Northeast Metro 916 updates its District's Student and Parent/Caregiver Handbook each school year. This handbook might be updated periodically if the Minnesota Department of Education or Northeast Metro 916 changes any of the policies within this handbook. For a full list of policies, please click here.
Note: If you'd like a hard copy of this handbook, please contact your school's administration.
2023-24 District Parent/Student Handbook_ENG
Translated Versions:
Plain text version:
District Handbook for Students and Parents/Caregivers
2023-2024 School Year
Message from 916 Superintendent :
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
Serving as the 916 Superintendent and working alongside our staff as trusted educational providers is a privilege. I am immensely proud of our team of educators and the daily support they provide. Our mission to deliver outstanding educational services is an honor and a tremendous responsibility. Our highly skilled educators play a crucial role in offering innovative solutions tailored to the needs of our students and member districts.
In the upcoming school year, our focus remains on the central pillar of our work, Happy and Proud: the 916 Experience. As we continue to evolve our 916 strategic actions, we emphasize an individualized approach to student success. Equity remains a vital component of our commitment to ensuring that every student receives the support they require daily. We firmly believe that when students feel seen, heard, and valued through personalized learning plans incorporating their unique life experiences and strengths, they experience happiness and pride. Accomplishment, belonging, excitement, respect, encouragement, and confidence are emotions our students should feel on their best days at school. Therefore, it is imperative to center students' perspectives on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging, as it is a fundamental element for effective learning. Promoting messages reinforcing students' understanding of belonging makes them feel physically and emotionally safe.
We recognize the importance of expanding our efforts to engage students and families. We invite our 916 families and students to collaborate with us in constructing our educational environments and personalized learning plans. We aim for every student to feel happy, proud, and hopeful for the future. I anticipate the upcoming school year with great optimism as we strive to create happy and proud students and happy families.
Sincerely,
Dr. Val Rae Boe, Superintendent
PART ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION
About Our School District
Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District is one of four intermediate school districts in Minnesota offering specialized and shared programming that includes career and technical education, special education services, area learning centers, and care and treatment programs.
Intermediate school districts are specialty schools or programs that provide defined student services to a group of “member” school districts. Minnesota has four intermediate districts (916, 917, 287, and 288) that serve more than 20,000 students annually.
Mission Statement
Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District responds to the unique needs of students, educators, and school districts with innovation, quality, and trusted experience.
Northeast Metro 916 Values
Integrity: Behavior-based on beliefs. "Doing the right thing even when no one is watching."
Accountability: Operating in a manner that is above reproach to utilize resources for maximum results for students and stakeholders.
Respect: Welcoming environment where differences in staff, students, and districts are valued for the richness they bring to discussion, decisions, and programs.
Collaboration: Working with parents/caregivers, families, students, districts, and other agencies to develop effective and meaningful student programming.
Innovation: Unique, specialized design and delivery of programs and services.
Member School Districts
Northeast Metro 916 serves students and families that live in one of these 13-member school districts:
1. Centennial #12
2. Columbia Heights #13
3. Forest Lake #831
4. Fridley #14
5. Mahtomedi #832
6. Mounds View #621
7. North St. Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale #622
8. Roseville #623
9. South Washington County #833
10. Spring Lake Park #16
11. St. Anthony - New Brighton #282
12. Stillwater #834
13. White Bear Lake #624
Areas of Learning
Area Learning Centers (ALCs)
Area learning centers (ALCs) help students achieve their educational and career goals in a non-traditional learning environment. The three locations offer comprehensive and rigorous high school curricula delivered within a personalized, flexible, and nurturing environment. Students receive assistance in meeting graduation requirements and have opportunities to gain vocational skills and work experience.
Care and Treatment
Northeast Metro 916 provides educational services to students who receive care in hospitals or mental health treatment centers. Care and treatment programs help ensure that students do not lose track of their educational goals while receiving treatment outside their home schools.
Career and Technical Education
Located on the east campus of Century College, the 916 Career and Technical Center provides unique and meaningful hands-on learning opportunities that allow students in grades 11-12 from participating schools to explore a passion while earning high school and college credit in a college setting. Students attend a two-hour block at the center during the school day.
Special Education
Special education programs and services at 916 are highly specialized to respond to our member districts’ students with the most challenging needs. Highly structured, supportive learning environments help students reach their academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and communication goals.
916 School Board
A 13-member school board governs Northeast Metro 916. Each member is appointed by the member district they represent. Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the District Office, 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake.
Marilynn Forsberg, Chair | Spring Lake Park
Laura Palmer, Vice Chair | Columbia Heights
Kathleen Daniels, Treasurer | White Bear Lake
Lucy Payne, Clerk | Mahtomedi
Mannix Clark | Roseville
Melinda Dols | South Washington County
Katie Hockert | Stillwater
Tom Knisely | Centennial
Laura Oksnevad | St. Anthony-New Brighton
Avonna Starck | Fridley
Gail Theisen | Forest Lake
Sandra Westerman | Mounds View
Michelle Yener | North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale
916 Administrative Offices
Office of the Superintendent
District Office | 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5657
Communications
District Office | 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5607
Educational Services
Quora Education Center | 70 W County Road B2, Little Canada, MN 55117 | 651-415-5409
Finance & Operations
District Office | 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5591
Human Resources
District Office | 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5659
Special Education
District Office | 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5659
Technology
Quora Education Center | 70 W County Road B2 Little Canada, MN 55117 | 651-415-5400
916 School Directory
Area Learning Centers (ALCs)
916 Mahtomedi Academy
2735 County Rd D, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5680
Michelle Baland, Principal
East View Academy
Quora Education Center | 70 W County Rd B2, Little Canada, MN 55117 | 651-415-5363
Doug Surgenor, Principal
Metro Heights Academy
7122 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 | 651-415-5690
Crystal Tucker, Principal
Care and Treatment
Aris
2040 Woodwinds Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125 | 651-259-9750
Michelle Baland, Principal
Willows at the Avanti Center
10300 Flanders St NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55449 | 763-230-7470
Michelle Baland, Principal
Career & Technical Education
916 Career & Tech Center
Century College East Campus
3300 Century Ave N, Lot G, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5537
Jill Stewart-Kellar, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education
Special Education
Auditory/Oral Program
Stillwater ECFC | 1111 Holcombe St South, Stillwater, MN 55082 | 651-351-4036
Jay Fehrman, Manager
Bellaire Education Center
2540 County Rd F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5530
Tammy Bednar, Manager
Karner Blue Education Center
3764 95th Ave NE, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 651-415-6200
Jasmine Smith, Manager
Pankalo Education Center
8568 Eagle Point Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 | 651-415-6300
Amy Johncox, Manager
Project Return
Bellaire Education Center | 2540 County Rd F East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5530
Tammy Bednar, Manager
Quora Secondary School
Quora Education Center | 70 W County Rd B2, Little Canada, MN 55117 | 651-415-5438
Kristin Salava, Manager
South Campus Education Center
3551 N McKnight Rd, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651-415-5440
Jillian Campbell, Manager
Work Experience Life Skills (WELS) North
3500 Willow Lake Blvd #500, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 | 651-415-6280
Kristin Salava, Manager
Employee Directory
Click here for the full directory of Northeast Metro 916 staff
Employment Background Checks
Northeast Metro 916 conducts criminal history background checks on all job applicants and some independent contractors, such as those having direct contact with students. The school district cannot require volunteers to submit to a criminal history background check. Minnesota law requires a school hiring authority to request a criminal history background check from the Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on all individuals who are offered employment in a school, and on all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to a school, regardless of whether any compensation is paid. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the criminal history background check.
Request for Teacher and EAS Qualifications
Northeast Metro 916 hires teachers and EAS based on many professional qualifications. If a parent or caregiver would like to request the professional qualifications of a teacher or EAS, they should contact the Human Resources Department at 916.
Equal Educational Opportunity
Northeast Metro 916 ensures that all students have equal access to education. The district will not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, parental status, status concerning public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Policy 102: Equal Educational Opportunity
Lunch
Lunch will be eaten in designated areas only and will vary by classroom. Students will be notified of their assigned lunchtime on the first day of school. Students may receive lunch at school or bring a prepared lunch from home. Milk will be available to supplement lunches brought from home.
Winter Weather
As an intermediate school district, the decision to close schools is complex. The safety of students, families, and staff, especially those waiting at bus stops, is always the most important factor when deciding. 916 does not decide based on a specific temperature or a snowfall benchmark but rather assesses many factors, including temperature, wind chill, amount of snow, road conditions, and geography. The National Weather Service is the main source of weather information used to make this decision.
Due to Minnesota's often unpredictable winter weather, 916 usually waits until the morning of each school day before notifying families. However, there may be rare instances when a decision is made the night before.
Northeast Metro 916 uses SchoolMessenger to call, text, and email families, notifying families, students, and staff of school closings and other important information. To ensure you receive these notifications, please ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your school or program.
Other ways to stay connected include:
* Listen and watch WCCO radio, TV, and online listed under Northeast Metro 916.
* Check the district’s website at www.916schools.org.
* Follow on Facebook and Instagram at “916schools.”
School closures affect all buildings and programs, including special education, care & treatment, the Career & Tech Center; area learning centers, credit recovery, and night school, and district administrative offices.
Families do have a choice! There is always the option to keep a student home if you feel conditions are unsafe. 916 makes the best decision for the district but respects your assessment of what is best for your student. If you choose not to send your student to school, please report the absence to the school office so it will be excused.
E-Learning Days
The Minnesota Legislature amended the length of the school year and required hours of instruction to provide districts with the option of developing a plan for e-learning for up to five days so that students have continued access to learning when district buildings are closed due to inclement weather or other reasons. Using guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education, 916 has developed an e-learning plan, which can be adapted to meet individual program priorities and student needs. Parents/caregivers will be notified of e-learning days before implementation.
Nonschool-Sponsored Materials
The school district recognizes that students and employees can express themselves on school property. This protection includes the right to distribute, at a reasonable time and place and in a reasonable manner, nonschool-sponsored material. Policy 505: Distribution of Nonschool Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees
Communication with Families
By providing 916 with a cell phone number during the registration/referral process, you consent to receive text messages and automated phone calls from 916 on your device. These communications are crucial in the event of an emergency. Text and data charges may apply per your cell phone provider’s plan. You may opt out of text messaging by replying “stop” to any of our text messages. To opt out of phone calls, contact the Office of Communications at 651-415-5607 or [email protected].
Student Use and Parking of Motor Vehicles
The school district's policy is to allow the limited use and parking of motor vehicles by students in school district locations. The school district's position is that a fair and equitable district-wide student motor vehicle policy will contribute to the quality of the student’s educational experience, maintain order and discipline in the schools, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of students and school personnel. This policy applies to all students in the school district. Policy 527: Student Use and Parking Of Motor Vehicles; Patrols, Inspections, and Searches
Student Transportation Safety
This policy provides safe transportation for students and educates students on safety issues and the responsibilities of school buses and school vehicle ridership. All references in this policy to school buses shall include any school-owned vehicle used to transport students. Policy 709: Student Transportation Safety Policy
Religion
Northeast Metro 916 shall neither promote nor disparage religious belief or non-belief. Instead, the school district encourages all students and employees to appreciate and tolerate each other’s views. Policy 609: Religion
PART TWO: ACADEMICS
Student Records
Northeast Metro 916 is very careful about collecting, maintaining, and sharing student records in compliance with state and federal law. There must be consent from a parent/caregiver (or the student, under certain conditions) before educational records can be released. Policy 515: Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records
Graduation Requirements
Special Education programs are highly individualized, and a graduation plan will be included in each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). In Area Learning Centers (ALCs), students can earn their home school diploma or a diploma directly from Northeast Metro 916.
Northeast Metro 916 is on a trimester credit system (50 hours = 1.0 credits). To obtain a Northeast Metro 916 diploma, students must complete 64.5 credits that consist of the following:
- English: 12 credits
- Math: 9 credits (completion through Algebra II)
- Social Studies: 10.5 credits
- Science: 9 credits
- Fine Arts: 3 credits
- Electives: 22.5 credits
Digital Technology in Classrooms
Northeast Metro 916 uses various digital tools to support students. The curriculum, testing, and assessment tools inventory is posted at 916schools.org/DistrictApps and includes an outline of the student data elements within each tool. This list is maintained and communicated annually to all families at the start of the school year. Please contact [email protected] for additional questions regarding any specific classroom digital tools.
PART THREE: RULES AND DISCIPLINE
Attendance
Regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, and provides opportunities for important communication between teachers and students. We strongly encourage regular school attendance so students can develop positive habits that will carry over into college and careers. Regular attendance is a responsibility shared by the student, parent/caregiver, teacher, and administrators. Policy 503: Student Attendance
Responsible use of technology
Access to district technology resources and the internet enables students and employees to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other resources while exchanging messages with people worldwide. However, if students engage in certain illegal or irresponsible activities, as outlined in the 916 board policy, their technology access may be reduced or revoked. The district and the student’s parent/caregiver can review student activity online if the student uses district resources. Policy 524: Technology Responsible Use Safety Policy
Responsible use of social media
Northeast Metropolitan 916 recognizes the value of inquiry, investigation, and innovation using technology tools that enhance the learning experience and interpersonal communication. Staff may use district-approved social media tools and technologies for online learning. Policy 524.1: Social Media Policy
Bullying
Students need a safe and supportive environment to learn academics and social skills. 916 knows that bullying interferes with a student’s ability to learn and/or a teacher’s ability to teach. 916 does not tolerate bullying or cyberbullying by an individual or a group of students. It holds students accountable who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying. 916 does everything possible to prevent and respond to bullying, intimidation, violence, retaliation, and other similar behavior. This policy also applies to staff. Policy 514: Bullying Prohibition Policy
Notice of Violent Behavior by Students
Any staff member or other employee of the school district who obtains or possesses information concerning a student in the building with a history of violent behavior shall immediately report said information to the principal of the building in which the student attends school. The administration will meet with the assigned classroom teacher and other appropriate staff members to notify and determine how staff will manage such students. Only staff members with a legitimate educational interest in the information will be notified. Policy 529: Staff Notification of Violent Behavior by Students
Student Discipline
The school board recognizes that individual responsibility and mutual respect are essential components of any school community. To maintain a safe and orderly school learning community, all students must know the Code of Student Conduct. The school district will take appropriate disciplinary action if a student fails to adhere to these rules. Policy 506: Student Discipline
Harassment and Violence
Northeast Metro 916 is committed to creating learning and working environments that are free from harassment and violence based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, familial status, status concerning public assistance, sexual orientation, or disability. 916 investigates all complaints and discipline or takes appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, or staff violating this policy. Policy 413: Harassment and Violence
Hazing
To maintain a safe learning environment, no student, teacher, administrator, volunteer, contractor, or other staff of the school district may plan, direct, encourage, aid, or engage in hazing. 916 investigates all hazing complaints and disciplines or takes appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, or staff violating this policy. Policy 526: Hazing Prohibition
Tobacco-Free Environment
Northeast Metro 916 strives to maintain a tobacco-free learning and working environment. The policy extends to all facilities, whether owned, rented, or leased, and all vehicles the school district owns, leases, rents, contracts for, or controls. It also includes all district property and all off-campus events sponsored by the school district. Policy 419: Tobacco-Free Environment
School weapons
Northeast Metro 916 makes every effort to ensure its schools and programs are safe for all students, staff, and the public. 916 does not allow any student or adult in the school buildings or on the property to possess, use or distribute weapons. Policy 501: School Weapons Policy
Sex Nondiscrimination
Northeast Metro 916 is committed to inclusive education and providing equal educational opportunities for all students. As such, 916 works to protect students from discrimination based on sex. Policy 522: Student Sex Nondiscrimination
PART FOUR: HEALTH AND SAFETY
Standard Response Protocol
Northeast Metro 916 utilizes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the organization, I Love U Guys Foundation, in collaboration with local law enforcement. The premise is simple - five actions can be performed during an emergency: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter. Each school or program in the school district is required to have five fire drills (one in first 10 days), 5 "Lockdown" (Hold, Secure, Lockdown) drills, and one severe weather drill.
Absences
It is important to report a student’s absence each day the student is absent from school. Each school or program will let students and families know how to report an absence.
Immunizations
State Law requires that each student in a Minnesota school be protected from childhood diseases by receiving all required immunizations. Immunization records should be provided by the first day of school. Parents/caregivers may obtain a legal exemption for medical reasons or conscientious beliefs. Medical exceptions require a signature by a licensed healthcare provider. A notarized signature is required for conscientious objection.
Medications and Procedures
Individual students may require prescription or medically necessary procedures during the school day. All prescription and over-the-counter medications and special health care procedures/treatments require orders from a licensed prescriber. The orders must be complete and specific and signed by a licensed practitioner. The parent/caregiver must also complete the district’s authorization form before any medication or treatment will be given. Medication must be supplied in the original, properly labeled pharmacy container. Parents/caregivers are expected to transport medications to and from school. If there is any change in the medication or the procedure or how they will need to be managed in the school setting, this must be communicated to the nurse in the student's school or program.
Mental Health Resource: Care Solace
Northeast Metro 916 strives to provide our community with many resources to keep safe and healthy. 916 has partnered with Care Solace, a mental health care coordination service, to help students and their families connect to quality care. This free resource is paid for and provided by Northeast Metro 916.
If a student or family member is seeking help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace will quickly and CONFIDENTIALLY find available providers matched to your needs. Northeast Metro 916 will never receive any personal information from Care Solace. There is a Care Solace website solely for Northeast Metro 916 staff, students, and family members: https://caresolace.com/site/916schools.
Mental Health Resource: Youth Services Network
YSNMN.org is a web-based application that helps homeless youth and their advocates to search online for shelter and other kinds of assistance.
Mental Health Resource: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is committed to providing emotional crisis support, which can include connections to specialized services for different populations. It is available 24/7 across the U.S. and certain territories by calling or texting 988 for help.
Eligibility for Minnesota Care Health Insurance
Northeast Metro 916 sends a list of students who are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program to the Minnesota Department of Education to be shared with the Minnesota Department of Human Services for the limited purpose of identifying students who may be eligible for medical assistance or Minnesota Care unless the student’s parent or legal caregiver elects not to have this eligibility information disclosed by the school district. To opt out of this disclosure and sharing of information, the parent/caregiver must provide written notice to the student’s school principal or program manager within 30 days of the student’s first day of attendance in that school year.
Accident and Injury Reduction
Northeast Metro 916 has a written accident and injury reduction program that describes how the district works to reduce, minimize and eliminate student and employee workplace injuries and illnesses. Employees are required to report workplace injuries or illnesses to their administrators immediately. A review of these reports is completed annually.
Mandated reporting
Northeast Metro 916 is required by law to report suspected child neglect or physical or sexual abuse and will do so following the law when necessary. Policy 414: Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse
Searches
To provide a safe and healthy school community, school lockers and student desks are school property and can be searched without student consent or a search warrant. School officials may conduct searches if there is reasonable suspicion that a violation of school rules or laws has occurred. Policy 502: Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions, and their Person
Random Drug Searches
It is of utmost importance to the Northeast Metro 916 administration and school board that it maintains a drug-free workplace and schools. When Northeast Metro 916 has determined that substantial evidence shows a drug issue in any district school buildings, law enforcement may conduct random drug dog searches without prior notice of the day or time of the search. Any drug dog searches will be conducted consistent with law enforcement training and procedures. To justify a random drug dog search on any given day, it is unnecessary to have an individualized suspicion that a particular student(s) has illegal substances. Thank you in advance for your support in ensuring 916 schools are safe and drug-free.
Asbestos
The environmental protection agency requires school districts to annually notify parents/caregivers and staff about the presence of asbestos in district facilities and planned abatement activities. There is no asbestos in district-owned facilities; the only remaining asbestos is at Bellaire Education Center, a leased facility. Routine periodic inspection reports of all asbestos-containing building materials in this facility are maintained at the educational site. With prior notice, they are available for viewing during normal working hours Monday-Friday. No planned asbestos abatement is scheduled for the upcoming school year. Questions about asbestos should be directed to the Facilities and Operations Manager at 651-415-5568 or [email protected].
Indoor air quality
Northeast Metro 916 has a strong commitment to good indoor air quality. A written indoor air quality management plan describes how the district monitors air quality, maintains equipment, and responds to indoor air quality concerns.
Information is also available about school facility construction/renovation, maintenance and housekeeping practices, chemicals used, mold and HVAC-related information, and chemicals used in academic activities. Symptoms of indoor air quality problems can include headaches, sinus infections, hoarse voice, sore throat, stuffy head, dizziness, runny nose, body rashes, or pneumonia. To find answers to indoor air quality questions or to report concerns, contact the Facilities and Operations Manager at 651-415-5568 or [email protected]. Checklists also are available for self-help in evaluating the work, home, or community environments.
PART FIVE: PUBLIC NOTICES
Data Practices Under FERPA Public Notice
Northeast Metro 916 gives notice to parents/caregivers of students in the district of their rights regarding pupil records. View this public notice by clicking this link.
Survey Notice Under PPRA Public Notice
Northeast Metro 916 informs parents/caregivers of students of their rights regarding conducting surveys, collecting and using information for marketing purposes and certain physical examinations. View this public notice by clicking this link.
PPRA Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific Activities
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232H, requires Northeast Metro 916 to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your student out of participating in certain school activities. To learn more, please visit the following website.
Juvenile Justice System Requests Information
Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act; Minn. Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat.§ 13.32, subds. 3(I) and 8(a) and (b) To download the request form, please visit the following website.