Parent Handbook

For safety reasons, parents must report student absences via one of the following options: absence form (available in English, Spanish and Somali), by emailing the school office at orabsence@district196.org, or by calling the school’s attendance line at (651) 683-6969, mailbox 82764, by 9am each day their child is absent.  Parents must report a reason for the absence.    

Please make every effort to plan vacations around school breaks.  School work will be made up when the student returns to school. 

Excessive absences may result in a letter of concern from the school. 

School safety patrol members with stop flags are stationed at Johnny Cake Ridge Road/school driveway and at Clemson Drive/Johnny Cake Ridge Road before and after school to assist students in crossing the street safely. Patrols are available from 9:15 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. each day.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 9:15 am.

No supervision is available before 9:15 am as staff members are preparing for the school day.  Students who arrive before 9:15 am will remain outside until the bell rings.

Guidelines for morning arrival:

• Students enter the building at 9:15 a.m. Please do not drop off prior to 9:15 a.m.
• Be prepared for drop off before you reach the parking lot (i.e., backpacks zipped, shoes tied, jackets on, hugs given).
• When your vehicle reaches the sidewalk, your child should exit and begin walking to the front doors.
• Stay in your vehicle. We will provide supervision for your child as he/she walks to the front doors of the school.  You may exit the parking lot after your child leaves your vehicle.

Guidelines for afternoon dismissal:

• Families enter the parent pick up line by the north entrance off Clemson Drive. Display the Household Number*. The parent pick up line is the only place car riders should meet families.
• Families who plan to meet their child in the office should park in the parking lot and come through the front doors to the office.
• Students are not released through the Community Events Entrance or directly to the parking lot.

*Household pick up numbers are distributed at August Assessment Days. Contact the office for a replacement or additional copies.

If you need to pick up or drop off your child during the school day, park your vehicle in the parking lot. Please avoid the yellow curbs. If you are picking up your child, enter the main entrance and sign your child out in the main office. He/She will be called to the office to meet you. If you have an appointment, remember that it may take a few minutes for your child to be prepared to leave school. If your child is being dropped off at school in the morning after 9:30 a.m., park your car and walk to the main entrance with your child and call the school number to let us know they have arrived.  

We understand that changes in pick up arrangements occur from time to time, and our office staff will assist you to make sure that students get home safely. Call the office or send a note to school if your child will be going home with a friend or another person who does not normally pick up. Notify us in advance and before 3pm so we can avoid classroom interruptions and communicate information to staff in a timely manner. Do not email your child’s teacher, as he/she may not have the opportunity to check email messages during the school day. Consistent pick up routines are safest, as they minimize last minute changes and prevent confusion. Parents will need to come in the school to sign out students in the office vestibule when this is not a daily routine.

Weather-Related Schedule Changes

If you are planning to move out of the Oak Ridge attendance area, please call us at (651) 683-6970.  Records for students enrolling in a school outside of District 196 will be requested in writing by the new school.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher with any concerns or questions via email or phone. If you call and the teacher is not available, please leave your name and number, and the teacher will return your call at his/her first opportunity.  We will not interrupt classrooms during the normal student day.

Email is the school's primary way to communicate with families. Be sure that your correct email address is on file with the office. School-wide update emails are sent to all families each Friday.

Other forms of communication include:

• Oak Ridge Web Site contains all school information, including lunch menus, calendars, and events. 
• Friday Folders are sent home weekly with all students and should be returned to school on Monday.  These folders will include your child’s work, school papers, and district flyers.  
• Social Media highlights learning and fun activities at Oak Ridge. Find us @OakRidgeMagnet on Facebook, Instagram and X.
• The Spotlight Community Newsletter is published quarterly by the District Office. The Spotlight communicates information to all citizens in the district. Items such as a district calendar, upcoming events, summaries of School Board meetings, etc., are printed for your information. If you do not receive the Spotlight, call the District Office at (651) 423-7700.

District 196 elementary schools operate on a trimester system. Report cards are available through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal at the end of each trimester (December, March and June). To view your student's report card, sign in to Infinite Campus, then click the three lines in the upper left corner and select Documents. If you have not yet set up your Parent Portal account, please refer to Portal Setup Instructions.

The purpose of the report card is to communicate a student’s achievement in academics, social skills, and effort based on our district grade level expectations and standards. A grading scale of 1-4 is used, based on rubrics with easy-to-understand descriptors of what the student is able to do in each of the four achievement levels: 1) Limited, 2) Developing, 3) Proficient and 4) Exemplary. See the District's Elementary School page for more information.

Conferences are an important time for families.  You will learn about your child’s progress, have an opportunity to ask questions, and discuss plans for continued growth and improvement.

Formal conferences are held twice each school year in the fall and winter.  Evening and day appointments are available. You will be notified via email when it's time to schedule a conference appointment with your child's classroom teacher. Appointments to meet with specialists (music, physical education, art, STEM) and other interventionists may also be requested.

As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status,* disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* age or genetic information.* District 196 provides equal access to designated youth groups.

The Director of Human Resources, Shelly Monson (651-423-7859 - shelly.monson@district196.org) is the designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education, Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 – jeremy.sorenson@district196.org) and the Director of Secondary Education, Michael Bolsoni (651-423-7712 – michael.bolsoni@district196.org) have been designated to respond to student-related inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 – janet.fimmen@district196.org) has been designated to respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

*Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.

The District publishes an Overview of Student Rights and Responsibilities and mails it to every family in the fall. Included in the handbook are behavioral expectations and consequences for misbehavior that are enforced district-wide. Families and students are asked to become familiar with the expectations and consequences as early in the school year as possible. Teachers review the handbook with students during the first two weeks of school, as developmentally appropriate.

Each K-5 student at Oak Ridge is issued a district iPad, charger, and cord for school use. Families are encouraged to develop a Family Media Plan and help students manage their iPad use at home. Please see the District iPad Resources below for more information, or contact your child's teacher.

District iPad Resources

What is covered: 

The device MUST be in the district-issued protective case to be covered under this plan.

• Accidental Damage – The first instance (non-intentional damage) includes complete coverage (parts and labor) on all internal and external components including:
  • Glass and LCD screen (layer under glass)
  • Buttons
  • Microphone
  • Headphone jack
  • Battery
  • Protective case
  • There is a $40 deductible for the 2nd incident during the school year
  • If there is a 3rd incident, the school and family will work out an individualized plan
• Theft – must include a police report; all district electronic devices can be tracked and disabled to reduce the likelihood of theft.

What is not covered:

• Damage purposely caused or allowed by the student
• Damage occurred while the device is not in the district-issued protective case
• Loss of the device (without a police report)
• Power cord/adapter (unless covered by manufacturer’s warranty)
  • Each student is provided one power cord/adapter for the iPad. Any subsequent replacement needs due to loss/damage is the responsibility of the student/family.

IF YOU DO NOT PURCHASE THE PROTECTION PLAN

The student’s family is responsible for the cost of replacement (if lost or stolen) and repairs. The estimated costs of replacement and the most common repairs are as follows:

• Replacement                   
  • iPad = $294
  • Protective case = $50
• Repairs
  • Damaged or broken LCD = $135
  • Damaged or broken glass = $95

Any damage, loss or theft of a district-issued device should be immediately reported to a staff member, regardless of whether the Protection Plan was purchased.

Student cell phones and smartwatches are not to be used during the school hours. Students who choose to bring their cell phone to school must keep their phones powered off and in their backpacks at all times. We discourage smartwatches for elementary students as they can distract from learning. If a student uses a personal cell phone during the school day, administration may hold onto the phone for parents to pick up in the office. These items are at risk of being stolen, lost or damaged, and the school does not accept any responsibility for these items.

For safety and security, students and families who need to get in contact with one another must go through our school office and/or follow our dismissal procedures. We ask parents not to call or text their child during the day on a personal cell phone or smart watch. If you must get in touch with your child for any reason, please call our school office at 651-683-6970 or send an email to your child’s
classroom teacher.

Every Oak Ridge parent is a member of PTO, and all are encouraged to participate.  There are no dues or applications to be a member.

Learn More

All visitors must check in at the front desk in the office.  You will be asked to scan your driver’s license or enter your personal data before receiving a visitor sticker badge to wear during your visit. Classroom visits must be pre-arranged with the teacher and administration. We cannot accommodate visitors in the cafeteria; however, you may sign your child out for lunch for special occasions.

Volunteers are often needed for special events (i.e. field trips, classroom parties) or school events and are scheduled by school staff or through our PTO.  Teachers may need classroom volunteers; contact your child's teacher directly if you would like to volunteer in the classroom.

District 196 has adopted The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Students and staff train, practice, and drill the protocol.

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on an all-hazards approach as opposed to individual scenarios. SRP utilizes clear common language while allowing for flexibility in protocol. The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident. When communicating these, the action is labeled with a “Term of Art” and is then followed by a “Directive.” Execution of the action is performed by active participants, including students, staff, teachers and first responders. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

Emergency procedure drills occur throughout the school year, as follows: lockdown drill five times per year, evacuation drill five times per year, severe weather/tornado drill one time per year, and bus evacuation two times per year.  Staff are calm and reassuring during emergency drills.  Students are silent and follow all directions so that all safety messages are heard by all. 

Latex balloons are not allowed at Oak Ridge to protect students with latex allergies, avoid the choking hazard posed by deflated or broken balloons, and protect the environment.

Homemade treats may not be distributed to students at school, as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Birthdays are special events for young children.  Classroom teachers recognize students in special ways on their birthdays.  In accordance with our District Wellness policy, food and beverages are not part of student birthday recognition events at school.

Oak Ridge’s daily schedule is as follows:

• 7:30 am - Office opens
• 8:00 am - Teacher day begins
• 9:15 am - Parent drop off starts.  Students enter through main entrance.
• 9:15-9:30 am - Buses arrive
• 9:25 am - First Bell
• 9:30 am - Start of school day; classes begin
• 3:40 pm - Dismissal for walkers, students going to parent pick up and SAC students
• 3:40-3:50 pm - Dismissal for grades Preschool-5
• 3:55 pm - Busses leave
• 4:00 pm - Teacher day ends
• 4:30 pm - Office closes

Students should not be dropped off prior to 9:15 am.

No supervision is available before 9:15 am as staff members are preparing for the school day.  Students who arrive before 9:15 am will remain outside until the bell rings.

Clothing with statements or advertisements that reference messages which are inappropriate for young children are not allowed (i.e., cigarettes, violence). If a student wears clothing to school that is inappropriate a staff member will speak with him/her privately. This student will be offered the option of turning a shirt inside out or wearing another shirt over the original. Parents will be informed as needed.

Shoes worn should be appropriate for gym, recess and outdoor learning.

Please label all of your student's belongings so they may be identified if misplaced. 

Homemade treats may not be distributed to students at school, as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Homework is not assigned as a daily requirement, but rather as an outgrowth or continuation of learning at school.  Daily reading at home is required at most grade levels.

In the event of student absence, school work will be made up when the student returns to school. 

Please label all of your child's belongings so that they may be identified when misplaced.  A lost and found closet is located in the hallway by the nurse’s office. Items are kept for one month and if not claimed after one month, they are donated. Make sure your child looks for lost items promptly. If items are left on a bus, check with the Transportation Department at (651) 423-7685. 

Invitations to parties or celebrations should not be distributed at school or on the bus. This practice supports an equitable and inclusive environment at our school and your cooperation is appreciated. The PTO provides an optional electronic directory shortly after the beginning of the school year with contact information families have chosen to share. Information to opt into this directory is available on the Back to School Parent Checklist.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to call the classroom teacher if there is ever a concern or question.  If the teacher is not available, please leave your name and number, and the teacher will return your call at his/her first opportunity.  We will not interrupt classrooms during the normal student day.

Please do not call and ask to speak with your child in the classroom. In an emergency, a student may be sent to the office for a phone call.  Students should use the telephone at school only when absolutely necessary. Arrangements for transportation, visiting another child, etc., should be made before the student leaves home.

Cell phones and SMART watches are not to be used during the school hours. Students who choose to bring their cell phone to school must keep their phones powered off and in their backpacks at all times. We discourage smart watches for elementary students as they can distract from learning. If a student uses a personal cell phone during the school day, administration may hold onto the phone for parents to pick up in the office. These items are at risk of being stolen, lost or damaged, and the school does not accept any responsibility for these items.

Oak Ridge students are expected to go outside for learning and play every day. Closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing are needed for outdoor learning. Please label all of your student's belongings so they may be identified if misplaced.

Español/Somali

The Transportation Department communicates pickup and drop off times for students who are bused to Oak Ridge via a postcard in the mail before the school year begins.  School bus patrol members are placed on every bus to assist the driver with loading and unloading passengers safely.

For detailed information including service areas, Fee-For-Service transportation, and frequently asked questions, contact the District 196 Transportation Department.

School safety patrol members with stop flags are stationed at Johnny Cake Ridge Road/school driveway and at Clemson Drive/Johnny Cake Ridge Road before and after school to assist students in crossing the street safely. Patrols are available from 9:15 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. each day.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 9:15 am.

No supervision is available before 9:15 am as staff members are preparing for the school day.  Students who arrive before 9:15 am will remain outside until the bell rings.

Guidelines for morning arrival:

• Students enter the building at 9:15 a.m. Please do not drop off prior to 9:15 a.m.
• Be prepared for drop off before you reach the parking lot (i.e., backpacks zipped, shoes tied, jackets on, hugs given).
• When your vehicle reaches the sidewalk, your child should exit and begin walking to the front doors.
• Stay in your vehicle. We will provide supervision for your child as he/she walks to the front doors of the school.  You may exit the parking lot after your child leaves your vehicle.

Guidelines for afternoon dismissal:

• Families enter the parent pick up line by the north entrance off Clemson Drive. Display the Household Number*. The parent pick up line is the only place car riders should meet families.
• Families who plan to meet their child in the office should park in the parking lot and come through the front doors to the office.
• Students are not released through the Community Events Entrance or directly to the parking lot.

*Household pick up numbers are distributed at August Assessment Days. Contact the office for a replacement or additional copies.

If you need to pick up or drop off your child during the school day, park your vehicle in the parking lot. Please avoid the yellow curbs. If you are picking up your child, enter the main entrance and sign your child out in the main office. He/She will be called to the office to meet you. If you have an appointment, remember that it may take a few minutes for your child to be prepared to leave school. If your child is being dropped off at school in the morning after 9:30 a.m., park your car and walk to the main entrance with your child and call the school number to let us know they have arrived.  

We understand that changes in pick up arrangements occur from time to time, and our office staff will assist you to make sure that students get home safely. Call the office or send a note to school if your child will be going home with a friend or another person who does not normally pick up. If at all possible, please notify us in advance and before 3pm so we can avoid classroom interruptions and communicate information to staff in a timely manner. Do not email your child’s teacher, as he/she may not have the opportunity to check email messages during the school day. Consistent pick up routines are safest, as they minimize last minute changes and prevent confusion. Parents will need to come in the school to sign out students in the office vestibule when this is not a daily routine.

District 196 parents whose children ride the bus to and from school each day can track the location of their child’s bus using the smartphone application "Here Comes The Bus." The app tracks buses using GPS; it does not track students. Visit the link below for more information and instructions for setting up the app. To view your student's lunch PIN (needed for app setup), sign in to Infinite Campus, tap the three lines in the upper left corner and select More > Food Service.

Here Comes the Bus

Busing may be available for daycare locations within the Oak Ridge attendance area. Complete form 707.5.2P – Transportation for Students in Daycare or an Alternate Address. Click the link below for more information. 

District 196 Transportation Department

Child care is available before and after school for Oak Ridge students through the YMCA. Visit the link below for information and registration.

YMCA School Age Care