Student Handbook

It is expected that all submitted schoolwork represents the original effort of each individual student. Students, teachers, and parents / guardians all serve important roles in promoting academic integrity and encouraging honest academic exploration among students. A student is subject to disciplinary action for any or all forms of academic dishonesty; therefore, it is important students, teachers, and parents understand their roles in the policy outlined below.

The following are examples of academic dishonesty:

1. Giving or receiving unauthorized aid on quizzes, tests, exams in person or via electronic devices
2. Plagiarism (using someone else’s words or ideas as one’s own)
3. Copying someone else’s homework or other work
4. Allowing your work to be copied
5. Fabrication of data and/or citations
6. Group work on individual assignments
7. Forging information and presenting it to administrators, teachers, or other staff members
8. Turning in the same work in multiple classes without teacher approval
9. Parents completing a student’s school work
10. Purchasing papers/assignments online
11. Cutting and pasting information into assignments without proper citation
12. Using notes or reference materials in an unauthorized manner
13. Using translation tools on foreign language assignments
14. Using any and all Artificial Intelligence tools, without the explicit knowledge and consent of the teacher, (e.g. ChatGPT), essay writing services (e.g. Chegg, Course Hero) or math programs, to guide, brainstorm, draft, or create student work related to any formative or summative assessment.

Responsibilities of Students, Staff, and Parents

Student Responsibilities:  Students will adhere to the guidelines of the academic honesty policy by completing all assignments honestly and of their own accord.

Staff Responsibilities:  Teachers will review the academic honesty policy with students and outline the policy’s specific applications to their classes. Teachers and administrators are expected to enforce the academic honesty policy. Administrators will inform the teachers of students who have multiple formative or summative violations when a new violation is recorded in Infinite Campus.

Parent / Guardian Responsibilities:  Parents / guardians will adopt the guidelines of the academic honesty policy, accept its enforcement, and encourage students to practice academic honesty at school and at home.

Procedures for dealing with alleged academic dishonesty on Formative Assignments:

First and Second Violation on a Formative Assignment in Same Class

1. The teacher who suspects the alleged dishonesty will investigate and discuss the concern with the individual student. The student is provided their due process and a chance to respond to the allegation.
2. If the allegation is confirmed, the teacher will contact the parents/guardians about the violation, and a behavior referral is submitted in Infinite Campus.
3. A grade of “0” (zero) will be issued for the assignment in Infinite Campus and there is no ability to retake or resubmit the assignment.

Third Violation or more on a Formative Assignment in Same Class

1. Follow the same procedures as the first and second offenses.
2. The third violation becomes a violation of the activities code.

Procedures for dealing with alleged academic dishonesty on Summative Assessments:

First Violation on a Summative Assessment in a Class

1. The teacher who suspects the alleged dishonesty will investigate and discuss the concern with the individual student. The student is provided their due process and a chance to respond to the allegation.
2. If the allegation is confirmed, the teacher will contact the parents/guardians about the violation, and a behavior referral is submitted in Infinite Campus.
3. A grade of  “M” (Missing) will be issued for the assignment in Infinite Campus.
4. The student conferences with the teacher, a case manager, student services member, or administrator to discuss the incident and determine what steps need to occur in order to resubmit the assessment.  Resubmission of the assignment is limited to a two-week window after the conference.
5. Once the student completes the plan to the satisfaction of the teacher, they will resubmit the assignment and it is graded accordingly. This grade replaces the “M” in the grade book.  If the student does not resubmit the assignment within the agreed upon parameters, no credit is earned on the assignment.
6. Retakes are not allowed on resubmitted work.

Second Offense in Any Class Within an 18-Month Window

1. The teacher who suspects the alleged dishonesty will investigate and discuss the concern with the individual student. The student is provided their due process and a chance to respond to the allegation.
2. If the allegation is confirmed, the teacher will contact the parents/guardians about the violation, and a behavior referral is submitted in Infinite Campus.
3. A grade of  “M” (Missing) will be issued for the assignment in Infinite Campus.
4. The student is required to participate in a restorative conference with an administrator to discuss the incident and determine what steps need to occur in order to resubmit the assessment. Resubmission of the assignment is limited to a two week window after the conference.
5. If the student completes the plan to the satisfaction of the teacher, they will resubmit the assignment, and it is graded accordingly. A maximum grade of 59% replaces the “M” in the grade book.  If the student does not resubmit the assignment within the agreed upon parameters, no credit is earned on the assignment.
6. Retakes are not allowed on resubmitted work.
7. If applicable, an activities code violation will also be recorded and the student will meet with the Activities Director.

Third Offense in Any Class Within an 18-Month Window

1. The student will automatically receive a “0” on the assessment.
2. The student will be ineligible for membership in the National Honor Society and for any scholarships controlled or sponsored by the district.

NOTE: Students participating in extracurricular activities who violate the academic honesty policy are also in violation of the activities code. Please consult the activities code or contact the activities director for more specific information.

Resources:

All students have access to Turn It In, an on-line submission program that determines the level of academic originality of students’ writing and flags instances of academic dishonesty in their work. This program also contains tutorials for identifying and remedying plagiarism. For more information visit: http://turnitin.com/assets/en_us/media/plagiarism_spectrum.php

Additional resources can be found on Purdue University’s Online Writing Library (OWL) at: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/avoiding_plagiarism/index.html

Once a month, typically on Wednesdays, students will attend Advisory between first and second periods. All attempts are made to keep Advisory groups together with the same teacher during students’ four years of high school. During Advisory, students work on building community; developing social, emotional, and mental health skills; as well as learning about and participating in school safety drills. Attendance is mandatory.

Once a month, also typically on Wednesdays, students will attend Academic & Career Planning (ACP) between first and second periods. Students meet in their Advisory groups with their same Advisory teacher. During this time, students explore future academic and career goals and access materials in their Xello accounts. Attendance is mandatory.

Announcements are broadcast daily at the beginning of the second block by the MG AV club. All video announcements must be approved by an administrator at least 24 hours in advance. Announcements are livestreamed on the MGHS AV Club YouTube page and uploaded for access after the initial broadcast. In addition, a text version of the day’s announcements can be accessed through the Monona Grove High School Daily Announcements web page.

Attendance Contact Information

Email: mghs.attendance@mgschools.net

Phone: (608) 316-1393

Excused Absences (PEX)

Parents / Guardians may excuse their student from school, prior to the day of the absence for not more than 10 days per school year. (Wis. Stats. 118.15(3)(c). If an excuse is not given prior to an absence, an associate principal will either excuse or not excuse the absence, depending upon the reason.  The following are excusable absences:

• personal illness, quarantine;
• illness in the family for which the student is required at home;
• funerals and weddings;
• religious holidays;
• legal obligations;
• dental, medical, and orthodontic appointments;
• family vacations that cannot be scheduled during non-school times or other family approved vacations or school visits with prior approval
• an emergency situation.

Parents are required to communicate student absences to the Attendance Office in one of three ways:

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal (preferred method)

Parents have the option of submitting an attendance request through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents can select the student(s) who will be absent, the reason for the absence, and the length of the absence (whole day, arriving late, leaving early, etc.). Parents can also enter a date range for extended absences (vacation, surgery, etc.). Once the absence request is submitted the Attendance Office will process the request.

1. Log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account
2. Select “More” from the Navigation area
3. Select “Absence Requests”
4. Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence
5. Submit your request

• By Email

Parents can email the school Attendance Office (mghs.attendance@mgschools.net). Parents should include the name of the student, the reason for the absence, and the length of the absence (whole day, arriving late, leaving early, etc.).

• By Phone

Parents can also call the school Attendance Office (608-316-1393) prior to 10:00 am on the day of the absence. Parents should be prepared to give the name of the student, reason for the absence, and a name and phone number where they can be reached. Students must have absences excused within 24 hours after they return, or the absence may be considered unexcused.

For appointments, parents must call or send a note to the Attendance Office prior to the student leaving. Upon returning to school, the student is to check in with the Attendance Office. A note from the attending doctor, dentist, orthodontist, attorney/court, etc. may be required to excuse an absence/appointment. Doctor’s notes are required for students participating in extracurricular activities.  Students will not be excused if they leave the building without permission.

Medically Excused Absences (MED)

Students missing classes for a medical reason must provide a signed note from their provider (physician, dentist, orthodontist, physical therapist, etc) in order to be considered medically excused (MED). Absences coded as MED do not count towards a student’s 10-day excused absence cap and do not prevent students from participating in extracurricular activites that day.

Planned Absences and Vacations

If a student knows in advance that they will be absent from school, an anticipated absence form should be completed prior to the absence. Anticipated absence forms are available in the Attendance Office and are required for absences of 3 or more days. The student will notify their teachers of the planned absence so that school work missed during the absence can be given to the student and obtain teacher’s signatures.  Days of absence indicated on the form will go toward the student’s 10 allowable days of excused absence and any additional days will be marked as unexcused and/or truant.

Unexcused Absences

When a student fails to report to their assigned class period and/or is in another area of the building without permission or making a prior arrangement with their teacher, they will be marked absent unexcused. Students cannot be called out of a class to work on schoolwork for another class or go to work. Any student who has an unexcused absence for any period may not participate in extra-curricular events on that day.

Attendance Correction Forms

Attendance Correction Forms are used when a student has been erroneously marked absent. Forms may be retrieved from the Attendance Office or an associate principal. Students may fill out this form with their teacher and return it back to the Attendance Office for correction or confirmation.

Leaving School During the School Day

Monona Grove High School is a closed campus except for the following occasions:  lunch, cooperative education programs, and open campus status. During passing times students must remain on school grounds.  All students wishing to leave school must obtain permission from a parent/guardian and a school official. Students will not be allowed out of class for illness unless they are going home. At that time, the student must check out in the Attendance Office. If they plan to return to school, they must scan their student ID to check in upon returning.

Unexcused Tardies (TDU)

Students are expected to be in class on time and ready to learn. On time is defined by being inside the classroom when the bell rings to start class. The first few minutes of class are crucially important as teachers preview the day’s lesson, conduct bell ringers or formative assessments, collect assignments, and take attendance.Students who are frequently late to class with unexcused tardies will be assigned detention hours by their associate principal.

Missed Instructional Time (MIT)

The Missed Instructional Time (MIT) attendance mark applies when students miss class for an unreasonable amount of time or for an unapproved reason. Students may be marked MIT if they are gone from class for longer than five minutes without a pass, an appointment, or an agreed upon reason. An MIT marking may also be used for students who are not where they should be in the building. Students receiving an MIT marking are subject ot behavior consequences including detention and Saturday School.

Truancy (TRU)

A student will be considered truant if they are absent or unaccounted for one or more entire class periods. A student will be considered habitually truant if they have 5 instances (part days or full days) of such absences per semester. If a student meets the definition of habitually truant, the Associate Principal will contact parents, the School Resource Officer, and the school social worker to initiate the truancy process. Students will be considered truant when they exceed their 10-day excused absence (PEX) cap, even if excused by parents or guardians.

Students with verified MIT or TRU markings are not eligible to participate in extracurricular events or competitions that day.

Additional Information on Attendance

Forgery (the act of written or spoken misrepresentation of truth) on notes, parental / guardian signatures, telephone calls, or any other misrepresentation to school staff will result in disciplinary action.

In the event of problematic attendance (i.e., the parent or guardian does not follow the above guidelines, excessive absences of any type, or the validity of excuse(s)), the associate principal will notify the parent or guardian, and a meeting will be held.

Homework Requests

Homework may be requested after a student has been absent for two or more days. The request should be made to the student’s counselor. The counselor will then contact the student’s teachers and homework may be picked up in the Main Office after 3:45 pm of the following day.  Students may also request homework from their teachers via email. Students should consult Canvas for class materials first and foremost.

Students may carry a small bag that contains their pencils, pens, calculators, and other small items to class. Any accessory item large enough to carry or conceal a standard textbook, notebook, or binder is not allowed to be carried in the school from the start of school until the end of the school day. Backpacks, purses, gym bags, and athletic bags fitting the above description are to be placed in the student’s locker throughout the school day. Students who are in possession of a backpack, gym bag, or other large carrying device during the school day without permission from the administration or the school nurse will be asked to return these items to their locker. Students repeatedly not complying with school policy will incur disciplinary consequences.

Canvas

All students have accounts in Canvas, a learning management system, which allows for teachers and students to share course materials. Students should check Canvas daily as teachers include assignments, presentation documents, assessments, and announcements regularly. Any student experiencing issues with their Canvas account should email helpdesk@mgschools.net. 

Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus allows parents/guardians and students access to students’ information, attendance, and academic performance. Parents/Guardians and students will be provided a secure ID number and PIN code to access student information such as individual class performance, future assignments, missing assignments, test scores, homework completion, and grade to-date. It is recommended that students and parents/guardians monitor classroom performance regularly. For access to course materials, parents/guardians and students can access Canvas, the learning management system.

Research proves that when misusing cell phones in class, students are more distracted, less engaged, and impaired in their ability to form relationships with classmates and staff. In compliance with Wisconsin Act 42, MGHS has enacted a uniform cell phone policy. The following steps and expectations will be followed in ALL instructional environments:

• Cell phones are not permitted during instructional time. This means that phones are not allowed for any reason in any location in the building (classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, library, resource centers, etc.) during class periods, including advisory / ACP, field trips, assemblies, or other events during the school day unless explicitly authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes.
• Phones are to be “off and away”. Devices must be turned completely off (not on silent/vibrate) and stored out of sight. Students in physical education will leave cell phones in their school lockers, not their PE lockers.
• Phones are not to be visible once each class period starts.
• Students are allowed to use phones before and after school, during passing periods, and during lunch only
• Students with pre-approved health plans or recognized medical conditions may keep cell phones with them, but out of sight.
• Consequences for non-compliance:
  • 1st Offense → Phone turned in for the remainder of the day and the next school day
    • Responsibility Clause → Reduced to remainder of the day
  • 2nd Offense → Phone turned in for the remainder of the day and the next three days
    • Responsibility Clause → Reduced to 2 Days
  • 3rd Offense → Phone turned in for the remainder of the day and no less than five school days pending the creation of a technology plan with student, parent/guardian, and administrator/student services
    • Responsibility Clause → No less than 5 Days

In order to ensure the opportunity for students to learn, it is necessary to take corrective action when disruptive or inappropriate behavior occurs. The development of responsible behavior and self-discipline among students occurs at two levels within a school: 1) teachers take primary responsibility in the classroom, and 2) administration takes responsibility for issues that occur during unstructured time and/or when behavior is repetitive or extreme in a classroom.

Behavior Philosophy, Expectations, and Policies

Discipline will be handled in a progressive manner.  Therefore, students who repeat inappropriate behaviors will receive more intensive consequences as behaviors progress.  When appropriate, administration will involve parents, counselors, social worker, school psychologist, and/or the school resource officer to help resolve student behavior issues.

Furthermore, teachers, members of the Student Services team, and administrators may seek to use restorative practices to address behavior issues or conflicts as an alternative to detentions or suspension. Restorative practices may be used for re-entry from suspension, to resolve student/student or student/staff issues, or to address habitual behavioral concerns in a student (tardies, truancy, social media postings, etc.) brought about by teachers, the Student Services team, or administration.

The categories below outline prohibited behaviors and the range of consequences at the discretion of teachers and administrators in dealing with them. Ignorance does not excuse violation of these rules. Administration retains the right to deal with any action not covered explicitly in the rules outlined below and may use their professional judgment to diverge from the procedures outlined below.

Note: When there is an “s” followed by a number, a specific Wisconsin State Statute is referenced

A. School Attendance (MGSD Policy 5200)

Students will attend school (all classes, Advisory periods, assemblies, required meetings) unless properly excused parent/guardian and/or principal as explained in the High School Attendance Policy. Students are required to report to school and classes on time and to remain on the school campus during regular school hours unless excused by an administrator or designee.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Attendance:

1. Truancy (TRU)—an absence inside or outside of school building without a valid excuse
2. Missed Instructional Time (MIT)— missing class for an unreasonable amount of time or for an unapproved reason. Students may be marked MIT if they are gone from class for longer than five minutes without a pass, an appointment, or an agreed upon reason. An MIT marking may also be used for students who are not where they should be in the building.
3. Unauthorized Leaving of Campus—leaving campus without permission of an administrator or designee and/or failure to follow designated procedures
4. Excessive Tardiness—repeated lateness to an assigned class

Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Referral to School Resource Officer

B. Student/Student Expectations

Each student has the right to attend school and school activities without fear of threats against their feelings, property, and physical well-being.  Each student shall respect the feelings, property, and physical well-being of other students.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Student / Student Relationships:

1. Physical and verbal abuse—intentionally damaging words or actions directed at other students aimed to cause harm.
2. Disrespect—to insult, call derogatory names, use obscenity toward, dishonor, or in any other manner abuse any member of the student body.
3. Slander/Libel—intentionally defaming another; anything which exposes the other to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or disgrace in their line of work (s942.01).
4. Theft—stealing from another student or the school.
5. Property Damage—the destruction of another person’s property.
6. Threatening or Intimidating Acts—verbal or gestured acts which threaten the well-being, health, or safety of any student on school property or in route to or from school.
7. A Physical Attack—the act of physically battering or in some manner attempting to injure any student on school property or in route to or from school or at any school sponsored activities.
8. Fighting—mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the situation by verbal and/or physical action; any act involving hostile bodily contact in or on school property or in route to or from school, including any activity under sponsorship (s940.19).
9. Bullying / Harassment—See School Board policy 5507 later in this handbook.

Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Agreement, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer

C. Student/Staff Expectations

Students and staff have a right to work, study, and teach in an atmosphere of mutual respect. They also have the right to free and responsible inquiry and expression while being mindful of the responsibilities listed below.  Students have the responsibility to respect authority, feelings, physical well-being, and property of members of the school staff.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Student / Staff Relationships:

1. Insubordination—willful failure to respond or carry out a reasonable order or request by authorized school personnel; refusal to follow school rules and the direction of an adult engaged in the operation of the school.
2. Disrespect—to insult, call derogatory names, dishonor, sexually harass, make gestures, or in any other manner abuse any member of the school staff.
3. Disorderly Conduct—engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct in which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance (s947.01).
4. Physical and Verbal Abuse—intentionally damaging words or actions directed at a staff member aimed to cause harm.
5. Threatening or Intimidating Acts—verbal or gestured acts which threaten the well-being, health, or safety of any member of the school staff.
6. Physical Attack—the act of physically assaulting any member of the school staff on school property at any activity under school sponsorship or in route to and from school.
7. Failure to Report to the Office—refusing to report the main or attendance office when a student is sent out of a classroom to an administrator.
8. Failure to Serve Teacher-Assigned Detention—refusing to attend detention on the assigned date and location.
9. Disrespect for the Property of a Member of the School Staff—misusing, breaking, stealing, or going through the belongings of a staff member without permission.
10. Misuse or Theft of Staff Property—mishandling, misusing, or stealing from the person, belongings, or classroom of a staff member.

Range of consequences: Detention, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Agreement, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer

D. School Property

Each student is entitled to a well-equipped, well-maintained, clean, and aesthetically pleasing school environment.  Each student is to respect and help maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the building.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under School Property:

1. Littering—make a place untidy with trash or objects left lying about
2. Vandalism—willful destruction of public property, intentionally causing damage to or defacing school premises or property, and/or willful damage to property of staff members and others (s943.01)
3. Abuse of District-Owned Technology
4. Distribution of Unauthorized Materials–distribution or display by any student of prohibited nonschool-sponsored material or in violation of the school’s approval process will be halted, and the student(s) involved will be subject to disciplinary action.
5. Defacing Property—damage to school property requiring cleaning or repair (MGSD Policy 5513)
6. Theft
7. Possession of Stolen Property
8. Unauthorized Use of Elevators

Range of consequences: Saturday School, Suspension, Restitution, Referral to School Resource Officer

E. Protection of Public Safety

Each student has a right to be safe and secure from physical harm while attending school. Students have a responsibility to conduct themselves in such a manner as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of other students. The infractions listed below and any other act that poses a threat to the health and safety of students and/or staff is strictly prohibited.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Protection of Public Safety:

1. Parking in Unauthorized Areas or Improper Parking
2. Reckless Driving on or Around Campus (s941.01)
3. Loitering–being in an unauthorized or restricted area of the building without permission; this includes habitating a bathroom stall or single-use bathroom with two or more people
4. Unauthorized Use of Matches, Lighters, or Other Flammable Devices
5. Arson—the willful and malicious burning of/or attempt to burn any part of any property of the school or of its staff and students
6. Detonation or Possession of Firecrackers or Other Nuisance Devices
7. False Alarms or Bomb Threats—threats or false alarms made to the school or to a school-sponsored event are a felony (s941.13/s947.015)
8. Improper Initiation of Fire Alarm—act of initiating a fire alarm or initiating a report warning of a fire or other catastrophe without just cause
9. Possession of, Use of, or Threats with a Weapon—possessing, concealing, or storing a weapon on one’s person, in a locker, vehicle, or anywhere on the premises or threatening to use a weapon (s941.20) (s948.61) (s948.605) (MGSD Policy 5772)
10. Selling, Using, or Possessing a Firearm—selling, distributing, possessing or using firearms, weapons, air-powered weapons, firecrackers, smoke bombs, or any form of fireworks in school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events (s941.20/s948.605/s948.61) (MGSD Policy 5772)
11. Disruption of School Events, Games, Meetings and Assemblies
12. Trespassing—being physically present on a school campus or at a school activity after being requested to leave by administration or law enforcement (s.943.14)
13. Disorderly Conduct—engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud, or otherwise disorderly conduct in which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance (s947.01)
14. Disruption or insubordination on bus—refusal to abide by rules on a school bus or causing a disruption to the safety of the driver or other riders

Range of consequences: Loss of Privileges, Saturday School, Suspension, Pre-expulsion Agreement, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer

F. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs

Each student has the right to associate with students who are free from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs and not be subjected to those wishing to buy, sell, or use such substances. Each student has the responsibility to keep his or her mind and body in a sound, healthy condition.  The use or sale of any illicit non-prescription drugs, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco is prohibited on school grounds and at or before school-sponsored activities.

The following constitute prohibited behaviors under Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs, may result in a referral for citation to the Monona Police Department beyond their school consequences:

1. Nicotine / Tobacco—possession and use of all tobacco products is prohibited by state law (s120.12(19)) and school policy on school grounds, in school buildings, or at school functions; violation of this ordinance will result in a citation in which the students could be fined.  For purposes of this policy, "use of tobacco" means to chew or use any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, in addition to papers used to roll cigarettes and/or the smoking of electronic, "vapor," or other substitute forms of cigarettes (MGSD Policy 5512). Students possessing or using e-cigarettes and/or nicotine vaping devices on school grounds or at school functions will be suspended out of school and may be recommended for citation to the School Resource Officer.
2. Alcohol and Drugs—all possession and use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or look-alike drugs constitutes grounds for recommendation of expulsion (s125.01) (MGSD Policy 5530)
3. Possession of Alcohol or Drug Paraphernalia
4. Noticeably under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs—indicated by obvious behavior and mood changes and/or the smell of substance on the person; if a student refuses to take an illegal substance test or consent to a search of their person or belongings they will be presumed to be under the influence.
5. Selling or Transmitting Alcohol or Drugs

Range of consequences: Suspension, Pre-expulsion Agreement, Expulsion, Referral to School Resource Officer

Definitions of Consequences

Detention:  Detentions will be held after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 in Room 251. Students are allowed to do homework, and a silent atmosphere is required.  Students will be required to put cell phones in pouches during detention. Detentions must be served on the date they are assigned or a Saturday School may be issued. If assigned a detention, administration has the right to hold students from practice or participation in an athletic, club, or co-curricular activity until the detention has been satisfactorily completed.

Saturday School:  Saturday School offers students extra time beyond the normal school hours to complete school work while also providing an alternative to suspension. Saturday School runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and is typically held in the classroom of the supervising staff member.  Assigned students must arrive on time at the front entrance of the building and stay for the duration unless arrangements have been made previously with an Associate Principal to leave early.  Students will be expected to have school work to work on. Failure to serve an assigned Saturday School will result in an Out of School Suspension the following school day unless an alternative consequence is determined by an administrator.

Out of School Suspension (OSS):   Out of School Suspension is served away from the school building and grounds. Students serving OSS are the complete responsibility of their parents during this time.  While suspended, students are not allowed on any school district grounds and may not participate in or attend any extracurricular events.  Parent meetings will be held upon re-admittance from an OSS.  Wisconsin state statutes permit the suspension of students (s.120.13(1)(b). (MGSD Policy 5610).

Pre-Expulsion Agreement:  A pre-expulsion agreement will be administered to students who habitually violate the same type of rules or demonstrate a repeated refusal of reasonable requests. Students may be placed on a pre-expulsion agreement after all other resources have been attempted to correct behavior. A pre-expulsion order is given in lieu of a referral to the school board for an expulsion hearing. The process would include a meeting with the student, the student’s parents/guardians, a school administrator, and possibly, the superintendent, in which a behavioral contract with specific expectations would be established. Failure to fulfill the order may result in a referral for expulsion.

Expulsion:  Expulsion is an action taken by the school board to prohibit an enrolled pupil from further attendance. A student may be expelled from school for:

1. Repeated failure to follow school rules
2. Knowingly conveying 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
3. Conduct while at school or while under the supervision of a school authority that endangers the property, health, or safety of others (s.120.13) (MGSD Policy 5610)

In general, students will not be allowed to drop courses unless there are extenuating circumstances. 

Days 1-4: During the first four days of classes, no courses may be dropped. 

Days 5-10: Students must have a Schedule Change Application form signed by the parent/guardian and necessary staff members. There will be no record of the course on the student's transcript. 

Days 11-Last day of Quarter 1 or 3: Students must have a Schedule Change Application form signed by the parent/guardian and necessary staff members. The student will receive a "W" on their transcript. This notation will not impact a student's Grade Point Average (GPA). 

After 1st or 3rd Quarter Ends: If a course is dropped, after the end of first/third quarter, an "F" will be reflected on the student's transcript and this grade is calculated into the student's cumulative GPA.

Students and parents should carefully consider post-secondary plans and make certain that the courses selected meet the long-term needs of the student. Students should assume that the courses selected will be scheduled and should not expect to make changes at a later time. School counselors will notify students of courses that were selected that will not be offered due to low enrollment or budget constraints. Staffing and budgeting decisions for the following school year are made based on the courses selected by students. Moreover, the master schedule is developed to accommodate student course selections as possible and to create balanced classes. 

Student schedules will be finalized by August. Parents will be e-mailed when schedules are available in Infinite Campus. No schedule changes will be made prior to the school year unless there is an error in a student's schedule. Please see the next section for the schedule change policy once classes begin.

In order to attend school sponsored dances, students must be present the school day of or immediately prior to the dance, not be considered a “habitual truant” or have unserved detention or Saturday school time. Students who had a suspension in the two weeks leading up to the dance or are considered to be a “habitual truant” will be ineligible for court.

Once arriving at the dance, students must adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to comply will result in students being excused from the dance, parent notification, and if applicable, referral to law enforcement. 

1. All students’ belongings and persons will be searched including coats, pockets, bags, and purses. Any student not agreeing to this check at the door will not be allowed to enter. 

2. All non-Monona Grove High School students attending a dance must submit a completed Dance Guest Contract prior to the dance signed by a member of the guest’s school administration, or they will not be allowed to enter. Guests should bring a photo ID with them. 

3. Students may not be in possession or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a student is in possession or suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol they will be brought into the office and may be given a field sobriety test. If a student refuses to take the field sobriety test, they will be presumed and treated as if under the influence. 

4. Students will dance in an appropriate and respectful manner and follow all directions from administration or the dance DJ. 

5. Students may not re-enter the dance after leaving or enter the dance without a ticket. 

Regarding the above behaviors, a guest of a Monona Grove student is expected to follow the same standards. Not doing so will result in the Monona Grove student losing the privilege of bringing a guest to any future dances or activities. Any student not willing to follow these rules will have their parents called and they will be sent home. Other school consequences may occur depending upon the situation.

All efforts are made to keep the elevator available and accessible to those in need throughout the school day. The elevator is reserved for the use of students, visitors, workers, and staff with mobility issues, injuries, health concerns, or legitimate needs to move materials throughout the building. The elevator requires a swipe card to use. If needed, students should see the school nurse to gain a temporary swipe card. Students misusing the elevators for a reason other than those outlined above may face disciplinary consequences from administration and/or have their swipe card revoked. Students will be charged a $5 fine in Infinite Campus if they lose their swipe card.

Grading at Monona Grove High School is based on the school district’s philosophy that

grades should reflect how well an individual achieves learning goals. Student grades are based on the evaluation of two categories: Summative and Formative.

Summative

In keeping with the philosophy that grades should reflect achievement, 80 to 90% of a student’s grade is based on summative work. After students have received instruction and had time to practice, their level of mastery will be assessed through completion of quizzes, tests, essays, speeches, presentations, projects, etc. 

Grading Scale for Summative Assessments

50-100% for all attempted assessments.

0 (no credit) for all missing assessments.

50% score and comment of IE (Insufficient Evidence) = Together, this score and comment indicate that a student attempted an assessment and their performance indicates a lack of key knowledge and skills. Because they have not met the grade level standard in all areas, the overall score is below 50%. Teachers will put a score equivalent to 50% and IE in the comment section in Infinite Campus. Students earning an IE on an assessment will be encouraged to retake or complete the assessment to earn a higher score. Teachers/teams determine what qualifies as an “attempt.”

M (Missing) = when an assessment is not turned in or turned is incomplete. It calculates as a 0% when entered.

*Check the comments in Infinite Campus for any explanation a teacher may give regarding the score.

Formative

The district believes that learning is a process and students learn through practice. This practice occurs through class discussions and the completion of assignments such as homework assignments, guided readings, exercises, worksheets, practice assessments, etc. These assignments serve to monitor and guide student learning and provide teachers and students with feedback on their progress towards understanding the grade-level standards and may count for up to 10% of the overall semester grade.

Grading Scale for Formative Assessments

Formative assessments count for up to 10% of the overall grade.

Each course team will decide how to calculate points/scores within the Formative category. Examples of how formatives are scored in Infinite Campus may include: Completion only; 0 - 10 points; 0 or 1 point. Formative work serves to provide students feedback on their learning. Please note: A formative score, however, may not reflect a student’s progress toward understanding the grade-level standard if graded off of completion.

Semester Exams

At the end of each semester, final exams or a culminating assessment will be given in

all classes and serve as 10% of the overall semester grade. No student will be excused from taking the final assessment for any course which requires it unless given pre-approved permission by an administrator. Exam days are considered a normal school day for attendance purposes. Students will not be excused to go to work. Because of the need to create a positive testing environment, students who arrive late for a final exam will not be allowed into the -classroom and will be required to complete their final exam during the designated make-up period with their teacher or in the testing center.

Grading Scale for Semester Exams

Semester exams count for 10% of a student’s semester grade. Students get ONE attempt on a semester exam. Semester exams cannot be retaken.

Deadlines/Late Work

In the instance of an anticipated absence or school-sponsored activity, all work is expected to be submitted on time. Anticipated and school-sponsored absences do not grant deadline extensions.

A formative/summative assessment is considered late under the following circumstances:

• Students are present for class, but fail to turn in work the day it is due.
• Students who are excused from school fail to turn in work after the two days allotted for each excused day.
• Students have an unexcused absence from class the day a summative assignment is due. 

When an assessment is “late”:

• Formative: A student has 10 school days or until the end of the unit, whichever comes first, to complete the late assignment.
  • After the 10 school days the teacher/team has the option to no longer accept the late work. 
  • However, the teacher/team may still require the formative work to be completed as part of the retake or revision process.
• Summative: The penalty for late summatives completed within the 10-school-day window cannot exceed more than 10% of the score. 
  • If summative work is turned in more than 10 school days late, a maximum score of 59% will be recorded.

Reassessment Process

Dual Credit classes cannot offer retakes as they follow the partnering institution’s requirements.

Formative Assessment Retakes

Teachers/teams will determine if students are allowed to retake formative assessments.

• If students are allowed to retake formative assessments, they must be completed within 10 school days. 
• Teachers/teams may also limit the number of formative assessments students can complete.

Summative Assessment Retakes

Students are generally allowed to retake or reassess up to half of the summative assessments in a course per semester.

The Retake Process:

1. Prerequisites: Before a retake is offered, students may be required to complete additional steps or assignments to demonstrate readiness. This includes:
   • Completing any missing assignments (marked 'M') or assignments with insufficient evidence (scores between 50-59%).
   • Providing a more thorough explanation of their understanding of the concepts.
2. Procedure and Format: The specific process, requirements, and communication for a reassessment are determined by the department or course team.
3. Format Changes: The format of the retake may differ from the original assessment to better gauge mastery. Examples include:
   • Changing from multiple-choice to free response.
   • Changing from a written assignment to an oral assessment.
   • Spiraling content, where the skill is reassessed as part of the next summative assessment instead of a dedicated retake.

Retake/Revision Deadlines and Grading:

• Deadline: Students must complete the retake within 10 school days of receiving the original feedback or grade, unless a specific arrangement is made with the teacher. Students’ attention to these deadlines is paramount to their success.
• Retake Score: Students should be aware that their score on a retake will be the final grade recorded in Infinite Campus. The retake score will replace the original score, even if it is a lower grade. The original assessment score may be noted in the comments as a record of the student’s performance.

Extra Credit / Participation

Extra credit is not offered to students. Students should contact their teacher regarding opportunities for revisions, retakes, or enrichment materials. Course and department teams determine if participation is formative or summative and if it is to be factored into student’s grades. Check Canvas for any course-specific questions regarding participation. 

Incomplete Protocol

When a student has NOT met the minimum requirements for the course but extenuating circumstances, such as a medically documented problem, hospitalization, or a death in the family prevent the student from completing coursework, the student will be given an Incomplete. The student will have two (2) weeks from the last day of that semester to complete all work unless an alternative timeline is agreed upon by administrators/counselors. These extenuating circumstances must be approved by an administrator. If the work is not completed by the agreed upon timeline, the student will receive a grade based upon work recorded.

Responsibility of Seniors

In order to be certified for graduation and participate in the commencement ceremony, seniors must complete all of the following: 

A. Complete courses;

B. Take final exams;

C. Take care of all obligations, including fines and disciplinary/detention time;

D. Meet the 24 credit and specific course requirements; and

E. Attend graduation practice. 

If a student must take the correspondence course in order to fulfill the graduation requirements, all coursework and tests must be completed and verified by May 14, 2027.

Senior Participation in Graduation Exercises

All seniors are expected to participate in graduation exercises, including graduation practice and the commencement ceremony. If both the senior and their parents determine it is not their desire or intent to do so, however, a statement, declaring their intent, not to participate must be presented to the principal before May 1. No refund of the cap and gown fee will be made, and the decision not to take part in the ceremony is final. If a student orders a cap and gown and does not fulfill the graduation requirements, a refund will not be given. A senior may be suspended from the graduation ceremony if their behavior warrants a suspension.

Graduating with Honors

Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater after seven semesters will be recognized with honor cords during the graduation ceremony.

Early Graduation

Application for early graduation will be submitted to the high school principal in accordance with school regulations. The principal may honor this request if all conditions for graduation are met and the student fulfills the graduation requirements. (Board Policy 5464 - Early Graduation)

Hats, hoodies, and headgear are permitted as long as the following are observed: 

-Must allow for the face and ears to be visible to staff 

-Must not interfere with the line of sight of any staff or student 

-Must be removed upon a staff member’s request 

The following hats, hoodies, and headgear are not allowed: 

-To conceal earbuds or headphones 

-Headgear or hats that may be considered culturally insensitive or disrespectful 

-Hoodies must be lowered during assessments or tests 

-That would constitute a dress code violation (promotion of drugs, sex, profanity, etc.) 

-When safety or alertness may be endangered 

-In an environment when or where professional attire is expected

Monona Grove High School encourages students’ academic success by recognizing students on the Honor Roll each semester. Honor Roll is determined following each semester using each student’s gpa for the immediately preceding semester, not each student’s cumulative gpa. We have the following two tiers for our MGHS Honor Roll: 

High Honor Roll 3.75 to 4.0 GPA 

Honor Roll 3.5 to 3.74 GPA 

Grade point averages are derived from the following 4.0 conversion scale: 

A (93-100%) = 4.0 

A- (90-02%) = 3.7 

B+ (87-89%) = 3.3 

B (83-86%) = 3.0 

B- (80-82% = 2.7 

C+ (77-79%) = 2.3 

C (73-76%) = 2.0 

C- (70-72% = 1.7 

D+ (67-69%) = 1.3 

D (63-66%) = 1.0 

D- (60-62%) = 0.7 

F (0-59%) = 0

Hours: 7:45 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. Monday - Friday 

The Library & Information Media Center is open to every student and staff member in our school. Our IMC has an open access schedule so students have access to our space, our collection, and information at all times. We provide quiet study areas, flexible work stations for small and large groups, student-initiated collaborative and individual activities to extend learning or for brain breaks, an extensive print and digital resource library, and an ever-growing collection of instructional technologies! The library staff is available to assist users in locating, selecting, and using any of these resources.

Students have access to digital resources through their MGHS Library/IMC Canvas course. Login and password information for home access to any of our virtual materials are also located in students’ Canvas Library course. 

When visiting our common space, please understand the following expectations: 

1. Students coming to the library from a class, study hall, or resource center must have a pass issued by their teacher.
2. Students staying in the library to work, study, relax, etc. must sign-in at the circulation desk.
3. The library is a shared space so please be respectful of others.
4. Use library resources responsibly.

A student locker is provided by the school for the convenience of the student to be used solely and exclusively for the storage of outer garments, footwear, and school-related materials. During the school day, students should keep their cell phones locked in their lockers. The lockers (hall, fine arts, and physical education) assigned to a student are not the student’s private property or under their exclusive possession and may be opened and inspected by school authorities at any time.

Students should not give the combination to someone else, store valuables or large sums of money, or leave the locker unlocked. Students may not change lockers or share lockers with another student unless pre-approved with the Main Office. Students are advised to keep their lockers locked during the day and not leave them open for other students to share or access them, as this practice invites theft.

Students are not to be in the halls except before school, during the passing periods, during lunch, or after school. Students are not to loiter in the halls, in the Commons, the Health Room, the Student Services Office, the Business Office, or the Main Office. Failure to report to the appropriately assigned room will result in an in-school truancy. Students not under the supervision of a coach/advisor need to be out of the building by 4:00 pm each day. 

Students are not to congregate in bathrooms. Only one student is permitted at a time in bathroom stalls and single occupancy bathrooms on each floor. Students violating this policy will be assigned to Saturday School or suspended out of school.

Books and other articles that are found are to be turned into the Business Office. Lost Chromebooks, chargers, or cases are returned to the IMC. Lost and found items that have accumulated will be periodically donated.  Prior to being donated, items will be displayed in the Business Office and announcements will be made for students to check the lost and found.

Students may leave the school campus for lunch, but each student is expected to be back to school in time for their next class and present their ID upon returning in the building. If students stay at school for lunch, they may bring their own lunch, go through the a la carte line, or the hot lunch line.  Students are expected to eat in the Commons, IMC, outside on campus or off campus. Students may not eat or congregate in hallways or other parts of the building during lunch periods. Students are responsible for cleaning the area in which they eat.

In order to participate in school-sponsored (curricular, co or extra-curricular) overnight trips, students must meet the following requirements: 

• Not be considered a “habitual truant.” 
• Have no unserved detention or Saturday school time. 

Upon preparing for departure, students must adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to comply will result in being excused from the trip, parent notification, and if applicable, referral to law enforcement: 

• All students’ belongings may be searched, including backpacks, bags, and purses.
• Any student not agreeing to this check will not be allowed to participate in the trip. 

School sponsored trips require students to continue to adhere to the school handbook. Any student not willing to follow these rules will have their parents called and they will be sent home at cost to the family. Other school consequences may occur depending upon the situation.

Overtime is an opportunity for students to receive additional help from teachers and access school resources after the school day ends. Overtime occurs after school, Tuesday through Thursday, from 3:45 - 4:45 in the IMC, and typically two teachers are available to help students. Students can either drop into Overtime or be assigned by teachers. All students, whether dropping in or assigned, must check in with the Overtime supervisor upon arrival.

Students, beginning with the senior class, who pay a fee of one hundred ten dollars ($110.00) per year are eligible to receive assigned parking spaces. In the event that there are more seniors requesting a reserved space than there are available spots, a lottery will be held. If spaces remain once the period for assigning senior parking has passed, a lottery for those spaces will be held for any juniors seeking a reserved spot. Parking tags will be issued through the Business Office. 

This system of reserved parking demands that the lot be kept clean and students learn to regulate their behavior. Any student who does not comply with parking rules can have their parking privileges revoked. Parking spots may not be rented out or sold to other students. A student may not go to their vehicle during the school day unless they have received a pass from the Attendance Office to leave school. Students caught with illegal substances in their vehicle, such as nicotine, drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia used for the use of illegal substances, will have their parking privileges revoked and their spot reassigned to another student. There will be no refunds in the event of revocation.

Students are expected to maximize their in-class time; therefore, they should limit time out of class once the bell has rung. Students are not permitted in the hallway during a class period without a pink pass or a teacher’s classroom pass. As a building policy, teachers’ classroom passes will not be given to students during the first and last 10 minutes of a class period. Students should get in the habit of using their passing periods to take care of personal needs (using the bathroom, getting a snack, getting water) and preparing for their next class.

As school is a public space, posters, flyers, and signs are intended only to promote or advertise events, membership, or initiatives of a school-sponsored group. Posters, flyers, and signs must be pre-approved and stamped by office staff in order to be displayed on bulletin boards around the school. Posters, flyers, or signs without stamps and not found within provided bulletin boards will be removed. In addition, as our school is a shared, neutral space, students may not bring or wear flags.

Progress report grades are shared with parents during the 5th week of each quarter via their Infinite Campus accounts to offer an up-to-date reflection of students’ performance at that point. Approximately five school days after the end of each quarter and semester, report cards are posted in Infinite Campus. The principal shall communicate these dates with parents via Infinite Campus messaging.

Excessive demonstrations of affection are inappropriate on school grounds and at any school-sponsored activity. First time violators will be asked to discontinue such displays. Repeated violators will be referred to administration for disciplinary action.

Information including contact information, office hours and school day schedules is available on our website.

Students must use district issued devices only (Chromebooks) during instructional time during the school day. This applies to study halls, resource centers, the IMC, and classrooms. All in-class assignments and assessments must be completed on school-issued Chromebooks or other course-specific school devices (desktops, iPads, etc); the use of personal devices are prohibited. Students are permitted to use their own non-school issued devices outside of school hours and for work at home.

Monona Grove High School, MG21, and Winnequah School share a Monona Police Department Resource Officer. The resource officer is available for educational purposes and for law enforcement, when necessary. The resource officer is available to help students with problems such as thefts, physical threats or harassment, legal problems, drug and alcohol issues, gang concerns, or other related issues. The school resource officer can be located in the MGHS Main Office.

Skateboards and scooters are not to be ridden on school property for any reason. Students found riding them on school property will have the skateboard or scooter confiscated and will not be allowed to bring the skateboard to school in the future. Any other items determined by the school administration or staff to be a disruption of the learning environment will also be confiscated.

To inquire about Special Education programs and services, a parent/guardian should contact the MGHS Student Services office at (608) 316-1373.

All school policies are in effect during after school or evening events (i.e. athletic, music, drama, dance). No student will be allowed to reenter any school event after they have once left the building or arena. The student’s ID will be necessary in order to enter each of these events.

Monona Grove High School will provide one ID card for each student at the beginning of the year. A student’s ID must be carried at all times as it is used to identify the student, to purchase lunch, to check out a library book, to board a bus, and to attend extracurricular events. Students also must scan their ID card when entering the main office during school as well as entering the nurse’s office, student services office, and IMC. If a student loses or defaces their ID card, a replacement ID can be requested. If a second replacement is needed, a $5 fee will be charged to their Infinite Campus account.

Students may acquire fines for a variety of things including lost textbooks, lost athletic uniforms, unpaid course fees, or fees not paid from extracurricular activities. A master list of fines can be found in the Business Office, and fines should be paid during the year incurred. All fines must be paid by students prior to graduation or they will be sent to Waukesha County Collections.

Students are encouraged to come to the Student Services office. Office hours are 7:45 am to 3:45 pm. Each student has been assigned a counselor through their time at the high school determined alphabetically by students’ last names. It is important to point out that although students are assigned to a certain counselor, a student may seek assistance from the counselor of their choice. 

• Ms. Bishop A - F 
• Mr. Karsh G - La 
• Mr. Groff Le - R 
• Ms. Burke S - Z 

The student services department can help students in a variety of ways, including: 

• Registering for classes and four-year planning 
• Information on college requirements, college programs, and applications 
• Interviews with college representatives, information concerning scholarships, and financial assistance for college 
• School to work programs, internships, and job placement 
• Social/emotional mental health assistance 
• Schedule changes

Students visiting from other schools are not allowed on campus during the school day. Students from other schools found on campus during the school day are subject to trespassing and contact with law enforcement. MGHS students knowingly bringing other students on campus during school hours are subject to disciplinary consequences. All non-student visitors must check into the main office.

Study Hall

Attendance in study halls is mandatory. Students may choose to go to a resource center and/or the IMC by obtaining a pass from a teacher prior to the hour they choose to go. Students should always report to their study hall first at the beginning of the hour for attendance purposes before visiting another resource center, the IMC, or a teacher’s classroom. Students in a resource center and/or the IMC must have academic work to complete while there. Failure to attend assigned study halls will result in disciplinary action.

Open Campus

The primary purpose of Open Campus is to provide eligible junior and senior students with the privilege of leaving the high school campus during their study hall periods. Another purpose is to provide an incentive for upperclassmen to achieve good grades and behave appropriately at school and school-related events. Criteria for open campus includes a 3.0 GPA in the previous quarter, and no attendance or behavioral referrals in the previous quarter. Students who have an Athletic or Activities Code Violation in the previous quarter will also not be eligible for open campus. Open campus can be lost at any time due to low grades or inappropriate behavior. Please see an Associate Principal for more information.

Sunglasses, coats, and blankets are not to be worn during the school day. These articles of clothing are to be kept in the student’s locker during school hours and may not be worn until the conclusion of the school day. Sunglasses must be removed when entering the building and not worn in class.

Students under the age of 16 requesting work permits should visit the Department of Workforce Development website. There you will find directions and the links to create a work permit online. (Students 16 or older do not require work permits to obtain employment.) Work permits are no longer obtained in-person; you must use the website.