Elementary Handbook

Occasionally, students will travel to enrich their learning with an experience connected to a current learning target or grade level standard. Money from school fundraisers, when available, will be used to cover bus transportation for students. Parents/ guardians may be asked to contribute money to cover the cost of admission and/or other expenses. No student will be denied a field trip experience because of inability to pay. Parents/ guardians are asked to contribute as much as they are able.

A formal report of student progress is issued every quarter in grades K-5. Informal progress reports are available upon request, and student work, with written feedback is periodically sent home with students.

All elementary grades are based on end-of-year outcomes. Shakopee Public Schools uses Standards-based Grading practices, which includes gathering both formative and summative academic information in order to determine if a student has “met” a standard.

1- limited understanding of grade level standard 

2 – progressing toward grade level standard

3 - meets grade level standard

E - exceeds grade level standard

Click here to learn more about K-5 Academics. 

Students are responsible for completing all work assigned by the teacher.  When classwork is not finished during the school day, it may be considered homework.  Incomplete work may result in loss of privileges. Homework may be assigned by the individual teacher.

Each classroom teacher will indicate a folder that will be used as a “take-home” folder for each student.  This folder may contain important information about school, including classroom newsletters, notification of upcoming events, past-due or missing work notices, etc. 

Parents/guardians  are asked to return the folder the following school day. Items being sent to school can also be sent via this folder.  If this folder is lost or damaged, parents/guardians may be asked to provide a replacement.  

If students demonstrate inappropriate behavior at school, an adult will seek to understand what happened, support the child in reflecting on their behavior and provide opportunities for restoring relationships, as applicable. 

In addition, specific consequences may be applied; parents/guardians may be contacted, depending on the nature of the behavior, frequency of the behavior and severity of the specific incident.            

Please refer to the Policy 500 series for additional discipline and bullying prohibition elements.

Behavioral expectations specific to all areas of school, for example, classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, playground and school buses are taught at the beginning of the school year.  Behavior expectations are re-taught and positively reinforced throughout the year to promote a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment for each child. 

If students demonstrate inappropriate behavior at school, an adult will seek to understand what happened, support the child in reflecting on their behavior and provide opportunities for restoring relationships, as applicable. 

In addition, specific consequences may be applied; parents may be contacted, depending on the nature of the behavior, frequency of the behavior, and severity of the specific incident.            

Adults will:

• Create a balanced approach for all learning. 
• Create a climate for learning that includes:
  • Opportunities for students to explore and construct their learning through student choices, practice, trial, error and reworking.
  • Knowing the students culturally, and individually, by being fully cognizant of their individual strengths and interests.
  • Co-creating classroom rituals that maximize learning bell-to-bell.
  • Creating a climate that respects difference and allows for multiple perspectives without hurting others.
  • Fostering opportunities for students to determine responsibility in meeting academic, social, and emotional expectations in monitoring their self-control. 

Students will:

• Participate fully in the learning experience, including curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, from the moment he/she is on the bus until s/he is returned home, at all district activities and events.
• Participate actively in the learning experience by being fully engaged, fully prepared, raising engaging questions, and effectively and positively communicating with all students and staff.
• Participate actively in the learning experience by sharing information about themselves—strengths, weakness, and culture to create common bonds in curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
• Participate actively in the learning experience by respecting differences while asserting perhaps a divergent viewpoint, doing so without harm to the other students, staff, team, other leader, and property.
• Demonstrate empathy (knowing others) to build fruitful relationships that create a cohesive learning opportunity for all and, through self-control behave in an ethical manner from the moment he/she is on the bus until s/he is returned home.

Class Celebrations: Occasional class parties are held throughout the year. To ensure these events are inclusive and safe for all students, donations may be collected at the start of the year to cover costs; please do not send additional food or treats to school. Donations will be reported to the School Board in adherence to district policy.

Birthday Celebrations: Birthdays are a special milestone! To celebrate birthdays, each elementary school has its own unique traditions to celebrate and honor students on their special day; please connect with your teacher or front office team. Outside food and treats are not permitted for birthday celebrations (store-bought or homemade).

Connect & Assess days are scheduled two days prior to the start of school for elementary students each year.  Connect & Assess is an opportunity for teachers to meet and connect with each student in their class and conduct a short assessment with each child to best meet their needs. The link for families is sent via email to each family at the end of August.  

Parent/Guardian -Teacher conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Dates and times for each school are posted on each school's website and listed below. Additional conferences may be scheduled whenever a parent/guardian or teacher feels it is necessary. Please contact the teacher to arrange for before/after school or Google Meet appointments.

2026-27 Conferences

• Eagle Creek Elementary:  November 5, 9, 11  (3:30 - 7:30PM); March 2, 4 (3:30 - 7:00PM); and March 8 (3:30 - 6:30PM)

• Jackson Elementary: October 27 (4:00-8:00PM); October 29, Nov 2 (4:00-7:30PM);Feb 2 (4:00-8:00PM); and February 4, 8 (4:00-7:30PM)

• Red Oak Elementary: November 10, 11, 12 (4:00-8:00PM night one, 4:00-7:30PM nights 2 &3); and February 3,4, 9 (4:00-8:00PM night one, 4:00-7:30PM nights 2 &3)

• Sun Path Elementary: October 22, 27, 29 and March 2, 4, 8 - all 4:10PM-8:00PM

• Sweeney Elementary: October 6, 8, 13 and February 3, 9, 11

Lockers or coat racks are provided to students for storing coats, books and other school supplies. Lockers in elementary schools are not secure and are not for storing valuable items. Therefore, students are advised to leave valuables at home.

The school district is not responsible for reimbursements to families if personal property is stolen. Items left at school at the end of the school year may be donated.

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

Under Minnesota law, school lockers are school district property. At no time does the school district relinquish its exclusive control of lockers provided for students’ convenience. School officials may inspect the interior of lockers for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

Students’ personal possessions within a school locker may be searched only when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school officials will provide notice of the search to students whose lockers were searched, unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

Children should come to school dressed for play. We encourage students to wear tennis shoes, no flip flops or sandals please. Students will be painting, gluing, running, jumping, etc. We will be as careful as we can, but accidents can and do happen.

Students go outside unless the wind chill is below the district guidelines. Rain and snow gear should be worn to school when the weather is inclement. Please be sure to label boots, hats, mittens, coats, etc. with your child’s name.

Shoes must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons.

Please refer to Policy 504 for Student Dress and Appearance for additional directions.

Students may only sell items for school-approved fundraisers. Students may not sell items during class.  The school cannot be responsible for any money students may have collected. 

Labeling your child’s personal items increases the chance that lost personal items will be returned. 

Please label all items of clothing. Students always have access to the lost and found area at their school.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to look through the lost and found items on conference days and times they visit the school. If you do not find a lost item, please ask in the office. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at various times throughout the year with advance notice to families through school communications.

Each elementary school is part of a neighborhood. Such neighbors have every right to expect that their property (house, yard, cars, business, etc.) will be treated with respect. Therefore, students should not trespass on neighborhood businesses or private property.

Personal Items

Each school is committed to providing an environment free from distraction and focused on learning.  Often, items such as spinners, slime or other trendy toys become significant distractions, get stolen or become the primary focus of students over the intended attention to learning.  Such items are better suited for home use.  When improperly used in school, these items may be confiscated to be picked up later by a parent/guardian.  This is not to be confused with fidgets identified as accommodations for students as approved by case managers.  

Children are also discouraged from bringing expensive jewelry, toys, electronics, money, etc., to school. All outer garments, caps, over shoes or tennis shoes should be plainly marked on the inside with the child's name.               

Any money sent to school should be placed in an envelope clearly labeled with the child's name, teacher's name, and purpose. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken personal items.

Electronics

Students receive a district issued device for academic use.

Personal electronic devices brought to school cannot be in use during the school day and must be off and remain in the student’s backpack. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.  For this reason, it is recommended they are left at home.

Electronic device examples include, but are not limited to: iPad, Laptop, smart watches, cell phones, EBooks, tablets headphones, earbuds and air pods. 

Electronic devices are strictly prohibited in bathrooms at any time. 

A great way to become involved is to become active an elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) group. Each PTO is made up of parents/guardians and school staff to provide social, informational and educational experiences for students and families.

Whether you are a parent/guardian who can only attend one meeting or every meeting, your involvement is appreciated. If you cannot attend a meeting but would like to volunteer to help with PTO activities, your help is also greatly appreciated. Each school's PTO contact is listed on the school website.

A school patrol is set up at the school to serve at the most hazardous intersections around the school. The school patrol is made up of fifth grade students. The purpose of the patrol is to ensure the safety of all students who walk to and from school.

Morning school patrols will be at assigned corners at select times in the morning. Students who walk to school and cross at designated patrol crossing corners are asked to plan their arrival at school accordingly.

The school furnishes all texts, workbooks, iPads and curriculum materials. These are the property of the school and loaned to the child.                               

Pencils, crayons, paper, markers and other expendable items are furnished by the student. It is requested that families check the supply of these items so their children will be adequately provided for at all times. A list of suggested school supplies for each grade level is available in the school office or on the district website.

Various community partners donate school supplies for students throughout the year and are also available at the District Office Welcome Center. Please connect with the main office if your family is in need of support.

Shakopee Public Schools provides a protective case for iPads.

• iPads should ALWAYS be in the protective case. No part of the case should be removed.  

• Elementary devices typically stay at school.  If sent home for completion of a task, please be mindful to NOT place your device in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy or sharp objects.

• The device should be charged using the charger provided and is typically charged and stored in a classroom cart each day.

Digital Learning Device Screen & Cleaning

• The screens are sensitive to pressure and therefore can be damaged; they are scratch resistant, not scratch proof.

• The screens are made of glass and can either break or shatter.

• Do NOT use liquids to clean the device.  This includes, but is not limited to: window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.  

• PLEASE USE: A soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.

• The digital learning device is Shakopee Public Schools’ property.

• The digital learning device must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not issued and placed onto the device by Shakopee Public Schools staff.  

• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the device to prevent damage.

• Never expose a device to extreme cold or heat, direct sunlight, or prolonged periods of time in places that are not at a normal room temperature.

• Digital learning devices must be kept in a secure location at all times. It is the student’s responsibility to know where their device is. During classes or lunch periods when the device is not needed, place the device in your locker or in a locked classroom.  Do NOT place your device on the BOTTOM of your locker, but rather on top of all other materials. 

• The use of or access to the digital learning device in any unauthorized area (such as locker rooms, restrooms) is prohibited.

• If the digital learning device is either lost or stolen, students should report that information to the front office or technology staff as soon as possible.  The digital learning devices contain software that can be activated to track and possibly recover missing devices. The district will coordinate with law enforcement to track missing or lost devices in partnership with the student/family. 

Shakopee Public Schools does not provide earphones. If a student uses his/her own earphones then:

• Earphones shall not be used within or on school property unless a teacher specifically requests or allows students to do so.  

• If allowed to use earphones, the appropriate level is when only the person wearing the earphones can hear the sound.  Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.

Our goal in Shakopee Public Schools is to help students demonstrate digital responsibility, situational awareness and the ability to use technology to create, research, communicate and produce content in the academic and professional setting.  Our digital initiative is intended to foster engaging curriculum, dynamic learning environments and students who are better prepared for the world beyond our school doors.  We believe that it is not about the device, but rather how to use the device in education.  

Shakopee Public Schools Expectations for Digital Learning:

1. Use technology to access and produce information

2. Use technology to collaborate and communicate with others

3. Use technology to craft, refine and publish content to a wider audience

4. Use technology to create and innovate

Expectations for Digital Citizenship:

Being a responsible citizen in our schools, communities and the digital world requires responsibilities adapted for a changing world.  We embrace the following conditions of being a digital citizen:

• Respect yourself. I will select names that are appropriate. I will carefully consider the information and images I post online. I will not post personal information about my life, experiences, experimentation, or relationships. I will not be obscene.  

• Protect yourself. I will ensure that the information I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish details about myself, my contact information, or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources.  

• Respect others. I will show respect to others. I will not use technology to bully, harass, tease, or stalk other people.  I will show respect for others through my choice of websites. I will not visit sites or display images that are inappropriate or disrespectful. I will not abuse my rights of access.

• Protect others. I will protect others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate or hurtful materials or communications and not visiting sites that are inappropriate or disrespectful.

• Respect & protect intellectual property. I will suitably use and cite any and all content (websites, books, media, etc.) according to copyright or creative commons licensing. I will request to use the software and media that others produce.  

Expectations for Artificial Intelligence Use:

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic work must adhere to the same standards of integrity as traditional methods. Students are expected to:

• Acknowledge the use of AI tools in their work, clearly indicating how these tools were utilized.

• Ensure that any AI-generated content used in assignments is integrated appropriately and not presented as original work unless explicitly permitted.

• Avoid submitting AI-generated material as their own without proper attribution.

• Violations of these expectations regarding AI use will be treated as academic dishonesty and will result in the same consequences as other forms of cheating or plagiarism.

Access to Shakopee Public Schools’ owned technology is a privilege and not a right. At any point access to devices, Internet and other technology resources can be revoked.

Student Digital Responsibility includes, but is not limited to:

Accessing/Posting Inappropriate Material

Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying materials (including photos of students and staff) that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is a violation of this agreement.

Personal Safety

Do not send any message that includes your personal information such as: home address, personal phone numbers and/or last name for yourself or any other person.  Do not send information regarding your schedule (where you are/will be, times, dates, etc.).

Privacy

Students and families need to know that files stored on school-owned computers are not private.  Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for educational purposes only.  Shakopee Public Schools has the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without prior notice, any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access including transmitted and received information.  All files are the property of Shakopee Public Schools and no user shall have any expectations of privacy regarding such files.  Students may be selected, at any time, to provide their digital learning device for inspection. 

Password Protection

The student or family may secure the digital learning device with a passcode and it is the responsibility of the student and family to remember the passcode. Never share your passcode, steal or use another person’s passcode.  

Online Etiquette

Follow the guidelines of accepted behaviors within each school’s handbook.  Do not use technology to bully anyone, or pass along obscene material or material which is based on slurs or stereotypes relating to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or personal beliefs. 

Blogging and/or Podcasting

Use of blogs, podcasts, emails, texting, social media or other tools are considered an extension of the classroom. Expectations for behavior and online etiquette will apply regardless of the tools being used or the setting in which speech takes place.  

Plagiarism/Copyright/Licensing

Plagiarism is the act of representing or using someone else’s words or ideas as your own.  Students are required to give proper credit to all Internet sources used in academic assignments, whether quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.  This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text. Students must adhere to copyright law regarding software, authorship and copying information.  All students should also adhere to the Creative Commons licenses where the author/artist denotes what media may be shared, remixed or reused.

Photos and Video

Students should only take pictures or videos of staff or students with staff permission.  Any student use of cameras in Shakopee Schools should be part of a class or club activity.

Malicious Use/Vandalism

Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the district’s technology, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses, is a violation of this agreement.  No student shall obtain or try to obtain other students’ accounts, files, and/or data.  Students are NOT to manipulate the operating system or remove or attempt to remove or circumvent the management system installed on each digital learning device.  Using or possessing hacking software is a violation of this agreement.  Students who attempt to hack or “jailbreak” any Shakopee Public Schools digital learning device will be in violation of this agreement.  The use of anonymous proxies, Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, or similar software to circumvent content filtering is strictly prohibited.

Classroom Expectations

Failure to follow teacher direction in regards to the use of devices/tools/websites during class is a violation of this agreement.  If students leave their digital learning device at home they are responsible for completing coursework as if they had their digital learning device present.

Storing Documents

There will be limited storage on the device and academic files take priority over personal. Students should backup their files to Google Drive. The district is not responsible for saving, restoring or backing up documents, music, or photos that students may be storing on the digital learning device.  

Applications and Content

Students may install apps made available to them through Shakopee Public Schools’ Self Service app store.  Students may load music and photos on their district-owned digital learning device as long as all content complies with the Acceptable Use Policy. Applications or content that does not have an educational purpose, is not in compliance with the Acceptable Use Policy, or is disruptive to the educational process or at home may be removed from the device. If technology department staff need to restore a digital learning device for any reason, the district is not responsible for any content put on the device by the student.

Use of Online Educational Applications

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires that parents and guardians of children under the age of 13 provide written consent for the access and use of many online services, including academic applications that will be used at school. The district reviews the use of online services to ensure that student data is maintained in a secure manner, that personally identifiable student data is not shared with third parties, and that our use is compliant with district policies related to student privacy and records. A compiled list of online services is available for review on the district website or by request from the school office.

If technical difficulties arise with a digital learning device, or inappropriate content is discovered, the device may be restored by district technology department staff.  If staff needs to restore the digital learning device, the district is not responsible for the loss of content stored on the device by the student. It is strongly encouraged that all important data is regularly backed up to Google Drive.