OMS Parent & Student Handbook

Student achievement is maximized when students adhere to clear and consistent expectations for learning, behavior, and personal growth. Every student and employee is entitled to work and learn in a safe environment. To maintain this safety, it is crucial to establish and communicate clear expectations for student behavior, supported by appropriate consequences that are applied fairly and consistently.

Students are expected to follow all federal, state, and local laws, as well as district and school policies, rules, and regulations, while respecting the rights and safety of others. Staff members will take corrective action to discipline students or modify their behavior when it does not align with these guidelines. The recommended guidelines provided in this booklet are designed to be fair, firm, and consistent for all students.

A complete list of policies can be found on the School District website at www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/policies

• Directory Information and Pupil Records
• Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
• E-Learning Days
  • In the event that we have to cancel school due to inclement weather, Owatonna Public Schools may call an 'E-Learning Day' instead of simply canceling school.  The Minnesota Department of Education approved the use of e-learning days for up to five days in one school year.  The e-learning day will be announced using the same communication methods we currently use for school cancellations (phone, website, radio, and TV stations).  (See also Policy 602 and the E-Learning Plan)
  • If an E-Learning Day is called, students must complete their assigned online classwork to have their attendance counted for the school day.  Families who do not have internet access may contact the building principal.

                               Grades 6-12 Plan                              

 

Regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.

Minnesota State Law provides that every child between 7 and 16 years of age will attend a public school, or a private school, in each year during the entire time the public schools of the district are in session, unless excused from attendance by the board upon application of his/her parents or guardian on grounds specified in the law. (Section 132.05, School Law)

Please take a moment to review the District’s attendance policy.  Reasonable efforts will be made by the school district to accommodate any student who wishes to be excused from a curricular activity for a religious observance. Requests for accommodations should be directed to the building principal.

 

Attendance Procedures 2026-2027

Excused Absences

To be considered an excused absence, the student’s parent or legal guardian must contact the school and indicate the reason for the student’s absence from school within 24 hours of the absence.

The OMS attendance phone number is 507-444-8705.

 

The following are examples of absences that will be considered excused and count toward a student’s 10 excused absences per year. 

• Illness
• Serious illness in the student’s immediate family 
• Funeral
• Family vacation 

 

The following types of absences are excused, but do not count toward the absence total for attendance procedures: 

• Court appearances occasioned by family or personal action. Student/parent must provide paperwork to the school to verify court appearance.
• Religious holiday 
• Removal of a student under a suspension. Suspensions are to be handled as excused absences, and students will be permitted to complete make-up work. 
• Funeral- death of an immediate family member 
• Medical, dental, or orthodontic treatment, or counseling appointment, when a doctor’s note is provided or approved by the school nurse.

 

Consequences of Excused Absences 

• Students whose absences are excused are required to make up all assignments missed or to complete alternative assignments as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. 
• The typical student misses 5-7 days per school year. 
  • When students reach 5 excused days, families will receive an email/letter informing them of how many days their student has missed. 
  • When students reach 7 excused days, families will receive an email/letter informing them of how many days their student has missed. A conference or phone call may be arranged with the student and family to discuss the student’s attendance.
  • When students reach 10 excused days, families will receive a letter of concern informing them that if their student misses more than 10 days, the absences will be required to be excused by a doctor or the school nurse. 
    • If a doctor or school nurse excuse is required but not provided, the absence will be considered unexcused.

 

Tardies

Students are expected to be at school when the day begins and in class when the bell rings.  Any student who is 20 minutes late or less from the beginning of the school day (8:10 am) without a pass is considered tardy and will be marked as such.  Any student who arrives 21 minutes or later from the start of the school day is considered truant or unexcused from that hour or any subsequent classes and will result in disciplinary action. Students who are not in the classroom when the bell rings are considered tardy.

 

Consequences of Tardiness

• Upon accumulating six tardies to class, students will be required to:
  • Meet with a counselor to problem-solve why the student is late
    • This may be a one-on-one meeting or a small group meeting
  • Families will receive a letter informing them of their student’s tardiness

 

• Upon accumulating twelve tardies to class, students will be required to:
  • Meet with an administrator
  • Serve an hour of detention and complete a second, different, Suite 360 Lesson
  • Families will receive a letter informing them of their student’s tardiness 
  • The student’s building-wide PAW score for Work Habits will be changed to a 1

 

• Students who accumulate more than twelve tardies will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and may include a meeting with administration and their parent/guardian to determine next steps, additional detention and Suite 360 Lessons, and/or referral to the PACK Program. 

 

Unexcused Absences

The following are examples of absences which will not be excused: 

• Absences that are in the excused category but are beyond the student’s 10 days of allowed excused absences per year
• An absence that was not approved by the parent and/or the school district notification of
• Any absence in which the parent failed to comply with any reporting requirement of the school district’s attendance procedures 
• Includes days missed for illness where the absence is required to be excused by a doctor or the school nurse and no documentation is provided
• Student was needed at home (i.e., babysitting, etc.) 
• Student was late due to oversleeping, missed the bus, etc 
• Any other absence not included under the excused absence attendance procedures

 

Consequences of Unexcused Absences

• After 1 unexcused absence, families will receive a letter informing them of their student’s unexcused absence. The student will meet with an administrator.  A phone call may be made to the parent/guardian by the administrator. 
  • The student may be required to serve detention and complete a Suite 360 Lesson.

• After 3 unexcused absences, families will receive a letter informing them of their student’s unexcused absence. The student will meet with an administrator.  A phone call will be made to the parent/guardian by the administrator.
  • The student may be required to serve detention and complete a Suite 360 Lesson. 

• After 5 unexcused absences, families will receive a letter informing them of their student’s unexcused absence. Families will receive a letter requiring parents/guardians and student to attend an Attendance Review Board meeting with the Steele County Attorney’s office and the school district.  At this meeting, a plan for regular attendance will be developed. Notification of ongoing truancy will be made to MN Prairie County Alliance.
  • The student may be required to serve detention and complete a Suite 360 Lesson. 

• If a student accumulates 7 unexcused absences, the student will be considered “habitually truant”. A letter will be sent to families.  The student may be referred to the Steele County Attorney’s Office for further court action, which may include referral to Steele County Truancy Court, and notification of habitual truancy will be made to MN Prairie County Alliance.
  • The student may be required to serve detention and complete a Suite 360 Lesson. 

• Absences resulting from official suspension will be handled under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, MN Stat. 121A.40-121A.56. 

(Policy 503 - Attendance)

OMS administration has the right to determine if the absence is excused or unexcused, regardless of parents' consent to the absence. If the absence is not verified within two school days, it will be counted as truancy

OMS administration has the right to tailor the application of school policies and consequences outlined in the following pages to meet the individual needs of students and the specific circumstances leading to disciplinary action.

Students are expected to refrain from engaging in the following activities. The consequences for these behaviors apply regardless of whether they occur in any school or district building and/or property, in district vehicles, at school bus stops, on school buses, or during any school activity.

The following disciplinary actions, among others, may be considered and implemented according to the situation: student conference, notification of parents/guardians, parent conference, restitution, mediation, loss of privileges, loss of attendance at school activities (including Activity Nights and Husky Pride Day), lunch detention, after-school or morning detention, Suite 360 lesson, referral to an outside agency, documentation from an outside agency, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, and assistance from law enforcement. Please note that disciplinary action typically increases in severity for continued or repeated infractions.  (Policy 506 - Student Discipline)

 

RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES:

Owatonna Public Schools supports positive behavioral interventions for all students. In emergencies that require restrictive procedures, the School District will comply with the standards outlined in Minnesota Statutes 125A.094 regarding restrictive procedures. Owatonna Public Schools may use these procedures during emergencies. For building-specific plans, please refer to the district website. Paper copies are available upon request.

 

BEHAVIOR VIOLATIONS:

1. Abuse: verbal, written, or otherwise expressed – Arousing alarm, anger or resentment in others through the use of language, written note, text, picture, or gesture (including spitting) that is disrespectful, discriminatory, abusive, obscene, profane, or by engaging in boisterous conduct.

2. Alcohol or chemicals, possession or use – Possessing or using any narcotic or controlled substance where possession or use is prohibited by Minnesota or federal law.  Includes any item believed to be a narcotic or controlled substance, or any drug paraphernalia, including electronic cigarettes. (Any prescription medication a student is required to take must be left with and administered by the school nurse). This includes vaping, DAB pens, vape-like devices, and vape liquids. (Policy 418  Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School)

3. Alcohol or chemical possession with intent to distribute or sell – Selling or distributing, or intending to sell or distribute alcohol where sale or distribution is prohibited by Minnesota or federal law. This includes coming to school under the influence.

4. Ammunition, possession – Possession of projectiles designed to be used as a weapon, or other projectiles designed to be used in a weapon, or items designed to cause pain or injury.

5. Arson – Intentional destruction or damage to school or district buildings or property employing fire.

6. Assault, aggravated – Committing an assault upon another person with a weapon or an assault which inflicts great bodily harm upon another person.

7. Assault, physical – Acting with intent to cause fear in another person of immediate bodily harm or death, or intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm upon another person.  Bullying of students can be identified as a part of this behavior.

8. Assault, verbal – Verbal or written confrontation with another person that is threatening or intended to cause fear, or bodily harm, or death.  Bullying of students can be identified as a part of this behavior.

9. Bodily harm, inflicting – Committing an act, which, although unintentional, inflicts great bodily harm upon another person.

10. Bomb Threat – Intentionally giving a false alarm of a bomb or giving a verbal or written bomb threat.

11. Burglary – Entering a building without consent and with intent to commit a crime, or entering a building without consent and committing a crime.

12. Controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute or sell – Selling or distributing, or intending to sell or distribute, any narcotic or controlled substance or item believed to be a narcotic or controlled substance, or paraphernalia where sale or distribution is prohibited by Minnesota or federal law.

13. Disorderly Conduct - Words or actions that will, or will tend to, alarm, anger, disturb others, or provoke an assault or breach of peace resulting in fighting, brawling, disrupting a class, engaging in offensive, obscene, abusive language or actions leading to the arousal, alarm, anger or resentment in others.  Students involved in disorderly conduct (including fighting on school grounds or within school zones including the bus) can be subject to any number of possible disciplinary responses including in-school and/or out-of-school suspension from classes for the remainder of the day and possibly up to five or more days, depending upon the circumstances and severity of the precipitating incident.  In such instances, law enforcement officials will be contacted, and disorderly conduct and/or assault charges will be recommended.  Reoccurrence of fighting can result in increased suspension time or expulsion. Recording and/or posting video of a disorderly conduct incident can result in consequences. The school SRO may choose to charge with Disorderly Conduct if the situation fits the parameters of misconduct and/or assault.

14. Explosives, possessives and/or use – Possessing or using any compound or mixture, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion, with substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat.

15. Fire Alarm, false – Intentionally giving a false alarm of a fire or tampering with or interfering with any fire alarm.

16. Fire extinguisher, unauthorized use – Unauthorized handling of a fire extinguisher.

17. Fireworks, possession and/or use – Any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible, audible, or odoriferous effect by combustion, explosion, defloration, or detonation.  This includes matches and lighters.

18. Gambling – Playing a game of chance for stakes.

19. Hazing – Committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization or for any other purpose.  (Policy 526 -Hazing Prohibition)

20. Inappropriate language/music – Offensive Language or music containing obscene, sexual, inflammatory lyrics or lyrics that promote illegal activities, tobacco, drugs, and alcohol products are prohibited on school grounds.

21. Insubordination – Willful refusal to follow a direction or order given by a staff member.

22. Interference, disruption, or obstruction – Any action taken to attempt to prevent a staff member or student from exercising his or her lawfully assigned duties.  Will also include any student promoting and progressing a rumor that violates a student’s emotional or physical safety.  Students will also be in violation if they accompany another student who has the intent of violating a student’s safety.

23. Nuisance devices – Objects which cause distractions, such as cell phones, radios, remote controls, cameras, laser light, etc. Using these items to cause a distraction will result in confiscation. Administration may require a parent /guardian to retrieve an article from the OMS office during business hours. Over-the-ear headphones are not allowed at school. Phones are not allowed between 7:50-2:20. Earbuds are not to be worn in the hallways or the cafeteria/recess during lunch time.

24. Records or identification falsification – Falsifying signatures or data, or refusing to give proper identification, or giving false information when requested to do so by a staff member.

25. Robbery or extortion – Obtaining property from another person where his or her consent was induced by use of force, threats of force, or under pretenses.

26. Sexual conduct, criminal – Engaging in nonconsensual sexual intercourse or sexual contact with another person, including intentional touching of clothing covering a person’s intimate parts, or intentional removal or attempted removal of clothing covering a person’s intimate parts or clothing covering a person’s undergarments if the action is performed with sexual or aggressive intent. 

27. Sexual conduct; Public Displays of Affection (PDA) – Engaging in displays of affection that are sexual in nature or inappropriate acts for the school setting and that lead to students feeling uncomfortable or harassed.

28.  Student Media Opt-Out Form - Owatonna Public Schools are proud to promote the success of our students, staff, and programs. These accomplishments may draw the attention of newspapers, television stations, and other media who visit our schools to photograph, film, and identify students and staff during various activities. The District also uses names, images, and video clips of students in materials such as newsletters, website content, and posts to social media platforms. 

To restrict the District and those acting under its permission the ability to feature your student, please use the Media Opt-Out Form. If the District does not receive this form, your student will be included in materials for public promotion. A separate signature form is required for each child in school. Please sign and return this form to your child's school. Should you choose to opt out, a new form will have to be completed each school year.  

Media Opt-Out Form

29. Terroristic threat – Threatening, written, verbally, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, to commit any crime of violence with the purpose of terrorizing another or with reckless disregard of the risk of causing terror in another.  

30. Theft, or knowingly receiving or possessing, or participating in the possession of stolen property – Unauthorized taking of the property of another person, or receiving or possessing such property. This includes material items as well as cheating & plagiarism.  Students who knowingly allow another student to cheat off them will be considered as participating in theft. OMS is not responsible for any items lost or stolen.

31. Tobacco – Possessing or using tobacco or a substance believed to be tobacco in district buildings, in district vehicles, at district events, on district grounds, or in school zones (includes one city block from school property), is in violation of district administrative regulations for a tobacco-free environment; this includes vaping or vape-like products. (Policy 419 - Tobacco-Free Environment)

32. Trespassing – Being present in any district facility or portion of a district facility when it is closed to the public, or unauthorized presence in a district vehicle, or being on school grounds after being given a trespassing notification.

33. Truancy – The absence of a student from school or class without valid approval or authorization of the school.  Truancies may involve county intervention.  Students more than 15 minutes late to school or more than 5 minutes late to class will be considered truant.

34. Unauthorized departure – OMS is a closed campus.  Students are not to leave the campus without authorization from the time the student boards a bus or arrives on school grounds until students are dismissed at 2:20 p.m.

35. Weapon or look-alike firearm possession – Possession of 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; clubs; tasers, metal knuckles; throwing stars; explosives; fireworks; mace and other propellants; smoke bombs; liquids; chemicals; stun guns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; and objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon.  (Policy 501 - School Weapons Policy)

36. Weapon, other devices, possession – Any device that can be used as a weapon not covered in #35, including squirt guns, other liquid-emitting devices, puncture-type devices, including tacks, pins, needles, ice picks, screwdrivers, chains, chain-line jewelry, etc., that can cause bodily harm.

37. Willful damage of property (vandalism) – Defacing, cutting, smashing, or otherwise damaging property that belongs to the school, to other students, to staff members or other individuals while the student is on school property, at a school activity, in a district vehicle or under the supervision of school staff.  (Students will not be allowed to carry items that are not required by a teacher or on the school supply list that may be used to cause damage to a person or property, i.e. Sharpie or permanent markers.  These items may be confiscated, and disciplinary action may follow.)  

This document will serve as written notice related to & describing grounds for suspension as stated in the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.

ACTIVITY NIGHTS

If/when Activity nights are held they are for OMS students ONLY. Students must bring a valid, current OMS student ID to enter Activity Night. Visitors are not allowed to attend activity nights. The hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.  Once a student leaves the Activity Night, she/he may not re-enter. 

Students will not be welcome at Activity Night, or on school property, if they are serving a suspension on the date of the Activity Night, have any un-served detention, or have an unexcused absence, or are ill that day. In addition, students’ PAW scores will be used to determine eligibility to attend (Prepared to Learn, Appropriate Conduct and Respect, Work Habits). Administration reserves the right to limit access to Activity Night for other reasons, and participation may be connected to behavioral referrals (detention, tardiness, suspension).  Parent volunteers are always welcome with a background check.

 

BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/OTHER SPORTING EQUIPMENT

Bicycles must be parked neatly in the designated spaces provided. The school is not responsible for bicycles that are stolen or damaged, so students should lock their bicycles. Skateboards, bicycles, and similar devices are not permitted to be ridden on school property. If these items are used in an unsafe manner, the privilege of having them at school may be revoked. The item will be kept in the office until a parent can retrieve it. Disciplinary action may be taken for repeated violations.

 

BUSES – Owatonna Bus Company (507) 451-5262

Bus drivers and the bus company have the responsibility of transporting students to and from school in a safe manner. Students are expected to cooperate with the drivers in order to ensure the safety of all riders.  The expectations and policies on the bus are the same as they are at OMS, as indicated in this handbook.

• Drivers have the authority to assign bus seats if needed
• Only students assigned to a bus may ride that bus
• Enter and leave the bus in an orderly single-file line
• Students and/or parents shall be held liable for damage

Safety is a primary concern for all rules regarding the bus system.  Riding the bus is a privilege. Students who violate the rules for bus conduct will be subject to the consequences as outlined in the behavior policy.  Based on the severity of a student’s conduct, more serious consequences may be imposed at any time.  A student may be suspended from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year and will be expected to continue attending school with their own transportation.

Please call the school district’s transportation services liaison at 507-444-8636 for any questions about bussing.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / PHONE

Students who move during the school year are expected to inform the office & the bus company of their new address and telephone numbers.

 

CLOSING OF SCHOOL

In the event of bad weather, school closing announcements will be made over KSTP 5, KARE11, FOX 9, WCCO 4, KEYC 12 & KAAL 6. An Instant Alert Message may also be sent out to families who have this service. Each rural student is asked to make prior arrangements to stay in town if, at some time in the future, the weather does not permit the buses to follow their route.

 

DELIVERIES

We do not accept deliveries of flowers, gifts, balloons, or food for students. This includes DoorDash and similar services. 

 

DETENTION

Detention is scheduled as needed for one hour after school. Students are expected to arrive on time, work quietly, and be respectful of the supervisor. Students must leave the school grounds and are to arrange for their transportation after detention has ended. Students serving detention will be assigned a lesson(s) in Suite 360 that need to be completed and passed.   

 

DIRECTIONS FROM SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Every student shall be expected to follow reasonable rules, directions, instructions, and requests from teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, educational assistants, paraprofessionals, principals, or other authorized school personnel during any period when he/she is properly under the authority of school personnel. 
 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES, MUSIC, TELEPHONES, CELL PHONES, HEADPHONES, I PODS, E-READERS, etc

Students are not allowed to use any electronic devices that disrupt or detract from the educational environment. If a device is deemed educationally appropriate and approved by the immediate supervising teacher or staff member, students may use electronic devices in the classroom or building as outlined by that supervisor. However, cell phones are prohibited from 7:50 AM to 2:20 PM. If a student has not obtained teacher or staff approval and any unauthorized device is seen or heard during school hours (unless directly supervised by an adult), it may be confiscated by any staff member. It is strongly recommended that all electronic devices be turned off and stored in a locker. If a device is confiscated, it will be taken to the office and can be retrieved by a parent at the end of the school day. Further violations could lead to various consequences, such as requiring a parent to pick up the device, confiscation for up to a week, losing the privilege to bring that device to school, mandatory check-ins with an administrator before school starts, and other potential consequences outlined in the student handbook. Students are not permitted to use cell phones between 7:50 AM and 2:20 PM. If a device or cell phone is seen and taken by an adult during the school day, it will be turned over to the office. For a first infraction, a parent must pick up the phone at the end of the day. For a second infraction, a parent or guardian will need to retrieve the phone or device from school, and additional consequences may be applied, including but not limited to a Suite 360 lesson and detention. If a student incurs three phone infractions, they will be required to check their phone into the office at the beginning of each day, with the option to pick it up at the end of the day.

Any device with photo-taking capabilities is NOT allowed in locker rooms or bathrooms before, during, or after school hours.  Confiscation and search of photo-capable devices is standard procedure if found in any of these areas, including infractions for use of a phone during the school day.  Students who take pictures or videos of students without their permission in any school setting, including the bus,  will be subject to disciplinary actions. 

Earbuds may not be worn in the hallways or in the cafeteria.

Disabling a cell phone or computer to obstruct an investigation related to a disciplinary matter will result in disciplinary action. Owatonna Middle School is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices brought onto school grounds or the bus, nor does it have an obligation to investigate such incidents. 

OMS reserves the right to inspect a student’s electronic device if there is reason to believe that the student has violated Owatonna School Board Policies, administrative procedures, school expectations, or has engaged in other misconduct while using the device. Students may not use their devices to record, transmit, or post photos or videos of individuals on school grounds or the bus without the express permission of a teacher and the individual featured in the recording. 

Students are not permitted to use their phones to call individuals during the school day. A telephone located in the office is available for student use. Students will not be called to the phone during the school day, except in case of an emergency. (Policy 524 - Internet, Technology, and Personal Electronic Device Acceptable Use and Safety Policy)

 

EMPLOYMENT AND SERVICES CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECKS

The school district has adopted a policy, the purpose of which is to promote the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its students.  According to this policy, the school district shall seek criminal history background checks for all applicants who receive an offer of employment with the school district.  The school district also shall seek criminal history background checks for all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to the school district, regardless of whether compensation is paid.  These positions include, but are not limited to, all athletic coaches, extracurricular academic coaches, assistants, and advisors.  The school district may elect to seek criminal history background checks for other volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees.  (Read the full policy here)

 

FIELD TRIPS

Each year, students will have the opportunity to participate in various field trips. However, students may lose the privilege of attending these trips due to infractions of school rules and policies, multiple failures, or concerning PAW scores. The school administration will have the final decision on whether a student may attend a field trip. 

For students attending school-sponsored field trips who need to take daily medication during school hours, the medication will be provided by school staff or administration. For overnight field trips, parents must contact the school to make specific arrangements for medication.

Attendance is required at all field trips and school activities unless an administrator has excused the student.

 

GRADING

Owatonna Middle School believes the purpose of grading is to provide students and parents with a snapshot view of a student’s learning and their progress on behavioral/life skills at a particular time. Through Target-Based Grading, students’ progress will be measured by academic and behavioral/life skills learning targets.

The foundational beliefs of this system include the following:

• Academic grades are dependent upon student proficiency against identified learning targets and are not influenced by non-academic factors.
• Academic grades reflect the student’s level of proficiency attained on identified learning targets as measured by specific skills checks and assessments aligned to the learning targets.
• Behavioral/life skills grades are assessed and reported separately from academic grades using our PAW rubric.
• To ensure accuracy in reporting what students know and can do against identified learning targets, extra credit as a way to increase a student’s academic grade is not offered.

 

The three categories you will see in your child’s gradebook for each course are Daily Work, Skills Checks, and Assessment.

• Practice is important, therefore it carries weight toward the student’s overall grade.  Practice is graded for effort and follow through, not accuracy.
• One reassessment opportunity will be allowed when students complete all of the practice and skills checks that were due for the assessment.  Once the deadline for the retake has passed, teachers will not accept late practice or skills checks.  Missing work will turn to a 0 after the reassessment. 
• No extra credit is given.

OMS Grading Scale

 

Proficiency Criteria for Grading

(Specific to each learning target and defined criteria)

• Proficient (3)--You Got It!
  • A student has fully demonstrated content proficiency and skill application of the outcomes for the particular target at this point in the school year.
• Approaching (2)--Almost Got It!
  • A student has demonstrated partial proficiency of the expected content/skills in the assessment. Partial development indicates progress with gaps in understanding or perhaps certain misconceptions. 
• Need Support (1)--Not Quite Yet!
  • A student has demonstrated little or no evidence of content proficiency in outcomes. The student has large gaps in understanding and/or application and can show success only with significant adult assistance. 
• No Evidence (0)--NE (Comment in Campus)
  • A student took the assessment but left the question for the specific target blank. 
• Missing (0)--Not Turned In!

PAW Behavior/Life Skills Grade

• Categories: PAW- Prepared for Class, Appropriate Conduct & Respect, Work Habits.
• PAW grades will be one grade per class inclusive of the three elements of PAW.  When lowering a PAW score, teachers will indicate in the comments the reason (PAW area) for lowering the score. 
• Scale:
  • 3 = Meets expectations consistently 80-100% of the time.
  • 2 = Sometimes, student is developing expected skills 60-79% of the time.
  • 1 = Rarely, student does not demonstrate expected skills 59% or less
• Behavior scores are separate from academic grades for all classes.
• PAW Scores lowered to a 1 for any reason will require a direct communication to parents. 

Example:

HARASSMENT/BULLYING POLICY

Independent School District #761 is committed to having a positive learning and working environment for students and employees and prohibits racial, religious, or sexual harassment and violence. Harassment and violence may include, but are not limited to, the following when related to race, religion, or sex:

• Name-calling, jokes, or rumors
• Graffiti, notes, writing in textbooks, or cartoons
• Hurtful words about weight, complexion, height, and ability status
• Unwelcome touching of a person or clothing
• Offensive or graphic posters, book covers, locker decorations
• Any words or actions that make you feel uncomfortable, embarrass you, hurt your feelings, or make a person feel bad
• Disparaging remarks to a person about gender or sexual orientation

Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or violence, or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute harassment or violence, should report the alleged acts immediately to the building administration. This can be done in person or through our “statement” form located in the office and media center.

(Policy 514 - Bullying Prohibition Policy)

(Policy 413 - Harassment and Violence) 

(Policy 102 -Equal Educational Opportunity)

(Policy 423 - Employee-Student Relationships)

 

HELP FROM TEACHERS

Students who need assistance in a particular subject should arrange a meeting with their teacher. Extra help is typically available before or after school. Additionally, teachers may require students to stay after school for additional support. The teacher will either contact the parents or provide the student with 24 hours' notice. Students must have a pass from their teacher to enter the building in the morning and go directly to their classroom. 

Students can also make arrangements with their teachers to complete work missed due to an absence. It is the student's responsibility to catch up on any missed assignments. Make-up work should be completed as soon as possible after the absence. For more information about make-up work, students should ask their teachers. OMS has implemented an intervention block, called SOAR, one day every other week to provide opportunities for reteaching, retesting, or catching up on missed assignments.

 

HUSKY CONNECTIONS

Husky Connections occurs most days following the first hour. The primary purpose of Husky Connections is to help each student establish a personal connection with a caring adult in the school. The goals of Husky Connections include:

1. Allowing each Husky Connections advisor to take a personal and professional interest in every Husky Connections student. 
2. Creating a more efficient use of classroom teaching time by incorporating day-to-day tasks at the beginning of the day.
3. Providing academic, behavioral, social, and emotional support for students.
4. Communicating school-wide information regarding OMS activities. 
5. Building relationships within OMS. Husky Connections is a multi-grade class, and students will remain with the same Husky Connections group throughout their middle school years.

 

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students who violate the standards of conduct of Owatonna Middle School are subject to a variety of disciplinary actions. When staffing is feasible and by administrative discretion, one such consequence is in-school suspension, an alternative to out-of-school suspension. The program has three major goals:

1. To provide students the opportunity to remain in school and complete classroom assignments instead of out-of-school suspension
2. To serve as a deterrent against repeated violations
3. To provide instruction regarding the offense through Suite 360

Students will attend ISS during regular school hours. Students not reporting for assigned ISS or being disruptive while in ISS will be suspended from school.  The school administration will contact a parent or guardian if their student is placed in ISS.  

• Students are required to do schoolwork during ISS. 
• Students are not allowed to sleep during ISS.
• Students may not use electronic devices unless needed for school work.
• Students must turn in their phones to the supervisor or the office. 
• All school rules apply to in-school suspension.
• Any violation while in ISS may result in an immediate out-of-school suspension.
• Students will be provided with a school lunch.
• Students will be required to complete Suite 360 lessons and pass them.

 

LANGUAGE ACCESS PLAN

Owatonna Public Schools’ language access plan is designed to ensure equitable access to school and district services to students and their families whose home language is not English. The plan was developed collaboratively among various departments, including the Multilingual Learner, Communications, Technology and Innovation, and Special Education Departments. Services include:

• Remote and in-person interpretation with district Success Coaches
• Written classroom translation for students and families
• Language Line for translation and live phone-based interpretation
• Diffit and Brisk for instruction
• TransAct for state and federally mandated communication
• One-click website translation for family access
• Campus notifications in home language
• Talking Points for classroom communication
• American Sign language interpretation
• Relay Services
• Screen Reader software 

Families may contact their local Success Coach, school office, or the Multilingual Learner Coordinator for assistance. (Learn more about the plan on the school district website)

 

LEADERSHIP

Leadership is a fundamental aspect of our identity at OMS. We embody, practice, and teach it. We believe that leadership begins within each of us; our first responsibility is to develop ourselves and then assist others in their growth. To thrive in the 21st century, we must cultivate skills that will remain relevant through constant change and prepare us for work environments that have yet to be defined. These essential skills include: 1) collaborating effectively, 2) fostering creativity, 3) engaging in critical thinking to solve problems, and 4) communicating clearly. Ultimately, we believe that a true leader serves as a role model and is dedicated to serving others.

 

LOCKERS

All students are assigned a locker and are expected to keep their backpacks, coats, and phones inside during the school day. Please keep your locker neat, clean, and locked at all times. Never share your locker with anyone, and do not use a locker that is not assigned to you. Additionally, never share your locker combination. You are responsible for all items in your locker, regardless of whether they belong to you. Any illegal or prohibited items found in your locker will result in consequences. 

Students are advised not to bring or store anything of great value in their lockers. Lockers are intended for the safekeeping of books, coats, and other necessary belongings. However, if the principal, assistant principal, or their designee has reason to suspect that illegal or potentially dangerous items are stored in a student’s locker, they have both the right and the duty to search it. Any illegal items found will be confiscated and turned over to the authorities. Additionally, locker bays will be randomly searched to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.

(Policy 502 -  Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions & Student’s Person)

 

LOST AND FOUND

Students who find lost articles are to take them to the desk in the main office so the articles can be recovered by their owners upon proper identification.  There is a crate located by the gymnasium and one at the bottom of the office staircase for lost items.

 

LUNCH DETENTION 

Lunch Detention is served in an assigned room.  Students issued a lunch detention will be provided with a school lunch. 

 

MEDIA SERVICES 

The major objective of the Media Center is to help students access information from a variety of sources. Students must bring a pass when coming from a class and must be supervised in the Media Center at all times. 

Materials are loaned for the following periods:

•      Regular book collection - two (2) weeks
•      Reference materials – overnight    Magazines – overnight

 

MEDICATIONS POLICY

Prescription and non-prescription medications will be administered through the Health Services office. Any prescription medication must be accompanied by a doctor’s order and parents' and/or guardians' signature.  Any non-prescription and/or over-the-counter medication requires a parent and/or guardian signature to be dispensed at school.  Students found in possession of medication will be subject to suspension for violation of our drug use policy. 

Students may receive special permission to “self-administer” medications if the student’s health condition might require immediate use of the medication. A doctor’s note and parents' and/or guardians' signatures are required.

 

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of Owatonna Public Schools to provide equal educational opportunity for all students. The school district does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, status about public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, or socio-economic status. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate public education that includes general education, special education, and/or related aids and services.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: 

 

 

Visit the school district website (isd761.org/nondiscrimination) for more information.

All policies, including Policy 522 - Title IX  Sex Nondiscrimination, can be found on the school district website: www.isd761.org/our-district/school-board/policies.
 

NUTRITION SERVICES

Beginning in the 2023/2024 school year, all students can enjoy a free breakfast and lunch meal provided through the Minnesota Free School Meals Program!  All school sites participate in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. For a complete lunch meal, students must take three or more full servings from the five different food groups, and one of the servings must be a fruit or vegetable.  One carton of milk is included with each breakfast and lunch meal. Students purchasing a carton of milk with their cold lunch from home or a second milk with their meal will be charged $.55 per carton. To purchase any additional a la carte food or beverages, students must have prepaid money in their meal account. Visit our webpage at isd761.org for more information on payments, application for meal benefits, menus, pricing, special dietary needs, etc. Call 507-444-8616 with questions. (Policy 534) We look forward to serving your children.

 

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS 

Students should arrive shortly after being released from class and are not permitted to leave without permission. After finishing their meal, students should clean their area, return their tray, and remain seated until they are dismissed. Respectful behavior is expected at all times; this includes no running, shoving, pushing, or throwing food. Additionally, students are not allowed to have outside food delivered to the school (e.g., pizza delivery, Jimmy John's, etc.).

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parent conferences will be scheduled throughout the year to keep parents and guardians informed about the students' progress at Owatonna Middle School. We encourage parents to sign up to access the Parent Portal to view up-to-date grades. To sign up for the Parent Portal, please contact the school counselor. 

 

PEST MANAGEMENT

Parents/guardians and school employees may request to be notified before pesticide application on school property. Pesticides include chemicals which are used to control insects, weeds, rodents or other pests as defined by the law (M.S. 123B.575, Subd. 9).  Pesticides and non-chemical treatments may be used in combination in and around schools for a variety of reasons, including the control of pests which have the potential to bite, sting, spread disease, cause asthma, and/or trigger an allergic reaction. Pesticides may also be used to prevent or control damage to materials within the school building or to the school building itself, or to control pests or weeds that are seen as a nuisance.

To limit the potential pesticide exposure, this school follows safety regulations to ensure pesticides are applied properly. All pesticide products, which are used in and around school buildings, are required to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, school employees and certified and licensed applicators are required by state and federal law to comply with all requirements of the pesticide label, including building sites, application rates, re-entry intervals, posting, use of personal protective equipment, use restrictions, and disposal on the product label. If you would like to be notified prior to pesticide applications, please contact Bob Olson,  Director of Facilities, Infrastructure, and Security, at 507-444-8606.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Students have the option to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at OMS.  Anyone who does not wish to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so.  Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice.  The Pledge will be recited once a week at the start of first hour or Husky Connections. 

(Policy 531 -  The Pledge of Allegiance)

 

RELIGION

(Policy 609 - Religion and Religious and Cultural Observances)

 

REPORT CARDS

Progress Reports will be available in Infinite Campus at conference time and at the end of each semester.

Grades are marked:

 

SAFETY & SECURITY                                                                            

District 761 and each of its schools have emergency plans that are reviewed and revised, as appropriate, several times each year.  To enhance the safety of students, staff, and visitors, district officials follow the safety and security guidelines listed below.

• All visitors are asked to sign in at the security desk and show their ID. They will be given a visitor badge to wear in the building.  Staff are expected to question people in the building whom they don’t recognize and who aren’t wearing a visitor badge.
• All district employees are to wear photo ID badges.
• Outside doors (except the front door) are to remain closed and locked during school hours.
• Lockdown, Fire, & Severe Weather drills will occur each year.
• Random searches of locker-bay areas and classrooms will occur periodically.  This will include both school district property and any personal belongings.

(Policy 529 - Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students) 
 

SCHOOL HOURS

The school doors will open each morning between 7:35 and 7:50 a.m. Students are encouraged to arrive at OMS during this time. Students are not permitted to enter the building before 7:35 unless accompanied by a teacher (for morning choir, jazz band, testing, etc.). If students arrive early for a club or to meet a teacher, they should enter through Door #13, which is designated for sixth-grade access. Students must have a pass from the teacher if they are meeting with them early. 

At 7:35 a.m., all students may enter the building through the main doors on 15th Street or the sixth-grade doors leading into the cafeteria. Before and after school hours, students must be accompanied by an adult and must have a pass to work in a classroom. Students participating in after-school activities should go directly to their respective activities immediately after school. At the end of the day, students may exit the building through the front doors, Door #13, or the north athletic doors by 2:30 p.m.

Classes run from 7:50 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., at which point students are expected to leave the building. Students should dress appropriately for the weather, as they will be outside until 7:35 a.m. and must leave the building at the end of the day. In cases of rain or when wind chill factors drop below zero, students will be allowed inside the building. Students may not remain on school grounds during non-school hours without adult supervision. During this time, students may report to their first-hour class, get breakfast and eat in the cafeteria, or be in the hallways until first hour begins.

 

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

If school officials have reason to believe that an illegal act or violation of the school rules is about to be or has been committed, they have the authority to search the student and/or personal property.  Any item that a student has lost the privilege to carry or that is prohibited by school regulations or state law.  Items seized may be held in the office until a parent or proper authority picks them up pending case investigation.

(Policy 502 -  Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions & Student’s Person)

 

STUDENT DISABILITY NONDISCRIMINATION

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Independent School District #761 does not discriminate based on disability. District programs and activities will be made accessible to all individuals with disabilities. The district’s Section 504 Resource Guide, including grievance procedures, is available at all school buildings. The Director of Special Services is the Section 504 Coordinator and can be reached at 444-8604. 

(Policy 521 - Student Disability Nondiscrimination Policy)

 

STUDENT DRESS GUIDELINES

A student’s attire and appearance become a concern for the school when they may disrupt the safety, welfare, or educational program of the students. Students are expected to wear respectful clothing that is suitable for an educational environment. What is considered appropriate will be determined by school personnel and administration.

Inappropriate dress refers to clothing and jewelry that displays offensive, obscene, or sexual material, inflammatory slogans, or promotes illegal activities, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. It also includes any material intended to intimidate or demean others. Items considered gang-related or sexual are not permitted.

Students are expected to wear clothing that adequately covers their body parts. Midriffs and cleavage must be covered, and crop tops are not allowed. Undergarments should not be visible, and tube or strapless tops are prohibited.  Pants, shorts, and skirts should be worn at waist level without showing any undergarments. Students found to be dressed inappropriately will be asked to change their attire, contact a parent, or may be sent home to change. 

Students will also receive a PAW score that includes dress guideline infractions in the Appropriate Conduct category.

 

 STUDENT SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Students are protected from discrimination based on sex according to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The school district provides equal educational opportunity for all students and does not unlawfully discriminate based on sex. No student will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity operated by the school district based on sex. Any student, parent, or guardian having questions regarding the application of Title IX and its regulations should discuss them with the Title IX coordinator, Director of Human Resources (444-8602).

This is a summary of the School Board (Policy 522 Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy). The full policy can be viewed in the office of any school building.

 

STUDENTS AND GANG ACTIVITY 

No student on school property or at any school activity will wear, possess, display, or distribute any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or any other item that is deemed as evidence of membership in or affiliation with any gang by the administration. Furthermore, no student will commit any act or use any speech, either verbal or non-verbal, showing gang membership or affiliation.

 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF 

Support Staff in our building will be afforded the same respect as classroom teachers and administrators. Any student failing to do so will be referred to the office for earned consequences. 
 

TECHNOLOGY

Many students use social media to communicate with their friends outside school, including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure that their children properly use these media outlets. Improper use of social media can have school consequences.

Social Media Guidelines

 

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

As a district committed to excellence in education, Owatonna Public Schools prioritizes the safety of students and staff while adapting to the evolving use of technology for teaching, learning, and communication. To support safe, responsible, and appropriate use of digital tools and online environments, all parents/guardians, students, and staff are encouraged to review the district’s Internet, Technology, and Personal Electronic Communication Device Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (Policy 524) and the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy (Policy 625).

 

VIDEO / PHOTOGRAPHY RECORDINGS 

Any photography, video, or sound productions made by cell phones or video equipment of any kind, of staff or students on school grounds, must have the direct approval of the supervising teacher or principal.  Any video/photography is strictly prohibited in locker rooms/restrooms, and is prohibited if the subject’s approval has not been given.
 

VISITORS

All guests must check in at the security desk, and their presence must be approved by school administration. Students who do not attend OMS will not be welcome on school property or school grounds before or after school hours unless they have an appointment or prior authorization.

 

OMS Parent & Student Handbook 2026-2027