School District Information

School Board

School Board Committees

Graduation Requirements

1. Each student must take seven subjects each semester (passing seven is the requirement for participation in athletics and other activities).
2. Required courses are as follows:
   • 4 yrs. English
   • 3 yrs. Social Studies
   • 2 yrs. Mathematics
   • 2 yrs. Science
   • 1 1/2 yrs. Physical Education
   • 1/2 yr. Health
   • 26 total credits for graduation
   • All required classes must be passed before graduation and participation in the graduation ceremony.
     
3. A total of eight semesters in attendance is required for graduation.
4. Tutors, teacher aides, and work release will be graded Pass / Fail.
5. The administration reserves the right to alter the above requirements in case of health reasons, course conflicts, transfer students or for any unforeseen problem.

Emergency School Closing

If weather conditions during the night or early morning require the school to be closed, the information will be broadcast over WCCO radio, WAXX radio, WMEQ radio, WEAU TV (13), KARE TV (11), and KSTP TV (5). Such notice will be broadcast before 7:00 in the morning. If weather conditions make it necessary to close school after it is in session, the students will be sent home immediately. Parents should instruct her/his children where to go for shelter in case they are not home when the child arrives. If school is dismissed due to weather, no athletic events or other extra-curricular events will be held that day.

Student Handbook

• Middle/High School Student Handbook
• Elementary School Student Handbook
  

Philosophy

The School District of Elmwood believes that we must make a concerted effort to help each student develop feelings of self worth and confidence which will enable each to experience a sense of pride and accomplishment in our highly technological and rapidly changing society. Our multi-faceted educational program involves development and utilization of skills, attitudes, and values which enables each student to develop potential as an individual and to make useful contributions as a member of society.

We must also address the needs of our students citizens and productive workers. Students should be guided in their interpretation of the modern world by an appreciation of their democratic heritage so they may be discerning in their choice of competent leadership and become intelligent participants in their communities and vocations. In order to ensure that their participation be satisfying, we must instill in our student an appreciation of positive work habits and the adaptability necessary to succeed in a society where occupations appear, change, and disappear.
We also believe that regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, economic status, talents, or abilities, we must develop in all students the desire and techniques to learn, know, reason, solve, and evaluate. So that students may become lifelong learners, they must be directed and encouraged to study independently, think logically land creatively, and to communicate ideas meaningfully. We must ensure that each student be equipped to appreciate the arts, culture, and interpersonal relationships. Such awareness, habits, and skills will assist them in accepting a realistic evaluation of themselves, their personal and vocational ambitions, and their environment.
We further believe that the atmosphere in the school should promote a realization within students that while such is expected of them the expectations are realistic and reasonable and should not cause them to be anxious or overly concerned. The atmosphere of the school should be that which promotes mutual trust between staff and students, as well as values of fairness, generosity, and tolerance. Since the school reflects the needs, values, strengths, and aspirations of the community, it follows that the school, home and appropriate agencies should work together to assure that each person involved is regarded as an individual worthy of our sincere interest, respect, and best efforts.

The power of learning is limited mainly by the choices made as described in the following quote attributed to Harold McAlindon "You do make a difference by the contributions your make or do not make, by the quality or work you choose to produce, when you choose to produce, when you choose to help or not help other people. You always make a difference. It's your choice as to whether the difference will be positive or negative, active or passive, helping or hindering. The difference that you make will be the result of your own efforts and you own choosing."

Nondiscrimination Policy

The School District of Elmwood does not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activities. Federal law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, gender or handicap.

Middle School Program Goals

The Middle School will provide:

• An atmosphere and program unique from the elementary school and high school which considers the special transitional nature of the student between childhood and adolescence.
  
• A program characterized by flexible scheduling which recognizes and facilitates adjustment of the student to the wide variance from the self-contained elementary school to the departmentalized high school
  
• A planned program of sequential skills for students to emphasize the attainment of basic skills in the areas of mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, science, physical education and health.
  
• A program of exploratory courses to enable each student to explore his/her interest and enhance his/her abilities in areas such as music, art, industrial arts, home economics, and business.
  
• A program of instruction that provides for a balance of student-directed/teacher-directed learning experiences.
  
• For the individual educational and emotional needs and interests of students by offering them an opportunity to become involved in group activities and organizations.
  
• For the guidance of students toward responsible citizenship and the development of self-discipline, self-motivation and appreciation of self and others.