Menasha High School
Student/Parent Handbook
Revised
10/2018
Phone Numbers
Administration Team Principal (920)967-1801
Mike Slowinski Assistant Principal/Athletic Director (920)967-1806
Rick Grable
Janitra Thomson Assistant Principal (920)967-1807
SRO SRO (920)967-1812
Denton Heidemann Main Office Secretary (920)967-1801
Main Office Secretary (920)967-1802
Secretaries Student Services Secretary (920)967-1813
Activities/Athletics Secretary (920)967-1803
Brigid Gifford Attendance Secretary (920)967-1810
Karen Phelps Main Office (920)751-5223
Lori Harrmann Attendance/Activities Office (920)751-5040
Jodi Sackett Student Services Office (920)751-4766
Amanda Tesky
Fax numbers: Academic Counselor (920)967-1814
Student Services School to Work Coordinator (920)967-1818
Jennifer Lambert Personal/Social Counselor (920)967-1816
Brenda Litwin
Scott Sommerfeldt Post-Secondary Education Counselor (920)967-1815
Lauren Schultz
Yeng Yang School Social Worker (920)967-1830
Jennifer Krzewina
School Psychologist (920)967-1817
Transportation
(920)832-8800
Lamers Bus Service
Translator-Spanish (920)967-1402
ELL Office
Translator-Spanish (920)967-1450
Marisol Mantei
Elvy Belknap Translation Service-Other Languages (866)874-3972
Language Line and press 2
Nurse Nurse (920)967-1800
Linda Palmbach
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T able of Contents 5
Welcome Learners 6
6
Menasha Joint School District Mission Statement 6
Menasha High School Mission Statement
Nondiscrimination Policy 6
6
Section 1: General and Safety Information 6
6
Parent/Guardian Advisory Group 7
Attire Guidelines 7
Blankets 7
Newsletter Information 8
Alcohol & Other Drugs Policy 8
Tobacco Use/Possession School Board Policy 8
Student Anti-Harassment: 8
Prohibited Harassment 8
Other Violations of the Anti-Harassment Policy 9
Definitions: 9
Bullying 10
Harassment 10
Sexual Harassment 10
Race/Color Harassment 10
Religious (Creed) Harassment 11
National Origin Harassment 11
Racial/Color Harassment 12
Disability Harassment 12
Reporting Procedures 12
District Compliance Officers 14
Investigation and Complaint Procedure 14
Complaint Procedure 14
Additional School District Action 15
Confidentiality 15
Sanctions and Monitoring 15
Retaliation 18
Education and Training 18
Bullying 18
Privacy/Confidentiality 18
Notification 18
Records and Reports 19
Education and Training 19
Hazing 20
Weapons 20
Student Groups 20
School Safety
Hall Passes
Access to Building
2
Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal 20
Photography and Other Media opt out 20
Messages
Search and Seizures 20
School Property 20
Student Person and Possessions 20
School Closing 21
Busing 22
Bicycles 22
Skateboards/In-Line Skates/Scooters 22
Parking 22
Vehicles 23
Care of Building and Grounds 23
Fire and Tornado Drill Procedures 23
Learning Commons 23
Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety 23
Nurse 24
Prescription Medication 26
Visitors 26
Lost and Found 26
Lockers/Combinations 27
Locker Room Privacy 27
Food and Beverage Guidelines 27
Lunch 28
Wellness 28
Student ID Cards 28
Dances 28
Work Permit 28
29
Section 2: Attendance and Behavior Information 29
29
Attendance Procedures 29
Absence Types: 29
29
Excused Absence 29
Unexcused Absence 30
Unexcused Absences/Habitual Truancy for Open Enrolled Students 30
Arriving/Leaving/Returning During the School Day 30
Tardiness 30
Senior Attendance 30
CAPP Course Attendance 30
Homework Requests 30
Medical Excuse 30
Homebound/Extended Illness 30
Illness and Injury 30
Medical Excuse from Physical Education
School Related Absence
3
Co-Curricular Participation and Attendance 31
Behavior Expectations 32
Student Code of Classroom Conduct 32
Electronic Devices 33
Consequences for Violation of School Rules 33
Section 3: Academic and Student Services 34
34
Assistance Program 34
Counseling Services 34
Process Grading 35
MHS Accountability/Grading 35
Academic Awards 36
Academic Excellence Higher Education Scholarship 36
Assistive Technology and Services 37
Class Schedule Changes 37
Class Load Requirements 37
Class Rank/GPA 37
College Visitations 37
College Entrance Testing 37
Academic Excellence Scholarships 38
38
Eligibility 38
Tie Breaking Procedure 38
Graduation Requirements and Participation 38
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 38
Life Options 39
Service Learning 39
Logging Service Learning Hours 39
Honor Roll 39
Transcripts 39
Military Recruiter Access to Student Information 39
National Honor Society 40
Repeating Courses 40
Auditing Courses 40
Report Cards and Progress Reports 40
Parent/Teacher Conferences 40
Procedures for Withdrawal from School
Senior Release 41
41
Section 4: Activities a nd Athletics 41
41
Co-Curricular 41
Driver Education 41
Bulletin Boards 42
School Spirit
C o-Curricular Clubs and Other Activities List
Co-Curricular Activity Participant Guidelines
4
MHS 2018-2019 Class Schedule 50
5
Menasha Joint School District
Menasha High School
420 Seventh Street
Menasha, Wisconsin 54952
(920) 967-1800
Welcome Learners:
We are dedicated to working with you to make your high school experience meaningful and
memorable. Our primary goals are: striving for academic excellence, caring for fellow students,
providing opportunities to expand and develop individual talents, and providing a safe, comfortable
learning environment. We also embrace the notion that a positive learning community can be
developed and grow only through interaction between students, parents, staff and community. We
hold high expectations for you! We will demand your very best and challenge you to become a
responsible and respectful contributing member of our school community. In turn, we will hold
ourselves accountable to give you our very best and to make Menasha High School the best learning
environment possible.
We encourage you to make the most out of your high school experience. Be proud of your talents as
you develop them. Give us the opportunity to really get to know you. Give yourself the opportunity
to experience high school in its fullest sense by participating in as many courses and co-curricular
activities as possible. Have fun, be yourself, get to know others and continue to develop your dream
as to where life will take you.
Menasha High School Administrative Team:
Mike Slowinski, Principal
Rick Grable, Assistant Principal (Students with last names A-L) / Athletic Director
Janitra Thomson, Assistant Principal (Students with last names M-Z)
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Menasha Joint School District Mission Statement
The Menasha Joint School District provides pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational programs that offer
opportunities for students to maximize individual potential. Students will gain knowledge and skills to equip them with
the ability to function as lifelong learners and responsible citizens in their communities.
Board of Education Policy No. 2105
Menasha High School Mission Statement
The Menasha High School learning community fosters a caring environment which promotes habits of mutual respect
and honesty, values diversity and creativity, instills the desire for learning, and empowers students to develop skills that
are necessary to become responsible citizens.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Menasha Joint School District shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.
Specifically, it is the policy of the Menasha Joint School District Board of Education that no person on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, handicap, sexual orientation, political affiliation, arrest
or conviction record shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise
subjected to discrimination in employment or in any education program, vocational educational offering or activity.
Board of Education Policy No. 2260, 2260.01
This policy shall be disseminated through the school district newsletter, or local newspaper(s), as well as in
communications distributed to students and employees. Job application forms shall also note the school does not
discriminate in employment. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures.
Any complaint regarding the interpretation or application of the district’s student nondiscrimination policy shall be
processed in accordance with the following grievance procedures per
Board of Education Policy Nos. 2260, 2260.01
Any student, parent, or resident of the district complaining of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin,
ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, religion, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation or
physical, mental, emotional or learning disability in school programs or activities shall report the complaint in writing to
the Director of Special Services.
Section 1: General and Safety Information
Parent/Guardian Advisory Group
To further enhance the educational process of our students, it is important to have strong communication between
home and school. One of the many ways to facilitate communication is by attending the MHS Parent/Guardian Advisory
Group meetings. The meetings are open to anyone. Please log-on to www.mjsd.k12.wi.us for the MHS calendar for
dates and times of the meetings.
Attire Guidelines
All students are expected to groom and dress in clothes that are appropriate for school activities. Shoes must be worn in
and around the school at all times. Hats/hoods may be worn during passing time, lunch time and may be worn in the
classroom with teacher permission. Hats with a brim must be worn forward or backwards, not turned to the side.
Clothing with slogans advertising alcohol or tobacco, promoting drugs/drug use, or containing suggestive sexual
references are not to be worn in school. Any representation of violence, including but not limited to weapons and
bullets, is not to be worn at school. Chain links, spiked collars, and bandanas are not to be worn in school. The school
reserves the right to send students home if their appearance does not reflect good taste, cleanliness, or is disruptive to
the educational process. The following guidelines will help to lessen these distractions. These guidelines will be in
addition to the guidelines already in practice.
● Shirts must touch the pants when the person is standing
● Shirts must have some support over the collar or around the neck
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● All undergarments must be covered and not visible
● The length of skirts/shorts must be at least mid thigh (between inseam and knee)
● Shirts must cover the body part of the armpit (e.g. cut off t-shirts are not allowed)
● Cleavage must be covered
When a student is in violation of the student attire practice, a parent or guardian will be contacted to either bring in
different clothing or the student will be sent home to change. Increased sanctions will occur for repeated violations of
student attire.
Wisconsin Statute 120.13(1)
Board of Education Policy No. 5511
Blankets
Blankets are not permitted at school. Students need to prepare ahead of time and bring a sweatshirt or light coat with
them if they anticipate getting cold during the school day. Any blanket brought to school will remain in the Attendance
Office until the end of the school day.
Newsletter Information
The MHS Bluejay newsletter f or parents/guardians is updated monthly and can be found on our district website, in
Infinite Campus, and posted on our Facebook page.
Alcohol & Other Drugs Policy
The goal of this policy is to promote the maximum level of learning success for all students by working with them, their
parents/guardians, and the community so that all schools will be totally free from the harmful effects of alcohol and
other drugs. This policy is also designed to assist students, parents/guardians and employees in understanding that
alcohol and other drugs are, unfortunately, a part of our culture and that a common procedure is available to deal with
the problems which may be created by their use. The possession, or attempt to possess, drugs, chemicals, and/or drug
paraphernalia, without written permission from the principal, are prohibited at any time while on school property, while
involved in a school activity and/or while under the supervision of the school. For purposes of this policy, the
possession, use and/or sale or delivery of controlled substances, such as look-alike drugs, is also prohibited. Use and/or
possession of medication must have parental consent, notification, and permission of the building principal or designee.
Violation of this policy will result in the following disciplinary actions:
● The student shall be suspended from school for one to five days
● The student shall be required to participate in the school’s Student Assistance Program or consult with appropriate
outside counseling
● The principal may make a recommendation for expulsion to the Superintendent of Schools
Board of Education Policy No. 5530
Wisconsin Statutes 118.24(2)(f), 118.257, 125.09(02)
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 as amended
20 U.S.C. 3171 et seq., 3224A
Tobacco Use/Possession School Board Policy
Use and possession of tobacco products are in conflict with the school district’s promotion of good health and safety
habits of students. Students are not allowed to use or possess tobacco products in school, this includes but is not
limited to e-cigs and other vapor devices on school grounds or at any school function. Violation of this policy will result
in the following disciplinary actions:
● parent notification
● suspension from school
● SRO notified
Board of Education Policy Nos. 5512, 7434
Wisconsin Statutes 111.321, 120.12(20), 254.92
20 U.S.C. 7114, 7182, 6081 et seq.
U.S.D.O.E. Memorandum, 1995
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Student Anti-Harassment:
Prohibited Harassment
It is the policy of the Board of Education to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of unlawful
harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities.
All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding,
discouraging, and reporting any form of unlawful harassment. This policy applies to unlawful conduct occurring on
school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.
The Board will not tolerate any form of harassment and will take all necessary and appropriate actions to eliminate it,
including suspension or expulsion of students and disciplinary action against any other individual in the School District
community. Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to stop and otherwise deal with any third party who engages
in harassment against our students.
The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on the traits of sex, race, color, national
origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning
disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as unlawful
harassment), and encourages those within the School District community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to
seek assistance to rectify such problems. Additionally, harassment means behavior toward a student or group of
students that substantially interferes with the student’s school or academic performance or creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive school environment. Harassment may occur student-to-student, staff-to-student, male-to-female,
female-to-male, male-to-male, or female-to-female. The Board will investigate all allegations of unlawful harassment
and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps designed to end the
harassment, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful
harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
For purposes of this policy, "School District community" means individuals students, administrators, teachers, staff, and
as well as Board members, agents, volunteers, contractors, or other persons subject to the control and supervision of
the Board.
For purposes of this policy, "third parties" include, but are not limited to, guests and/or visitors on District property (e.g.,
visiting speakers, participants on opposing athletic teams parent), vendors doing business with, or seeking to do
business with the Board, and other individuals who come in contact with members of the School District community at
school-related events/activities (whether on or off District property).
Other Violations of the Anti-Harassment Policy
The Board will also take immediate steps to impose disciplinary action on individuals engaging in any of the following
prohibited acts:
A. Retaliating against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging unlawful harassment, or
who has participated as a witness in a harassment investigation;
B. Filing a malicious or knowingly false report or complaint of unlawful harassment;
C. Disregarding, failing to investigate adequately, or delaying investigation of allegations of unlawful
harassment, when responsibility for reporting and/or investigating unlawful harassment charges
comprises part of one's supervisory duties.
Definitions:
BULLYING
Bullying rises to the level of unlawful harassment when one or more persons systematically and chronically inflicts
physical hurt or psychological distress on one (1) or more students or employees and that bullying is based upon sex,
race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental,
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emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights. Bullying is defined
as any unwanted and repeated written, use of data or computer software, verbal, or physical behavior, including any
threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere
with the individual's school performance or participation; and may involve:
A. teasing;
B. threats;
C. intimidation;
D. stalking;
E. cyberstalking;
F. cyberbullying;
G. physical violence;
H. theft;
I. public humiliation; or
J. destruction of property.
HARASSMENT
Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written,
verbal or physical conduct directed against a student that:
A. places a student in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property;
B. has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or
benefits; or
C. has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
"Sexual harassment" is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical
conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
A. submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or
implicitly, of access to educational opportunities or program;
B. submission or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor
in decisions affecting that individual's education;
C. that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably
interfering with an individual's education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational
environment.
Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite
gender.
Prohibited acts that constitute sexual harassment may take a variety of forms. Examples of the kinds of conduct that
may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
A. unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse;
B. unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;
C. unwelcome, sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching, or physical contact, other
than necessary restraint of students by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid
physical harm to persons or property;
D. unwelcome sexual behavior or words including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by
implied or overt threats concerning an individual's educational status;
E. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by
implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's educational status;
F. unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender;
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Examples are:
1. repeatedly asking a person for dates or sexual behavior after the person has indicated no interest;
2. rating a person's sexuality or attractiveness;
3. staring or leering at various parts of another person's body;
4. spreading rumors about a person's sexuality;
5. letters, notes, telephones calls, or materials of a sexual nature;
6. displaying pictures, calendars, cartoons, or other materials with sexual content.
G. inappropriate boundary invasions by a District employee or other adult member of the
District community into a student's personal space and personal life;
H. remarks speculating about a person's sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about
one's own sexual activities or sexual history; and
I. verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-
stereotyping that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
It is further the policy of the Board that a sexual relationship between staff and students is not permissible in any form
or under any circumstances, in or out of the work place, in that it interferes with the educational process and may
involve elements of coercion by reason of the relative status of a staff member to a student.
Not all behavior with sexual connotations constitutes unlawful sexual harassment. Sex-based or gender-based conduct
must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, and persistent such that it adversely affects, limits, or denies an individual's
education, or such that it creates a hostile or abusive educational environment, or such that it is intended to, or has the
effect of, denying or limiting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program or activities.
RACE/COLOR HARASSMENT
Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an
individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational
performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability
to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where
conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes,
epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.
RELIGIOUS (CREED) HARASSMENT
Prohibited religious harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an
individual's religion or creed and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or
educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with
one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur
where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's religious tradition, clothing, or surnames, and/or involves
religious slurs.
NATIONAL ORIGIN HARASSMENT
Prohibited national origin harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an
individual's national origin and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's
educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of
interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such
harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin, such as negative
comments regarding customs, manner of speaking, language, surnames, or ethnic slurs.
RACIAL/COLOR HARASSMENT
Prohibited age based harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an
individual's race and/or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's
educational performance; or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment.
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DISABILITY HARASSMENT
Prohibited disability harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an
individual's physical, mental, emotional or learning disability and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of
interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning
environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or
activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's disabling condition,
such as negative comments about speech patterns, movement, physical impairments or defects/appearances, or the
like.
Reporting Procedures
Students and all other members of the School District community, as well as third parties, are encouraged to promptly
report incidents of unlawful harassing conduct to a teacher, administrator, supervisor, or District employee or official so
that the Board may address the conduct before it becomes severe, pervasive, or persistent. Any teacher, administrator,
supervisor, or other District employee or official who receives such a complaint shall file it with the District’s
Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer at his/her first opportunity.
Students, who believe they have been unlawfully harassed, are entitled to utilize the Board's complaint process that is
set forth below. Initiating a complaint, will not adversely affect the complaining individual's participation in educational
or extra curricular programs unless the complaining individual makes the complaint maliciously or with knowledge that it
is false.
If, during an investigation of a reported act of bullying and/or harassment in accordance with Policy 5517.01 – Bullying
and Harassment, the principal believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment
and may have constituted unlawful harassment based on sex, (transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity),
race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental,
emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws. The principal
will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one of the Compliance Officers who shall assume responsibility to
investigate the allegation in accordance with this policy.
Reporting procedures are as follows:
A. Any student who believes s/he has been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy
will be encouraged to report the alleged harassment to any District employee, such as a teacher,
administrator or other employee.
B. Any parent of a student who believes the student has been the victim of harassment prohibited
under this policy will be encouraged to report the alleged harassment to the student’s teacher, building
administrator or Superintendent.
C. Teachers, administrators, and other school officials who have knowledge or received notice that
a student has or may have been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy shall immediately
report the alleged harassment to the Compliance Officer and the building principal or Superintendent.
D. Any other person with knowledge or belief that a student has or may have been the victim of
harassment prohibited by this policy shall be encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to any
District employee, such as a teacher, administrator or other employee.
E. The reporting party or complainant shall be encouraged to use a report form available from the
principal of each building or available from the District office, but oral reports shall be considered
complaints as well. Use of formal reporting forms shall not be mandated. However, all oral complaints
shall be reduced to writing.
F. To provide individuals with options for reporting harassment to an individual of the gender
with which they feel most comfortable, each school's building principal shall be advised to designate
both a male and a female Complaint Coordinator for receiving reports of harassment prohibited by this
policy. At least one (1) Complaint Coordinator or other individual shall be available outside regular
school hours to address complaints of harassment that may require immediate attention.
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District Compliance Officers
The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s “Compliance Officers” (hereinafter referred to as
the “COs”).
Peter Pfundtner Marci Thiry
Director of HR Director of Special Services
920-967-1414 920-967-1429
P.O. Box 360, Menasha WI 54952 P.O. Box 360, Menasha WI 54952
[email protected] [email protected]
The names, titles, and contact information of these individuals will be published annually in the student/parent and staff
handbooks and on the District's web site.
A CO will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to unlawful harassment, to assist
students, other members of the School District community, and third parties who seek support or advice when
informing another individual about "unwelcome" conduct, or to intercede informally on behalf of the student.
Any Board employee who directly observes unlawful harassment of a student is obligated, in accordance with this policy,
to report such observations to one of the Anti-Harassment COs within two (2) business days. Thereafter, the CO or
designee must contact the student, if over age eighteen (18) or the student's parents if under the age eighteen (18),
within two (2) business days to advise s/he/them of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged misconduct, including
the obligation of the compliance officer to conduct an investigation following all the procedures outlined in the
complaint procedures.
The COs are assigned to accept complaints of unlawful harassment directly from any member of the School District
community or a visitor to the District, or to receive complaints that are initially filed with a school building administrator.
Upon receipt of a complaint, either directly or through a school building administrator, a CO will begin review and
investigation or the CO will designate a specific individual to conduct such a process. The CO will prepare
recommendations for the Superintendent or will oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee. All
members of the School District community must report incidents of harassment that are reported to them to the CO as
soon as possible, but always within no more than two (2) calendar days of learning of the incident.
Investigation and Complaint Procedure
Any student who believes that s/he has been subjected to unlawful harassment may seek resolution of his/her
complaint through the procedures described below. Further, a process for investigating claims of harassment and a
process for rendering a decision regarding whether the claim of unlawful harassment was substantiated are set forth
below.
Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint
process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct
occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. Once the formal complaint process is begun, the
investigation will be completed in a timely manner (ordinarily, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the complaint being
received).
Complaint Procedure
A student who believes she/he has been subjected to harassment hereinafter referred to as the "complainant", may file
a complaint, either orally or in writing with a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student’s school, the
CO, Superintendent, or other District employee who works at another school or at the District level. Due to the
sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process;
however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while
the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. If a complainant informs a teacher, principal, or other District
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employee at the student’s school, the CO, Superintendent, or other District employee, either orally or in writing, about
any complaint of harassment, that employee must report such information to the CO or designee within two (2)
business days.
Throughout the course of the process as described herein, the CO should keep the parties informed of the status of the
investigation and the decision making process.
All complaints must include the following information to the extent it is available: the identity of the individual believed
to have engaged in, or to be actively engaging in, harassment; a detailed description of the facts upon which the
complaint is based; and a list of potential witnesses.
If the complainant is unwilling or unable to provide a written statement including the information set forth above, the
CO shall ask for such details in an oral interview. Thereafter the CO will prepare a written summary of the oral interview,
and the complainant will be asked to verify the accuracy of the reported charge by signing the document.
Upon receiving a complaint, the CO will consider whether any action should be taken in the investigatory phase to
protect the complainant from further harassment or retaliation including but not limited to a change of class schedule
for the complainant or the alleged harasser, or possibly a change of school for either or both of the parties. In making
such a determination, the CO should consult the Principal prior to any action being taken. The Complainant should be
notified of any proposed action prior to such action being taken.
As soon as appropriate in the investigation process, the CO will inform the individual alleged to have engaged in the
harassing conduct, hereinafter referred to as the "respondent", that a complaint has been received. The respondent will
be informed about the nature of the allegations and a copy of these administrative procedures and the Board's
anti-harassment policy shall be provided to the respondent at that time. The respondent must also be informed of the
provided an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
Within five (5) business days of receiving the complaint, the CO will initiate a formal investigation to determine whether
the complainant has been subject to offensive conduct/harassment. A principal will not conduct an investigation unless
directed to do so by the CO.
Although certain cases may require additional time, the CO will attempt to complete an investigation into the allegations
of harassment within fifteen (15) calendar days of receiving the formal complaint. The investigation will include:
A. interviews with the complainant;
B. interviews with the respondent;
C. interviews with any other witnesses who may reasonably be expected to have any information
relevant to the allegations;
D. consideration of any documentation or other evidence presented by the complainant,
respondent, or any other witness which is reasonably believed to be relevant to the allegations.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the CO shall prepare and deliver a written report to the Superintendent which
summarizes the evidence gathered during the investigation and provides recommendations based on the evidence and
the definition of unlawful harassment as provided in Board policy and State and Federal law as to whether the
complainant has been subject to unlawful harassment. In determining if unlawful harassment occurred, a
preponderance of evidence standard will be used. The CO's recommendations must be based upon the totality of the
circumstances, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved. The CO may consult with the Board Attorney
before finalizing the report to the Superintendent.
Absent extenuating circumstances, within ten (10) business days of receiving the report of the CO, the Superintendent
must either issue a final decision regarding whether or not the complaint of harassment has been substantiated or
request further investigation. A copy of the Superintendent's final decision will be delivered to both the complainant and
the respondent.
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If the Superintendent requests additional investigation, the Superintendent must specify the additional information that
is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within ten (10) business days. At the conclusion
of the additional investigation, the Superintendent must issue a final written decision as described above.
The decision of the Superintendent shall be final. If the complainant feels that the decision does not adequately address
the complaint s/he may appeal the decision to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Board reserves the right to investigate and resolve a complaint or report of unlawful harassment regardless of
whether the member of the School District community or third party alleging the unlawful harassment pursues the
complaint. The Board also reserves the right to have the complaint investigation conducted by an external person in
accordance with this policy or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Additional School District Action
If the evidence suggests that the harassment at issue is a crime or requires mandatory reporting under the Children's
Code (Sec. 48.981, Wis. Stat.), the CO or Superintendent shall report the harassment to the appropriate social service
and/or law enforcement agency charged with responsibility for handling such investigations and crimes.
Any reports made to the local child protection service or to local law enforcement shall not terminate the CO’s
obligation and responsibility to continue to investigate a complaint of harassment. While the CO’s may work
cooperatively with outside agencies to conduct concurrent investigations, in no event shall the harassment investigation
be inhibited by the involvement of outside agencies without good cause after consultation with the Superintendent.
Confidentiality
The District will make all reasonable efforts to protect the rights of the complainant and the respondent. The District will
respect the privacy of the complainant, the respondent, and all witnesses in a manner consistent with the District's legal
obligations under State and Federal law. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed however. All complainants proceeding
through the investigation process should be advised that as a result of the investigation, the respondent may become
aware of the complainant’s identity.
During the course of an investigation, the CO will instruct all members of the School District community and third parties
who are interviewed about the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Any individual who is interviewed as part of a
harassment investigation is expected not to disclose any information that s/he learns or that s/he provides during the
course of the investigation.
All public records created as a part of an investigation of a complaint of harassment will be maintained by the CO in
accordance with the Board's records retention policy. Any records which are considered student records in accordance
with the state or Federal law will be maintained in a manner consistent with the provisions of the law.
Sanctions and Monitoring
The Board shall vigorously enforce its prohibitions against unlawful harassment by taking appropriate action reasonably
calculated to stop the harassment and prevent further such harassment. While observing the principles of due process, a
violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of an employee or the
suspension/expulsion of a student. All disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable law. When
imposing discipline, the Superintendent shall consider the totality of the circumstances involved in the matter, including
the ages and maturity levels of those involved. In those cases where unlawful harassment is not substantiated, the
Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board
policies.
Where the Board becomes aware that a prior remedial action has been taken against a member of the School District
community, all subsequent sanctions imposed by the Board and/or Superintendent shall be reasonably calculated to end
such conduct, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects.
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Retaliation
Any act of retaliation against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging unlawful harassment, or who
has participated as a witness in a harassment investigation is prohibited.
Education and Training
In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of
unlawful discriminatory practices. The Board will develop a method of discussing this policy with the School District
community. Training on the requirements of non-discrimination and the appropriate responses to issues of harassment
will be provided to the School District community at such times as the Board in consultation with the Superintendent
determines is necessary or appropriate.
This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with local, State, and Federal law.
The District shall conspicuously post a notice including this policy against harassment in each school in a place accessible
to the School District community and members of the public. This notice shall also include the name, mailing address
and telephone number of the Complaint Coordinators, the name, mailing address and telephone number of the State
agency responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in educational opportunities, and the mailing address
and telephone number of the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
A summary of this policy shall appear in the student handbook and shall be made available upon request of parents,
students, and other interested parties.
Board of Education Policy No. 5517
Wisconsin statutes 48.981, 118.13
P.I. 9, 41 Wis. Admin. Code
Fourteenth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
20 U.S.C. 1415
20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., Title IX of Education Amendments Act 20
U.S.C. Section 1701 et seq., Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
29 U.S.C. 794, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
42 U.S.C. 1983
42 U.S.C. Section 2000 et seq., Civil Rights Act of 1964
42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.
42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.600-300.662
Bullying
The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment
for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the
school community. Bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and
will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board will not tolerate any
gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This
policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property, including at any of the school
buildings or other property used exclusively or in part, whether leased or owned by the District, for the purpose of
school-related functions or events; or while traveling to or from school or to and from school-sponsored functions or
events; in transporting vehicles arranged for by School District officials. The policy applies as well during activities that
occur off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related
activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the supervision of school authorities,
or where an employee is engaged in school business, or where there is otherwise a connection to the school such that
the conduct at issue affects or is intended to affect the student’s educational environment.
Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using word or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm.
Bullying may be a repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Furthermore, it may be serious enough to
negatively impact a student's educational, physical, or emotional well being. The behavior may be motivated by an
actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion;
gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social,
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economic, or family status; however this type of bullying behavior need not be based on any of those particular or other
particular characteristics. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to such behaviors as stalking, cyberbullying,
intimidating, menacing, coercing, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.
Any student that believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the
building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or
counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the
building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with
the Board President.
Every student is encouraged to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student.
Reports may be made to those identified above.
All school staff members and school officials who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report
these acts to the building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent.
Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. All such reports, whether verbal
or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the
report, including all pertinent details, will be made by the recipient of the report.
All complaints about behavior that may violate this policy shall be investigated promptly by the building principal. The
staff member who is investigating the report of bullying shall interview the victim(s) of the alleged bullying and collect
whatever other information is necessary to determine the facts and the seriousness of the report.
Parents and/or guardians of each student involved in the bullying report will be notified prior to the conclusion of the
investigation. The District shall maintain the confidentiality of the report and any related student records to the extent
required by law.
If the investigation finds that bullying has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary
action. This may include student discipline, including, but not limited to reprimand, suspension, or possible expulsion.
Further, the result of an investigation that finds that bullying has occurred may result in discharge for employees,
exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to
resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been
taken.
This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students (i.e., to prohibit a reasoned
and civil exchange of opinions, or debate, that is conducted at appropriate times and places during the school day and is
protected by State or Federal law).
Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in
an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall
be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected
retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying. Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the
purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally
making a false report may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.
The following definitions are provided for guidance only. If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying,
regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the
appropriate course of action.
"Bullying" is defined on page one. Some examples of bullying are:
A. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling, taking and/or damaging personal belongings or
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extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact
B. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats
C. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social
exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation
D. "Cyberbullying" – the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and
pager text messages, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal web sites, and defamatory online
personal polling web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or
group, that is intended to harm others."
The Board recognizes that cyberbullying can be particularly devastating to young people because:
1. cyberbullies more easily hide behind the anonymity that the Internet provides;
2. cyberbullies spread their hurtful messages to a very wide audience with remarkable speed;
3. cyberbullies do not have to own their own actions, as it is usually very difficult to identify
cyberbullies because of screen names, so they do not fear being punished for their actions; and
4. the reflection time that once existed between the planning of a prank – or a serious stunt – and
its commission has all but been erased when it comes to cyberbullying activity; and
5. hacking into or otherwise gaining access to another’s electronic accounts (e-mail, social media,
etc.) and posing as that individual with the intent to embarrass or harm the individual.
Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. posting slurs or rumors or other disparaging remarks about a student on a web site or on
weblog;
2. sending e-mail or instant messages that are mean or threatening, or so numerous as to drive-up
the victim’s cell phone bill;
3. using a camera phone to take and send embarrassing photographs of students;
4. posting misleading or fake photographs of students on web sites.
"Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive
behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature on the basis of age, sex, (including transgender status, change
of sex, or gender identity), race, religion, color, national origin, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual
orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State
civil rights laws.
"Intimidation" includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to tamper, substantially damage or interfere
with another's property, cause substantial inconvenience, subject another to offensive physical contact or inflict serious
physical injury on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
"Menacing" includes, but is not limited to, any act intended to place a school employee, student, or third party in fear of
imminent serious physical injury.
"Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means any act that substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits,
opportunities, or performance, that takes place on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored
activity, on school–provided transportation or at any official school bus stop, and that has the effect of:
A. physically harming a student or damaging a student's property;
B. knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the
student's property; or
C. creating a hostile educational environment.
"Staff" includes all school employees and Board members.
"Third parties" include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors,
vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter-district or
intra-district athletic competitions or other school events.
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For a definition of and instances that could possibly be construed as hazing, consult Policy 5516.
Privacy/Confidentiality
The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and
the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate
action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under this policy and its
related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
To the extent appropriate in conducting a thorough investigation and/or as legally permitted, confidentiality will be
maintained during the investigation process.
Notification
Notice of this policy will be annually distributed to all students enrolled in the School District, their parents and/or
guardians and employees. The policy will also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative
agreements with the schools. Additionally, the policy will be posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and
departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and
parent/guardian handbooks. State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at
each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.
The School District will also provide a copy of the policy to any person who requests it.
Records and Reports
Records will be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for incidents found to be
in violation of the bullying policy.
An annual summary report shall be prepared and presented to the School Board, which includes trends in bullying
behavior and recommendations on how to further reduce bullying behavior. The annual report will be available to the
public.
Education and Training
In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of bullying
behavior. The Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate training to all members of the School District
community related to the implementation of this policy and its accompanying administrative guidelines. All training
regarding the Board’s policy and administrative guidelines on bullying will be age and content appropriate.
The complaint procedure established by the Superintendent as set forth in AG 5517.01 shall be followed.
Board of Education Policy No. 5517.01
Wisconsin Statutes 118.46
Hazing
Hazing shall be defined as performing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to perform any act of initiation
into any class, group, or organization that causes or creates a risk of causing mental, emotional, or physical harm.
Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions
contained in this policy.
If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, the students involved shall be informed by the discoverer of the prohibitions
and shall be ordered to end all hazing activities or planned activities immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported
immediately to the Principal or to the Superintendent.
Board of Education Policy No. 5516
Wisconsin Statutes 118.13, 120.13, 948.51
Weapons
The Board of Education prohibits students from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is
under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the
District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event,
or in a District vehicle, to the extent permitted by law without the permission of the Superintendent.
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The term "weapon" means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented,
is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons.
Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms (including, but not limited to, firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C.
921(a)(3)), guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives,
(subject to the exceptions below) razors, with unguarded blades, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts
weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
The Superintendent will refer any student who violates this policy to the student’s parents or guardians and may also
make a referral to the criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system. The student may also be subject to disciplinary
action, up to and including expulsion.
Policy exceptions include:
A. weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel while on duty, or qualified former law
enforcement officers, off duty law enforcement officers, or out-of state law enforcement offices;
B. items pre-approved by a principal as part of a class or individual presentation under adult
supervision, including, but not limited to Hunters’ Education courses, if used for the purpose
and in the manner approved (working firearms, except those protected at all times by a cable or trigger
lock, and live ammunition will never be approved);
C. theatrical props used in appropriate settings.
Any student who has reason to believe that a person has or will violate this policy shall report to the Superintendent or
the supervisor of the activity immediately. The report should include as much detail as possible concerning the person(s)
involved, the weapon, the location of the person(s), and how this information was obtained.
No student is to confront the person possessing the weapon, but a staff member has the option of confronting the
person if the staff member believes the risk of injury to self or others in minimal or if immediate action is necessary to
prevent injury to any person.
This policy will be published annually in all District student and staff handbooks. Publication is not a precondition to
enforcement of this policy.
Wisconsin Statute 120.13(1), Wis. Stats. 943.13, Wis. Stats. 948.605, Wis. Stats. 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. 922 20 U.S.C. 7151.
Board of Education Policy No. 5772
Student Groups
It is the policy of the Board of Education that student groups be recognized as authorized school organizations only if
they are approved by the school administration, sponsored by school-approved personnel, composed of members of the
current student body, hold the majority of their meetings at school, and have established aims which are educational in
nature.
Membership in the organization or operation of any high school fraternity, sorority, or any other secret society as
described by law is prohibited throughout the School District. In particular, the Board will not tolerate any type of gang
or gang-related activity to occur on District property or while students are under the auspices of the Board.
Board of Education Policy 5840
Wisconsin statutes 939.22(9)
School Safety
All schools and students are to be kept free from the harmful influence of any groups which engage in drug use, criminal
conduct, intimidating or disruptive behavior or flashing gang signs. Gangs are defined as groups of three or more
persons with a common name or identifying sign, apparel, mark or symbol who claim turf or territory, who associate on
a regular basis and who engage in anti-social or criminal acts. The presence of any apparel, colors, accessories or objects
of grooming which denote gang membership is prohibited. Any visitors not following district guidelines or directions of
administrators or staff members will be considered trespassers, will be asked to leave the premises and if necessary, will
be reported to the appropriate building administrator and/or law enforcement officials.
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Hall Passes
Students must sign in and out of the classroom and must have a pass to be in the halls during class.
Access to Building
During the school day, entrance to the school will be through door #1 (main entrance on 7t h Street).
During lunch periods, students will be able to enter door #1 and/or door #11 (eating commons). Students are expected
to leave the building by 3:15 p.m. unless working on school work or participating in extra curricular activities.
Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal
The Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal offers instant access to accurate, current and confidential information about
student’s attendance, grades, class assignments and more. You are also able update household information and pay
student fees online. Request to change household information will be reviewed by district personnel and approved
accordingly. There may be a short lag time between the time the request for change is submitted and when changes are
reflected. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please contact the main office at (920)967-1800. If you have
forgotten your user name and/or password, please contact MJSD technology at (920)967-1408.
Messages
To limit disruptions to the learning environment, messages to students will be sent at the end of the class period or
during passing time. In event of an emergency, MHS personnel will make immediate contact with the student.
Photography and Other Media opt out
Any parent and/or guardian wishing to opt their student(s) out of any district sponsored media must complete the
Directory Data Opt Out form and turned in to the Menasha High School main office.
Search and Seizures
The Board of Education has charged school authorities with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being
of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search school property such
as lockers used by students or the person or property, including vehicles of a student, in accordance with the following
policy.
School Property
The Board acknowledges the need for in-school storage of student possessions and shall provide storage places,
including desks and lockers, for that purpose. Desks and lockers are public property and school authorities may make
reasonable regulations regarding their use. The District retains ownership and possessory control of student desks and
lockers and the same may be searched at random by school personnel at any time. A showing of reasonable cause or
suspicion is not a necessary precondition to a search under this paragraph. Students shall not have an expectation of
privacy in lockers, desks, or other school property as to prevent examination by a school official. The Board directs the
school principals to provide students with written notice of this policy at least annually and that routine inspections be
done at least annually of all such storage places.
The Board directs that the searches may be conducted by the Superintendent, building principals, assistant principals,
Police Liaison Officer, or staff members supervising students on field or athletic trips.
Student Person and Possessions
The Board recognizes that the privacy of students or his/her belongings may not be violated by unreasonable search and
seizure and directs that no student be searched without reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that
the student has violated or is violating either a particular law or a particular rule of the school. Any search under this
paragraph must be reasonable in scope and reasonable in the manner in which it is conducted. The extent of the search
will be governed by the seriousness of the suspected infraction, the student's age and gender, the student's disciplinary
history, and any other relevant circumstances or information.
This authorization to search shall also apply to all situations in which the student is under the jurisdiction of the Board.
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In a situation in which a search of a student’s person or possessions is appropriate, school administrators should first
attempt to contact the school liaison officer to conduct the search under the administrator’s direction. If the officer is
not available, the administrator may proceed with the search, unless the information justifying the search suggests that
the student is in possession of dangerous materials whereby the expertise of law enforcement is necessary. In such a
case, the school official shall contact law enforcement and request their assistance.
Under no circumstances shall a school official ever conduct a strip search of a student.
Parking Permit Required
Permission for a student to bring a vehicle on school property shall be conditioned upon written consent of the search of
the vehicle and all containers inside the vehicle by a school administrator with reasonable suspicion to believe the
search will produce evidence of a violation of a particular law, a school rule, or a condition that endangers the safety or
health of the student driver or others. If an administrator determines a search is necessary, he or she should request
consent to search the vehicle and all containers inside the vehicle. If consent is not given, a school administrator may
proceed with the search. An administrator may contact the police liaison officer or law enforcement agency for
assistance in conducting a search.
Except as provided below, a request for the search of a student or a student's possessions will be directed to the
principal. S/He shall attempt to obtain the freely-offered, written consent of the student to the inspection; however,
provided there is reasonable suspicion pursuant to the above paragraphs, s/he may conduct the search without such
consent. Whenever possible, a search will be conducted by the principal in the presence of the student and a staff
member other than the principal. A search prompted by the reasonable suspicion that health and safety are immediately
threatened will be conducted with as much speed and dispatch as may be required to protect persons and property.
Search of a student's person or intimate personal belongings shall be conducted by a person of the student's gender, in
the presence of another staff member of the same gender, and in a manner that is minimally intrusive to the student
based on the reasonable suspicion justifying the search.
Use of Dogs
The Board authorizes the use of specially-trained dogs to detect the presence of drugs and devices such as bombs on
school property under the following conditions:
1. The presence of the dogs on school property is authorized in advance by the
Superintendent, except in emergency situations, or is pursuant to a court order
or warrant.
2. The dog must be handled by a law enforcement officer or certified organization
specially trained to safely and competently work with the dog.
3. The dog is represented by the Sheriff or Chief of the law enforcement agency
providing the service as capable of accurately detecting drugs and/or devices.
The principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each student search, including the reasons for
the search; information received that established the need for the search and the name of informant, if any; the persons
present when the search was conducted; any substances or objects found and the disposition made of them; and any
subsequent action taken. The principal shall be responsible for the custody, control, and disposition of any illegal or
dangerous substance or object taken from a student.
The Superintendent may request the assistance of a law enforcement agency in implementing any aspect of this policy.
Where law enforcement officers participate in a search on school property or at a school activity pursuant to a request
from the Superintendent, the search shall be conducted by the law enforcement officers at the direction of a District
official. Law enforcement searches conducted independent of any District official request or direction shall be conducted
based on standard applicable to law enforcement.
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Anything found in the course of a search pursuant to this policy which constitutes evidence of a violation of a particular
law or school rule or which endangers the safety or health of any person shall be seized and properly cataloged for use
as evidence if appropriate. Seized items shall be returned to the owner if the items may be lawfully possessed by the
owner. Seized items that may not lawfully be possessed by the owner shall be turned over to law enforcement.
Board of Education Policy No. 5771
Wisconsin statutes 118.325, 948.50
Wisconsin Constitution Article 1 Section 11
U.S. Constitution, 4th Amendment
School Closing
The local radio or tv stations will make announcements regarding any delayed school openings or school closings.
Any one of the following options could be announced on those days:
● school will be closed for the day
● school will have a delayed start
● school will be dismissed early
The final decision for closing school rests with the superintendent. You can find out the status of athletic events or other
scheduled activities by calling the activities office (920) 967-1803.
When school is dismissed early or called off due to inclement weather, all co-curricular activities and practices will be
cancelled.
Busing
The District shall provide transportation for students residing within the District boundaries under the provision of
Wisconsin laws and regulations and as set forth in this transportation policy. All students have the responsibility for
exercising safe practices and courteous conduct at all times when coming to, waiting for, while on, or leaving the bus. All
students have the responsibility for following correct procedures relating to fieldtrips and/or extra-curricular activities.
Students will ride assigned buses only. Requests for exceptions shall be made to the administration in writing. Students
will board and disembark at designated stops only, unless written permission is granted by the administration for
deviation in a student’s assigned stop. Parents will assume responsibility for the student when such a request is made
and granted. Students will stay off the street when waiting for the bus. Hands and head must be kept inside the bus at
all times. Loud talking, loud media, food and drink are not permitted on the bus. Absolute quiet is necessary at railroad
crossings.
Wisconsin Statutes 120.13(27m), 121.52, 121.53, 121.54 et seq.
Board of Education Policy No. 8600
Bicycles
Bike racks are located in the front and back of the school building. Bikes must be parked and locked in one of these bike
racks. Any bike locked up to the school building, railings, etc. will be cut off. MJSD is not responsible for lost, stolen or
damaged bicycles or locks.
Skateboards/In-Line Skates/Scooters
Students arriving at school are required to remove their in-line skates or carry their skateboards/in-line skates/scooter in
the building and store them in their lockers. Students may not ride skateboards/scooters or use their skates on school
property.
Violation of this policy could result in one or more of the following:
● confiscation of item to school for a period of time (up to the end of the school year)
● any other consequence as determined by the administration
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Parking
A $20 fee per semester will be collected for students to park a motor vehicle in the Menasha High School parking lot
between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on days students are in attendance. Students will be selected via a lottery, starting
with seniors first. If spaces are still available, juniors will have the opportunity to take part in the lottery for parking
spaces. All vehicles must be registered in the activities office and have a Menasha High School parking sticker placed in
the left rear window. Registration requires the certificate of title and valid driver’s license.
Vehicles
Students who drive cars to school shall use the available street parking around the school and in the designated area.
Students are restricted from using the staff parking spaces located to the south of the blue poles behind the field house.
Motorcycles are to be parked in the designated area on Milwaukee Street. Students are expected to obey all traffic laws
while driving to and from school.
Students attending overnight events related to school functions should leave their vehicles at home or request
permission from the SRO to park in the student lot on high school grounds. No parking is allowed overnight on any
street around the high school without the pre-approval of the Menasha Police Department. This includes all angled
parking. Violators on school grounds or city streets may be subject to ticketing and/or towing of vehicles at owner’s
expense.
Vehicles on school grounds may be subject to reasonable suspicion search by the school administration and the SRO.
Wisconsin Statute 118.105
Care of Building and Grounds
Respect the beauty and history of Menasha High School and the surrounding grounds by caring for and maintaining a
positive and clean appearance. Please ensure all food and trash is appropriately disposed of.
Fire and Tornado Drill Procedures
Fire and tornado drills will be conducted periodically. The classroom instructor will explain to students the drill
procedures implemented by administration. It is essential that during these drills all students obey orders promptly by
following the teacher directions and meeting as quickly as possible in the area designated by the teacher. Silence is
crucial throughout the drills. In the case of fire drills, students are to evacuate in an orderly fashion and move to the
designated areas at least 100 feet from the building and remain there until they are allowed back in the building.
Electronic devices are not allowed to be used during safety drills.
Learning Commons
The learning commons is staffed daily from 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for collaborative study, research, leisure reading and/or
work completion. Computers are available for educational use.
While in the learning commons, students are expected to be completing school work or reading a book for the duration
of the hour. Students are expected to be respectful of the learning environment, and reconcile any overdue material
and fines before checking out any other materials.
Eligibility: Students who are passing all classes and have no unexcused absences will be eligible to use the learning
commons during their study hall and lunch period. On Monday mornings students will report to their study hall to
receive their weekly progress report, which will be needed to show their eligibility.
Students who leave the learning commons without permission, are disrespectful to others, do not properly care for the
materials and furniture in the learning commons will be removed for a period of time; determined by administration.
Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety
Technology has fundamentally altered the ways in which information is accessed, c ommunicated, and transferred in
society. As a result, educators are continually adapting their means and methods of instruction, and the way they
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approach student learning to incorporate the vast, diverse, and unique resources available through the Internet. The
Board of Education provides students with access to the Internet for limited educational purposes only and utilizes
online educational services to enhance the instruction delivered to its students. The District’s Internet system does not
serve as a public access service or a public forum, and the Board imposes reasonable restrictions on its use consistent
with its limited educational purpose. This policy and its related administrative guidelines and the Student Code of
Conduct govern students’ use of the District’s computers, laptops, tablets, personal communication devices (as defined
by Policy 7530.02), network, and Internet connection and online educational services ("Education Technology" or
"Ed-Tech"). The due process rights of all users will be respected in the event there is a suspicion of inappropriate use of
the Education Technology. Users have no right or expectation to privacy when using the Ed-Tech (including, but not
limited to, privacy in the content of their personal files, e-mails, and records of their online activity while on the network
and Internet).
The Board encourages students to utilize Education Technology to develop the resource sharing, innovation, and
communication skills and tools that are essential to both life and work. The instructional use of the Internet and online
education services is guided by the Board's policy on instructional materials.
The Internet is a global information and communication network that provides a valuable opportunity to education and
information resources to our students. The Internet connects computers and users in the District with computers and
users worldwide. Through the Internet, students and staff can access relevant information that will enhance their
learning and the education process. Further, the Education Technology provides students and staff with the opportunity
to communicate with other people from throughout the world. Access to such a vast quantity of information and
resources brings with it, however, certain unique challenges.
The Board may not be able to technologically limit access to services through its Education Technology to only those that
have been authorized for the purpose of instruction, study and research related to the curriculum. Unlike in the past
when educators and community members had the opportunity to review and screen materials to assess their
appropriateness for supporting and enriching the curriculum according to adopted guidelines and reasonable selection
criteria (taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the
students who would be exposed to them), access to the Internet, because it serves as a gateway to any publicly available
file server in the world, opens classrooms and students to electronic information resources that may not have been
screened by educators for use by students of various ages.
Pursuant to Federal law, the Board has implemented technology protection measures, that protect against (e.g., filter or
block) access to visual displays/depictions/materials that are obscene, constitute child pornography, and/or are harmful
to minors, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. At the discretion of the Board or the Superintendent, the
technology protection measures may be configured to protect against access to other material considered inappropriate
for students to access. The technology protection measures may not be disabled at any time that students may be using
the Education Technology if such disabling will cease to protect against access to materials that are prohibited under the
Children’s Internet Protection Act. Any student who attempts to disable the technology protection measures will be
subject to discipline.
The Board utilizes software and/or hardware to monitor online activity of students and to block/filter access to child
pornography and other material that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. "Harmful to
minors" is a term defined by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(7)) as any picture, image, graphic image
file, or other visual depiction that:
A. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a
prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
B. depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive
way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual
or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or
simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd
exhibition of the genitals;
C. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or
scientific value as to minors.
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At the discretion of the Board or the Superintendent, the Technology Protection Measure may be configured to protect
against access to other material considered inappropriate for students to access. The Technology Protection Measure
may not be disabled at any time that students may be using the Network, if such disabling will cease to protect against
access to materials that are prohibited under the Children's Internet Protection Act.
The Superintendent or Director of Technology may temporarily or permanently unblock access to websites or online
education containing appropriate material if access to such sites has been inappropriately blocked by the technology
protection measure. The determination of whether material is appropriate or inappropriate shall be based on the
content of the material and the intended use of the material, not on the protection actions of the technology protection
measure.
The Superintendent or Director of Technology may disable the technology protection measure to enable access for bona
fide research or other lawful purposes.
Parents are advised that a determined user may be able to gain access to services on the Internet that the Board has not
authorized for educational purposes. In fact, it is impossible to guarantee students will not gain access through the
Internet to information and communications that they and/or their parents may find inappropriate, offensive,
objectionable or controversial. Parents of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their
children should follow when using the Internet.
The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines which address students' safety and security while using e-mail, chat rooms,
instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications, and prohibit disclosure of personal
identification information of minors and unauthorized access (e.g., "hacking") and other unlawful activities by minors
online.
Education Technology is provided as a tool for education. The School District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy,
review and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access
and any and all information transmitted or received in connection with such usage. All such information files shall be and
remain the property of the School District and no user shall have any expectation of privacy regarding such materials.
Pursuant to Federal law, students shall receive education about the following:
A. safety and security while using e-mail, chat rooms, social
media, and other forms of direct electronic
communications;
B. the dangers inherent with the online disclosure of
personally identifiable information;
C. the consequences of unauthorized access (e.g., "hacking"),
cyberbullying, and other unlawful or inappropriate
activities by students online; and
D. unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of
personal information regarding minors.
Staff members shall provide instruction for their students regarding the appropriate use of technology and online safety
and security as specified above. Furthermore, staff members will monitor the online activities of students while at
school.
Monitoring may include, but is not necessarily limited to, visual observations of online activities during class sessions; or
use of specific monitoring tools to review browser history and network, server, and computer logs.
Building principals are responsible for providing training so that Internet users under their supervision are
knowledgeable about this policy and its accompanying guidelines. The Board expects that staff members will provide
guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of the Education Technology. Such training shall include, but
not be limited to, education concerning appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on
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social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response. All Internet users (and their
parents if they are minors) are required to sign a written agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy
and its accompanying guidelines.
Students and staff members are responsible for good behavior on the Board's Education Technology just as they are in
classrooms, school hallways, and other school premises and school sponsored events. Communications on the Internet
are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply. The Board does not sanction any
use of the Education Technology that is not authorized by or conducted strictly in compliance with this policy and its
accompanying guidelines.
Students may access social media for personal use from the District’s network, but shall be permitted to access social
media for educational use in accordance with their teacher’s approved plan for such use.
Users who disregard this policy and its accompanying guidelines may have their use privileges suspended or revoked,
and disciplinary action taken against them. Users of the Board's Education Technology are personally responsible and
liable, both civilly and criminally, for uses of the Ed-Tech not authorized by this Board policy and its accompanying
guidelines.
The Board designates the Director of Technology as the administrator responsible for initiating, implementing, and
enforcing this policy and its accompanying guidelines as they apply to students' use of the District’s Education
Technology.
H.R. 4577, P.L. 106-554, Children’s Internet Protection act of 2000
47 U.S.C. 254(h), (1), Communications Act of 1934, as amended
20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., Part F, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,as amended
18 U.S.C. 2256
18 U.S.C. 1460
18 U.S.C. 2246
Nurse
A Menasha Health Department nurse is available four days a week in the school nurse’s office. Please check with the
attendance office for the nurse’s schedule. The nurse is available to assess students with illnesses, injuries, and other
health concerns. The nurse is able to provide limited first aid. The nurse cannot administer any over the counter or
prescription drugs without having a medication consent form signed by a parent and a physician. Non-prescription
medication should be in its original container and not shared with other students.
Prescription Medication
All prescription medication that must be taken at school must be clearly labeled in the original prescribed bottle. Written
authorization for the medication and the dosage must be on file from the doctor and the parent. Parents can request
that medication be stored and given out in the attendance office at an appropriate time. Students are not to keep
medication in their lockers or in their personal possession without administrative approval.
Board of Education Policy No. 5330, 5335
Visitors
During the school day all visitors are required to show valid photo identification when signing in and out of the high
school. Visitors will be given a name tag to designate they have checked in.
Visiting students must receive permission from the administration in advance of the scheduled visit. Students will be
allowed to visit only if the visit is for educational reasons.
Lost and Found
Report all lost and found items to the attendance office. Lost and found items will be kept in the learning commons.
Items left in lockers and physical education lockers will be placed in the lost and found. Articles not claimed after 2
weeks will be donated. These articles are collected on the 1st and 15th of every month.
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Lockers/Combinations
School lockers are the property of the Menasha Joint School District and are provided for student convenience. They are
to be used to contain clothing and school-related materials. Students are expected to respect school property and
maintain their lockers appropriately. Be sure to keep both your physical education locker and your street locker locked
at all times with personal belongings inside. Students should not give their locker combination to anyone or share a
locker with another student. Locker combinations are changed on a yearly basis for the protection of students. All locker
information can be obtained in the student services office. On standardized testing days students are required to place
all of their belongings in their locker. The administration reserves the right to examine the content of student lockers
upon reasonable suspicion that they contain items which are illegal and/or pose a danger to health, welfare, and/or
safety.
Students are responsible for cleaning out their own locker at the end of the school year. Any items left in lockers after
the last day of the school year will be removed and discarded.
Board of Education Policy No. 5571
Locker Room Privacy
The Menasha School District shall observe measures intended to protect the privacy rights of individuals using school
locker rooms. The following provisions outline the extent to which that protection can and will be provided:
1. Locker rooms are provided for the use of physical education students, athletes, and other activity groups and
individuals authorized by the building principal or by Board policy. No one will be permitted to enter the locker room or
remain in the locker room to interview or seek information from an individual in the locker room at any time. Interviews
may take place outside of the locker room consistent with applicable rules and/or Board policies.
2. At no time nor under any circumstances may cameras (including cell phone cameras), video recorders, or any other
devices be used to record or transfer images in the locker rooms.
3. Cell phone use is prohibited in the locker room.
Anyone who violates this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or penalty under state law. Policy
enforcement shall be the responsibility of the building principal or designee. This policy shall be publicized annually and
posted in each District locker room.
The Board of Education recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy interests of the District's students and is
committed to safeguarding students' privacy in the locker room facilities.
As required by law, the Board establishes the following locker room privacy policy.
To protect the privacy of students, non-staff access to locker rooms for the purpose of interviewing or seeking
information from any student in the locker room is prohibited.
(NOTE: Encourage the local press and student reporters to wait outside the doors of the locker room to get necessary
interview/photograph.)
Parents may enter the locker room on a limited basis, with prior approval of the coach or teacher. The parent is not
permitted to interview or seek information from any student or use a recording device to record or transfer images. A
"recording device" means a camera, a video recorder, cell phone with video and/or photograph capabilities, or any other
device that may be used to capture, record or transfer images.
No images of a nude or partially nude person in the locker room may be captured, recorded, or transferred under any
circumstances by any individual.
To protect the privacy of the District's students, parents, other adult residents of the community, and any public that
may utilize the locker room facilities, no person may use a cell phone to capture, record, or to transfer a representation
of a nude or partially nude person in the locker room.
Furthermore, the Board believes that safety is of the utmost importance. Therefore, notwithstanding the provisions of
this policy, if necessary, emergency rescue personnel will be permitted into the locker room and will be given access to
any tools necessary to do their job.
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District officials may refer any violations of this policy to law enforcement for possible criminal prosecution who violate
State law.
Wisconsin Statute 175.22, 942.08, 942.09
Board of Education Policy No. 9151
Food and Beverage Guidelines
Students may consume food and beverages in the eating commons, learning commons, hallways or outside the
building. Students are expected to comply with individual classroom practices regarding the consumption of food or
drink in the classroom.
Lunch
Menasha High School has open campus lunch for all grade levels. Students may eat in the eating commons, learning
commons or leave the building during their scheduled lunch period. Students are expected to:
● report to the commons promptly
● eat food in the designated areas
● leave the tables, floor, and school grounds in a clean condition for others
● while outside, place all litter in proper receptacles and respect the neighbors’ property
● remain in the designated first floor areas or outside once they have finished eating
Wellness
The mission of the Menasha Joint School District is to provide pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational program
that offers opportunities for all students to maximize individual potential. In support of Menasha’s mission the school
learning environment will promote wellness behaviors that link healthy nutrition and exercise to students’ overall
physical well-being and scholastic performance. In an effort to equip all students with the ability to function as lifelong
learners and responsible citizens within the community, the Menasha Joint School District is committed to developing
healthy habits in the children of today as an investment that will pay dividends as healthy adults of tomorrow.
The Menasha Joint School District will develop a sustainable program of education and a partnership with students,
staff, parents and community that focus on standards for nutrition, physical activity and health education.
In an effort to promote wellness and develop healthy habits in the children of the Menasha Joint School District, the
District’s School Wellness Policy Committee strongly endorses the Nutrition Guidelines governing the sale of food,
beverages, and candy on school grounds and encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient dense foods (i.e., whole
grains, fresh fruits and vegetables) for all school functions and activities.
Board of Education Policy Nos. 8510, 8540
Student ID Cards
Students will be issued an identification card when they start at the high school. Students can purchase a replacement
card in the main office for $6.00.
Dances
School dances are open to all Menasha High School students. If you would like to bring a guest who is not a Menasha
High School student a dance application must be completed (this requires signatures from the guest’s principal &
parent) and turned in at least two days prior to the dance. Dance application forms are available in the activities office.
Work Permit
Work permits are available to be purchased in the Main Office before school, during lunch hours or after school until 4
pm.
To obtain a work permit minor must provide:
● original Social Security Card
● certified copy of birth certificate or baptismal certificate or driver’s license.
● letter from the employer, on their letterhead, listing the hours to be worked and the duties to be performed
● letter signed, by parent, giving permission for the student to accept the job
● $10.00 fee (reimbursed by the employer).
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For additional locations to purchase a work permit, go to:
dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards_bureau/pdf/work_permit_offices.pd
Section 2: Attendance and Behavior Information
Attendance Procedures
If a student is to be absent for all or part of the day, a parent/guardian must notify the attendance office at 967-1810.
In order for an administrator to consider whether an unexcused absence can be excused the parent/guardian must call
within 24 hours of the date of the student's absence. A computerized attendance system will notify families of an
absence on the same day it occurs if it has not been excused. If the phone message doesn’t reach a residence,
administration will send out a letter by mail the following day. The school administration reserves the right to make the
final decision on all attendance. In an effort to build school spirit, the administration expects student attendance at all
school assemblies.
Absence Types:
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Illness, family emergency, medical appointments, approved school activities and parental requests are considered
excused. When an anticipated absence is foreseen, a pre-arranged absence form must be obtained from the attendance
office, completed, and returned to the attendance office 24 hours prior to absence.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
An absence may be listed as unexcused if it does not meet the requirements of an excused absence. All hours of
unexcused absences will be listed by student ID number posted in the attendance showcase at the end of each school
day. Students are responsible for correcting any mistakes with their attendance. If a student believes there was an
error, the student should discuss the absence with the teacher and request that a correction be turned into the
attendance office. Wisconsin Statute 121.02(1)(f) provides that schools schedule at least 1137 hours of direct pupil
instruction annually. Students absent from class without authorization are considered truant. If a student is truant from
one or more class periods they will be assigned a 30 minute lunch detention the next school day. If a student fails to
serve this detention further consequences could include: parent conference, additional detentions, suspension, or
possible truancy ticket.
Wisconsin Statute 115, 118.15, 118.125(2), 118.153, 118.16, 118.162
Board of Education Policy Nos. 5200
Unexcused Absences/Habitual Truancy for Open Enrolled Students
Any open enrolled student who has met the criteria for habitual truancy may be prohibited from attending Menasha
High School for the succeeding semester of the school year. When a student is marked unexcused they receive an
unexcused absence notification in their first or second period classroom. This notification states their open-enrollment
status at MHS could be in jeopardy due to their unexcused absence(s). Families also receive notification about
unexcused absences and the impact on open enrollment through an automated phone call that is sent out the evening
the unexcused absence occurs.
Arriving/Leaving/Returning During the School Day
Students arriving/leaving/returning during the school day must sign-in/out through the attendance office. Students
leaving school must have parent/guardian permission prior to doing so. If a student leaves without permission they will
be considered truant and the absence will be unexcused. Student are not allowed to leave the building at any time
unless they are excused by a guardian, attending a school supervised activity, at lunch, or have earned senior release.
Tardiness
Students are required to be in their classroom at the start of each scheduled class period. Students arriving past the
final bell are considered tardy. Teachers have their own individual tardy consequences, which will be identified in their
course syllabus. If a student fails to follow the assigned consequences he/she may be referred to administration for
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further consequences.
Senior Attendance
Senior students with unexcused absences for the current month must be made up with a 30 minute detention by the 5th
day of the next month in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. These detentions can be made up before
school, during lunch and/or after school. A senior unexcused absence list is located in the attendance office showcase.
CAPP Course Attendance
CAPP courses will follow the attendance procedures of the affiliated university.
Homework Requests
Homework requests may be made if the student is expected to be absent from school for two or more days. Please call
the attendance office (920)967-1810 by 8:30 a.m. Homework will be available to be picked up the following day after 3
p.m. Students and families can also contact their teachers directly through email or phone to obtain homework.
Medical Excuse
Students with excessive excused or unexcused absences may be put on a medical letter and will be required to provide
the school with a doctor’s excuse for the day(s) of the absence. Failure to provide a doctor’s excuse could result in the
absence remaining unexcused and lead to truancy.
Homebound/Extended Illness
The parents of students who are hospitalized or have an illness which will confine the student at home for a period of
time should contact Marci Thiry, Director of Special Services (920) 967-1429 as soon as possible to obtain the necessary
paperwork. The student may be readmitted to school with a written notification from the physician.
Board of Education Policy No. 2412
118.15(3)(a), Wis Stats.
P.I. 11.31, Wis. Adm. Code
Illness and Injury
Please be sure that any injuries occurring in class or supervised location are reported to the teacher in charge and to the
attendance office. Whenever students are ill and in need of assistance, they must report to the attendance office.
Assistance will be given and, if necessary, the parent/guardian will be contacted. Students are not to leave school
without signing out of the attendance office, unless during their lunch period or senior release. If a student leaves
without prior parent permission and without signing out of the attendance office, the first hour they are gone will not be
excused.
Medical Excuse from Physical Education
A medical excuse from the student’s physician may result in exemption from physical education classes. For short-term
medical excuses, students may be provided alternative activities. Doctor’s notes should be turned in to the classroom
teacher and administration.
School Related Absence
Students who miss class due to participation in a school activity, field trip, etc. are responsible for making up any missed
work. A pre-arranged absence form must be filled out and signed by b oth parent and advisor and turned in at least 24
hours prior to absence if the absence is related to a club or group activity. Administration reserve the right to deny the
absence due to academic, behavioral or attendance reasons.
Co-Curricular Participation and Attendance
Per Co-Curricular Code and WIAA rules, students must be in attendance the entire day of school in order to participate in
co-curricular activities that same night. In the case of an excused absence, other than illness, an administrator may
make an exception.
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Menasha Joint School District
Procedure Addressing Truancy
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Behavior Expectations
Menasha High School has behavioral expectations that provide a comfortable learning environment for everyone in the
learning community. Students are expected to:
● be positive
● be active participants in the learning environment
● be respectful of themselves and others and respect all school and private property
● be in school and on time to class
● dress appropriately
Wisconsin Statute 120.13(1)
Board of Education Policy No. 5600
Student Code of Classroom Conduct
Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school
rules as well as general provisions of law regarding minors. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their
privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community.
Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and
exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty should be maintained in the schools of this District.
The Superintendent shall establish procedures to carry out Board policy and philosophy, and shall hold all school
personnel, students, and parents responsible for the conduct of students in schools, on school vehicles, and at
school-related events.
Student conduct on or adjacent to school premises, on school vehicles, and at school-related events and activities shall
be governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Classroom Conduct. In addition, student conduct on
internet-based social media outlets, such as FaceBook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, etc. when such conduct forms a
sufficient connection to school or staff, is governed by the Code of Conduct. This Code of Classroom Conduct shall be
reviewed and approved periodically.
Student conduct in the classroom shall be governed by the rules and provisions of the Code of Classroom Conduct
developed for each school in consultation with a committee of School District residents that consists of parents,
students, members of the School Board, school administrators, teachers, pupil services professionals, and other
residents of the School District who are appointed to the committee by the School Board. Each school's Code of
Classroom Conduct shall be adopted by the School Board.
Wisconsin Statute 118.13, 118.164, 120.13
Board of Education Policy No. 5500
Wisconsin Admin. Code P.I. 9.03
Wisconsin Admin. Code P.I. 41
Fourteenth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
Title IX of Education Amendments Act
Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Civil rights Act of 1964
The Americans Disabilities Act of 1990
Vocational Education Program Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services,
Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 1979
Electronic Devices
Menasha High School permits students to use personal electronic devices that support individual needs and instructional
activities during the school day. These devices include but are not limited to: iPods, mp3 players, iPads, tablets, laptops,
cell phones, smart phones, eReaders, digital cameras, etc.,
Students are allowed to appropriately use their electronic devices at the following times:
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● breakfast time and lunch time in the commons
● before school, after school and during passing time
● in class with teacher permission
● in study hall with teacher permission
● in the learning commons
When listening to music:
● the volume needs to be at an appropriate level that does not interfere with the learning environment
● only one ear-piece can be in during passing time so that students remain aware of their surroundings
● speakers may not be used at any time
Students are not allowed to use their electronic devices during:
● assemblies
● safety drills (fire/tornado/lockdown)
● emergency situations or in school offices (unless given permission from school personnel)
The following consequences will be in effect for students misusing electronic devices:
● 1s t Offense: In-class rule/teacher consequence
● 2n d Offense: Referral to administration for insubordination and parent/guardian notification
● possible additional consequences as determined by administration
Failure to turn over device when asked by MHS staff could result in:
● suspension
● referral to SRO
● loss of electronic device privilege
● turning phone in on a daily basis to administrator
● other consequence as determined by administration
The Menasha Joint School District is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices. All devices are subject to
review of prior use and communication by administration. Any unauthorized video/pictures/audio taken at any time
while on the grounds of Menasha High School will be subject to disciplinary action by administration.
Consequences for Violation of School Rules
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and conduct themselves in accordance with the
behavioral expectations. Violations of school rules may result in:
● a personal conference with the student, teacher, and/or administrator
● a telephone call to parent.
● a parent conference
● removal from class
● assignment of structured lunch
● exclusion from particular school activities or school areas
● denial of district transportation
● a teacher detention
● an office detention - assigned by administration
● referral to law enforcement and/or citation
● a suspension (either in school or out of school) by administration
suspension procedures are conducted in accordance with state law
Wisconsin Statute 120.13(1)
● an expulsion from school by the Board of Education
The Board of Education may expel a pupil from school whenever it finds a pupil:
● guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules
● knowingly conveyed or caused to be conveyed any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged
attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives
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● engaged in conduct, while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority, which endangered the
property, health or safety of others
● while not in school or while not under the supervision of a school authority, engaged in conduct which endangered
the property, health or safety of others at school while under the supervision of a school authority or endangered
the property, health, or safety of any employee or school board member of the school district in which the pupil is
enrolled, and is satisfied that the interest of the school demands the pupil’s expulsion
In this subdivision, conduct that endangers a person or property includes making a threat to the health or safety of a
person or making a threat to damage property. All consequences assigned to students for violating school rules will take
precedence over other school activities.
Wisconsin Statute 119.25, 120.13
Board of Education Policy No. 5610
Section 3: Academic and Student Services
Assistance Program
Students may choose to be involved in or may be referred to any of the Student Assistance groups, which are led by
trained staff members. Groups dealing with stress management, alcohol/drug abuse, depression, and grief are run as
needed. You can call or visit the student services office (920) 967-1813 for a listing of the groups available or to enroll in
a group. The student services office daily hours are 7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Counseling Services
Menasha High School offers school counseling services. The door is open to all students, parents and staff. The purpose
of the counseling is to be of assistance to students, families, and teachers and to assist in making the educational
process as effective as possible. Counseling staff will focus on three main areas where one counselor will be responsible
for specific areas:
● Academic Counselor, Jennifer Lambert
Course selection process; academic credit checks;
academic concerns; schedule changes; summer school applications
● Personal/Social Counselor, Scott Sommerfeldt
Personal counseling; mediation; support groups; crisis intervention
counseling; network of community resources; classroom presentations
● Post-Secondary Education Counselor, Lauren Schultz
Post-secondary testing (ACT, PSAT, PLAN);
scholarships; college and military rep visits; college applications
● School to Work Coordinator, Brenda Litwin
Career research and education, job placement
Process Grading
Students will receive a process grade that is reported out as part of the progress report every 6 weeks. This component
of the process report is not part of the student's grade point average, nor will it be reflected on the student's final
transcript. The "process grade" is part of the progress report to provide the student and families information about life
and career skills. Below are the specific areas students will be assessed on. Each of these larger life skills have a specific
behavior that we are focusing on to help your student develop the particular life skill. The rating your student receives is
either 3, 2, or 1. It is our hope that each student works to achieve a 3. The process grade can be used as a catalyst to
talk about larger life skills that translate to the world of work.
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Characteristics of an Effective Learner: Life and Career Skills
Initiative and Self-Directed: Completes work to the best of the student’s ability
3 - consistently 2 - usually 1 - inconsistently
Productivity and Accountability: Completes group and/or individual tasks in allotted time
3 - consistently 2 - usually 1 - inconsistently
Leadership and Responsibility: Follows behavioral expectations of the class and works positively
with diverse groups
3 - consistently 2 - usually 1 - inconsistently
MHS Accountability/Grading
Summative Unit Assessments
Grade 9/10 Tests
● Retakes-only once-no later than 10 school days after the test is administered;
Students can earn up to 100% on the test
o Students have to show evidence of learning
Ex: Practice/review work or correcting
o Evidence of learning and type of retake determined by teacher
Grade 11/12 Test
● Retakes-only once- no later than 10 school days after the test is administered;
Students can earn up to 80% on the test
o Students have to show evidence of learning
Ex: Practice/review work or corrections
o Evidence of learning and type of retake determined by teacher
Papers/Projects/Labs
Grade 9/10
● Revisions due within 5 school days of being handed back, students can earn up to 100% credit
● All standards must be met/sections attempted in order to rewrite
● Late work up to 80% credit, teacher will determine deadline
● After firm deadline, 0 credit
Grade 11/12
● Revision due within 5 school days of being handed back, students can earn up to 80% credit
● All standards met/sections attempted in order to rewrite
● Late work up to 80% credit
o Teacher will determine deadline
● After firm deadline, 0% credit
Academic Awards
Menasha High School shares the great pride that each student has in themselves. We celebrate students’ academic
success with an Academic Awards Ceremony held once each semester. The criteria for an Academic Award are as
follows:
Based upon an accumulated earned point system, students who achieve a 3.0 G.P.A. for any semester will earn credit
towards an academic award. Each 3.0 – 3.49 G.P.A. is worth one point; each 3.5 – 4.0 is worth two points.
4 points = an academic letter 12 points = an academic medallion
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8 points = an academic pin 14 points = an engraved plaque
We also honor various students at the end of each year through the Student Achievement Awards Program. Teachers choose
students in individual subject areas for their outstanding achievement in class.
Academic Excellence Higher Education Scholarship
In the event that two or more students have achieved the highest cumulative GPA, Menasha High School has established
the following procedures to be used to break ties for this scholarship.
● If a tie exists between two or more students, the names of those students in the tie who have indicated they
plan to attend a college, university, vocational, or technical and adult education institution outside of the State
of Wisconsin will be removed.
● If a tie still exists, then the scholarship will be awarded to the student who has achieved the higher American
College Test (ACT) score.
● If a tie still exists, then the scholarship will be awarded to the student who has achieved the highest grade point
average in the five core academic areas (English, mathematics, science, social studies, and world languages).
● If a tie still exists, then the scholarship will be awarded to the student with the greatest number of credits
earned in the five core academic areas.
Assistive Technology and Services
Students with disabilities have special challenges and may need assistive technology in order to more fully participate in
their classrooms, homes, communities and workplaces. Through the use of assistive technology and services these
students will have the opportunity to become more independent and self-reliant.
Each IEP team must include in their deliberations consideration of whether the use of assistive technology devices and
services to aid students with disabilities is appropriate for each specific student. The Board also directs that students
who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act be provided with assistive technology devices and services when
deemed necessary.
Students having special needs but not requiring a formal IEP or 504 Plan according to law, which may include but are not
limited to migrant students, homeless students, students living with poverty, and English Language Learners, will also be
considered for assistive technology devices and/or services.
"Assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially
off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child
with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such
device.
"Assistive technology service" means any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition,
or use of assistive technology devices. Assistive technology services include:
1. The evaluation of needs including a functional evaluation, in the child's customary environment.
2. Purchasing, leasing, or otherwise providing for the acquisition of assistive technology devices.
3. Selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, maintaining, repairing, or replacing
of assistive technology devices.
4. Coordinating and using other therapies, interventions, or services with assistive technology devices,
such as those associated with existing education and rehabilitation plans and programs.
5. Training or technical assistance for a child with disabilities, or where appropriate that child's family.
6. Training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education
and rehabilitation services), employers or other(s) who provide services to employ, or are
otherwise, substantially involved in the major life functions of that child.
The Board encourages the faculty to develop the appropriate skills necessary to effectively access, analyze, evaluate, and
utilize assistive technology resources and assistive technology services.
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The Board designates the Director of Special Services as the administrator responsible for initiating, implementing, and
enforcing this policy and its accompanying guidelines as they apply to the use of assistive technology and services in the
District.
Board of Education Policy No. 7540.05
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended
20 U.S.C. 1401
Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Assistive Technology Act (P.L. 105-394) 1998
Class Schedule Changes
Class schedule changes will be made if the student’s schedule reflects the following: missing a graduation requirement,
course prerequisite not met, empty hour, or programming error made during the scheduling process.
Class Load Requirements
A student's minimum class load is 3.0 credits per semester or the equivalent of six classes in addition to one study hall
and one lunch period. An option does exist for students to enroll in seven classes with a lunch period and no study hall.
If students desire to enroll in less than 3.0 credits per semester, permission must be given from student services or
administration.
Class Rank/GPA
Each student is ranked by cumulative GPA based on a four point scale
A+ = 4.00 B+ = 3.30 C+ = 2.30 D+ = 1.30 F=0
A = 4.00 B = 3.00 C = 2.00 D = 1.00
A- = 3.70 B- = 2.70 C- = 1.70 D- = 0.70
Menasha High School uses two semesters per academic school year grading system. All courses are included in
determining GPA and are not weighted.
College Visitations
Students are encouraged to visit the college(s) in which they have a sincere interest. Planning for the visit and
contacting the college is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents. Menasha High School allows juniors and
seniors two days each year to visit the colleges of their choice. Exceptions may be granted with prior approval from
administration.
College Entrance Testing
College entrance tests are given by two testing agencies. The College Board administers the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary
Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Tests) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) for juniors.
Achievement Tests, and Advanced Placement Exams. ACT scores are required as part of the admissions process for all
University of Wisconsin schools. Colleges and universities require ACT or SAT scores as part of their admissions process.
These test scores are often taken into consideration when students for scholarships.
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point
average in each public and private high school throughout the state of Wisconsin. The number of scholarships each high
school is eligible for is based on total student enrollment. The value of the scholarship is $2,250 per year, to be applied
toward tuition.
ELIGIBILITY
A senior student, who has the highest grade point average in their graduation class after seven semesters, has been enrolled on a full-time
basis for two semesters prior to the February deadline, and plans to attend a Wisconsin private or public college/university after
graduation.
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TIE BREAKING PROCEDURE
If a tie exists among students, the following sequence will be used to award the scholarship:
1. The student with the highest ACT or SAT score. The official test score needs to be in the
Student Services office by the February deadline.
2. The student who has achieved the highest grade point average in English, math, science,
social studies, and world language. Only credits taken in grades 9-12 will count toward breaking the tie.
3. The student with the greatest number of credits earned in English, math, science,
social studies, and world language.
4. If a tie still exists, the Menasha High School Scholarship Committee will make the final selection.
Graduation Requirements and Participation
Students have the primary responsibility for ensuring that they are meeting all graduation requirements. Specific
information regarding courses and credits required is published annually in the Menasha High School
Registration/Course Booklet. Any questions should be brought to the student services office (920) 967-1813.
Seniors who do not have enough credits in the final semester to meet the graduation requirements, have unexcused
absences, or who do not participate in the graduation rehearsal practice are not eligible to participate in the
commencement program.
Wisconsin Statute 115.28, 118.30, 118.33
Board of Education Policy No. 5460
Required Credits GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
4
3 Subjects
3 English
3 Mathematics
1.5 Science
.5 Social Studies
15.0 Physical Education
Health
8.5 Total Required above
Elective credit/life option
23.5 WI State Civics Exam (pass)
Service Learning (9 hours per year)
Total
Life Options
Life Options will help students develop strong relationships with their fellow students, the staff, and the school as well as
gain practical life skills. During this time, students will receive information on a variety of life skill topics from
interviewing skills and getting a job to goal setting and financial literacy. Students will exhibit their learning through a
portfolio, which will be a requirement for graduation.
Service Learning
All students are required to complete 9 hours of service learning for each year of enrollment at Menasha High School.
Service Learning refers to service that a student performs for the benefit of his or her local community and improves the
quality of life for community residents. Examples of service learning opportunities include (but are not limited to):
● Cleaning a park
● Collecting much needed items including clothes, shoes, food, blankets, etc
● Getting involved with H abitat for Humanity
● Cleaning up the side of the highways or roads
● Reading to the elderly in nursing homes
● Helping out a local fire or police department
● Helping out at a local library
● Tutoring developmentally disabled children for free
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● Service Learning project – connection between classroom learning and learning in communities
Service Learning hours completed for an organization must be for a non-profit organization.
Hours that are required for membership for an organization or community service hours that are required for the justice
system may not be used.
Benefits of completing hours beyond the 9 hours per year enrolled:
● 72 hours, students will receive one-half credit towards graduation
● 100 hours, students will receive one-half credit towards graduation and a service learning honor cord at
graduation
● 250 hours, students will receive one-half credit towards graduation and a service learning high honor cord at
graduation
LOGGING SERVICE LEARNING HOURS
Students need to log-on to www.GetNvolved.org to register their hours. Help videos are available to assist you. Log-in
information available in Student Services office or on the Menasha High School website.
Honor Roll
An honor roll will be published each semester, based upon the following criteria:
"A" Honors = 3.50 to 4.0 "B" Honors = 3.00 to 3.49
Transcripts
All currently enrolled student transcripts will be sent electronically through Career Cruising. It is the responsibility of the
student to request their transcript. Any past graduate can get their electronic transcript through P archment.
Military Recruiter Access to Student Information
The federal “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” education legislation includes a provision that requires local school
districts receiving federal assistance under the Act to provide, on request by military recruiters or an institution of higher
education, access to secondary students’ names, addresses and telephone listings. If you do not want the school to
release your student’s information to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher education, please notify the
student services office in writing.
National Honor Society
Students who meet the following cumulative grade point criteria are eligible for consideration for membership in the
National Honor Society:
Juniors 3.5 (five semester grading periods) Seniors 3.5 (seven semester grading periods)
The names of those students who meet the above criteria will be submitted to a selection committee. Selection will be
based upon scholarship, character, leadership and service.
Repeating Courses
A course may be repeated and the grade most beneficial to the student will be posted on the transcript. The
following criteria must be met in order to repeat a course:
1. A grade of D-, D or D+ must have been earned when the course was first taken.
2. The class is repeated prior to taking the next progressive course in the sequence.
3. Only courses from the core areas may be repeated (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science,
Social Studies, and World Languages).
A course which is repeated will be shown twice on a student’s transcript. It will be noted that the course was
repeated and credit will only be given only once.
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Auditing Courses
Courses passed with a grade of C- or higher may be taken again on an audit basis at the recommendation of
the teacher or with the approval of the school counselor. When auditing a course, the student will be
responsible for all coursework. Students may also choose to do this to improve skills.
An audited course will be shown twice on the student’s transcript, once followed by the grade received, and
once by the word “AUD”. No credit is earned for auditing a class.
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards are issued at the end of each semester. Report cards are mailed home to parents. In addition, progress
reports will be mailed home at six weeks into the semester, and again at twelve weeks. These reports give
students/parents an overview of progress being made in classes. We encourage parents to attend the Parent/Teacher
conferences held during the year.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
All Parent Teacher Conferences are arena style held in the field house on the following dates and times:
Monday, October 22nd 3 :15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Monday, March 18th 3:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
Procedures for Withdrawal from School
● A parent/guardian or student, if age of majority, shall complete the withdrawal form provided by the school prior to
the withdrawal of the student from school.
● The withdrawal form will be returned to the student services office stating the reason for withdrawal. The form
must be signed by the student (if 18 years of age) and/or the student's parent/guardian.
● The student must then return all books and materials belonging to the school and have each of the scheduled
teachers initial the withdrawal form.
● The withdrawal form is returned to the student services office and any fees owed to the district are collected at that
time. No letters of recommendation or transcripts shall be sent until such fees are paid.
● The building administrator will insure that all withdrawals are in compliance with school attendance, state statutes
and regulations.
● All students withdrawing from school shall be informed of their right to be readmitted to school upon request.
Wisconsin Statue 118.15(b-e)
Board of Education Policy No. 5130
Senior Release
Senior students who are positive members of our school community and meet the criteria below are eligible for senior
release during their senior year. Senior release allows senior students to leave school grounds during their designated
study hall. During this hour senior students are welcome to remain in the building, can sit in the learning commons, ed
labs or collaboration spaces. The criteria and student eligibility will be reviewed by administration on a regular basis and
may be revoked if a student fails to maintain the eligibility requirements. Applications may be obtained in the
attendance office.
Eligibility criteria:
● have four or fewer tardies for previous semester
● have one or fewer unexcused absences for previous semester
● have one or fewer significant discipline referrals for previous semester
● have no F’s for previous semester
● have a previous semester G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher
● have no Co-Curricular Code violations
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Section 4: Activities and Athletics
Co-Curricular
The Co-Curricular Student Guideline information can be found in the Activities Office as well as physical cards, eligibility
forms, and bus waivers. The appropriate forms must be filled out completely and returned to the activities office before
your child is eligible to participate in any sport.
Driver Education
Menasha Joint School District offers a driver education program outside of the regular high school day for students.
Please contact the Activities Office (920) 967-1803 for more details.
Bulletin Boards
Students must receive permission from administration before posting any notices, posters, etc. in the building. All
postings must be attached to the bulletin boards provided in the commons for this purpose.
School Spirit
Students are expected to attend all school assemblies. Students not participating in athletics and who would like to
attend state athletic events must have one day prior approval. Students will demonstrate great sportsmanship at all
events.
Co-Curricular Clubs and Other Activities
These activities may be offered based on student participation
Activities/Clubs Sports
Fa ll Sports
Anime/Manga
Art Squad Boys Soccer
Badger State/County Government Day Cheerleading
Bowling Co-ed Cross Country
Car Club Football
CHAINS Girls Tennis
Chess/Cribbage Club Girls Volleyball
Class Officers
Drama Winter Sports
FCCLA
Gamers Boys Basketball
Gearheads Boys Hockey
Girls Basketball
GSA Girls Hockey
Heifer Club
Japanese Club Performance Team
Kendo Club Wrestling
Menasha Revelation Spring Sports
Mosaic Club
National Honor Society(NHS) Baseball
Paintball Club Boys Golf
Pep Band Boys Tennis
Philosophy Club Girls Soccer
Powerlifting Softball
Science Club Girls Track and Field
Sew & So
Ski Club Boys Track and Field
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Skills USA
Sportsmen’s Club
Student Advisory – Food Service
Student Council
Swing Choir
Tech Crew
Yearbook (The Nicolet)
MENASHA HIGH SCHOOL
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY PARTICIPANT GUIDELINES
REVISED JUNE 2016
PHILOSOPHY
Students participating in a school board sponsored co-curricular activity in grades 9-12 have certain responsibilities. It
is a privilege, not a right, as a registered, eligible student in the Menasha Joint School District to participate in
co-curricular activities. Because it is a privilege, participation in co-curricular activities carries with it certain
responsibilities and expectations that promote growth toward becoming a responsible member of society.
The Menasha community expects participants to be a credit to themselves, their family, their school, and their
community. As such, all participants must abide by all rules and responsibilities at all times (24 hours a day/365 days
per year) in order to continue participating in co-curricular activities.
It is recognized that personal problems can interfere with the health and well being of students and their ability to
participate in co-curricular activities. This code therefore includes provisions for support, intervention, and referral in
order to help students achieve their full potential.
Parents/guardians have a responsibility to cooperate with the school district in assuring that the student will comply
with the rules and standards of the co-curricular program.
GOALS OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
The co-curricular activity program is an important part of the educational experience. It provides opportunities for
learning experiences difficult to duplicate in regular school activities. Co-curricular participation has the following major
objectives:
● To teach attitudes of responsibility and cooperation and to help students realize that participation in co-curricular
activities is a privilege with accompanying responsibilities.
● To help students learn good habits of health, personal hygiene, and safety.
● To provide activities that help to create school unity.
● To provide activities for learning self-discipline, loyalty, team play, personal pride, pride in the organization,
respect for the rights of others, and the will to be successful.
● To provide students with opportunities for competition.
● To provide students with opportunities to place the unit, team, squad, class, and school above personal desires.
ATTENDANCE
Unless excused, a participant must be in school for the entire day in order to participate in that day’s practice or event.
Participants with an unexcused absence during any part of a school day following an event will be ineligible to
participate in that evening’s practice or event. Illness is considered an unexcused absence when pertaining to
participation in a practice or event. Any participant with an unexcused absence for any period of time during a school
day is ineligible to participate in that day’s practice or event.
Excused absences are family emergencies, d ocumented medical or dental appointments, approved school activities
such as field trips, and pre-planned absences in which a planned absence form has been completed and is on file in
the attendance office.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility requirements shall commence upon initial enrollment in the first co-curricular activity. In order to be
academically eligible for co-curricular activities, a participant must satisfy district, DPI, and if applicable, WIAA
requirements defining a full-time student. Additionally, each participant must have passed all classes (grades in
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incomplete classes shall count as Fs until complete) and have obtained a minimum 1.5 GPA in the most recently
completed grading period. Grading periods at MHS will include semester grades and 12 week progress reports.
Eligibility may be regained after a participant demonstrates passing work in all classes after the first ten (10)
scheduled school days into the grading period. An ineligible participant cannot participate in any program’s events
during the period of ineligibility (participants may practice at the discretion of the coach and Activity Director).
The high school administration reserves the right to void eligibility requirements in special situations. The participant,
his/her parent/guardian, and the coach must schedule a meeting with the administration in such instances.
For fall sports the ineligibility period will be the lesser of:
● 21 calendar days after the earliest allowed competition in that activity.
● 1/3 of the total number of events in an activity.
NOTE: A participant must be academically eligible to participate before they may start serving a code violation.
INSURANCE
The Menasha Joint School District does not sponsor an insurance plan. The school district makes available an
insurance plan through a local agency, that can be picked up at any time in the activities office, the main office of the
high school, or when they register. If the participant’s family does have adequate insurance, a completed “Insurance
Waiver Form” must be on file in the activities office.
PARTICIPANT INJURIES
● Any participant who is injured during a practice or event must report the injury immediately to the coach/advisor,
who will refer him/her to the Licensed Athletic Trainer. The LAT has the final say on the participant’s return unless
a physician is seen.
● If the injury requires a physician’s care, an accident report must be filed by the coach/advisor with the activities
office and a physician’s permission to return letter must be presented before the participant is allowed to return.
● Should an injury be discovered after the athlete has returned home, the coach/advisor should be contacted as
soon as possible.
● In the event of any serious injury during a practice or event, the nearest emergency medical service will be
obtained.
PARTICIPANT TRAVEL
All participants in an activity scheduled away from school must travel to the event and return home from the event
under school approved supervision. Exceptions to this rule are as follows:
● The parent/guardian must make prior approved arrangements with the Activity Director in advance of the trip for
the athlete to travel with them. Release forms are available from the activities office, and this form must be on file
in the activities office the day before the event with a copy given to the coach.
● In case of a medical emergency or catastrophic event, if a parent/guardian is present at an out-of-town site, the
parent/guardian may request the student to return with them. This request must be made in writing by the
parent/guardian to the coach/advisor in charge.
EQUIPMENT
IT IS EXPECTED THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF THEIR EQUIPMENT. EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SCHOOL
EQUIPMENT ISSUED. THE PARTICIPANT IS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LOST, MISPLACED OR STOLEN EQUIPMENT. EACH PARTICIPANT
WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ISSUED. SUBSTITUTIONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
● School equipment and/or uniforms may be worn on the day of the athletic event during school hours as directed
by the head coach. It may not be worn during any physical education classes or any other period of exercise
outside the time required for practice sessions and/or game situations.
● Any participant who is found to be in possession of any school equipment from any other competing school will be
subject to the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
● A participant will not be allowed to participate in another activity until he/she has either returned or paid for all
equipment that was issued to him/her.
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PRE-SEASON MEETING
This code shall be distributed in the Menasha High School Student Handbook as well as made available to each
participant during the specific activities’ pre-season meeting or on the first day that he/she reports for a co-curricular
activity. Copies shall be placed on file with the activity director and/or principal. Participants should read all items and
ask for clarification from the coach or advisor of any items not understood.
● Parental/guardian attendance at pre-season meetings (if applicable) is required and involvement throughout the
season is encouraged. Failure of a minimum of one parent/guardian to attend the pre-season meeting will make
the participant ineligible for participation in events until the parents/guardians have satisfied the required
replacement activity for missing the meeting.
● Additional standards determined by each coach or advisor shall also be written and distributed to each participant
and parents/guardians at this time.
● Requirements for receiving athletic awards and special program awards for participating in an activity (if such
awards are given) shall be presented at the pre-season meeting or made available to the participants and
parents/guardians by the advisor at the group’s first organizational meeting.
DEFINITION OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular activities include any school-related, organized activity that is offered outside of academic class
requirements. Co-curricular activities are divided into three distinct categories, each of which will be explained in the
sections that follow. School district policies and school rules govern all student activities. In addition, each category
has unique rules and expectations, which regulate participation. Suspensions will be cumulative over a participant’s
high school career.
GUIDELINES FOR MINIMUM PENALTIES
All code penalties are superseded by the Menasha Joint School District’s policy, which specifies penalties dealing with
students who sell, possess, exchange, distribute or illegally use alcohol or drugs on school premises or at a
school-related activity. A participant suspended or expelled from school shall be barred from participation in
co-curricular activities during that period of time. However, if the suspension is for a shorter period of time than the
co-curricular code dictates, the code penalty shall prevail.
Failure to abide by established rules shall result in withdrawal of the privilege to participate. Suspension from activities
will be based on a percentage of the number of contests/events scheduled for that season. The activities that allow for
multiple-school meets at the high school level will be based on the total number of contests. All other activities will be
based on the number of scheduled events.
An official athletic season ends on the date of the sport specific athletic banquet or the date at which individual and
team awards are presented.
For any violation, the following guidelines are established, setting forth the m inimum penalty that shall be imposed.
The high school administration expressly reserves the right to impose a penalty it deems appropriate for each
individual situation and case.
CATEGORY 1 – ATHLETICS, SPIRIT TEAM, & PERFORMANCE TEAM
Interscholastic athletics are governed by the Menasha Joint School District co-curricular code and the Wisconsin
Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA). The WIAA is a voluntary, incorporated, and nonprofit organization located
in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. All public high schools in the State of Wisconsin with interscholastic athletic programs
are members. All WIAA and other pertinent national and state governing regulations as published will apply, and are
available upon request. The WIAA website, which lists their regulations as well as additional athletic information, is
www.wiaawi.org
Fall: Boys - C ross Country, Football, Soccer, Spirit Team
Girls – Cross Country, Tennis, Volleyball, Spirit Team
Winter: Boys – Basketball, Performance Team, Wrestling
Girls – Basketball, Performance Team, Wrestling
Spring: Boys - B aseball, Golf, Tennis, Track
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Girls – Soccer, Softball, Track
CATEGORY 1 ACTIVITIES~ DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Participants will be suspended from all Category 1 activities in which they are involved at the time of the suspension
or their next activity season if they are not currently out for an activity. N ote: Any non-sanctioned event by the
WIAA does not count as part of the suspension. Also, any student who attends a school sponsored event or
is on school district property under the influence or in possession of alcohol or any other drug will have their
suspension automatically increased to the next highest possible penalty.
1. First Offense – The participant will be suspended from 25% of the season with carry-over into the next season
if necessary and must also have an AODA assessment completed through student services prior to
returning to activity. Attendance at all practices is required during the suspension, and the participant must
complete the season in good standing.
2. Second Offense – The participant will be suspended from 50% of the season with carry-over into the next
season, if necessary. Attendance at all practices is required during the suspension, and the participant must
complete the season in good standing. I f the offense is AODA related, the participant must have a formal
AODA assessment completed (paid for by participant) at this time. Without the assessment, the
participant will be suspended for one calendar year (twelve months from the date of the offense).
3. T hird and Subsequent Offenses – The participant will be suspended for one calendar year (twelve months
from the date of the offense).
CATEGORY 2 – COMPETITIVE, LEADERSHIP, & PUBLIC RECOGNITION ACTIVITIES
Activities that are competitive in nature or which may include tryouts, as well as activities that have as their
membership representatives elected or appointed to positions of leadership and public recognition, are governed by
the same code requirements as interscholastic athletics and any applicable national or written club rules. Category 2
activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
All Class Officers, Bowling, DECA, Forensics, Mock Trial, Madrigal Singers,
Musical, National Honor Society, Play, Running Crew, Student Council, and Swing/Jazz Choir
CATEGORY 2 ACTIVITIES~ DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Participants will be suspended from all Category 2 activities in which they are involved at the time of the suspension
or their next activity if they are not currently involved in an activity at the time of the violation. N ote: any student who
attends a school sponsored event or is on school district property under the influence or in possession of
alcohol or any other drug will have their suspension automatically increased to the next highest possible
penalty.
1. First Offense – The participant will be suspended from one event, the definition of which shall be determined
by the advisor and activity director.
2. Second Offense – The participants will be suspended from two events, the definition of which shall be
determined by the advisor and activity director. If the offense is AODA related, the participant must have a
formal assessment made at this time. Without the assessment, the participant will be suspended for one
calendar year (twelve months from the date of the offense).
3. Third Offense and Subsequent Offenses – The participant will be suspended one calendar year (twelve
months from the date of the offense).
CATEGORY 3 – INTEREST CLUBS
Interest clubs are defined as those clubs generated by student or staff interest. Students participate on a voluntary
basis and are not involved in public performance. Interest clubs will be governed by school board policies, school
rules
and regulations, the written club rules, in addition to the service hours requirement listed below. If there is a need for
further actions to be taken, a building administrator shall be included in the decision. Category 3 activities include, but
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are not limited to, the following:
Anime/Manga, Art Squad, Badger State, Bowling, Car Club, CHAINS, Chess Club, Class Officers, County
Government Day, Drama/Tech Crew, FCCLA, Gamers, Gearheads, GSA, Heifer Club, Japan Club, Kendo Club,
Menasha Revelation, Mosaic Club, National Honor Society, Paintball Club, Pep Band, Powerlifting, Science Club,
Ski Club, Skills USA, Sew & So, Sportsmen’s Club, Student Council, Swing Choirs, Trap Shooting, Yearbook (The
Nicolet).
CATEGORY 3 ACTIVITIES~ DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Participants in this category will not be allowed to participate until the following service hours are completed. These
service hours cannot be used in the total of community service hours included in graduation honors. The advisor is
responsible for supervising the individual or arranging supervision during the actual time the service hours are being
completed. N ote: any student who attends a school sponsored event or is on school district property under
the influence or in possession of alcohol or any other drug will have their suspension automatically
increased to the next highest possible penalty.
1. First Offense – T he participant will need to complete 8 service hours before returning to participation.
2. Second Offense - The participant will need to complete 16 service hours before returning to participation.
If the offense is AODA related, the participant must have a formal assessment made at this time. Without
the assessment, the participant will be suspended for one calendar year (twelve months from the date of
the offense).
3. Third Offense - T he participant will be suspended one calendar year (twelve months from the date of
the offense). If the offense is a first time AODA violation, the participant must have a formal assessment
made at this time.
PROVE INNOCENCE CLAUSE – FOR POTENTIAL AODA OFFENDERS RESPONSIBLE TO THE CODE
If a participant is at a gathering where alcohol or other illegal drugs are present or introduced, he/she must leave
immediately upon gaining knowledge of the presence of the substances. If the police are summoned and the
participant is inadvertently detained while in the act of leaving under the aforementioned conditions, i t will be the
student’s responsibility to provide the burden of proof that they did not consume any alcohol or other illegal
substances. I f such proof is presented and verified, no suspension will be applied.
HONESTY CLAUSE
Participants who voluntarily turn themselves in to high school administrators, and/or their head coach or advisor (in
which case the participant must be suspended from participation until reported to an administrator), p rior to the
school obtaining any information, and who do not attempt to deceive or mislead school officials, will receive
consideration for reduction in the length of suspension from activities. Voluntary disclosure does not apply if
school personnel observed the violation. A lso, voluntary disclosure must be made prior to any questioning by
an administrator.
Voluntary disclosure requires the student to report the violation by the start of the next school day or regular
scheduled practice/event, whichever comes first (this includes practices/events held during a scheduled school
vacation such as holiday breaks, spring break, etc.). Voluntary disclosure by the student for a code violation during
the summer vacation period must be reported to the high school administration or an administrative secretary by the
morning of the next week day. Violations that occur on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) must be reported by
the morning of the following Monday.
IMPACT OF QUIT/REMOVAL
A student who is dropped from one athletic activity for disciplinary reasons shall be ineligible to participate in another
activity during that season.
A student who quits a seasonal athletic activity shall be ineligible to participate in another activity during that season,
unless he/she receives consent from the coaches involved. This does not apply if the activity meets all year or if a
47
student is cut from a team. If eligibility is denied by a coach, the coach will meet with the administrative team to justify
their position.
EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Participants are expected to follow all school rules and to display high standards of behavior, including good
sportsmanship, respect for others, and use of appropriate language and dress at all times. Participants must refrain
from any conduct at any time that would reflect unsatisfactorily on him/her or the school. Conduct which would reflect
unsatisfactorily on a participant or on the school includes, but is not limited to the following:
● A criminal offense or violation of an ordinance having a statutory counterpart.
● Possession, use, sale or purchase of any controlled substance/intoxicant or illegal drug paraphernalia.
Controlled substances/intoxicants include, but are not limited to, alcoholic beverages (many non-alcoholic
beers do contain alcohol), illegal drugs, mood altering substances, anabolic steroids or prescribed and
over-the-counter medications used in a manner other than that for which they were prescribed.
● Discrimination, harassment, h azing, violence, aggression or threatening behavior to others.
● Purchase, use, or possession of tobacco products in any form.
● Hosting, sponsoring, organizing or attending a party/gathering at which alcohol or drugs are being used,
consumed or offered.
● Insubordination while participating in an activity.
● Illegal or inappropriate behavior posted on the internet.
● Illegal or inappropriate use of personal cell phones or other electronic devices.
Any participant arrested for and/or charged with a felony will be suspended indefinitely from participation in any
activities, in any capacity, including practices and rehearsals, pending an investigation by the authorities and/or the
dismissal of said charges or a finding of not guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any participant found guilty of
a felony will not be allowed to participate in any activities, in any capacity, until the court appointed sanctions are
completed.
Any situation or problem that may arise that is not specifically covered above may be reviewed by the high school
administration for possible action. Coaches/advisors may adopt appropriate rules and disciplinary action for violations
of their activity rules; however, these rules must not be in conflict with the code of conduct and must be approved by
the building administration.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUSPENSION
Participants representing the Menasha Joint School District by their involvement in the activities program are
expected to be law-abiding students. A participant is expected to follow school rules and policies applicable to all
students. An administrative suspension or dismissal from participation may be administered for actions such as:
● Flagrant violation of attendance, behavior, or safety rules.
● Vandalism or theft involving property of the Menasha Joint School District or other school districts.
● Gross misconduct, acts of violence, vandalism or theft outside of school jurisdiction.
PROCESS FOR DETERMINING VIOLATION OF RULES AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
● Any complaint/referral concerning a code violation shall be made in writing, signed by the complainant, and
presented to the high school administration within 30 calendar days of the violation in order to be processed.
● Any time the high school administration receives information from a police report or newspaper article
pertaining to a violation of the code, the 30 calendar days stated above does not apply, and the information
will be processed by the administration as a code violation.
● The high school administration or their designee shall investigate the referral and give the participant involved
an opportunity to present a response.
48
● If an investigation by the appropriate administrator and/or designee determines that a participant in question
did commit a violation, the participant will be orally notified of the determination and penalty within two school
days.
● Suspension takes effect at the time that the oral notification is given to the participant or written notification is
mailed to his/her address of record, whichever is first.
● Every attempt will be made by school administration to inform the parents/guardians via phone after a
decision has been made and the participant has been informed of a code violation.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION - PROCEDURAL APPEAL PROCESS
1. Any initial appeal of the decision will be directed to the building principal and the activity director who will refer
the appeal to the Extra-Curricular Activity Council. This request must be submitted in writing within seven
days of the participant and/or parent/guardian being notified of the consequence. In the appeal, the
participant and/or parent/guardian must state what exactly is being appealed by making reference to the date
of the incident, the consequences of the violation, and the evidence the participant and/or parent/guardian
has to justify the penalty being overturned.
2. The participant and/or parent/guardian may appeal the decision of the Extra-Curricular Activity Council to the
Superintendent of Schools.
Note: The Extra-Curricular Activity Council will be designated and chaired by the high school principal or his/her
designee who is a non-voting member. The Council is the building-level appeal body designated to receive
appeals on suspensions, and they will deal with appeals from any category. The Council will consist of five
members from the current year’s coaching and advisory staff, and each will have one vote.
SIMULTANEOUS GROUP I/GROUP II CONSEQUENCES
Participants may participate in simultaneous activities; however, if a participant incurs a violation, he/she shall be
suspended according to the code of conduct for both activities (Ex: Football and DECA).
SPECIAL AWARDS RESTRICTION
Participants who violate the code of conduct will be ineligible for any special awards during the season of
participation as well as any season in which the suspension is served. No student with a Code of Conduct
violation
may be nominated for any special end of season award. This shall include, but not be limited to, MVP, MIP,
Coaches’ Award, Captain, All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State.
REGARDING ESTABLISHMENTS
Point of Clarification: Presence in bars or attendance at parties where drinking of alcoholic beverages or use of illegal
drugs is occurring is prohibited. This rule is not meant to include presence in an establishment that is primarily an
eating-place or presence in such places with parents, or to prevent being employed at such places. It also is not
meant to include presence in places like golf courses or bowling alleys where alcoholic beverages are served.
Participants should avoid placing themselves in situations where their guilt or innocence is questioned.
HOSTING A PARTY
Any participant who has a gathering at his/her home/property where alcohol or illegal drugs are being used will be
given a penalty at the next highest level above the level they would normally be suspended. Example: If a participant
hosts a party and it was his/her first violation, since the party was at the participant’s home/property, the participant
would be given a violation as his/her second offense. A participant who hosts a party may not use the honesty clause
reduction.
WEDDINGS/REUNIONS/ETC.
Participants are not prohibited from attending weddings, reunions, anniversaries or other ceremonial functions where
alcohol is served, but they may not consume alcohol or be in possession of alcoholic beverages even though they
have parental permission. Parental/guardian permission does not override the provisions of this code.
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Student_Parent Handbook 02_2019
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