Activities Information

Our handbook is created for all students and parents, to provide a clear understanding of our process and procedures in an effort to inform of expectations for students, staff and parents. This handbook is reviewed annually to accurately reflect changes as we grow and change.

Download the 2024-2025 Activities Handbook

Student responsibility is vital to the success of the activities program.  Participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Follow the policies and procedures of Storm Activities, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, the Minnesota State High School League, and the Central Lakes Conference.

• Display good sportsmanship.

• Respect the judgment of supervising officials. 

• Positively represent Sauk Rapids-Rice with our language and actions.

• Communicate questions and concerns by following the Storm Activities Communication Process

• Attend all team functions (i.e. practices, competitions, lifting/training sessions, etc.)

• In unique circumstances, if a scheduling conflict arises, participants are responsible for communicating this with their coaches/advisors as soon as possible.

• Speak positively about peers, coaches, and programs

• Come prepared for practices and competitions/performances.

• Work to grow individually and support the growth of their program

• In-season sports participants will be provided a lock and an assigned locker.  Participants will be responsible for securing their belongings in their lockers.

• Return all items (uniform and equipment) issued to participants to their coach/advisor no later than one week after the participant’s final day in the program. 

  • If items are not returned, an invoice and bill will be issued to the family for replacement of the item.

Academic Eligibility and Graduation Credits

Per MSHSL Bylaws 103 and 108, in order for an individual to participate in extracurricular activities, they must be making satisfactory progress toward graduation.  The school where the student is fully enrolled and regularly attends shall determine satisfactory progress.  At Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, satisfactory progress is determined by the following criteria.

Credit Recovery

Those concerned about meeting the graduation credit thresholds are encouraged to connect with their school counselor to discuss their options.

Failures from a Previous Grading Period - Category 1 Activities

Definition - Category 1 Activities: Those school-sponsored activities in which there is a schedule of interscholastic contests, exclusive of tournaments or qualifiers.

Examples of Category 1 Activities: Baseball, Swimming & Diving, Volleyball, Speech; this is not an exhaustive list.

Any student registered for a Category 1 Activity who has failed a class in either of the two previous trimesters will serve a period of ineligibility.  That period of ineligibility will be determined by the number of total classes failed.  The participant will be ineligible for 5% of their regular season games, per each failed course, rounded to the nearest whole number.  The minimum ineligibility period is 1 contest.  The penalty will be served once and will be applied at the start of the participant’s next activity following the failed class. Similar to other activity penalties, the penalty for a failed grade will be considered served upon the participant’s successful completion of the entire season. 

Failures from a Previous Grading Period - Category 2 Activities

Definition - Category 2 Activities: Those school-sponsored activities that do not have a schedule of interscholastic events, and are exclusively comprised of qualifiers, tournaments, local performances, etc.

Examples of Category 2 Activities: Fall Musical, DECA, One-Act Play, Visual Arts; this is not an exhaustive list.

Registrants in Category 2 Activities who have failed a course(s) in the previous two trimesters will have a penalty that is determined by the Activities Director.

In-Season Academic Referrals

While a student is participating in a school-sponsored activity, they will be subject to academic referrals made by their classroom teachers or the Activities Office.  Referrals will be submitted if a student is not displaying positive academic behaviors in a class and/or not making progress toward earning a passing grade.

Each referral will be shared via email with the Activities Office, the participant's Head Coach, Director, or Lead Advisor, the student’s counselor, and the participant's parent/guardian who registers the individual for that given activity.  Participants should also anticipate a conversation with a member of the Activities Staff following each referral.

Following a 3rd referral, and each subsequent referral, in a given class, a participant will become ineligible for competition/performance for a full week.

*Participants who are ineligible for academic reasons, will not be permitted to leave school early to attend competitions.

Academic Dishonesty 

Students who knowingly commit any cheating in relation to their academic courses are considered to have committed academic dishonesty or academic misconduct. This includes all forms of plagiarism. Academic dishonesty will be assessed as a Code of Responsibilities Violation (MSHSL), where penalties will be progressive. Penalties assessed will be determined by the principal and activities director. 

MSHSL Bylaw 205 – Chemical Eligibility

1. At any time during the calendar year, a student shall not, regardless of the quantity: 

   1. use or consume, have in possession a beverage containing alcohol; 

   2. use or consume, have in possession tobacco; or, 

   3. use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away any other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia. 

   4. use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell or give away products containing or products used to deliver nicotine, tobacco products and other chemicals. “Tobacco products” means: any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether chewed, smoked, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, or any component, part or accessory of a tobacco product. 

   5. use or consume, have in possession, buy sell or give away any substance or product where the intent of such use of the substance or product is to induce intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, except under the direction and supervision of a medical doctor. Such substances or products shall include, but are not limited to, synthetic drugs, gasoline, glue, aerosol devices, bath salts, and any substances addressed by Minnesota or Federal Law.

2. Penalty: Athletic Activities

   1. First Violation Penalty 

      1. The student shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, whichever is greater, of a season in which the student is a participant.

   2. Second Violation Penalty 

      1. The student shall lose eligibility for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant.

   3. Third or Subsequent Violation Penalty 

      1. The student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant. 

      2. A student who chooses to become a participant in a treatment program may become eligible for participation after a minimum period of six weeks after entering treatment if all of the following conditions are met:

         1. The student is assessed as chemically dependent, 

         2. Enters treatment voluntarily, and 

         3. The director of the treatment center certifies that the student has successfully completed the treatment program. 

         4. The treatment option cannot be used for the first or second violation. Successful completion of a chemical dependency treatment program will satisfy only the most recent violation. Any other violations for which the penalty has not been satisfied must still be served in full.

MSHSL Bylaw 206 – Good Standing: Code of Responsibility

1. Good Standing:  In order to be eligible for regular season and MSHSL tournament competition, a student must be in good standing.  Definition:  The term “Good Standing” shall mean that the student is eligible under all of the conditions and eligibility requirements of that school as well as the eligibility requirements of the Minnesota State High School League. 

2. Student Code of Responsibilities:  Participation in interscholastic activities is a privilege, which is accompanied by responsibility.  As a student participating in MSHSL sponsored activities, I understand and accept the following responsibilities:

   1. I will respect the rights and beliefs of others and will treat others with courtesy and consideration.

   2. I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the consequences of my actions.

   3. I will respect the rights and property of others.

   4. I will respect and obey the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country.

   5. I will show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state, and country.

3. A student who is dismissed from school or who violates the Student Code of Responsibilities is not in good standing and is ineligible for a period of time as determined by the school principal acting on the authority of the local board of education. The League specifically recognizes that certain conduct requires penalties that may exceed those penalties typically imposed for first violations. For example, when a student is suspended from school the student is not in good standing and cannot begin to serve the participation penalty until the student has completed the suspension from school and is returned to good standing.

Student Ejection From a Contest 

1. During the Regular Season: A student-athlete who is ejected from a game/meet, shall not participate in a game/meet for the remainder of that day. The student is also suspended from the next scheduled, rescheduled, or contracted game/meet at that level of competition and all games/meets in the interim at other levels of competition. 
2. The second and subsequent violations carry a four regularly scheduled game/meet ineligibility penalty. 
3. During the League Tournament Series (Subsection, Section and State Tournament): A student-athlete who is ejected from a game, meet or individual competition shall not participate in a game, meet or individual round of competition for the remainder of that day. The student is also suspended from the next scheduled round of team or individual competition in that tournament series.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Code of Conduct is a guide to student behavior. The Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Board of Education creates and adopts policies to guide the actions of everyone in the district. The district team develops procedures to show how these policies will be implemented in the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools and the superintendent, principals and program administrators can then add specific school guidelines and expectations. Teachers and other staff work with students to set and follow the expectations for how they work together in each classroom. Adult staff members are held to high standards of behavior and are subject to all applicable laws, board of education policies and human resources’ rules and practices. 

The rules and regulations regarding student behavior and discipline in this document fulfill the board of education’s policies as stated in Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Board Policies. 

DOWNLOAD THE CODE OF CONDUCT

MSHSL Bylaw 209 - Sexual/Racial/Religious Harassment/Violence and Hazing 

1. A student shall not engage in sexual, racial or religious harassment or sexual, racial, religious violence or hazing during the school year or any portion of an activity season that occurs prior to the start of the school year or after the close of the school year. 

2. Sexual, Racial, Religious Harassment and Hazing Violations 

   1. Penalty for Category I Activities:  Sexual, Racial, Religious Harassment and or Hazing Violations.  

      1. First Violation: The student shall lose eligibility for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, of a season in which the student is a participant, whichever is greater.  

      2. Second Violation: The student shall lose eligibility for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21  calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant.  

      3. Third or Subsequent Violations: The student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater, in which the student is a participant.  

      4. Progressive Penalties: Penalties for sexual harassment violations shall be progressive beginning with the first violation and continuing throughout the student’s high school career. Penalties shall be served consecutively. 

   2. Penalty for Category II Activities: Sexual, Racial, Religious Harassment and or Hazing Violations.  Each member school shall develop penalties which it will apply to the participants in these activities. A current copy of the member school’s policy shall be kept on file in the member school. 

3. Sexual, Racial, Religious Violence and or Hazing Violations: 

   1. Penalty for Category I and II Activities: 

      1. The student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 calendar months.

A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships.

PRINTABLE PDF

1. PURPOSE
   
   A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with a student’s ability to learn and/or a teacher’s ability to educate students in a safe environment. The school district cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, the school district intends to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond to and remediate, and discipline for those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. The purpose of this policy is to assist the school district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, reprisal, retaliation, and other similar disruptive and detrimental behavior.
    
2. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
    
   1. An act of bullying, by either an individual student or a group of students, is expressly prohibited:
      1. on school premises, at school functions or activities, or on the school transportation.
          
      2. by the use of electronic technology and communications on the school premises, during the school functions or activities, on the school transportation, or on the school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists; or
          
      3. by use of electronic technology and communications off the school premises to the extent such use substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the school environment.
          
   2. A school-aged child who voluntarily participates in a public school activity, such as a cocurricular or extracurricular activity, is subject tot he policy provisions applicable to the public school students participating in the activity.
       
   3. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying.  This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place constitutes bullying or other prohibited conduct that interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the school district or the safety or welfare of any student, or materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. This policy also applies to an act of cyberbullying regardless of whether such act is committed on or off school district property and/or with or without the use of school district resources. This policy also applies to sexual exploitation.
       
   4. Malicious and sadistic conduct involving race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, religion, sexual harassment, and sexual orientation and gender identity as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 363A is prohibited.  This prohibition applies to students, independent contractors, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
       
   5. No teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district shall, permit, condone, or tolerate bullying.
       
   6. Apparent permission or consent by a student being bullied does not lessen or negate the prohibitions contained in this policy.
       
   7. Retaliation against a victim, good faith reporter, or a witness of bullying is prohibited.
       
   8. False accusations or reports of bullying against another student are prohibited.
       
   9. A person who engages in an act of bullying, reprisal, retaliation, or false reporting of bullying or permits, condones, or tolerates bullying shall be subject to discipline or other remedial responses for that act in accordance with the school district’s policies and procedures, including the school district’s discipline policy (See Policy 506). The school district may take into account the following factors:
       
      1. The developmental ages and maturity levels of the parties involved;
          
      2. The levels of harm, surrounding circumstances, and nature of the behavior;
          
      3. Past incidences or past or continuing patterns of behavior;
          
      4. The relationship between the parties involved; and
          
      5. The context in which the alleged incidents occurred.
         
         Consequences for students who commit prohibited acts of bullying may range from remedial responses or positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. The school district shall employ research-based developmentally appropriate best practices that include preventative and remedial measures and effective discipline for deterring violations of this policy, apply throughout the school district, and foster student, parent, and community participation.
         
         Consequences for employees who permit, condone, or tolerate bullying or engage in an act of reprisal or intentional false reporting of bullying may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or discharge.
         
         Consequences for other individuals engaging in prohibited acts of bullying may include, but not be limited to, exclusion from school district property and events.
          
   10. The school district will act to investigate all complaints of bullying reported to the school district and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who is found to have violated this policy.
        
3. DEFINITIONS
   
   For purposes of this policy, the definitions included in this section apply.
    
   1. “Bullying,” means intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:
      1. an actual or perceived imbalance of power exists between the student engaging in the prohibited conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; or
          
      2. materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges.
         
         The term, “bullying,” specifically includes cyberbullying, malicious and sadistic conduct and sexual exploitation.
          
   2. “Cyberbullying” means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of a sign, signal, writing, image, sound, or data, including a post on a social network Internet website or forum, transmitted through a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device. The term applies to prohibited conduct which occurs on school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, on school transportation, or on school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists, or off school premises to the extent that it substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the school environment.
       
   3. “Immediately” means as soon as possible but in no event longer than 24 hours.
       
   4. “Intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct” means, but is not limited to, conduct that does the following:
       
      1. Causes physical harm to a student or a student’s property or causes a student to be in reasonable fear of harm to person or property;
          
      2. Under Minnesota common law, violates a student’s reasonable expectation of privacy, defames a student, or constitutes intentional infliction of emotional distress against a student; or
          
      3. Is directed at any student or students, including those based on a person’s actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, sex, marital status, familial status, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, academic status related to student performance, disability, or status with regard to public assistance, age, or any additional characteristic defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA).  However, prohibited conduct need not be based on any particular characteristic defined in this paragraph or the MHRA.
          
   5. "Malicious and sadistic conduct" means creating a hostile learning environment by acting with the intent to cause harm by intentionally injuring another without just cause or reason or engaging in extreme or excessive cruelty or delighting in cruelty.
       
   6. “On school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, or on school transportation” means all school district buildings, school grounds, and school property or property immediately adjacent to school grounds, school bus stops, school buses, school vehicles, school contracted vehicles, or any other vehicles approved for school district purposes, the area of entrance or departure from school grounds, premises, or events, and all school-related functions, school-sponsored activities, events, or trips. School district property also may mean a student’s walking route to or from school for purposes of attending school or school-related functions, activities, or events.  While prohibiting bullying at these locations and events, the school district does not represent that it will provide supervision or assume liability at these locations and events.
       
   7. “Prohibited conduct” means bullying or cyberbullying, malicious and sadistic conduct, and sexual exploitation, or retaliation or reprisal for asserting, alleging, reporting, or providing information about such conduct or knowingly making a false report about prohibited conduct.
       
   8. “Remedial response” means a measure to stop and correct prohibited conduct, prevent prohibited conduct from recurring, and protect, support, and intervene on behalf of a student who is the target or victim of prohibited conduct.
       
   9. H. “Student” means a student enrolled in a public school or a charter school.
       
4. REPORTING PROCEDURE
    
   1. Any person who believes they have been the target or victim of bullying or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying or prohibited conduct under this policy shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy.  A person may report bullying anonymously. However, the school district may not rely solely on an anonymous report to determine discipline or other remedial responses.
       
   2. The school district encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal or building supervisor of each building or available in the school district office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well.
       
   3. The building principal, the principal’s designee, or the building supervisor (hereinafter the “building report taker”) is the person responsible for receiving reports of bullying or other prohibited conduct at the building level.  Any person may report bullying or other prohibited conduct directly to a school district human rights officer or the superintendent.  If the complaint involves the building report taker, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with the superintendent or the school district human rights officer by the reporting party or complainant.
      
      The building report taker shall ensure that this policy and its procedures, practices, consequences, and sanctions are fairly and fully implemented and shall serve as the primary contact on policy and procedural matters. The building report taker or a third party designated by the school district shall be responsible for the investigation. The building report taker shall provide information about available community resources to the target or victim of the bullying or other prohibited conduct, the perpetrator, and other affected individuals as appropriate.
       
   4. A teacher, school administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other school employee shall be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, or events that might include bullying.  Any such person who witnesses, observes, receives a report of, or has other knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying or other prohibited conduct shall make reasonable efforts to address and resolve the bullying or prohibited conduct and shall inform the building report taker immediately.  School district personnel who fail to inform the building report taker of conduct that may constitute bullying or other prohibited conduct or who fail to make reasonable efforts to address and resolve the bullying or prohibited conduct in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action.
       
   5. Reports of bullying or other prohibited conduct are classified as private educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law.  The building report taker, in conjunction with the responsible authority, shall be responsible for keeping and regulating access to any report of bullying and the record of any resulting investigation.
       
   6. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying or other prohibited conduct will not affect the complainant’s or reporter’s future employment, grades, work assignments, or educational or work environment.
       
   7. The school district will respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the school district’s obligation to investigate, take appropriate action, and comply with any legal disclosure obligations.
       
5. SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION
    
   1. Within three days of the receipt of a complaint or report of bullying or other prohibited conduct, the school district shall undertake or authorize an investigation investigation by the building report taker or a third party designated by the school district.
       
   2. The building report taker or other appropriate school district officials may take immediate steps, at their discretion, to protect the target or victim of the bullying or other prohibited conduct, the complainant, the reporter, students and/or others, pending completion of an investigation of the bullying or other prohibited conduct, consistent with applicable law.
       
   3. The alleged perpetrator of the bullying or other prohibited conduct shall be allowed the opportunity to present a defense during the investigation or prior to the imposition of discipline or other remedial responses.
       
   4. Upon completion of an investigation that determines that bullying or other prohibited conduct has occurred, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to try to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited conduct. Remedial responses to the bullying or other prohibited conduct shall be tailored to the particular incident and nature of the conduct and shall take into account the factors specified in Section II.F. of this policy. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements; applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; the student discipline policy (See MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506) and other applicable school district policies and applicable regulations.
       
   5. The school district is not authorized to disclose to a victim private educational or personnel data regarding an alleged perpetrator who is a student or employee of the school district. School officials are encouraged to notify the parent(s) or guardian(s) of students who are targets of bullying or other prohibited conduct and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of alleged perpetrators of bullying or other prohibited conduct who have been involved in a reported and confirmed bullying incident of the remedial or disciplinary action taken, to the extent permitted by law.
       
   6. In order to prevent or respond to bullying or other prohibited conduct committed by or directed against a child with a disability, the school district shall, when determined appropriate by the child’s individualized education program (IEP) team or Section 504 team, allow the child’s IEP or Section 504 plan to be drafted to address the skills and proficiencies the child needs as a result of the child’s disability to allow the child to respond to or not to engage in bullying or other prohibited conduct.
       
6. RETALIATION OR REPRISAL
   
   The school district will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other employee of the school district who commits an act of reprisal or who retaliates against any person who asserts, alleges, or makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or prohibited conduct, who provides information about bullying or prohibited conduct, who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation of alleged bullying or prohibited conduct, or who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such bullying or prohibited conduct. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, harassment, or intentional disparate treatment. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to deter violations and to appropriately discipline the individual(s) who engaged in the prohibited conduct. Remedial responses to the prohibited conduct shall be tailored to the particular incident and nature of the conduct and shall take into account the factors specified in Section II.F. of this policy.
    
7. TRAINING AND EDUCATION
    
   1. The school district shall discuss this policy with school personnel and volunteers and provide appropriate training to school district personnel regarding this policy. The school district shall establish a training cycle for school personnel to occur during a period not to exceed every three school years.  Newly employed school personnel must receive the training within the first year of their employment with the school district. The school district or a school administrator may accelerate the training cycle or provide additional training based on a particular need or circumstance. This policy should be included in employee handbooks, training materials, and publications on school rules, procedures, and standards of conduct, which materials shall also be used to publicize this policy.
       
   2. The school district shall require ongoing professional development, consistent with Minnesota Statutes section122A.60, to build the skills of all school personnel who regularly interact with students to identify, prevent, and appropriately address bullying and other prohibited conduct. Such professional development includes, but is not limited to, the following:
       
      1. Developmentally appropriate strategies both to prevent and to immediately and effectively intervene to stop prohibited conduct;
          
      2. The complex dynamics affecting a perpetrator, target, and witnesses to prohibited conduct;
          
      3. Research on prohibited conduct, including specific categories of students at risk for perpetrating or being the target or victim of bullying or other prohibited conduct in school;
          
      4. The incidence and nature of cyberbullying; and
          
      5. Internet safety and cyberbullying.
          
   3. The school district will provide education and information to students regarding bullying, including information regarding this school district policy prohibiting bullying, the harmful effects of bullying, and other applicable initiatives to prevent bullying and other prohibited conduct.
       
   4. The administration of the school district is encouraged to implement programs and other initiatives to prevent bullying, to respond to bullying in a manner that does not stigmatize the target or victim, and to make resources or referrals to resources available to targets or victims of bullying.
       
   5. The administration is encouraged to provide developmentally appropriate instruction and is directed to review programmatic instruction to determine if adjustments are necessary to help students identify and prevent or reduce bullying and other prohibited conduct, to value diversity in school and society, to develop and improve students’ knowledge and skills for solving problems, managing conflict, engaging in civil discourse, and recognizing, responding to, and reporting bullying or other prohibited conduct, and to make effective prevention and intervention programs available to students.
      
      The administration is encouraged to establish strategies for creating a positive school climate and use evidence-based social-emotional learning to prevent and reduce discrimination and other improper conduct.
      
      The administration is encouraged, to the extent practicable, to take such actions as it may deem appropriate to accomplish the following:
       
      1. Engage all students in creating a safe and supportive school environment;
          
      2. Partner with parents and other community members to develop and implement prevention and intervention programs;
          
      3. Engage all students and adults in integrating education, intervention, and other remedial responses into the school environment;
          
      4. Train student bystanders to intervene in and report incidents of bullying and other prohibited conduct to the schools’ primary contact person;
          
      5. Teach students to advocate for themselves and others;
          
      6. Prevent inappropriate referrals to special education of students who may engage in bullying or other prohibited conduct; and
          
      7. Foster student collaborations that, in turn, foster a safe and supportive school climate.
          
   6. The school district may implement violence prevention and character development education programs to prevent or reduce policy violations.  Such programs may offer instruction on character education including, but not limited to, character qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, self-discipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness.
       
   7. The school district shall inform affected students and their parents of rights they may have under state and federal data practices laws to obtain access to data related to an incident and their right to contest the accuracy or completeness of the data.  The school district may accomplish this requirement by inclusion of all or applicable parts of its protection and privacy of pupil records policy (See Policy 515) in the student handbook.
       
8. NOTICE
    
   1. The school district will give annual notice of this policy to students, parents or guardians, and staff, and this policy shall appear in the student handbook.
       
   2. This policy must be posted throughout each school building, on the district website, in the administrative offices of the district and in the office of each school on the school district website.
       
   3. This policy must be distributed to each school or district employee and independent contractor at the time of hiring or contracting. 
       
   4. Notice of the rights and responsibilities of students and their parents under this policy should be included in the student discipline policy (See Policy 506) distributed and/or made available to parents at the beginning of each school year.
       
   5. This policy shall be available to all parents and other school community members in an electronic format in the language appearing on the school district’s website.
       
   6. Each school must develop a process for discussing this policy with students, parents/guardians of students, independent contractors, and school employees.
       
   7. The school district shall provide an electronic copy of its most recently amended policy to the Commissioner of Education.
       
9. POLICY REVIEW
   
   To the extent practicable, the school board shall, on a cycle consistent with other school district policies, review and revise this policy. The policy shall be made consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.031 and 121A.0312 other applicable law.
    

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act)
Minn. Stat. § 120A.05, Subds. 9, 11, 13, and 17 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.232 (Character Development Education)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.03 (Model Policy)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.031 (School Student Bullying Policy)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.0312 (Malicious and Sadistic Content)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.0311 (Notice of the Rights and Responsibilities of Students and Parents under the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act)
Minn. Stat. §§ 121A.40-121A.56 (Pupil Fair Dismissal Act)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.69 (Hazing Policy)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 124E (Charter Schools)
Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A (Minnesota Human Rights Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq. (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
34 C.F.R. §§ 99.1 - 99.67 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy)

Cross References:

MSBA/MASA Model Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School District Employees)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 413 (Harassment and Violence)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 414 (Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 415 (Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 423 (Employee-Student Relationships)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 501 (School Weapons Policy)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 506 (Student Discipline)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 507 (Corporal Punishment)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 522 (Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 525 (Violence Prevention)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 526 (Hazing Prohibition)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 529 (Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 709 (Student Transportation Safety Policy)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 711 (Video Recording on School Buses)
MSBA/MASA Model Policy 712 (Video Surveillance Other Than on Buses)
 

Adopted/Revised/Reviewed:

ISD 47 Revised 03.11.13
ISD 47 Revised 03.10.14
ISD 47 Revised 07.21.14
ISD 47 Revised 07.20.15
ISD 47 Revised 06.20.16
ISD 47 Revised 07.17.17
ISD 47 Revised 05.14.18
ISD 47 Reviewed 05.13.19
ISD 47 Reviewed 08.10.20
ISD 47 Revised 06.21.21
ISD 47 Revised 04.25.22
ISD 47 Revised 06.27.22
ISD 47 Revised 08.07.23

School Day Attendance 

Any unexcused absence during the school day may impact participation in activities. School-sponsored activities are considered class periods. No early release will be given for students leaving for an activity to get clothes, food, et cetera.

Practice/Competition Attendance

Activities participants are obligated to regularly attend all practices, competitions, and performances.  Absences and tardies, whether excused or unexcused, will impact participation. Unexcused absences will almost certainly result in a participant missing a competition.  Consistent attendance is critical to the overall success of Storm Activities, because:

• Important information is shared at each practice, competition, and performance

• Practices prepare individuals to be both safe and help their programs be competitive/successful

• Consistent attendance demonstrates accountability, a desire for growth, and pride

It is possible of course that emergencies may arise, e.g. illness, death in the family, etc, that render it impossible for a participant to attend.  Absences though should be few and far between and, if necessary, arranged with the coach as soon as possible.

If and when your family considers scheduling vacations, non-emergency appointments, driver’s tests, etc., know that these are considered unexcused absences.

Individuals who anticipate consistent scheduling conflicts due to their participation in multiple, same-season activities, must communicate these conflicts with their program’s head coach/advisor to determine if participation in both of those activities is viable. 

Illness

Any individual who is absent due to illness must be in attendance by period 3, and complete the school day in order to compete, practice, or perform that day.

Coaches/Advisors have the right and responsibility to remove participants from their team who are not meeting team rules and guidelines. The coach/advisor will contact the activities director and parents/guardians about the suspension or dismissal.

Removing a participant from the activity for more than one day requires that the coach/advisor meet with the activities director to discuss the situation.  At this meeting, the coach/advisor may request that the participant be removed for a longer period of time, a plan to discuss the situation with parents/guardians will be made and the future participation of the student will be discussed.

When a student is in violation of the MSHSL eligibility rules, due process, as defined in the MSHSL handbook, will be followed.

Medical Notes

(*Medical doctor, clinical psychologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner who has seen or treated the student) 

Concussions

If a student is suspected of having a concussion or has been diagnosed with a concussion, it is mandatory that the student is seen by a medical professional (doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner) to be cleared to return to action. This clearance must come from a medical practice office to the activities office or main school office, via hard copy, email, or fax upon the student’s return to school. Return to Play plans will be enacted on any student that has been diagnosed with a concussion and should be given by the participant’s doctor. Coaches, parents/guardians and athletic trainers may not clear a student to return to action after they have been diagnosed with a concussion.

Earning a varsity letter entails demonstrating Character, Commitment, and Contribution to a varsity program. 

The opportunity to receive a Sauk Rapids-Rice Activities Letter is provided to individuals who participate in school-sponsored and school-operated activities.

General Lettering Criteria:

• Meet program-specific participation requirements

• Any participant who is eligible and becomes ineligible due to a MSHSL violation will forfeit their opportunity to letter in that activity.

• Competed or performed at the highest level Sauk Rapids-Rice offered in a given activity.

• Had zero unexcused absences from practices/competitions/performances/etc.

Coaches/Advisors have the ability to elevate an individual to earn a letter, but do not have the ability to remove a letter from an individual who met this criterion.

Definition: In Sauk Rapids-Rice Activities, being a captain means a participant:

• Is committed to their program and their growth as a leader

• Leads by example in their academic performance

• Display the school’s core values of student engagement, respect, and responsibility

Captainship is earned by meeting the following criteria.

Junior Criteria 

• Must have participated in the activity during the previous school year

• Must have achieved a 3.00 or higher GPA during their sophomore year

• Must have less than two (2) major discipline referrals (during student’s sophomore and junior years combined)

• No school suspensions during sophomore or junior year (in school or out of school) 

• No MSHSL chemical violations and no MSHSL Code of Responsibility Violations during sophomore or junior year 

• Consistently meets the school’s core values of student engagement, respect, and responsibility

• Meets individual program criteria

Senior Criteria 

• Must have participated in the activity during the previous school year

• Must have achieved a 3.00 or higher GPA during their sophomore year

• Must have less than two (2) major discipline referrals (during student’s sophomore and junior years combined)

• No school suspensions during sophomore or junior year (in school or out of school) 

• No MSHSL chemical violations and No MSHSL Code of Responsibility Violations during sophomore or junior year 

• Consistently meets the school’s core values of student engagement, respect, and responsibility

• Meets individual program criteria

*Programs have the ability to select “Lead Captains” from those who meet the captainship criteria.  Responsibilities for captains and lead captains will be determined by individual programs.

All participants are expected to ride district transportation (bus, van or suburban) with the team to and from events on trips where transportation is provided by the district.  Under no circumstances should a coach/advisor permit a student to arrive or leave from a contest with other students or to drive themselves when district transportation is provided. Any transportation outside of the team-provided transportation to and from events must be arranged ahead of time and approved with the activities office via email communication.

7-12 Combined Programs: Dance, Cross Country, Swimming, Gymnastics

These programs have combined middle and high school levels to ensure opportunity for all students. In 7–12 combined programs, students are eligible to compete without the use of the acceleration protocol.

9-12 Programs without Middle School Programs: One-Act Play, Hockey (10-12), Lacrosse

Students in 7th and 8th grade are strongly encouraged to participate in programs available at their level. While MSHSL rules state that all 7-12 students are eligible to participate in the 9-12 program, these activities will follow the acceleration protocol listed below.

9-12 Programs with Separate Middle School Programs: Tennis, Soccer, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, Speech, Track & Field, Wrestling

Guideline:  It is the general protocol of Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools not to accelerate students from middle school programs to high school MSHSL programs.

The decision to accelerate students from the middle school program to the high school program should be taken seriously by examining the following considerations:

• Physical abilities and emotional needs of the student(s)

• Effect on both middle school and high school programs

• Safety of the student and participants in that program

• Academic performance of the student(s)

Procedure for Acceleration:  In the rare instances where acceleration will be considered from a middle school program to a high school program, these procedures must be followed:

The head coach will initiate in writing the proposed acceleration to both the middle school and high school activities directors. 

• The two activities directors will conduct a review to determine the feasibility of the proposed acceleration according to the guidelines established.  The decision to accelerate must be reached through consensus.

• If the recommendation is to further consider acceleration, the parents/guardians and the student will then be notified by the high school activities director.  If the parents/guardians and student do not concur with the recommendation, the process ends.  If the student and their parents/guardians concur with a recommendation to accelerate, the student will be moved to the appropriate level.

• Once the student has been accelerated, the student will have a two-week evaluation period.  At the end of that time, a final decision on placement for the season shall be made.

• If a student-athletes is accelerated to the High School level, and spends a majority of their season at the High School level, they will be required to pay the High School Activity free.

Questions and Clarifications

At any time throughout the year, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their program's coach/director when they have questions or are seeking clarification.  Asking these questions supports alignment and a shared understanding. 

Parent/Coach Communication

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefit to children.

As parents, when your children become involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your child’s program.

Communication You Should Expect from the Coach

1. Locations and times of all practices and contests
2. Team requirements, i.e., special equipment, etc
3. Criteria for awards that will be presented at the end of the season
4. Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation

Participants will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives while in activities. It is important to understand that there may also be times when things do not go the way you or your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged.

Appropriate Concerns to Discuss with Coaches

1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically
2. Ways to help your child improve
3. Concerns about your child’s behavior

Issues NOT Appropriate to Discuss with Coaches

1. Playing time
2. Team strategy
3. Play calling
4. Other student-athletes

Questions and Clarifications

At any time throughout the year, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their program's coach/director when they have questions or are seeking clarification.  Asking these questions supports alignment and a shared understanding. 

It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you had hoped s/he would play. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for the team and for all of the individuals involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things must be left to the discretion of the coach.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach, the participant, and the parent. These interactions are encouraged. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern.

If You Have a Concern to Discuss with a Coach, Please Follow This Procedure:

1. Email to set up an appointment with the coach.
2. If the coach cannot be reached, please email the Activities Director.
3. DO NOT attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both parents and coaches. These types of confrontations do not promote a positive resolution to any concern.

If You Have a Concern about a Coach or Directors Conduct, Please Email the Activities Director.  This conduct will be investigated, and, if a meeting is deemed necessary, one will be scheduled.

All equipment and supplies that are purchased by the school district or booster clubs for district programs, are property of the district. Any equipment or supplies handed out to participants is to be returned to the head coach, or designee, at the end of the participant’s season. 

Storm Activity programs may issue equipment and/or uniforms during this season. All items issued to participants are to be returned no later than one week after the participant’s final day in the program. If items are not returned, a charge will be issued to the family for replacement of the item. Middle school uniforms average $75 for replacement, and high school uniforms average approximately $150 - $200 to replace per uniform color. Also, any equipment not returned will be subject to family replacement at a single item cost.