Faribault Public Schools: Schools » Jefferson Elementary » About Our School

District-Wide School Board Policies

Multicultural/Gender-Fair Curriculum Policy

The Board of Education of the Faribault Public Schools affirms its commitment to provide equal educational opportunities to all students attending District schools regardless of their sex, race, disability or socioeconomic background.

The School Board and Administration will work with District Staff, community members and others to develop a written plan to assure that curriculum developed for use in District schools is done in conjunction with the State Board of Education adopted Multicultural/Gender-Fair Curriculum Rule (3500.0550) so that students and staff gain an understanding and appreciation of:

the cultural diversity of the United States which reflects the contributions by and roles open to Americans of all races and cultures
the historical and contemporary contributions of women and men to society; and
the historical and contemporary contribution to society by persons with disabilities.

The curriculum developed shall provide learning experiences and appreciation of all cultural heritages, human dignity, cultural diversity, and development of individual self-worth for students and staff; and shall promote experiences in multicultural, gender-fair activities which prepare the students to live productively in a multicultural, pluralistic society.

Weapons Policy

Possession of a weapon: Possession of a weapon is defined as any firearm, gun, knife or other sharp object, bludgeon, fighting stick or baton, brass knuckles or any other object which by its design or use could cause bodily injury or property damage. The prohibition of weapons shall include any object which could be reasonably mistaken for a weapon, including a toy gun or toy knife. Violation of this policy will result in an immediate referral to the building administrator. Parents will be contacted. Violations of this nature may result in suspension or expulsion. Please refer to ISD Policy 502.1.

Discrimination Policy

Policy 200.1 of the Board of Education, District 656, declares that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or in employment or recruitment, consideration, or selection; either full-time or part-time under any educational program or activity operated by the district.

Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to: Human Rights Officer, 333-6000, or Minnesota Department of Human Rights (612) 296-5633 or Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (612) 725-6101, and/or Director of Civil Rights, Department of HEW, Washington, D.C.

Harassment Policy Statement

School District #656 has a duty to keep the school setting free of sexual, racial, and religious harassment and violence. Students, staff, and faculty have a right to go to school or to do their work without this kind of interference. Harassment includes any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, which has the intent or effect of interfering with your education and/or work performance.

If you believe you have been harassed, you might feel confused, distressed, humiliated, guilty, ashamed or angry. Remember, you did not invite the harassment in any way. Nothing you do justifies the harassment. The harasser is at fault.

Please let someone know if you experience harassment or abuse of any kind. Talk to a teacher or the building principal, or call the Human Rights Officer at 333-6000.

Non-Custodial Parent Rights

Non-Custodial parents have the right to make inquiries and be informed by school officials respecting a child’s welfare, educational programs and status, and to attend school and teacher conferences as a matter of statutory right regardless of the desires or requests of a custodial parent.

The law states: Family Law—Chapter 668,Sec.12,Subd 3 Custody Order (a) Upon adjudging the nullity of a marriage, or in a dissolution or separation proceeding, or in a child custody proceeding, the court shall make such further order as it deems just and proper concerning: (1) the legal custody of the minor children of the parties which shall be sole or joint; (2) their physical custody and residence; and (3) their support. In determining custody, the court shall consider the best interest of each child and shall not prefer one parent over the other solely on the basis of the sex of the parent. (b) the court shall grant the following rights of each of the parties, unless specific findings are made under paragraph (c), and every custody order must include the following notice of the parties:

Notice is hereby given to the parties:
Each party has the right of access to, and to receive copies of school, medical, dental, religious training and other important records and information about the minor children. Presentation of a copy of this order to the custodian of a record or other information about the minor children constitutes sufficient authorization for the release of the record or information of the requesting party.

Each party shall keep the other party informed as to the name and address of the school of attendance of the minor children. Each party has the right to be informed by school officials about the children’s welfare, educational progress and status, and to attend school and parent-teacher conferences. The school is not required to hold a separate conference for each party.

In case of an accident or serious illness of a minor child, each party shall notify the other party of the accident or illness, and the name of the health care provider and the place of treatment. Each party has the right to reasonable access and telephone contact with minor children. The court may waive all or part of the notice required under paragraph (b) if it finds that it is necessary to protect the welfare of a party or child.

Jefferson Elementary will, on request, send report cards and hold conferences with a non-custodial parent, unless there is a court order or legally binding instrument prohibiting such contact. Our school complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. If you desire to have a copy of your child’s report card sent to a non-custodial parent, please notify us.