Student & Family Handbook - 622 Online (2024)

The School Board’s Role

The School Board of Independent School District 622 decides matters pertaining to the maintenance and operation of the School District. The state gives the School Board the authority and responsibility to:

• Develop and adopt district policies.
• Employ a superintendent to provide educational leadership for the district and serve as its chief administrative officer.
• Provide materials, equipment, supplies, and facilities to support an effective educational program.
• Represent the views of the community on educational issues.
• Provide an equal educational opportunity for every child in accordance with state and federal laws.

Board members are elected by voters to represent their interests in determining how the schools will be operated. The Board establishes policy on everything from curriculum to athletic programs. The superintendent of schools is responsible for implementing such policies.

Study Sessions

Study Sessions are informal discussion-style meetings, and no official School Board action is taken. Study Session meetings are open to the public, and dates and times are posted online at on the School Board page.

Business Meetings

The School Board typically conducts one business meeting per month at the District Education Center, 2520 East 12th Avenue, North St. Paul. Meeting agendas are posted online in BoardBook the Friday before the meeting date.

Board members do not engage in dialog with speakers during Public Comment, but if appropriate, the Board Chair and/or Superintendent may appoint an administrator to address speaker comments.

School Board meetings are broadcast live on YouTube and Cable Channel 20. The meeting is rebroadcast daily at 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. on Ch 20 and can be viewed anytime on YouTube.

Public Engagement

Public engagement opportunities may be scheduled to engage district residents in a setting outside the formal structure of a School Board meeting. Public engagement opportunities will be posted on the School Board page.

Contact Information

To send an email to individual board members, use firstname_lastname@isd622.org. Board members welcome community input via email. Messages are checked regularly and responded to promptly.

Visit theSchool Board pagefor more information.

District 622 has a centralized Student Enrollment Center that allows parents to register their students in one centralized location.

Enrollment

Enrollment must be completed using the online enrollment packet.

Searchable Boundary Map

District 622 offers families a searchable boundary map.

Intra-District Enrollment Option

Intra-District Enrollment allows resident students to transfer to another school within the district. Intra-District transfers are limited this year due to the ongoing construction projects and the COVID pandemic. Families must submit an Intra-District School Transfer Form which can be found at www.isd622.org/enroll.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

PSEO is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn college credit while still in high school through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the postsecondary institution's campus; some courses are offered online. Contact your high school guidance office for information.

General Education Development (GED) Preparatory Class

GED Preparatory Class is a self-paced program designed to help adults ages 19 or older study and prepare to take the GED test. Eligible students are not enrolled in and have not graduated from high school. Classes are provided at no cost to the student and held at the Harmony Learning Center. More information can be found at www.isd622.org/abe.

Alternative Learning Programs

Alternative Learning Programs in District 622 include middle school programs, a 9th- and 10th-grade program located at North and Tartan high schools, a credit recovery program, and an Alternative Learning Center program for 11th and 12th graders offered through Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District. The 916 program is intended to provide an alternative option for students in the 11th and 12th grades who have experienced or are experiencing difficulty in the traditional education system. The program's goal is to assist students in making progress toward earning a high school diploma in an alternative setting. Students must meet established criteria to be eligible for Alternative Learning Programs. Call 651-748-7450 for information.

Family/Resident Census

It is essential that our district maintains an accurate and up-to-date census of its residents. This information includes children not yet in school, those attending non-public schools, or home-schooled children.

Census data is used by the district for enrollment projections, program planning, staffing, and classroom space needs. The district provides services for pre-school children and adult education programs. The information provided on the census is used only for the above reasons.

Census forms are available on the Forms tab on the Families portalat the top of the website.

Announcements about changes in school day format

All delays in school opening, early dismissal of school, emergency school closings, or weather-related flexible learning days are announced via the School District’s emergency calling system, the District’s website (www.isd622.org), social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), the District hotline (651-748-7621), and over local radio and television stations.

The emergency calling system allows the district to notify all families by phone, email, text, and the School District 622 mobile app in the event of a change in the school day. When the emergency calling feature is used, all phone numbers listed as contact numbers for a family will be called. Individual buildings also have the ability to use the system to notify their families of upcoming events.

In the event of a delay in school opening, emergency school closing, or remote learning day, local radio and television stations will be contacted as early as possible. Students and families should expect notifications from District 622 via phone message, email, and/or text. Information is also posted on the district website and social media. If you do not receive notification, check Parent Portal to make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

Delayed Start

When there is a delay in opening the schools, the school starting time will always be delayed at least two hours. In addition:

• Morning Preschool is canceled.
• Morning Community Education classes and activities are canceled.
• Morning Early Childhood Family Education programs are canceled.
• Morning Early Childhood Special Education programs are canceled.
• Adventure Connection will be closed for the before-school session. The after-school session will be open as usual, unless the administration announces otherwise.
• Adult Basic Education classes will begin at 10:00 am.

Early Dismissal

• Afternoon Preschool is canceled.
• All afternoon and evening classes and activities (including Community Education) will be canceled unless the Superintendent or designee makes an exception.
• Adventure Connection is closed.
• After-school activities will be canceled unless the Superintendent or designee makes an exception.
• Facility use permits are canceled unless the Superintendent or designee makes an exception.

When School is Closed

• All Community Education activities are canceled including ECFE programs, Adult Basic Education, GED, Adult, Aquatics, Preschool, and Youth classes unless the Superintendent or designee makes an exception.
• All Adventure Connection sites are closed.
• All after-school activities are canceled unless the Superintendent/designee makes an exception.
• Facility use permits are canceled unless the Superintendent or designee makes an exception.

• School and Community Education activities may, by order of the Superintendent or designee, be canceled on non-school days or after school hours on days when school is in session.

During Remote Learning Days

• Weather-related remote learning days will follow the When School is Closed guidelines above.
• Testing-related remote learning days will be announced to the families of students involved in testing.
• Other remote learning days will be announced to all affected students and families.

E-Learning Annual Notification

District 622 may call an e-learning day due to inclement weather. During an e-learning day, students learn online via Seesaw or Schoology. If an e-learning day is called due to weather, instructions will be provided to families as soon as possible.

District 622 provides parents with several ways to keep informed about district events, decisions, and student achievement.

622 Website

Information about the district, School Board agendas, district policies, contact information, and links to individual school sites can all be found on the district website at www.isd622.org.

District 622 Mobile App

Download the free District 622 Mobile App to view district news stories, access menus & bus routes, view activities & athletics information, access Parent Portal, receive important alerts, view calendars, and more! Links to the app stores and a QR code can be found at www.isd622.org/about/communications-technology.

Follow Us on Social Media

Find ISD 622 on Twitter (@isd622), Facebook (/ISD622), Instagram (@ISD622), and YouTube (ISD 622). School Board meetings are broadcast live on YouTube. Past meetings are also available.

622 e-News

The 622 e-news is emailed to all families weekly during the school year and bi-weekly during the summer break. The e-news contains news and accomplishments, information about upcoming events, school news, and photos.

Cable Channel 20

District 622 manages the content on Cable Channel 20. School Board meetings are shown daily at 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. A bulletin board with district information scrolls continuously across the screen at other times.

622 News

The District 622 News is a postcard mailed to all residents and businesses within the district and open-enrolled families several times a year. The postcard contains news, feature stories, and photos.

622 Tipline

District 622 relies on students, staff, and families to help identify the sources of any threats involving our schools. If you or your student see or hear anything, please access the Tip Line on the website or through our District 622 mobile app. Your tip can be anonymous. Reporting categories include bullying, drugs, feedback, fighting, kudos, personal crisis, safety risk, threat, vandalism, and weapons.

Electronic Notifications

District 622 uses Blackboard Mass Notification to deliver messages to families via phone, email, text, and the District 622 mobile app. Schools send informational and attendance messages to families, Nutrition Services sends out balance information, and the district provides notification in the case of school closings or early dismissals.

Online Surveys

Periodically, District 622 conducts surveys of its stakeholders to collect information about district programs and services. For example, a parent survey is sent out each spring. Parents are encouraged to respond to this opportunity to provide feedback to the superintendent, school board, and district administration.

Campus Parent (formerly Parent Portal)

District 622 uses the Campus Student Information System for students in grades K-12 to collect student data while also allowing parents to view the records of their children, including grades, schedule, and attendance. The system also provides parents with an easy way to get involved and stay involved in their child’s education.

Rights to Campus Parent will be granted to parents or guardians of currently enrolled students. For new students, account information will be emailed to parents within 1-2 weeks of student enrollment. If your student is changing schools within District 622, your Campus Parent account will follow them - there is no action needed on your part.

Schoology Learning Management System (Middle and High School only)

District 622 uses Schoology, an integrated learning management solution that provides course management, mobile learning, and support for system-wide communication. Schoology enables our students, parents, and teachers to engage with learning materials and their school community from the classroom and beyond.

With Schoology, students can digitally submit homework assignments, review grades, participate in interactive discussions, receive announcements and feedback, take tests, write academic blogs, and more.

As a parent, you can view your child’s activity within the platform. You and your child will be given login credentials. Student progress and activity will be monitored by faculty to ensure a safe, secure, and controlled environment.

Seesaw (Elementary School)

District 622 uses Seesaw, an electronic learning environment, with our elementary learners in grades Prek-5. Seesaw supports parent-teacher communication and provides a place for students to complete assignments and for parents to follow their student's work. Parents use the Seesaw Parent and Families app, students use the Seesaw Classroom app. Learn more about Seesaw Resources and Tips on the District 622 website.

Internet Use by Students

Internet access allows students to explore libraries, databases, and other resources worldwide, enhancing their education. The use of the Internet will be related to learning activities, established curriculum, or officially sanctioned extra-curricular activities.District 622 reserves the right to monitor content and use of information networks, including personal files and e-mail files of students, and to take appropriate disciplinary action when violations occur. Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of personal files in the school district systems.

A parent/guardian-signed District 622 Chromebook/Device User Agreement form will be required by each student to be allowed access to the District’s wireless network.

The Internet Acceptable Use Policy (524) is summarized on the Student Responsibility Policies tab and can be found online on the District Policies page.

Student Records

School Board policy makes student records available to parents and students 18 years of age or older. This open policy enables parents to inspect, with professional interpretation, their student’s records. Upon turning 18, students have the same rights as parents and have jurisdiction over their records.

If parents wish to challenge school records, they may ask for a hearing to contest the accuracy or inclusion of data.

The School District will not furnish information from students’ records to third parties without the permission of the student or parents or unless the request is accompanied by a subpoena or court order. Student records are transferred to educational institutions when requested by the school. Parental permission is not required. (See Releasing Information to the Military and Releasing Student Information for instances in which the district releases student records.)

By law, student directory information must be given to all persons requesting it unless the parent does not want the information released. (See Directory Information.)

Directory Information *

Certain student data is considered “directory information.” This information allows the district to announce students’ names, publish honor rolls, programs, etc. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Chapter 13, regarding directory information and military recruitment offices requesting said information:

“Subd. 5. Directory information. Information designated as directory information pursuant to provisions of United States Code, Title 20, Section 1232g and Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 99.37, which are in effect on January 1, 2007, is public data on individuals. When conducting the directory information designation and notice process required by federal law, an educational agency or institution shall give parents and students notice of the right to refuse to let the agency or institution designate any or all data about the student as directory information. This notice may be given by any means reasonably likely to inform parents and students of the right.”

The following information is directory information in District 622:

• Student’s name, date of birth, and grade.
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports.
• Weight and height of athletic team members.
• Degrees, honors, and awards received.
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended.
• Photos, such as those taken for yearbooks or other school and district publications, are directory information for those purposes only.

Directory information does not include identifying data referencing religions, race, color, gender, social position, or nationality.

*Minnesota Statutes section 13.32 subd. 5prohibits schools from designating a student's home address, telephone numbers, email addresses, or other personal contact information as directory information.

Withholding Information

Parents may request that a portion or none of this directory information be made available. A parent or student who is 18, who wishes to make directory information private must notify their principal by October 15 of each year the child attends district schools using the ISD 622 Directory Information, Photo/Video, and Military Opt-Out form.

Identifying Students in Photos

Student pictures and identifying names will be included in school publications and may be given to the local media. However, any student or parent may request that photos not be published. (See Withholding Information) This request does not cover pictures taken at public school events by the news media or the District Communications Office. (See Student Photos/Video)

The Communications Office works directly with school administrators to respect parent requests to keep their children’s photographs from appearing in district publications.

Student Photos/Video

Throughout the year, district staff and partner organizations take photos and videos in classrooms, buildings, and events for use in publications, websites, social media, and other outreach and public relations purposes.

If a child is not to be included in these activities, parents must complete the ISD 622 Directory Information, Photo/Video, and Military Opt-Out form by October 15 of each year. The Opt-Out form can also be found at www.isd622.org/optout.

This form must be completed each year that your child is enrolled in district schools. The notification remains in effect until October 15 of the next school year. It is also suggested that you discuss your opt-out decision with your children, so they are less likely to volunteer to be on camera or interviewed.

Occasionally, the media will ask to take photos or videos to accompany a story about an ISD 622 student, program, or other activity. School administration will try to notify parents in advance of these opportunities.

District 622 is not responsible for, nor has control of, any photos/video taken by the public at school public events (such as sporting events and concerts) which are published in newspapers, on TV, or online.

Military

Federal law requires high schools to provide military recruiting officers access to public directory data and the names, addresses, and home telephone numbers of all 11th and 12th-grade students.

A parent or student who is 18, who wishes to make directory information private must notify their principal by October 15 of each year the child attends district schools using the ISD 622 Directory Information, Photo/Video, and Military Opt-Out form.

State Assessments

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)
Reading, Math, and Science MCA tests help schools, districts, and the state measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards. Students take Math in grades 3-8 and 11, Reading in grades 3-8 and 10, and Science in grades 5 and 8, and in grade 10 (or the year they complete their high school Life Sciences standards). Test results are reported to the public, parents, and students and are used by the district in its school improvement processes.

MCA is required for federal and state accountability. Some students with significant cognitive disabilities may take the MTAS (Minnesota Test of Academic Skills) in place of the MCA if it is deemed appropriate by their IEP team. Parents/guardians may fill out a form in order to opt their student out of the assessment.

ACCESS for ELLs
English Language Learners take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing in order to measure progress toward meeting Minnesota’s standards for English language development.

Students identified as EL are required to take ACCESS. Some students with significant cognitive disabilities may take the Alt-ACCESS in place of the ACCESS if it is deemed appropriate by their IEP team. Parents/guardians may fill out a form to opt their student out of testing.

District Assessments

FastBridge Learning (Grades K-5)
FastBridge Learning is a comprehensive reading and math assessment system developed by the University of Minnesota. ISD 622 administers FAST measures in grades K-5 for universal screening of academic skills three times a year (fall, winter, and spring). These measures are also used more frequently for students receiving intervention in order to monitor their progress.

NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (Grades 6-9)
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments are adaptive tests that estimate a student’s current instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year and from year to year. ISD 622 students in grades 6-9 take the reading and math MAP Growth assessments three times each year (fall, winter, and spring). Information from these tests helps teachers determine what students already know and what they are ready to learn next so that classroom instruction can be targeted to students’ needs.

ACT plus Writing
The ACT plus Writing will be offered each spring. All 11th grade students are encouraged to participate.

YouScience
Administered in the fall of 8th and 10th grades, the YouScience inventory provides information about student aptitudes, interests, and preferences, contributing valuable guidance for high school and career planning.

Why statewide testing?

Minnesota values its educational system and the professionalism of its educators. Minnesota educators created the academic standards which are rigorous and prepare our students for career and college.

The statewide assessments are how we as a state measure that curriculum and daily instruction in our schools are being aligned to the academics standards, ensuring all students are being provided an equitable education. Statewide assessment results are just one tool to monitor that we are providing our children with the education that will ensure a strong workforce and knowledgeable citizens.

Why does participation matter?
A statewide assessment is just one measure of your student’s achievement, but your student’s participation is important to understand how effectively the education at your student’s school is aligned with the academic standards.

• Students who do not participate are considered “not proficient” for district and school accountability purposes.
• Students who receive a college-ready score on the high school MCA are not required to take a remedial, non-credit course at a Minnesota State college or university in the corresponding subject area.
• Educators and policymakers use information from assessments to make decisions about resources and support provided.
• Parents and the general public use assessment information to compare schools and make decisions about where to purchase a home or to enroll their children.
• School performance results that are publicly released and used by families and communities are negatively impacted if students do not participate in assessments.

What is the relationship between academic statewide assessments and academic standards?
The Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards are the statewide expectations for student academic achievement. They identify the knowledge and skills that all students must achieve in a content area and are organized by grade level. School districts determine how students will meet the standards by developing courses and curriculum aligned to the academic standards.

The statewide assessments in mathematics, reading, and science are used to measure whether students and their school and district are meeting the academic standards. Statewide assessments are one measure of how well students are doing on the content that is part of their daily instruction. It is also a measure of how well schools and districts are doing in aligning their curriculum and teaching the standards.

Why are these assessments effective?
Minnesota believes that in order to effectively measure what students are learning, testing needs to be more than answering multiple-choice questions.

• To answer questions, students may need to type in answers, drag and drop images and words, or manipulate a graph or information.
• The reading and mathematics MCAs are adaptive, which means the answers a student provides determine the next questions the student will answer.
• The science MCA incorporates simulations, which require students to perform experiments in order to answer questions.

All of these tests provide students the opportunity to apply critical thinking needed for success in college and careers and show what they know and can do.

Because test content represents the academic standards as completely as possible, preparing for and taking the assessments uses the very same knowledge, processes, and strategies included in the standards.

Are there limits on local testing?
As stated in Minnesota Statute, for students in grades 1-6, the cumulative total amount of time spent taking locally adopted districtwide or schoolwide assessments must not exceed 10 hours per school year. For students in grades 7-12, the cumulative total amount of time spent taking locally adopted districtwide or schoolwide assessments must not exceed 11 hours per school year.

Estimated time spent in state and district assessment can be found on the ISD 622 Testing website in the State Accountability Assessments and District Assessments drop-downs. On average, the amount of time spent taking statewide assessments is less than 1 percent of instructional time in a school year. Most assessments are not timed, and students can continue working as long as they need.

What if I choose not to have my student participate?
Parents/guardians have a right to have their student not participate in state-required and district-selected standardized assessments. The Minnesota Department of Education provides a form to refuse participation in statewide tests and includes an area to note the reason for the refusal to participate. If you also wish to refuse district-selected assessments, complete and sign the Parent/Guardian Assessment Refusal form found atwww.isd622.org/testing.

When do students take the assessments?
The 2023-2024ISD 622 testing calendar can also be found atwww.isd622.org/testing. The MCA and MTAS testing window begins in March and ends in May. The ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs testing window begins at the end of January and ends in March. Each school sets its testing schedule within the state testing window.

When do I receive my student’s results?
Each fall, individual student reports are sent to school districts and are provided to families no later than fall conferences. The reports can be used to see your child’s progress and help guide future instruction.

Students need healthy eating habits for good health, adequate growth, and better learning. While school districts have some flexibility in what foods are offered to students, school districts are required to plan menus in accordance with guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Nutritional information is provided online on LINQ Connect.

Meal Prices

Universal free meals begin this fall. Students can eat breakfast and lunch for free each day. However, it should be noted that additional meals, ala carte items, and milk for a bag lunch require payment. We still need our families to complete the meal application form because we receive important funding based on the number of forms completed.

Milk may be purchased for 50 cents a carton for students who bring lunch. Lactose-free milk is available upon written request.

Menus

District 622 menus can be found on LINQ Connect.

Application for Educational Benefits

Every year we ask our families to fill out a new Application for Educational Benefits. The application allows us to provide free or reduced-price meals for qualifying families. It also helps the district to receive extra funding to support student programs.

Please visit LINQ Connect and complete the application form. If you do qualify, you can get discounted rates on athletics and activities fees, swimming lessons, driver training, and community education courses, among other discounts.

There are also many community discounts available for qualifying families. For information about these discounts, visit our Nutrition Services website.

Households that have already been approved for the following public assistance programs are not required to but can complete an Application for Educational Benefits using case number(s) instead of household income information:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Children approved for these programs may be “directly certified” for free school meals, based on data supplied to MDE by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Applications are available online LINQ Connect.

LINQ Connect (formerly Titan)

Credit card payments can be made online using the LINQ Connect. LINQ is free to use and allows parents/guardians to view their child’s account activity, add money to their student’s account, and set up reminders.

Special Diet Form

The USDA requires the meal pattern to be met at all times unless there is a disability for a child that restricts their diet. Whenever there is a special diet accommodation, there must be documentation on file. Contact your school nurse to get the Special Diet Statement form.

Visit the Nutrition Services pagefor more information.

District 622 provides health services to all students in each building. Students have access to a nurse who will dispense and monitor medication with written direction from both parent and health care provider, provide first aid and emergency care, maintain health records, and create and implement health care plans. Health Services is also actively involved in creating and implementing accommodations to support student achievement.

Parents will be notified prior to any screenings administered during the school day by phone call, school newsletter, or notes sent home with the student.

Free and low-cost health insurance available

Minnesota Health Care Programs has free and low-cost health insurance for children and families who qualify. For more information, call your county office, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW, orinsurekidsnow.gov.

The role of Student Services is to ensure that students in District 622 have appropriate support to meet individual student needs related to the educational experience. These programs and services include Special Education, Section 504, Health Services, School Social Workers, English Language Learners, School Psychologists, Alternative Learning Programs, Safe Schools/Healthy Students, School-Based Mental Health, and McKinney-Vento Homeless.

Special Education

Special education is a mandated service available to eligible children with disabilities, birth through age 21. The child must meet the special education criteria in one of the 13 disability categories, and also be in need of special education services. Before a special education referral is made, interventions are tried in the general education environment to assist the child to make educational progress. If the interventions are not effective, an evaluation can be proposed by the school team and/or parent to determine if there is a need for special education services.

Through the evaluation process, a student may be found eligible, as outlined on the criteria checklists, for special education services in one of the following areas: traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, specific learning disability, emotional-behavioral disorders, communication disorders, developmental delays at the early childhood level, vision or hearing impairments, physical disabilities, other health impairments, developmental cognitive disorders, severe multiple impairments, or deaf/blind.

Related services may also be needed in order for the student to benefit from their special education instruction. Related services include, but are not limited to, special transportation, occupational and physical therapy, developmental adapted physical education, social work, assistive technology, health/nursing services and psychological services.

Health and special education services are also available to eligible students enrolled in the district’s non-public schools.

Section 504 - Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

If your child has an identified, documented medical diagnosis and needs accommodations, they may be eligible for support under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In the event a student qualifies for a 504 Plan, appropriate accommodations will be provided through regular education. A 504 Plan would not apply if your child is currently receiving special education services. For more information, contact your child’s school principal and ask for the building 504 coordinator.

Rights for students experiencing homelessness

The McKinney-Vento Federal law ensures students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

• Immediate enrollment in school
• Continue in the school they attended before they became homeless
• Transportation to their school of origin, if feasible
• Access to school support staff services
• Title I services
• Free school meals
• Dispute school placements that differ from parent or student request

Students experiencing homelessness live in any of these conditions:

• In a shelter (family, individual, domestic violence, youth, temporary housing)
• In a motel or hotel
• Doubled up with others because of lack of housing or economic hardship
• On the street
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or other places not designed for human habitation Student Support

Bus route information is mailed to families in late-August. Watch for a yellow postcard in the mail. If you did not receive a postcard please check that your school office has the correct address on file for your student. District 622 no longer posts bus routes online for safety reasons.

Your child's bus route and stop information is also posted in Campus Parent. This data is updated every night throughout the school year. Minor route changes can occur before the first day of school, so please check Campus Parent regularly.

Bus stop procedures and lost and found information are posted on the Transportation Services website. If you have any questions, you may call 651-621-1980.

School Bus Information

District 622 strives to determine the best and safest bus stops for its students. Consideration is given to the age and number of students at the bus stop, the traffic on surrounding streets, and the overall length of the bus ride.

In order to ensure the safety of each child, the School Board has set bus behavior expectations. Please review these expectations with your children. Students violating these rules may forfeit bus-riding privileges.

Bus Stop Procedures

Students should observe the following procedures at bus stops:

• Be at the assigned bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• Stay off the road when waiting so the driver has room to stop.

• Line up in an orderly fashion and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before boarding. Do not crowd or push.

• Use the handrail when getting on and off the bus. Walk up and down the steps one at a time.

• Have respect for people’s property. Don’t trample lawns, flowers, or shrubs.

• Stay 10 feet away from the bus unless entering or leaving the bus.

The School District will assist in solving problems at the bus stops; however, it cannot legally assume responsibility for incidents that occur.

Bus Stop Guidelines and Criteria

The location of, and changes to, bus stops in School District 622 are in accordance with an established set of guidelines and criteria. These guidelines are published online at www.isd622.org/services/transportation.

In general, bus stops are located at corners or intersections. School bus drivers do not have the authority to change bus routes or student stops. District policy for distance to a bus stop from home can be up to three-tenths of a mile for elementary students and up to seven-tenths of a mile for secondary students.

Special transportation for students with disabilities must be established through the student’s IEP team at their school building and then sent to the Student Services Department at the District Education Center.

Bus Route Changes

Bus stop change requests must be made through the “Bus Stop Change Request Form,” which is available online at www.isd622.org/services/transportation. If you have questions, please call Transportation Services at 651-621-1980 or email transportation@isd622.org.

Lost and Found

Any student who loses an item on the bus should contact the driver the next time he or she rides. Items found on the bus are held on the bus for two days and then transferred to the child’s school. .

Parents may contact the school or Transportation Services at 651-621-1980 or transportation@isd622.org.

Indoor Air Quality

District 622 strives to maintain good indoor air quality in each of its buildings. The district remains in compliance with the indoor air quality regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education conducting annual air quality testing in the schools. For more information about regulations or indoor air quality in a specific building, contact the Maintenance Department at 651-748-7524.

Lead in Water

District 622 conducts lead in drinking water testing per the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education. MN Statute 121A.335 requires public school buildings serving kindergarten through grade 12 to test for lead in water in potable water sources every five years and to make the results of these tests available. Anyone interested in the district Lead in Drinking Water program or results should contact the Health & Safety Supervisor at 651-748-7524.

Asbestos-Safe Schools

District 622 has surveyed its buildings for asbestos in accordance with the requirements of federal law. A report of the findings, as well as an asbestos management plan, is available for review in each building or the District Education Center, Operations Office. Questions can be directed to 651-748-7524.

Pesticides

District 622 utilizes a licensed, professional pest control service firm for the prevention and control of rodents, insects and other pests in and around district buildings that can sting, bite, cause contamination, damage property or spread disease. The program follows these steps:

• Inspection and monitoring to determine whether pests are present and treatment needed;
• Recommendations for maintenance and sanitation to eliminate pests without using pest control materials;
• Utilization of non-chemical measures whenever possible;
• Application of EPA-registered pest control materials if needed.

The long-term health effects on children from the application of pest control materials, or the class of materials to which they belong, may not be fully understood. All pest control materials are chosen and applied according to label directions per federal law. Questions can be directed to 651-748-7524.

Mercury Free Zone

In partnership with the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), our District is proud to be a part of the Mercury Free Program. We have taken important steps to protect the health of our students and staff. Our goal is to remove mercury or any mercury-containing chemicals from our buildings and to also educate students, teachers, and staff about the dangers of mercury and mercury reduction practices.

Early Childhood Family Education

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is for parents and their children ages birth to 5 years old (before kindergarten). Classes help strengthen family relationships and provide information and resources to parents in their journey to help their children grow and develop to their maximum potential.

www.isd622.org/ecfe

651-748-7280 or 651-788-3664 (Español)

Early Childhood Screening

Early childhood screening provides a look at a child’s early development, health, vision, and hearing. An early childhood specialist will complete the screening and discuss the results. This free service is required before attending District 622 Preschool or kindergarten and is recommended at age three.

www.isd622.org/screening

651-702-8468 or 651-788-3664 (Español)

District 622 Preschool

District 622 offers high ­quality morning and afternoon preschool classes for 3 and 4 year-olds in eight locations throughout the district. Children learn through hands-on classroom experiences and develop social and academic skills needed for kindergarten.

www.isd622.org/preschool

651-702-8411 or 651-788-3664 (Español)

Youth Programs

Youth Programs provide opportunities for children and teens to gain new skills and knowledge, make connections with others, and achieve increased involvement and empowerment. Opportunities include enrichment classes, driver’s education, field trips, community engagement, and service learning.

www.isd622.org/youth

651-748-7442

Adventure Connection and Epic Connection

Adventure Connection is a school-age care program for students in grades Pre-K-5 located in District 622 elementary school buildings. It is a convenient, safe, and caring place for children before and after school, on non-school days, and in summer. Epic Connection serves students in grades 6-8 after school and during the summer at Skyview Middle School. Both programs provide educational, enriching, recreational, and engaging experiences for students.

www.isd622.org/ac

651-748-7432

Aquatics

A variety of aquatics programs year-round for people of all ages and abilities, including swimming lessons, water exercise, open swim, private pool parties, rentals, and more.

www.isd622.org/swim

651-748-7442

Adult Basic Education

Harmony Adult Education offers basic education at no cost to adults in the District 622 area. Programs include English as a Second Language (ESL), GED (high school equivalency) test preparation and testing, citizenship test preparation, and training and certification in IT (information technology), paraprofessional, and health care careers.

www.isd622.org/abe

651-748-6208

Adult Enrichment

Community Educationprovides quality educational, social, and recreational opportunities that are affordable and close to home. Explore a wide range of themes such as art, culinary, business, finance, home improvement, exercise, wellness, and more!

www.isd622.org/ae

651-748-7250

Community Bridge

Community Bridge offers customized classes, recreational activities, and social opportunities for adults with developmental cognitive disabilities.

www.isd622.org/communitybridge

651-748-7250

Senior Programs

The Gladstone Senior Center offers daytime educational, recreational, and social activities. Meals on Wheels delivery is available Monday-Friday. Community Resources for older adults and their families are also available.

www.isd622.org/seniors

651-748-7250

Facility Use

District 622 encourages community use of school facilities. District 622 buildings and grounds are available to rent for a variety of meetings or events. Facilities include classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, pools, auditoriums, and fields.

www.isd622.org/facilities

651-748-7439

There are many ways in which parents, families, and other stakeholders can get involved with District 622. The level of involvement can vary from volunteering to chaperone a field trip to serving on a district advisory committee or a school’s parent group, to responding to surveys, and more.

Volunteer

School District 622 appreciates and values the people who volunteer in our district. There is no stronger statement of parent and community support than the valuable time you invest in our students. From helping our young people learn to read to working endless hours for a school activity, and everything in between, you send a powerful message that you are invested in our community’s children and their education.

Every school has a designated volunteer coordinator. Their email addresses can be found on the district volunteer page.

Parent Organizations

Each school has a parent group that meets regularly. These parents provide fundamental support to that building supporting students, staff, and administration through events and other activities. Check your school’s website or newsletter for more information.

Question & Answer Sessions and Forums

District 622 occasionally holds public information sessions to share information and updates about district programs and activities. These gatherings also provide an opportunity for parents and other interested community members to provide input and have a dialog with district leadership.

Online Surveys

Periodically, District 622 conducts surveys of its stakeholders to collect information about district programs and services. For example, a parent survey is sent out each spring. Parents are encouraged to respond to this opportunity to provide feedback to the superintendent, school board, and district administration.