Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center
305 S. Second St., Suite #1
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6210
FAX: (507) 537-7609
PrincipalBrian Jones
Assistant PrincipalMichelle Noriega
Art TeacherChristine Tromblay
Business TeacherChristy Steinbach
Guidance CounselorKristina Tauchen
Health/PE TeacherAngela Anderson
Language Arts TeacherRachael Andersen
Math TeachersAlex Cleppe
Brenda Elton
School Social WorkerKathy Pearson
Science TeacherKathy Richardson
Social Studies TeacherBryce Jeppesen
Special Education TeacherDavid Wingert
Level III Special Education TeacherNikki Axe-Bell
Daycare DirectorCarol Moorse
ParaprofessionalsJeanette Bosveld
Nancy Felton
Ryne Myhrberg
Administrative AssistantLeanna Ginocchio
Student ServicesChanda Bossuyt
CustodianJay Rogge
NursesDeb Herrmann
Sheri Gross
Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center, MATEC, is an alternative high school that provides quality instruction to help students experience success in a changing world. Our school’s mission is to provide unique learning opportunities with a core curriculum and the necessary interventions to enable students to meet grade level expectations. MATEC strives to meet students’ educational goals while addressing their individual needs.
The school board has approved the policies and procedures citied in this handbook. Copies of the full policy governing each section are available through the district office.
Academic Progress
Periodic Reviews
Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center staff will review each student’s progress in the areas of attendance, behavior, and academics. This allows us to maintain open communication regarding the needs of each student at the Center. If the staff concludes that a specific issue needs to be addressed, a phone call will be made and a conference scheduled as needed.
A two-week ‘probationary’ period will be given to the student to correct the cited concerns. If changes have not been made, the student will be asked to continue his/her education in another facility and leave the Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center.
Scheduling Changes
Changes to course schedules will be made ONLY if deemed necessary to meet the graduation requirements of individual students.
Behavioral or Attendance Contracts
As a result of behavior, attendance, or academic difficulties students and parents may conference with staff and write a contract, which specifies the changes, needed to succeed at MATEC.
Attendance
Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center has been set up to provide students with the opportunity to learn life-long skills that will lead to success in life. One such skill is attendance.
Block 1 begins at 8:00. The day ends at 3:05. If you are sick and/or unable to attend for any reason, you will be responsible for calling MATECbefore 8:15 AMand reporting the nature of the problem (537-6210). On all other days, students are expected to be in class ready to begin by 8:00 AM.
Whenever possible, appointments should be made so they do not conflict with the school schedule.
When students are able to anticipate an absence, they are expected to notify the school office before the absence occurs. Students with an anticipated absence will be asked to turn in all work/assignments due during the absence no later than the day they return to school. Work not turned in that day will receive the score of 0. Any test or quiz missed may be made up on a schedule worked out with the teacher.
Students with habitual absences or tardies may be put on individual attendance contracts and referred to Human Services for possible family conferences and interventions.
We take attendance daily at 8:00. Students arriving late must check in with staff at the front desk.
Any student arriving more than 15 minutes late will be marked absent for that class.
Minnesota Statute 120A.22 (compulsory attendance) states that students are required to attend school all day, every day unless they have a valid excuse.
When a student has three (3) absences at any time during the school year, a letter will be sent home, and a conference will be scheduled with the Assistant Principal. After five (5) absences, a letter will be sent home, and contact will be made with the parent/guardian. After seven (7) absences, a letter will be sent home, and a truancy petition will be filed with the county attorney’s office or a parent meeting will be called.
If a student has an unexcused tardy for class, the following consequences will be assigned. Tardies will be counted per individual class, not as a total for all classes and will reset to zero at the start of each quarter: 1st tardy-warning, 2nd & 3rd tardy-30 min. of detention after school (becomes 1 hour of detention if the student fails to show up), 4th-6th tardy-1 hour of detention after school (becomes 1 hour of Saturday school if the student fails to show up), 7th tardy & beyond-1 hour of Saturday school (becomes a full Saturday school if the student fails to show up).
Poor attendance or regular tardies may result in notification of parent, guardian and/or appropriate social service and probation agency or loss of your place at MATEC. The school is an opportunity for success. To benefit from it, you have to be here!
Detention
If a student has been assigned detention, it must be served either before school or after school. The student has 2 days to complete each assigned detention.
Class Schedules
Regular Schedule
Block 18:00-9:22
Block 1A8:00-8:41
Block 1B8:41-9:22
Block 29:27-10:49
Block 2A9:27-10:08
Block 2B10:08-10:49
PD10:54-11:46
Lunch11:46-12:16
Block 312:16-1:38
Block 3A12:16-12:57
Block 3B12:57-1:38
Block 41:43-3:05
Block 4A1:43-2:24
Block 4B2:24-3:05
Wednesday Schedule
Block 18:00-9:12
Block 1A8:00-8:36
Block 1B8:36-9:12
Block 29:17-10:29
Block 2A9:17-9:53
Block 2B9:53-10:29
Ramp-Up10:34-11:21
Lunch11:21-11:51
Block 311:51-1:03
Block 3A11:51-12:27
Block 3B12:27-1:03
Block 41:08-2:20
Block 4A1:08-1:44
Block 4B1:44-2:20
Two Hour Late Start
Block 110:00-11:06
Block 1A10:00-10:33
Block 1B10:33-11:06
Block 211:11-12:17
Block 2A11:11-11:44
Block 2B11:44-12:17
Lunch12:17-12:48
Block 312:48-1:54
Block 3A12:48-1:21
Block 3B1:21-1:54
Block 41:59-3:05
Block 4A1:59-2:32
Block 4B2:32-3:05
Two Hour Late Start Wednesday
Block 110:00-10:46
Block 1A10:00-10:23
Block 1B10:23-10:46
Block 210:51-11:37
Block 2A10:51-11:14
Block 2B11:14-11:37
Ramp-Up11:42-12:12
Lunch12:12-12:43
Block 312:43-1:29
Block 3A12:43-1:06
Block 3B1:06-1:29
Block 41:34-2:20
Block 4A1:34-1:57
Block 4B1:57-2:20
School Closing
The Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center calendar may change due to special staffing or other program needs. It will be closed on days with inclement weather. School closings will be the same as the MarshallPublic Schools. Cancellations will be announced on WCCO radio and on local radio stations KARZ-107.5 FM, KMHL-1400 AM and KKCK-99.7 FM.
Visitors
Student visitors are not allowed during the school day.
Center Climate
The Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center is a community of learners who are committed to caring and respecting one another. A problem solving approach will be used to resolve most conflicts at the Center. Since MATEC is an extension of Marshall Public Schools, issues with legal consequences will follow the policies established as part of the School Discipline code.
Dress Code
The responsibility for the appearance of our students rests with the parents and the students themselves. Clothing should be neat, clean and non-offensive. (Policy #504) Common courtesy means appropriate dress, including footwear, should be worn at all times. Students in violation of this policy will be asked to change into appropriate clothing. School consequences may also be applied. Examples of inappropriate dress include but are not limited to:
- Clothing advertising or representing substances illegal for juveniles.
- Clothing containing obscene, discriminatory, profane language or pictures, or that could be considered as sexually offensive to other people.
- Clothing containing or construed to be containing gang symbols or clothing worn in a manner to identify gang membership.
- Immodest clothing (i.e. bare midriffs, muscle tees, spaghetti straps, exposed undergarments) Shorts/skirts may not be shorter than the middle of the thigh. Shirts/tops must cover 3/4 of the shoulders.
- Coats/jackets must be removed upon entering the building and stored in the lockers during the school hours. Blankets may not be used during class.
Headgear (this includes anything worn on the head, excluding wearing of head gear for religious purposes) must be stored in your locker between the hours of 8:00 and 3:05. Any violations may be confiscated and stored in the office for 1 day at first offense, and an additional 5 days for any further violations.
School officials reserve the right to confiscate any inappropriate clothing item, send students home to change, or provide students with an appropriate choice of clothing.
Public Displays of Affection
This type of behavior is inappropriate in the school setting. Students should refrain from displaying physical signs of affection in the school and on school grounds. Displays of affection can be interpreted as sexual harassment.
Cheating
Cheating in any form (i.e. copying, plagiarizing, providing or receiving answers to exams, quizzes, papers, assignments or projects) will result in the student receiving a grade of zero. Appropriate consequences will be assigned. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by the teacher.
Profanity
A student shall not use any form of profanity, written or verbal. Included in this prohibition would be the use of obscene gestures, signs, pictures or publications, including those displayed on clothing.
Fighting
Fighting is an unacceptable method of solving a problem and the school will not tolerate it. Students involved in fighting may be subject to any or all, but not limited to, the following: parent conference, one to five days of suspension, possible expulsion, and reporting of the incident to the local police department.
Electronic Devices
Personal Electronic Devices are not allowed in classrooms or common areas except for before or after school or during lunch. All electronic devices will be collected at the beginning of each class and stored in labeled drawers until the end of the period. The school cannot be held accountable for the security of personal electronic equipment brought to school.
Cell phones are not allowed to be on in any classroom area. If a cell phone is seen or heard by school staff, the student will be removed from class, receive an unexcused absence, for that class, and the device will be kept in the Assistant Principal’s office for the remainder of the day. For the second offense, all of the above will apply, and the student must turn in their phone for the entire day the following school day. For the third and fourth offenses, all of the above will apply except the device will be turned in for 2 days and the remainder of the quarter, respectively.
Students are only allowed to listen to music, as long as it is not streaming music, with teacher permission and using a device that cannot access the Internet.
Nuisance Articles
The possession or use of articles that are a nuisance, illegal, or that may cause harm to persons or property is prohibited at school, on the bus, and/or school sponsored activities. Included are, but not limited to, squirt guns, toys, spray bottles, fireworks, spray paint, pagers and phones in class, compact disc/cassette players, lasers, etc. Possessing such nuisance articles in school will result in confiscation of such articles, and possible disciplinary action.
School Property
Destruction or willful damage to school property will result in school consequences and possible referral to law enforcement. Examples of property crimes may include, but are not limited to: arson, theft, false fire alarm, bomb threat, possession and/or detonation of pyrotechnic devices, robbery, and extortion. Willful damage of school property involves the intentional cutting, defacing, or damage of any property, real or personal, belonging to the school district or to any individual within the school setting.
In School Suspension (ISS)
If a student is assigned ISS, the student will turn in all electronic devices and personal items to the front desk and sit in the assigned area. It is the student’s responsibility to stay awake, remain in the assigned area,and complete all assigned work while serving ISS.
Out of School Suspension, Exclusion, or Expulsion
Out of school suspension may be assigned when there is a statutory violation. This means a school, local or state statute is broken by that action. Examples may include but are not limited to:
1.Use or possession of a controlled substance (i.e. tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, etc.)
2.Physical aggression, such as harassment, assault, theft, vandalism, etc.
3.Insubordination/disorderly conduct or defying authority. Law enforcement may be notified and charges may be filed.
Credit for classes missed during out of school suspension is awarded at the discretion of the teacher.
When suspended out of school, students are not eligible to attend or participate in any school activities or be on any public school grounds.
Exclusionsor expulsions are also disciplinary actions taken by the school board for violation of school policy.
This procedure is in accordance with district policy (#506) and the Minnesota State Statute 121A.40 through 121A.56 (Minnesota Fair Pupil Dismissal Act).
The staff of the Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center is committed to making the learning environment a safe and welcoming place for all who work within it. It is our desire to help you be successful. It is your responsibility to take advantage of this opportunity!
Dismissal from a State Approved Alternative Program
One of the reasons a student is accepted into a SAAP is because both the students and the alternative-learning program feel that the program will assist the student in achieving academic success. If the student continues to have disciplinary, attendance issues, and/or fails to make educational progress as outlined in the student’s continual learning plan MATEC will address these issues as follows:
- A continual learning year program plan will be developed with the participation of the student, parent or guardian, teacher, and staff. This plan will also include information informing the student that a consequence for not making academic progress may be termination from the program.
- Students with attendance and/or behavior problems will have contracts written to ensure that parents and students understand MATEC’s expectations. If the student is unable to meet the obligations of the contract the student and the student’s parents or guardian will be notified that termination will take place on a specific date and that the resident district is obligated to provide education service to the student. The resident district will receive a copy of the letter and will be notified in advance so that they can make arrangements to readmit the student into one of its programs.
Restorative Measures
Restorative measures will be used to help maintain a positive school environment to repair harm due to such behaviors as profanity, vandalism, insubordination, and other discipline violations.
Code of Conduct
Definition of a Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct is a set of behavioral expectations, based on organizational or community principles and goals that are designed to guide and positively influence the choices, actions, and practices of persons who are members of that organization or community.
Purpose of the MPS Code of Conduct
The Marshall Public Schools Code of Conduct establishes behavioral expectations. The Code is designed to guide the choices, actions and practices of our diverse educational community, which includes students, staff, parents, and guests. The MPS Code of Conduct will help maintain a safe, quality learning environment, which will foster high achievement and excellence in our schools and community.
Honesty
Honesty is being truthful and worthy of others’ trust.
To uphold this commitment, I choose to:
1. Keep my promises.
2. Be truthful to myself and others no matter what the consequences.
3. Never lie, cheat, or steal.
4. Be trustworthy, straightforward, and sincere.
Responsibility
Responsibility is doing the right thing, being prepared, giving your best effort, and taking ownership.
To uphold this commitment, I choose to:
1. Be in charge of my behavior and accept responsibility for it.
2. Do the right thing for myself, others, and my community.
3. Be prepared and on time for my school activities.
4. Give my best effort and ask for help when I need it.
5. Follow the rules and laws of my school and community.
Respect
Respect is to commit to treating others like you want to be treated. Everyone deserves respect, but my actions may affect the amount of respect I receive from others.
To uphold this commitment, I choose to:
1. Respect myself, others, and property.
2. Honor people's opinions and actions.
3. Listen to others and treat them well because they matter.
Fairness
Fairness is providing equal opportunities for everyone to contribute.
To uphold this commitment, I choose to:
1. Treat others fairly, including a fair opportunity to explain a disagreement.
2. Work to create an environment where all have equal opportunities.
3. Be open-minded toward differences.
4. Never disrupt learning opportunities.
5. Display appreciation and respect for all at sporting events, competitions, and performances.
We will work to understand the MPS Code of Conduct and guide, support, or intervene with others when necessary to support the Code.
District Policies
Nondiscrimination
Marshall Public Schools' policy is to ensure equal educational opportunities for all students. MarshallPublic Schools does not discriminate on the basis of disability, sex, parental, family and marital status. (Policy # 102, 521, 522, 528)
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., and Minn. Stat. 363.01-14, the Minnesota Human Rights Act. It is the policy of MATEC to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. The school prohibits any form of sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or staff of MarshallPublic Schools to harass another student or any employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by the statute. (Policy #413, 515)
The school is required to investigate and report all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and to discipline any student or staff who sexually harasses a student or employee of this school.
Bullying
Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to educate students in a safe environment. It is the school district's intent to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond, remediate, and discipline those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may be considered bullying should report the alleged acts immediately to an administrator. (Policy #514)