Dear Hoover Families,
At Hoover we are fully committed to supporting students in their growth and development in all areas. As I continue to connect with parents about the ways in which the Hoover staff create and support a positive learning environment, we'd like to share some information with you all regarding some of the guidelines and parameters schools work within and support.
In Minnesota, schools are required and committed to using nonexclusionary discipline practices before considering suspension. Some of these strategies include:
- Collaborating with families to create action plans with necessary supports.
- Utilizing home visits, evidence-based Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and social-emotional services.
- Providing access to school-linked mental health services, counseling, and social work.
- Offering additional support and intervention that are targeted toward reducing adverse behaviors
- Referring students for 504 plans or special education services when appropriate.
For students in PreK–Grade 3, disciplinary dismissals (suspensions) are legally prohibited unless all nonexclusionary resources have been exhausted and there is a serious, ongoing safety threat. Any such decisions require consultation with the Director of Student Support Services or the Superintendent.
Recess:
Students cannot be denied recess unless safety is at risk. If recess is denied, this decision is made with the consultation of caregivers.
Restraint/Baring Exit:
The use of restraint is also governed by MN law and supported by best practice in descalation. We have staff who are specifically trained in proper procedures if restraint is required. By law restraint or baring exit cannot be used as a form of discipline. It can only be used as a last resort and only in instances of imminant harm to self or others is identified. Baring exit to any room or area of the building also must meet the threshold of imminant harm.
FERPA:
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student. It is important for families to know that if we call you about a behavior that involves your student, we are not able to discuss other students.
We hope this information is helpful to give context to how and when some decisions are made around behavior. If you have any questions, need assistance, or need to report any concerns, I encourage you to reach out to me directly via email at mmeyer1@isd77.org or phone at 507-388-5202. Our school counselor, Angie Parker (aparke1@isd77.org), and our school social worker, Lindsey Northenscold (lnorth1@isd77.org), are also available to provide support
Sincerely,
Mollie Meyer
Elementary Principal
Exciting Updates on Focus School Applications for the 2025-26 School Year!
We’re thrilled to share the next steps in our district’s Focus School initiative, following approval at the November school board meeting. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, our district will expand its elementary school offerings to include:
Bridges Community School (Global Studies)
Jefferson Elementary (Outdoor/Nature-Based)
Rosa Parks Elementary (STEAM- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)
At MAPS, we are committed to offering innovative educational opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our students. With these updates, families can now choose from three unique elementary school models:
Neighborhood Schools foster a strong sense of community, helping students feel connected to the people and places around them. These schools include Eagle Lake, Franklin, Hoover, Kennedy, Monroe, Roosevelt, and Washington.
Neighborhood+ Schools blend the neighborhood school experience with additional enrollment options centered on specific themes, enhancing learning and engagement. These schools include Jefferson and Rosa Parks.
Community School brings together students from across the district through an application process, offering a specialized, nontraditional public school experience. This includes Bridges Community School.
Focus School Enrollment Timeline
Selecting the right school for your child is an important decision! Here’s what you need to know about the application process:
Application Window: November 25, 2024 - January 24, 2025
Notification of Enrollment: February 14, 2025
Deadline to Accept/Decline: March 1, 2025
If applications are submitted after the window closes, they will automatically be added to a waitlist. Students may be admitted from the waitlist until July 15, 2025.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Infinite Campus Online Parent Portal now through January 24th, 2025. We encourage families to explore their options by scheduling a tour at the focus schools that interest them most.
To learn more about our focus schools and the application process, visit our Focus School webpage.
We’re excited about this new chapter in our district’s commitment to future focus education.
Contact Us:
Email: mmeyer1@isd77.org
Website: he.isd77.org
Location: 1524 Hoover Drive, North Mankato, MN, USA
Phone: 507-388-5202