment for those who already understand the concepts.We use a variety of materials to meet the needs of students, including Math Expressions intervention and challenge resources, teacher-designed activities, and an intervention curriculum.

In music we will not only learn to create music, but the role it plays in our everyday lives! We will cover a wide variety of topics including the basic elements that make music, music history, how to read and write music, and much more.Over the course of the year students will learn about music through a wide variety of activities including singing, dancing, composing and learning to play instruments.The Making Music curriculum will help guide our learning, though we will draw from a variety of sources to assist us in becoming joyful, well-rounded musicians 

Children participate in physical education classes as an integral part of their development.Lifelong skills are taught during each session.

Tennis shoes and comfortable clothing are standard for physical education.All children who need to miss class because of injuries or have medical limitations need a signed note from either their parent/guardian or family physician.All notes should be presented to the health office.

Core Curriculum: Among other teaching materials, Harambee students use FOSS equipment kits.FOSS is a research-based science curriculum for grades K–8 developed at the University of California at Berkeley.The FOSS program materials are designed to meet the challenge of providing meaningful science education for all students in diverse American classrooms and to prepare them for life in the 21st century.Development of the FOSS program was, and continues to be, guided by advances in the understanding of how youngsters think and learn.For more information about Foss, visit fossweb.com.

Core Curriculum: Harambee’s Social Studies curriculum is from the Teacher’s Curriculum Institute (TCI) for grades K-5 and Northern Lights in grade 6.The curriculum is aligned to the Minnesota Academic Standards.Teachers use the curriculum as a framework and also use other supplemental materials to ensure we are teaching from multiple perspectives.

The Families All Matter Kits consist of children’s literature that acknowledges a variety of family compositions and a wide range of experiences.Students feel affirmed by stories about kids who come from families that are similar to their own.

The Harambee Special Education Team is made up of the following professionals: speech/language clinician, school psychologist, special education teachers, school nurse and school social worker.District itinerant staff members join the team as needed.These staff 

include: occupational therapist and developmental adaptive physical education teacher.This staff provides a continuum of services to students who meet the State of Minnesota criteria for a variety of specific disabilities which may include: specific learning disabilities, speech/language impairment, other health disabilities, emotional/social/behavioral disorders, developmental cognitive disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders.More information about district services or consideration for a referral to the special education team for an evaluation is available online at Roseville Area Schools on the Student Services page.

Roseville Area Schools supports the aims of Section 504 of the Human Rights Act and is committed to providing accommodations for students in our schools.

Who Qualifies for Section 504?

A person is “disabled” within the meaning of Section 504 if he/she has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Substantially Limits

An impairment is only a “disability” under Section 504 if it substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning.An individual must be unable to perform, or be significantly limited in the ability to perform, an activity, compared to an average person in the general population.

Education is Considered a Major Life Activity

Major life activities include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.When a condition significantly limits a major life activity, an accommodation plan must be developed for that individual.Accommodations or services must be determined by a team knowledgeable about the individual and his/her disability.Parents or students may request accommodations under the protections of this law by contacting the building principal or program supervisor.

District Compliance Officer for Section 504

Dr. Niceta ThomasDirector of Student Services 651-635-1608

Harambee Elementary is a Title I school.Harambee implements a School-wide Title I Program.Being a Title I school allows our school to receive additional federal funding which allows us to focus in instructional reform throughout the school with the goal of raising academic achievement for all students.

Art classes at Harambee involve learning the elements and principles of art including line, shape, form, pattern, balance, proportion and more.We will create two- and three-dimensional works using various media such as watercolors, ink, tempera and clay.We will also use visual thinking strategies to enhance lessons and foster critical thinking across all curriculum.We will learn about culture and history while integrating other core subjects like reading, science and math into a valuable art experience.

All menu items including photos, descriptions, ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information can be found at RosevilleNutrition.com.Meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low fat dairy.All meals and snacks meet the dietary guidelines the USDA school nutrition programs.Special meal accommodations can be made with a Special Diet Statement signed by a medical provider.

Students will be responsible for:

• Sitting in their designated seating area
• Staying in their seat and raising their hand if they want to leave their seat for any reason
• Picking up their own lunchroom litter
• Not throwing food, paper, or any other objects
• Talking quietly with those seated either next to or across from them
• Their own behavior
• Leaving the lunchroom in an orderly manner and quietly going to their next designated area

We ask that parent’s contact the bus company directly if you are wondering the location of your child’s bus. Please call Centerline Dispatch: 651-482-1794.

When you have a pick up or drop off address change, please call the building secretary at 651-379-2507 and they will coordinate with the transportation department.In some cases it may take a few days for a new stop to start, so advanced notice is appreciated.

Students should be at their arranged pick up location at least five minutes prior to the scheduled time.Buses will not wait at the stop for a child.For other concerns, contact the Roseville Transportation Coordinator at 651-635-1638.

• Be ready for the bus at the scheduled time. Bus times are set based on the streets that they run on and with a standard loading time. If a student is late to the stop, and the bus has to wait, the bus may be late to all the rest of the stops and to school. Another concern is that bus riders who are late to stops often don’t act safely, and so are in more danger than if they were ready on time.
• Wait until bus is stopped before moving toward the bus and getting on. Often students get anxious to get on the bus as it arrives, so they run forward while the bus is still moving. This is a dangerous practice because a student could slip or fall in front of the bus.
• After getting on the bus, go to a seat, sit down and stay seated. Law requires that students be seated while a bus is moving. Students should sit down quickly so that the bus runs on time. If a student is standing when the bus is moving, they may get knocked down or around by the movement of the bus. This could cause injury.
• Remain quiet on the bus, so you don’t distract the driver. While the bus is moving, students often talk, and that is OK unless it gets too loud. Then the driver can’t hear important things like sirens or train whistles, or can be distracted by having to pay attention to the students and miss something important like a stoplight, or a car coming from another direction.
• Do what the driver tells you to do.The driver is in charge of the bus, and sometimes has to tell students to be quiet, or to sit down, or to wait to get on or off of the bus. The driver is trying to keep students safe, and so kids should do what they say.
• Make sure that you get on the right bus – know your bus numbers. The bus which takes a student to school may be different that the one that brings her or him home. A student should always know the bus number which will bring them home because that is the one at school where there may be other buses to choose from.
• Be ready to get off the bus when it gets near your stop, but don’t get up until the bus stops at your stop. A lot of times, young students get so involved in a conversation or the ride or whatever that they forget that they are on a ride home. They don’t watch for their stop.When, and then when they arrive they aren’t ready to pick up their backpack and get off of the bus. This delays the bus and makes everybody else late.Sometimes, the student misses his or her stop, and then the bus has to go back to the stop, making the bus late to all the other stops.
• After getting off of the bus, walk away from the bus. Don’t stay near it. If you have to cross the street, go at least five big steps in front of the bus, and wait until the driver waves for you to cross the street.If there are older children crossing at your bus stop, younger students should cross the street with them as well.NEVER GO BACK TO THE BUS AFTER YOU GET OFF OF IT.IF YOU DROP SOMETHING, WAIT UNTIL THE BUS IS GONE, AND THEN GET YOUR MOM OR DAD TO GO WITH YOU TO GET IT.This is the most important instruction.According to statistics, this is the area where most student fatalities occur.
  The three key points are to go FIVE big steps in front of the bus, wait until the driver tells you to cross, and never go back to the bus.If your student doesn’t have to cross (we try to avoid it) still take time on these points, because the route may change with new riders or for the next school year.

If you have any questions regarding bus routes or bus safety please contact the Roseville Area Schools Transportation Department at 651-635-1638.

The following bus discipline procedures will be enforced with students who choose not to follow the bus rules.

• First Offense: The bus driver will talk to the student about the bus problem and complete a “bus referral” form, which will be given to the behavior specialist in charge of bus transportation.The behavior specialist will follow up with a student conference, warning the student that bus privileges may be taken away if inappropriate behavior continues on the bus.
• Second Offense: The bus driver will talk to the student about the bus problem and complete a “bus referral” form, which will be given to the behavior specialist in charge of bus transportation.The behavior specialist will follow up with a student/parent/guardian conference to discuss the problem.Possible loss of bus riding privileges, not exceeding five days, or other intervention (e.g., assigned seat) could occur.
• Third and Succeeding Offenses: The bus driver will talk to the student about the bus problem and complete a “bus referral” form, which will be given to the behavior specialist in charge of bus transportation.The behavior specialist will follow up with a student/parent/guardian conference to discuss the problem.Possible loss of bus riding privileges for more than five days could occur.This will be determined by the behavior specialist or the principal.

Note: In cases of severe behavior, any or all of the above procedures may be imposed upon the student on the first occurrence.

Students are able to use existing stops on a bus route other than their own.Parent/guardians are required to call the school or send a note in advance with the bus number and bus stop needed for their child.Please use Pick-up Patrol for any dismissal changes.

Parents driving children to/from school should always avoid the school bus traffic.Please do not enter the school bus drop zone located in the east parking lot when dropping off or picking up your child(ren).

Classroom visits are always welcome. Please feel free to visit your child’s classroom, participate in activities with your child, or be an observer. Please schedule an appointment with the classroom teacher, and stop at the office upon your arrival. It is important that teachers are not interrupted while teaching.Instructional time is sacred. All of our teachers’ focus will be on facilitating learning opportunities for your child. Questions can be directed to teachers outside of formal student learning time.

Parent conferences are considered valuable and important in developing understanding and mutual cooperation.Parent/teacher/student conferences are held twice a year and are planned to make them convenient for everyone.Notices will be sent home prior to conference dates.

It takes a village to raise and educate a child.Therefore, our teachers are always available to have conversations about your child about their education.The principal is also available for parent conferences.Your child’s teacher is available for calls before and after school.Calls going to voicemail during the day will be returned within 24 hours.

Harambee Elementary has access to language interpreters on an as needed basis.Please contact the school’s front office for assistance. Parents/guardians will be asked if they need an interpreter for parent/teacher conferences or interpreting school documents.

Parents are responsible for encouraging their child to come to school prepared and ready to learn – on time, appropriately dressed, and with proper rest.

In addition, the Title I compact gives families the opportunity to indicate areas that they can work on to improve teaching and learning.

The Harambee Elementary parent/teacher group is open for membership to all parents/guardians, grandparents and teachers connected with the elementary school.The P.I.E.group invites and encourages participants to become involved in bringing home and school closer together.The purpose of P.I.E.is to encourage parents and teachers to cooperate in the education of their children.The organization strives to achieve this purpose by:

• Promoting and encouraging communication, cooperation and action among parents, teachers and the administration of the school and the general community.
• Working to increase educational opportunities for our children.
• Obtaining financial resources to support school programs.
• Encouraging community involvement in our school.

Reference: Roseville Area Schools ISD 623 Board Policy 808

Independent School district 623 enjoys and values volunteer participation at all levels throughout the district.The district will develop, implement and maintain administrative guidelines for its district volunteers.

All district volunteers will have a supervisor designated prior to starting an assignment.

Volunteers shall be given appropriate supervision and assignments that support the educational objectives of the school, class or curriculum.

Volunteers shall agree to actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities and to adhere to the mission, vision, values, goals and procedures of the school district.

Volunteers are required to follow the requirements of all applicable school district policies, and specifically the policies on tobacco use and possession, alcohol use and possession, harassment, discrimination, weapons, discipline and data privacy.

Volunteers in classrooms are not assuming primary responsibility for student instruction but are reinforcing skills taught by professionally licensed staff.

There are many opportunities for parents/guardians to be actively involved at the Harambee School.We want you to participate in ways that are of interest to you.If you are interested in volunteering during school, for special field trips, special school programs, to work with teachers on committees, or to work at home on school or teacher projects, we would appreciate your help and your ideas.Teachers will also be inviting you to participate in classroom activities, events and projects.Opportunities are listed periodically in the newsletter, or please contact the front office at 651-379-2500.

Harambee School promotes and values the involvement of community members and parent/guardian volunteers.Volunteers are welcome and are required to check in at the front office, sign in, and wear a nametag.

Adult Volunteers: Volunteers who work directly with students or attend field trips will be asked to complete a background check that will be valid for two years.Please call the main office to request a background check.

Student Volunteers: Former students or older siblings of students occasionally request to volunteer when they are on break from school.Former students or older siblings are welcome; however, there are some procedures to follow if a student would like to volunteer.All requests must be done prior to the time the student will be volunteering.Parents/guardians must provide transportation for volunteers; volunteers cannot ride a school bus to or from school.Volunteer requests should be made through the principal.