2025-26 Overview of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Dear District 196 Families:
To help provide a safe and productive learning environment for students, staff, families and visitors to our schools, the district publishes this Overview of Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook each year to share important information about student rights, responsibilities and disciplinary responses for different types of behavior.
We ask that all families be familiar with the information in this handbook and discuss it with your school-aged children. School staff will briefly review the handbook with students at the beginning of the school year, but your support of expectations for student behavior at school is an important part of our partnership to educate our children.
There are a number of changes in this year’s handbook. Some of the more significant updates include:
- A new section about student health, including information about student medications, management of communicable disease, and vision and hearing screening.
- A new section linking the district’s language access plan, which provides resources for students and adults who communicate in a language other than English.
- Updated language about limits on student use of cell phones at school.
- Information about student use of artificial intelligence (AI).
- Various updates to the list of prohibited student behaviors and the range of school responses to these behaviors.
Note: Information about the Educational Benefits Program and the application form are available at the end of the handbook. Families who complete the form and qualify for the Educational Benefits Program generate additional funds for their child’s school and may receive free or discounted Community Education and activity participation fees.
If you have any questions about information in this handbook, please contact the principal at your child’s school. Best wishes for a successful school year of learning and growth.
Additional Resources
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
The federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) and Minnesota law give students and parents/guardians rights regarding student surveys and other matters, including the following:
Districts must directly notify parents/guardians and students each year of their rights under the law.
- Districts must receive written consent of the parent/guardian or adult student before administering any student surveys funded by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) if the survey includes “protected” information regarding any of the following topics:
- Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents/guardians
- Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
- Sexual behavior or attitudes
- Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior
- Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships
- Legally recognized privileged relationships such as attorneys, physicians and ministers
- Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents/guardians
- Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program)
- Parents/guardians have the right to notice and an opportunity to opt out of:
- A student survey not included in the section above
- Activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or distribution
- Any non-emergency invasive physical exams or screenings required for attendance and scheduled by the school, except hearing, vision or scoliosis screenings permitted by law
- Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to inspect certain materials prior to student participation in a survey. Available materials include:
- Student surveys
- Documents used to collect personal information for marketing or distribution
- Instructional materials used as part of the curriculum or surveys
Schools will give parents/guardians notice and information about surveys that may be administered to students, as more fully detailed in Administrative Regulation 801.9AR.
Parents/guardians and eligible students may report violations of the PPRA by contacting the U.S. Department of Education Policy Compliance Office, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920.
Collection, protection and use of student data is governed by Policy 801, Administrative Regulation 801.9AR and Policy 505, Student Records.
District 196 will not impose an academic or other penalty upon a student who opts out of participating in a survey.
Student Responsibilities
Student responsibilities include: conscientious effort in school work and activities; respect for the rights of other students, staff and visitors; and adherence to and cooperation in upholding local, state and federal laws, and district and school policies, rules and regulations. Most of all, students, administration and staff share the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a safe, stimulating and productive learning environment.
Student Attendance
A major student responsibility at all grade levels is regular attendance. Many studies correlate regular attendance with success in school...
High School Student Attendance Expectation
Excessive absences may have adverse consequences due to the inability of students to keep up with course assignments...
Excessive Absence Rule – Notification/Intervention Process
Each student’s attendance, grades and discipline incidents are recorded electronically...
Types of Absences
Absences which are not counted in the excessive absence rule include, but are not limited to:
- School-sponsored curricular and cocurricular activities
- Official religious holidays and religious observances or American Indian cultural practice, observance or ceremony
- Death of an immediate family member
- Unique or emergency circumstances authorized by a school administrator
- Chronic or long-term illness verified by a doctor
- Authorized appointments with school personnel
- Military deployment of a family member
- In-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or transitional study hall
Student Fees and Fines
Fees may be charged in areas considered to be cocurricular, extracurricular, non-curricular or supplementary to the requirements of a class or educational program...
Students Transported in Vehicles Other Than Those Provided by the District
District 196 provides transportation to students as required by state law and such additional transportation as budgets permit...
Test Security Information for Students
Students must follow all state and district policies for test administration during standards-based assessments such as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) and ACCESS for ELLs.
- Do your own work.
- Do not accept help finding answers.
- Do not give answers to other students.
- Do not share test content.
- Failure to follow directions may result in disciplinary action.
Suspected test security concerns may be reported to the Minnesota Department of Education at:
Digital Tools and Digital Citizenship
District 196 provides access to technology resources including the Internet, email and online learning tools...
The inventory of digital tools used by District 196 is available on the district website:
District 196 Digital Learning Resources
Permitted Use
- Students may use AI tools only when authorized by their teacher.
- AI should support—not replace—student work.
- Students must cite AI use and explain how it was used.
Prohibited Use
- Submitting AI-generated work without citation.
- Entering identifiable personal information into AI tools.
Student Responsibilities
- Transparency about AI use.
- Verify AI-generated information for accuracy and bias.
- Protect personal and sensitive information.
Continuum of Response
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abusive, Discriminatory, Threatening or Bullying Behaviors – Harassment | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| Bullying – defined in Administrative Regulation 503.8AR | ||||
| Hazing – coercing a student into acts that risk harm or humiliation to gain membership in a group or organization. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| Grades 9–12 | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension and VSB | Expulsion and VSB | |
| Abuse/Alarm – verbal, written or otherwise expressed | ||||
| Involving student or staff (Grades K–5) | * | * | * | * |
| Involving student (Grades 6–12) | * | 1-day suspension | 2-day suspension | 3-day suspension and VSB |
| Involving self-harm (Grades K–12) | Conduct district risk assessment | Conduct district risk assessment | Conduct district risk assessment | Conduct district risk assessment |
| Involving staff (Grades 6–12) | * | 2-day suspension | 3-day suspension and VSB | 4-day suspension and VSB |
| Assaultive Behavior – threatening or intimidating statements or actions | ||||
| Upon student or staff (Grades K–5) | * | * | * (K–3) / 1-day suspension (4–5) | * (K–3) / 3-day suspension and VSB (4–5) |
| Upon a student (Grades 6–12) | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension and VSB | Expulsion and VSB | |
| Upon a staff member (Grades 6–12) | 5-day suspension and VSB | Expulsion and VSB | ||
| Threat of Bomb or Violence | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * and VSB | * and VSB |
| Grades 6–8 | 5-day suspension and VSB | Expulsion and VSB | ||
| Grades 9–12 | Expulsion and VSB |
Continuum of Response – Disruptive or Nuisance Behaviors
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dress (Policy 503) | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Interference, Disruption or Obstruction | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | * | * | 1-day suspension | 2-day suspension |
| Unauthorized Vehicle Use | ||||
| Grades K–8 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 9–12 | *; may include revocation of parking permit | 1-day suspension; may include revocation of parking permit | 3-day suspension; may include revocation of parking permit | 5-day suspension; may include revocation of parking permit |
| Driving Careless or Reckless | ||||
| Grades K–8 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 9–12 | *; may include revocation of parking permit | 3-day suspension; may include revocation of parking permit | 5-day suspension; may include revocation of parking permit | Expulsion |
| Gambling | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | * | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension |
| Grades 9–12 | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Technology Violations | ||||
| Unauthorized system access (Grades 6–12) | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion | |
| Non-school use of technology (Grades 6–12) | * | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension |
| False Alarm | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * or 1-day suspension (Grades 4–5) |
| Grades 6–12 | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
Continuum of Response – Physical Behaviors
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16. Physical Contact – Student | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | * | * | 1-day suspension | 1-day suspension |
| 17. Bodily Harm, Inflicting | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| 18. Fight Promotion / Instigating a Fight | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 4-day suspension and •VSB | 4-day suspension and •VSB |
| 19. Fighting | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * and •VSB |
| Grades 6–8 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 4-day suspension and •VSB | 5-day suspension and •VSB |
| Grades 9–12 | 2-day suspension | 3-day suspension and •VSB | 5-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB |
| Refusing to stop striking another student (Grades 6–12) | 10-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | ||
| 20. Physical Contact – Staff | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 5-day suspension and •VSB | 10-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | |
| 21. Assaultive Behavior: Physical | ||||
| Upon a student (Grades K–5) | * | * | * (K–3) / 1-day suspension and •VSB (4–5) | * (K–3) / 3-day suspension and •VSB (4–5) |
| Upon a staff member (Grades K–5) | * and •VSB | * and •VSB | * (K–3) / 3-day suspension and •VSB (4–5) | * (K–3) / 5-day suspension and •VSB (4–5) |
| Upon a student (Grades 6–12) | 5–10 day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | ||
| Upon a staff member (Grades 6–12) | Expulsion and •VSB | |||
| 22. Assaultive Behavior: Aggravated | ||||
| Grades K–3 | * and •VSB | * and •VSB | * and •VSB | * and •VSB |
| Grades 4–5 | 3-day suspension and •VSB | 3-day suspension and •VSB | 3-day suspension and •VSB | 3-day suspension and •VSB |
| Grades 6–12 | Expulsion and •VSB |
Continuum of Response – Sexual, Explicit or Lewd Behaviors
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31. Pornography Possessing – Creating or accessing sexually explicit material, including through electronic communications. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Grades 9–12 | * | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| 32. Pornography Sharing – Sharing pornography including through electronic communications such as sexting. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Grades 9–12 | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| 33. Lewd Behavior – Sexual conduct considered indecent or offensive, including public urination. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | * | 1-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| Grades 9–12 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| 34. Sexual Violence – Non-consensual intentional touching of another person’s intimate parts under clothing. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * (K–3) / 1-day suspension + •VSB (4–5) | * (K–3) / 3-day suspension + •VSB (4–5) | * (K–3) / 5-day suspension + •VSB (4–5) | * (K–3) / 10-day suspension + •VSB (4–5) |
| Grades 6–8 | 5-day suspension + •VSB | Expulsion + •VSB | ||
| Grades 9–12 | Expulsion + •VSB | |||
| Touching over clothing as described above – Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Touching over clothing as described above – Grades 6–8 | 2-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 10-day suspension | Expulsion |
| Touching over clothing as described above – Grades 9–12 | 5-day suspension | 10-day suspension | Expulsion |
Continuum of Response – Tobacco, Alcohol or Chemicals
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35. Tobacco and E-Cigarettes, Possessing – Possessing or using tobacco or electronic cigarettes on district property or at district events. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | * | 1-day suspension | 2-day suspension | 3-day suspension |
| 36. Tobacco and E-Cigarettes, Intent to Sell, Give or Share – Selling, giving, or sharing tobacco or electronic cigarettes. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 10-day suspension | Expulsion |
| 37. Alcohol – Possession, use, sharing, or being under the influence of alcohol. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 (Possessing, using, or under the influence) | 2-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 4-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 6-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 8-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment |
| Grades 6–12 (Sharing) | 2-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 4-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 8-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment |
| 38. Alcohol – Intent to Sell | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 3-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 5-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | Expulsion with recommendation for chemical assessment |
| 39. Chemicals – Possession, Use, Sharing, Attempted Possession or Use | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 – Possession or use of non-felony level chemicals | 2-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 4-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 6-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment |
| Grades 6–12 – Sharing non-felony level chemicals | 4-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 6-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | Expulsion with recommendation for chemical assessment |
| Grades 6–12 – Possession or use of felony-level chemicals (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, opioids, psilocybin) | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | Expulsion | ||
| Grades 6–12 – Sharing felony-level chemicals | Expulsion | |||
| 40. Chemicals – Intent to Sell | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | 10-day suspension with recommendation for chemical assessment | Expulsion | ||
| Grades 9–12 | Expulsion |
|
Weapons or Prohibited Materials – Continuum of Response
| Behavior | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41. Incendiary Devices – Unauthorized possession or igniting of matches, lighters, or other flame-producing devices. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–12 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion |
| 42. Fireworks or Combustibles, Possession – Possessing substances designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion or explosion. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | 1-day suspension or parent shadow | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Grades 6–12 | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion | |
| 43. Fireworks or Combustibles, Use – Igniting or using substances designed to produce combustion or explosion. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * |
| Grades 6–8 | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | Expulsion | |
| Grades 9–12 | 5-day suspension | Expulsion | ||
| 44. Mace, Pepper Gas or Taser Possession – Possession of substances or devices designed to cause pain or injury. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * | * and •VSB |
| Grades 6–8 (mere possession) | * | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Grades 9–12 (mere possession) | * | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension | 5-day suspension |
| Grades 6–8 – Possession with evidence of intended harmful or threatening use | 3-day suspension | 5-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | |
| Grades 9–12 – Possession with evidence of intended harmful or threatening use | 5-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | ||
| 45. Ammunition Possession – Possession of bullets or projectiles designed for use in a weapon. | ||||
| Grades K–5 | * | * | * (Grades K–3) / 1-day suspension (Grades 4–5) | * (Grades K–3) / 1-day suspension (Grades 4–5) |
| Grades 6–8 | 1-day suspension | 3-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | |
| Grades 9–12 | 3-day suspension and •VSB | 5-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB | |
| 46. Weapon or Look-alike Weapon, Possession | ||||
| Look-alike weapon possession (Grades K–5) | * | * | * | * and •VSB |
| Weapon possession (Grades K–5) – State law requires expulsion if the weapon is a firearm. | * to expulsion and •VSB | |||
| Weapon or look-alike weapon possession (Grades 6–12) | Expulsion and •VSB | |||
| Mere possession of a knife without threatening intent (Grades 6–12) | 5-day suspension and •VSB | 10-day suspension and •VSB | Expulsion and •VSB |
Student Transportation: Behavior Expectations
Riding a school bus is a privilege, not a right. The bus driver is responsible for maintaining appropriate student behavior on the bus and may assign students to specific seats.
Students must follow district behavior rules and the transportation safety rules listed in the chart below. Serious behavior violations may result in loss of transportation privileges in addition to school disciplinary responses.
If transportation privileges are revoked, parents or guardians are responsible for transporting the student to and from school. Students who receive a citation trespassing them from school property will lose bus privileges to or from that property.
Student behavior policies may be adjusted as required by federal and state laws for students with Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
Some buses use video and audio recording systems to support safe bus operation and appropriate student behavior.
While riding a district vehicle, students may not transport gasoline, animals, or dangerous objects. Service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are permitted. Items such as skateboards or bats must be stored safely in a bag or container. Items longer than 39 inches require approval from the Transportation Department.
Students must arrive at the bus stop five minutes before scheduled pickup. Once on the bus, students must remain until their designated stop.
| Behavior in District Vehicles | 1st Occurrence | 2nd Occurrence | 3rd Occurrence | 4th Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47. Eating or Drinking on the Bus – Due to choking hazards and allergies, eating and drinking are not allowed. | ||||
| (Grades K–5) | * | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension |
| (Grades 6–12) | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension | 5-day bus suspension |
| 48. Improper Boarding or Departing – Entering or leaving the bus in a way that could cause injury or exiting at the wrong stop. | ||||
| (Grades K–5) | * | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension |
| (Grades 6–12) | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension | 5-day bus suspension |
| 49. Not Remaining Seated While Bus Is in Motion (Minnesota Statute 169.447) | ||||
| (Grades K–5) | * | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension |
| (Grades 6–12) | * | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension |
| 50. Poking, Pushing, Shoving, or Play-Fighting | ||||
| (Grades K–3) | * | * | * | 1-day bus suspension |
| (Grades 4–5) | * | * | 1-day bus suspension | 3-day bus suspension |