Middle School Student Handbook

Two young women in traditional attire, one in a pink velvet dress with a colorful scarf and the other in a black and white striped abaya, pose in a hallway with other people in the background.

Shakopee Public Schools is proud to have two (2) middle schools within the district; East Middle School and West Middle School. Teams at both locations work closely together to provide a cohesive learning experience for all students while embracing what makes each school community unique.

This page includes universal academic and student life procedures as well as school-specific student handbook resource links. Please refer to the General District Information section for additional handbook elements.

Academics

Absence Make-Up Work

It is the responsibility of the student to create a plan with each teacher for making up missed work after an absence.

Students are encouraged to check Canvas courses or email teachers prior to or during extended absences. If a student does not have Internet access at home, homework can be requested through school counselors when there are 3 or more absences (in a row).

If a student is leaving for a family vacation, please contact the attendance line in advance of the absence and include the duration of the absence period.

Academic Interventions

Canvas

Canvas is the online learning management system (LMS) used by students in grades 6-12. Every teacher has their own Canvas page for their specific course content. It can be accessed either through an app or the internet.

Below are the main purposes for which students will utilize Canvas:

Find assignment materials, resources and directions. These will be organized into modules by unit so students can focus on the materials in the current unit of study.
Check the calendar with due dates for all courses.
Turn in/Upload assignments and quizzes.
View current grade for each course.

All students have their own Canvas accounts and are able to show their parents/guardians content through their own student account. Parents/guardians will have a Canvas guardian account set up for them as well. Access is available to every parent/guardian of a currently enrolled student.

Parent/guardian access is provided as a means to further promote educational excellence and to enhance communication with parents. Every parent /guardian is expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner.

Users are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not share their passwords with anyone or set browsers to auto-login.
Do not attempt to harm or destroy data on any district network.
Do not use Infinite Campus or Canvas for any illegal activity, including violation of Data Privacy laws.
Do not access data or any account owned by another parent or user.

Users who identify a security problem with Infinite Campus or Canvas must notify the office immediately. Please do not demonstrate this problem to anyone else.

Users who are identified as a security risk to Infinite Campus, Canvas or any other ISD 720 computers or networks, will be denied access.

Conferences

Teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the school year. Dates and times for each school are posted on the district calendar and are listed below. Additional conferences may be scheduled whenever a parent or teacher feels it is necessary.

2026-27 Conferences

East Middle School: October 20- Virtual (3:30-7:30PM);October 22- In-person (3:30-7:30PM); and February 23- In-person Targeted/ Conferences (3:30-7:30PM).

West Middle School: October 8- Virtual (3:30-7:30PM); October 12-In-person (3:30-7:30PM); February 25- Virtual (3:30-7:30PM); and March 4- In-person (3:30-7:30PM).

Honor Roll

The Honor Roll is computed each quarter, after the deadline for incompletes, to recognize students for their scholastic achievements.

The following mark value table is used to figure the average:

(A) = 4.0
(A-) = 3.7
(B+) = 3.3
(B) = 3.0
(B-) = 2.7
(C+) = 2.3
(C) = 2.0
(C-) = 1.7
(D+) = 1.3
(D) = 1.0
(D-) = 0.7
(F) = 0.0

To qualify for the A Honor Roll, a student must have a numerical average of 3.7

To qualify for the B Honor Roll, a student must have a numerical average of 2.7 to 3.69.

The honor list is posted online and available in building newsletters.

Report Cards

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are viewable in Infinite Campus via the Parent Portal.

INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL - (ON-LINE STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PARENTS)

Infinite Campus provides instant access to accurate, current, and confidential information about your child. This includes: report cards, attendance, food service balance, unofficial transcripts, testing results, school contact information, emergency contact information, the ability to pay fees and more!

In addition, families may sign up to be notified automatically via email of absences, tardies and lunch balances. This information is secure and can only be accessed through a unique username and password. Data is updated to the portal from the student management system in real time.

Secondary Academic Awards

ALL ACADEMIC AWARDS

3.7 or greater GPA (A Honor Roll) for each term of the year.

GPA GROWTH RECOGNITION / AWARD

Top 10 students with greatest growth in GPA from end of 6th grade through 1st semester of 8th grade.

NATIONAL JR. HONOR SOCIETY

(8th grade) cumulative GPA of 3.75 or greater.
Complete application: Scholarship, service, citizenship, character and leadership.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

Awarded in the spring - annually, 8th grade only
Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater for grades 6 through first semester of 8th grade.
Scoring "Advanced "on a state MCA test or in the 90th percentile (or above) on a district FastBridge assessment.

Study Halls

Textbooks

Student Life

Arrival/Departure

Arrival: Please do not have students arrive earlier than 7:15AM unless the student is at school to work with a teacher or is attending a meeting for a school event. If a student arrives late, they must check in with the Main Office before going to class and present their student ID upon check in.

Departure: The last bell rings at 2:30PM. Students are required to leave the building by 2:45PM unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher or involved in an after-school activity. Repeated non-compliance may result in a property exclusion (trespassing) filed with the Shakopee Police Department.

Athletics & Activities

All athletics and activities offered at each middle school are listed on ShakopeeSabers.com.

Click here for an interactive brochure that includes a list of activities and athletics by season and grade.

Various high school sports are offered to middle school students and each school has specific clubs and activities. Activities and sports not available at the middle school level may be offered by Shakopee Community Education and/or local youth associations.

Most athletic seasons consist of a seven-week season with 8-10 competitions. Competitions will be both home and away with bussing provided to all away contests.

Please view the Saber Activities site for important attendance and conduct guidelines, in addition to those listed in Shakopee High School handbook > Activities & Athletics section.

Attendance

Backpacks & Bags

ATHLETIC BAGS: Each middle school will provide a storage area for athletic gear – please see the main office for the specific location.

BACKPACKS: Students are encouraged to have a backpack, drawstring bag, etc. to carry materials throughout the school day. Students will be allowed to carry backpacks during the school day to classes. Backpacks will not be allowed in the cafeteria during lunches.

Behavior

Shakopee Middle School students and staff all play a role in making our school a place where all students can learn, belong, and thrive. By demonstrating supporting one another, we create a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Middle school students will:

Be Committed to Learn

Arrive prepared and ready to participate each day.
Stay engaged and make the most of learning opportunities from bell to bell.
Ask questions, seek help, and give their best effort.

Be Responsible

Take ownership of academic, social and emotional growth.
Use self-control and make choices that support learning.
Follow school expectations during classes, activities, transportation and all school events.

Be Respectful

Treat others with kindness, empathy and dignity.
Respect differences and express opinions without harming others.
Care for school property and the learning environment.

Be Connected

Share strengths, interests, and experiences that help build a strong community.
Participate positively in classes, clubs, activities and events.
Build healthy relationships with peers and adults.

Be Safe

Help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Report concerns and seek support from a trusted adult when needed.
Make choices that support the physical and emotional safety of others.

Middle school staff will: Create Meaningful Learning Opportunities

Provide balanced learning experiences that encourage choice, creativity, practice and growth.
Support students through challenges and celebrate progress.

Know and Support Students

Learn about students' strengths, interests, cultures and experiences.
Build positive relationships that help every student feel seen, valued and connected.

Create Positive Learning Environments

Establish routines and expectations that maximize learning time.
Foster a culture where different perspectives are respected and everyone belongs.

Promote Responsibility and Growth

Teach and reinforce expected behaviors.
Help students develop self-control, problem-solving skills and personal responsibility.
Partner with families and other supports to help students succeed.

When issues arise: When student behavior interferes with learning or safety, staff will do the following when applicable:

Seek to understand what happened
Support the student in reflecting on their behavior
Provide opportunities for restoring relationships
Teach and reinforce expectations
Help students understand the impact of their choices.
Work with students and families to develop plans for improvement.
Provide additional support when needed.
Use consequences that are fair, restorative, and aligned with school policies.
Take further action when necessary to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

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

Course Donations & Field Trips

Classes such as Art, PLTW and Band may request a donation if a student wishes to keep a project that is done in class. The individual teachers will give each student such information, if applicable.

When field trips are taken, each school collects money for tickets, entrance fees, bus fees and/or permission slips from each student. If a family needs financial assistance, support will be provided.

After-school sports and some clubs that meet after school may require a fee. This fee may be waived in the case of financial need. If a student is in need of financial assistance, please contact the Dean, Athletic Director at the High School or the Principal.

Dress

Clothing may not include words or visuals which are lewd, obscene, disruptive, abusive or discriminatory, or which create a safety hazard, or which promote products or activities that are illegal for minors. Dress or grooming which is disruptive to the classroom or school atmosphere is not allowed. 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.

Fundraisers

Hall Passes

Lost & Found

If a student displaces an item, they are encouraged to check the Lost and Found immediately and claim the item(s). Small items such as electronics, jewelry, keys and eyewear are kept in each main office.

It is the student's responsibility to check for lost items. All items that are not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to charity. Lost iPads should be reported to the Learning Commons immediately.

Fines may be assessed for lost or damaged school property (e.g. books, equipment, materials, etc.). The administration team will work with families if a situation of damage arises.

Lockers

Each student is assigned their own locker at the beginning of the year.

Using the assigned locker is the best way to ensure the security of personal items. Thus, sharing lockers or locker combinations is strongly discouraged.

If a student has a problem with their locker, office staff will assist.

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.

Neighboring Property

Personal Items & Electronic Devices

Personal Items

Each middle 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.

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

Electronics

Students receive a district issued device for academic use.

Students must store their cell phones so they are not visible within the classroom during class time. Students may use their personal electronic devices during passing times and while at lunch only.

Independent texting, gaming and participation in social media in class are strictly prohibited. Violations will be addressed.

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

Electronic devices are strictly prohibited in locker rooms and bathrooms at any time.

Technology

Cases & Transport

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.
The device should be charged using the charger provided and brought to school ready to use each day.
Do NOT place your device in a book bag that contains food, liquids, heavy or sharp objects.

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.

Digital Learning Device General Precautions

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.

Earphones and Audio

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.

Expectations

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:

Use technology to access and produce information
Use technology to collaborate and communicate with others
Use technology to craft, refine and publish content to a wider audience
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.

Maintenance

Do NOT attempt to try to repair any digital learning device yourself.
If the device is not working, take it to the Media Center/Learning Commons or designated technology repair area as soon as possible and have technology department staff examine it. If the device needs to be worked on for an extended period of time, you will be issued a temporary or replacement device. For cases of hardware failure or other damage, a replacement device will be provided.
Each digital learning device has identifying labels which must not be removed or altered in any fashion.

As of the 2022-2023 school year, we are no longer offering device insurance. The district will maintain devices through a combination of capital projects levy funding and warranty agreements with the manufacturer.

District Expense

Accidental Damage: Includes accidental damage caused by liquid spills, drops, broken headphone jacks, electrical surge or other unintentional events.
Accidental Loss: A misplaced device should be reported to tech within one school day of the loss.
Theft: Pays for loss or damage due to theft. The claim requires a police report to be filed within one week.
Fire: Pay for loss or damage of the device due to fire. The claim must be accompanied by an official fire report from the investigating authority.
Natural Disasters: Loss or damage caused by natural disasters.

Fee or Charge Will Be Assessed

Dishonest, Fraudulent, Intentional, Negligent or Criminal Acts: The District will not cover damage or loss that occurs due to a dishonest, fraudulent, intentional, negligent or criminal act. The student/parent will be responsible for the full amount of the repair/replacement. Such acts include altering device software in any way that damages the device, compromising or removing a device case, and patterns of loss or damage.
Accessories: Including but not limited to the case, charger, and software.

The district is not liable for any loss, damage (including incidental, consequential or punitive damages) or expenses caused directly or indirectly by the equipment. Cosmetic damage that does not affect the functionality of the device will generally not be repaired; this includes but is not limited to scratches, dents, or any normal wear and tear.

Responsibility

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.

Storage & Apps

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.

Support

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.

Turn In

Student digital learning devices and accessories will be checked in at the end of each school year at a date and time determined by school administration. Exceptions to the requirement for turning in a device may be available at the district’s discretion. Students who graduate early, transfer, withdraw or are expelled will return the device and accessories at the time of withdrawal. Failure to return the property in a timely fashion may result in the involvement of law enforcement.