Handbook

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Michigan law requires public schools to restrict student use of personal wireless communication devices during the instructional day. As a result, Leland Public School will be implementing an “Away for the Day” expectation for student personal devices for students in grades 6-12. From 8:00 am to 3:16 pm, student personal devices may not be seen, heard, or used. Parents needing to communicate with their students should call the main office. K-5th grade students are not permitted to have cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, smart glasses, or any other electronic communication devices at any point during the school day or on school buses.

This expectation includes, but is not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• Earbuds or headphones connected to personal devices
• Other personal wireless communication devices

*Smart glasses are not allowed at LPS

Devices that are brought to school should be powered off and stored out of sight in either a backpack or locker. Combination locks are available for lockers by request.

School-issued devices are for instructional use only and not to be used for any other purposes.

K-5th grade students are not permitted to have cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, smart glasses, or any other electronic communication devices at any point during the school day or on school buses. If school staff see an elementary student with a phone during the school day, it can be confiscated for return to parents. 

Cell phone violations will result in progressive discipline: 

1. Warning: Teachers send device to the office, parents notified, and student conference with administrator to retrieve device at the end of the school day.
2. Infraction: Teachers send device to the office, parents notified and parent must retrieve device. Infraction is documented in student record as a Disciplinary Log Entry.
3. Additional Infractions: Additional infractions result in increasing consequences and device intervention plans, up to and including suspension and permanent phone suspension.

All students are required to respond to teacher direction regarding the use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, at any time including turning over their device when requested by the adult. Failure to comply with teacher direction will be treated as insubordination and will result in disciplinary action. 

Student electronic devices are not permitted on school-sponsored field trips, with the exception of the end of year Senior Trip. Students may not use cell phones or other electronic devices while they are in locker rooms, restrooms, or any other area in which others may have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their cell phones and other electronic devices. The District is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage of any cell phone or other electronic device. 

Taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal photographs, video, audio, or other similar data, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (including via cell phone or other electronic device), may constitute a crime under state or federal law. A student engaged in any of these activities at school, at a school event, or on school-provided transportation, may be subject to discipline. A student engaged in any of these activities outside of school may be disciplined if the student’s activities substantially disrupt or negatively affect the school environment

Leland Public School recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the landscape of education and the future workforce, making AI literacy a foundational skill for a well-rounded education. In alignment with our mission to develop critical thinkers for global citizenship, we are committed to thoughtfully and responsibly integrating this technology into the student learning journey.

 

The District prioritizes student safety and well-being by maintaining a meticulous approach to data privacy and the selection of carefully-vetted AI tools. Our instructional approach is human-centered, emphasizing that technology should serve to augment rather than replace human creativity and judgment. We aim to empower students to be critical thinkers who can evaluate AI-generated content for bias, inaccuracies, and misinformation. Our goal is to move beyond easily accessible answers and foster the deep inquiry required for students to become digital citizens.
 

These guidelines apply to all students and staff during educational activities, whether using district-issued equipment and accounts or personal devices and accounts.

• Ethical Use: Students must use AI tools responsibly and ethically, adhering to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy and handbook expectations for academic integrity.
• Teacher Direction: Because the appropriate use of AI varies by task, students must strictly follow the specific parameters and permissions established by their teacher for every assignment.
• Originality and Disclosure: Work submitted must always reflect a student’s own effort and original voice. Any AI assistance must be transparently disclosed as required by the instructor.

Unauthorized use of AI to complete or assist with an assignment in a way that misrepresents a student's knowledge, skills, or understanding is considered a form of academic dishonesty. As outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, violations may result in credit loss, grade reduction, or further disciplinary action. 

Because AI technology is evolving rapidly, the District treats these guidelines as a living document. We are committed to regularly reflecting upon and updating these policies at least annually to ensure they remain responsive to both technological advancements and educational needs

Grades K – 5^th

Agreement for Acceptable Use of Technology Resources Grades K-5

 

________________________________ _________

Student First and Last Name Grade Level

 

I understand that I may be permitted to use the school’s computers, electronic devices, and Internet at school and at home under the following school rules for computer and Internet use. I promise that:

• I will only use the computers, electronic devices, and Internet for schoolwork.
• I will only use the computers, electronic devices, and Internet as directed by my teacher or other school employee.
• I will not use the Internet to try to look at websites that I know are for adults only or that I know I should not access.
• If I accidentally access a website that I know I should not look at, I will tell my parent/guardian or teacher right away.
• If someone sends me something on the Internet that I know is inappropriate, I will tell my parent/guardian or teacher right away.
• I will not use the school’s computers, electronic devices, or Internet to bully or harm any other person.
• If someone else uses the computers, electronic devices, or Internet to bully or harm me, I will tell my parent/guardian or teacher right away.
• I will not damage the school’s computers, electronic devices, or cause problems with the computers, electronic devices, or Internet on purpose.
• I will give the school’s computers and other electronic devices back to the school at the school’s request.
• I will not use the school’s computers, electronic devices, or Internet to cheat on my schoolwork.
• I will not copy anything that I see on the school’s computers, electronic devices, or Internet and pretend that it is my own work.
• I will keep my password secret from everyone except my parent/guardian.
• I understand that the school can see everything that I do on the school’s computers, electronic devices, and Internet.
• I understand that the school has filters on its computers, electronic devices, and Internet, which means I might not be able to see some information. I will not try to interfere with those filters.
• I will follow all of these rules. I will also follow any directions that my teacher or other school employee gives me about my use of the school’s computers, electronic devices, or the Internet.

 

I understand that if I break any of these rules, I may be disciplined, and I may also lose my computer, electronic device, and Internet privileges.

 

________________________________ ______________

Student Signature Date

 

Parent/guardian signature required on reverse.

I have read this Agreement and agree that as a condition of my child’s use of the school's Technology Resources, which include: (1) internal and external network infrastructure, (2) Internet and network access, (3) computers, (4) servers, (5) storage devices, (6) peripherals, (7) software, and (8) messaging or communication systems, I release the school and its board members, agents, and employees, including its Internet Service Provider, from all liability related to my child’s use or inability to use the Technology Resources.  I also indemnify the school and its board members, agents, and employees, including its Internet Service Provider, for any fees, expenses, or damages incurred as a result of my child’s use, or misuse, of the school’s Technology Resources.

I have explained the rules listed above to my child.

I authorize the school to consent to the sharing of information about my child to website operators as necessary to enable my child to participate in any program, course, or assignment requiring such consent under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

I understand that data my child sends or receives over the school’s Technology Resources is not private. I consent to having the school monitor and inspect my child’s use of the Technology Resources, including any electronic communications that my child sends or receives through the Technology Resources.

I understand that the school does not warrant or guarantee that its Technology Resources will meet any specific requirement or that they will be error free or uninterrupted; nor will the school be liable for any damages (including lost data, information, or time) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the Technology Resources.

I agree that I will not copy, record, or share, or allow my child to copy, record, or share, any information sent to my child via the school’s Technology Resources that includes personally identifiable information about any other child including, without limitation, videos, audio, documents, or other records that identify another student by name, voice, or likeness. 

I understand and agree that my child will not be able to use the school’s Technology Resources until this Agreement has been signed by both my child and me.

I agree that my child will return all Technology Resources to the school in good working order immediately on request and that I am responsible for any damage to the Technology Resources beyond normal wear and tear. 

 

I have read this Acceptable Use Agreement and agree to its terms.

 

________________________________ ______________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

 

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Grades 6^th - 12^th

Agreement for Acceptable Use of Technology Resources     6th-12th Grade

________________________________ _________

Student First and Last Name Grade Level

 

The purpose of this Agreement is to grant access to and define acceptable use of the school’s technology resources (“Technology Resources”).

Technology Resources are any type of instrument, device, machine, equipment, technology, or software that is capable of transmitting, acquiring, or intercepting any telephone, electronic, data, Internet, audio, video, or radio transmissions, signals, telecommunications, or services and include without limitation: (1) internal and external network infrastructure, (2) Internet and network access, (3) computers, (4) servers, (5) storage devices, (6) peripherals, (7) software, and (8) messaging or communication systems. 

In exchange for the use of the school’s Technology Resources either at school or away from school, you understand and agree to the following:

1. Your use of the school’s Technology Resources is a privilege that may be revoked by the school at any time and for any reason.
2. You have no expectation of privacy when using the school’s Technology Resources. The school reserves the right to monitor and inspect all use of its Technology Resources, including, without limitation, personal email and voicemail communications, computer files, databases, web logs, audit trails, or any other electronic transmissions accessed, distributed, or used through the Technology Resources. The school also reserves the right to remove any material from the Technology Resources that the school, in its sole discretion, chooses to including, without limitation, any information that the school determines to be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, harassing, intimidating, disruptive, or that otherwise violates this Agreement.
3. The Technology Resources do not provide you a “public forum.” You may not use the Technology Resources for commercial purposes or for political positions or candidates unless expressly authorized in advance by a teacher or administrator as part of a class project or activity. You may, however, use the Technology Resources to contact or communicate with public officials provided you follow all other rules.
4. The school’s Technology Resources are intended for use only by registered users. You are responsible for your account/password and any access to the Technology Resources made using your account/password. Any damage or liability arising from the use of your account/password is your responsibility. Use of your account by someone other than you is prohibited and may be grounds for suspension from the Technology Resources and other disciplinary consequences for both you and the person(s) using your account/password. Likewise, using or accessing another person’s account is prohibited and may be grounds for suspension from the Technology Resources and other disciplinary consequences for both you and the person whose account or password you used or accessed.
5. You may not use the Technology Resources to engage in bullying, including cyberbullying. Bullying and cyberbullying are defined as: Any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication, that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely, to harm one or more pupils either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:
   1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils;
   2. Adversely affecting the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the educational programs or activities by placing the pupil in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
   3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a pupil’s physical or mental health; or
   4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.
      Use of other communication/messaging devices (including devices not owned by the school) to engage in bullying or cyberbullying may be grounds for discipline under the school’s student code of conduct. 
6. If you misuse the Technology Resources, your access to the Technology Resources may be suspended and you may be subject to other disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Misuse includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Accessing or attempting to access material that is “harmful to minors.” Material that is “harmful to minors” includes any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that: (1) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (2) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (3) taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors. 
   2. Accessing or attempting to access material that is unlawful, obscene, pornographic, profane, or vulgar.
   3. Accessing or attempting to access material that is inappropriate for minors. Material that is inappropriate for minors includes all material described in Sections F.1 and F.2 of this Agreement as well as material that could be construed as inappropriate for a K-12 student audience.
   4. Bullying and cyberbullying (as defined in paragraph E).
   5. Sexting, which includes, without limitation, possessing, sending, or distributing nude, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive photographs, videos, or other visual depictions of yourself or another person.
   6. Vandalism, which includes, without limitation, any malicious or intentional attempt to harm, steal, destroy, or disrupt user data, school material, or school hardware or software.
   7. Hacking, which includes, without limitation, gaining or attempting to gain access to, modifying, or obtaining copies of information belonging to others or information you are not authorized to access.
   8. Unauthorized copying or use of licenses or copyrighted software.
   9. Plagiarizing, which includes the unauthorized distributing, copying, using, or holding out as your own, material that was written or created by someone else, without permission of, and attribution to, the author/creator.
   10. Posting or distributing confidential or inappropriate information meant to harass, intimidate, or embarrass others.
   11. Allowing someone else to use your account or password or not preventing unauthorized access to Technology Resources when leaving them unattended.
   12. Using or soliciting the use of or attempting to use or discover the account information or password of another user.
   13. Attempting to or successfully disabling security features, including technology protection measures required under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).
   14. Misusing equipment or altering system software without permission.
   15. Commercial for-profit activities, advertising, political lobbying, or sending mass mailings or spam. You may contact a public official, however, to express an opinion on a topic of interest.
   16. Copying, recording, or sharing any information received or obtained via the school’s Technology Resources that includes personally identifiable information about any other student including, without limitation, videos, audio, documents, or other records that identify another student by name, voice, or likeness. 
   17. Using the Technology Resources in any way that violates any federal, state, or local law or rule, Policy, or the school’s codes of conduct, or student handbooks.
7. You must promptly disclose to your parent/guardian or teacher any content you view or receive over the Technology Resources that is inappropriate or that makes you feel uncomfortable, harassed, threatened, or bullied, or that contains sexually explicit content. You should not delete such content until instructed to do so by a school employee.
8. It is the policy of the school, as a recipient of certain federal funds, to monitor the online activities of its minor students and provide technology protection measures on its computers with Internet access designed to prevent minors from accessing visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) child pornography, or (3) harmful to minors.
9. It is the policy of the school to prohibit its minor students from: (1) accessing inappropriate matter on the Internet; (2) engaging in hacking or other unlawful online activities; and (3) accessing materials that are harmful to minors. It is also the policy of the school to educate students about cyberbullying awareness and response and about appropriate online behavior, including disclosing, disseminating, or using personal information and safely and appropriately interacting with other individuals in social networking websites, chat rooms, by email, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
10. The school does not guarantee that measures described in paragraphs H and I will provide any level of safety or security or that they will successfully block all inappropriate material from the school’s students. You agree that you will not intentionally engage in any behavior that was intended to be prevented by paragraphs H and I.
11. The school does not warrant or guarantee that its Technology Resources will meet any specific requirement or that they will be error free or uninterrupted; nor will the school be liable for any damages (including lost data, information, or time) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the Technology Resources.
12. You will return all Technology Resources to the school in good working order immediately on request. 
13. You are responsible for the proper use of the Technology Resources and will be held accountable for any damage to or replacement of the Technology Resources caused by your inappropriate use.

I agree to follow this Agreement and all rules and regulations that may be added from time to time by the school or its Internet Service Provider. I also agree to follow all rules in the applicable student code of conduct and handbook. As a condition of using the Technology Resources, I agree to release the school and its board members, agents, and employees, including its Internet Service Provider, from all liability related to my use or inability to use the Technology Resources.

I understand that data I send or receive over the Technology Resources is not private. I consent to having the school monitor and inspect my use of the Technology Resources, including any electronic communications that I send or receive through the Technology Resources.

I have read this Acceptable Use Agreement and agree to its terms.

 

________________________________ ______________

Student Signature Date

 

I have read this Agreement and agree that as a condition of my child’s use of the Technology Resources, I release the school and its board members, agents, and employees, including its Internet Service Provider, from all liability related to my child’s use or inability to use the Technology Resources. I also indemnify the school and its board members, agents, and employees, including its Internet Service Provider, for any fees, expenses, or damages incurred as a result of my child’s use, or misuse, of the school’s Technology Resources. 

I authorize the school to consent to the sharing of information about my child to website operators as necessary to enable my child to participate in any program, course, or assignment requiring such consent under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

I understand that data my child sends or receives over the Technology Resources is not private. I consent to having the school monitor and inspect my child’s use of the Technology Resources, including any electronic communications that my child sends or receives through the Technology Resources.

I agree that I will not copy, record, or share, or allow my child to copy, record, or share, any information sent to my child via the school’s Technology Resources that includes personally identifiable information about any other child including, without limitation, videos, audio, or documents that identify another student by name, voice, or likeness. 

I agree that my child will return all Technology Resources to the school in good working order immediately on request and that I am responsible for any damage to the Technology Resources beyond normal wear and tear. 

I understand and agree that my child will not be able to use the school’s Technology Resources until this Agreement has been signed by both my child and me.

I have read this Acceptable Use Agreement and agree to its terms.

 

________________________________ ______________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

 

 

This Student Code of Conduct is meant to be a guide and is subject to the discretion of administration. 

Administration will, as required or permitted by state law, always consider the use of restorative practices as an alternative to or in addition to suspension or expulsion. Nothing in the following table limits the District’s ability to impose more or less severe disciplinary consequences depending on the situation’s unique circumstances and the following factors:

1. the student’s age;
2. the student’s disciplinary history;
3. whether the student has a disability;
4. the seriousness of the behavior;
5. whether the behavior posed a safety risk;
6. whether restorative practices will be used to address the behavior; and
7. whether a lesser intervention would properly address the behavior.

The District will also comply with Policy 5206 Section I for victims of an alleged sexual assault. 

Nothing in this handbook limits the District’s authority to discipline a student for conduct that is inappropriate in school, but that is not specifically provided in this table. Depending on the circumstances of a particular situation, separate athletic or extracurricular sanctions may be imposed, in accordance with the applicable handbook or rules.

 

 

Classes occasionally take field trips off school property for educational enrichment. Each student must submit a completed permission form signed by the student’s parent before being allowed to attend a field trip. 

Walking field trips within the village of Leland do not require a walking field trip permission slip form for each trip, and LPS will make every effort to notify families at least 1 school day in advance of a walking field trip to ensure students are prepared for the outdoors.

A student’s failure to comply with Board Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, or any other applicable rules or behavioral expectations while on a field trip may result in disciplinary action and removal or exclusion from the trip or future field trips.

Students who have not met academic or behavioral expectations may not be allowed to attend field trips. 

Leland Public School provides transportation services for students inside our district boundaries. Leland Public School will seek to provide a school bus stop as close to a student’s residence as is safely possible. Establishing a stop at a student residence is not guaranteed and all stops must follow all Michigan guidelines for safe stops in all seasons. Routes may change from year to year depending on enrollment.

Riding in school vehicles, including school buses, is a privilege, not a right. Students must comply with the following rules and all school conduct rules and directives while riding in school vehicles. In addition, students must comply with the Student Code of Conduct while in school vehicles.

When in school vehicles, the following rules apply: 

1. Students must promptly comply with any directive given by the driver.
2. Students must wait in a safe place for the vehicle to arrive, clear of traffic and away from where the vehicle stops.
3. Students may not fight or engage in bullying, harassment, or horseplay while riding or waiting for school vehicles.
4. Students must enter the vehicle without crowding or disturbing others and go directly to a seat.
5. Students must remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear while the vehicle is moving.
6. Students may not throw or pass objects on, from, or into vehicles.
7. Students may not use profane language, obscene gestures, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substance on the vehicles.
8. Students may not carry weapons, look-a-like weapons, hazardous materials, nuisance items, or animals onto the vehicle.
9. Students may converse in ordinary tones and volumes but may not be loud or boisterous and should avoid talking to the driver while the vehicle is moving. Students must be absolutely quiet when the vehicle approaches a railroad crossing and any time the driver calls for quiet.
10. Students may not open windows without the driver’s permission. Students may not dangle body parts or other items (e.g., legs, arms, backpacks) out of the windows.
11. Students must secure any item(s) that could break or cause injury if tossed about the inside of the vehicle if the vehicle were involved in an accident.
12. Students must respect the rights and safety of others at all times.
13. Students must help keep the vehicle clean, sanitary, and orderly. Students must remove all personal items and trash upon exiting.
14. Students may not vandalize or intentionally cause damage to the vehicle.
15. Students may not leave or board the vehicle at locations other than the assigned stops at home or school unless approved prior to departure by the superintendent or designee.
16. Video cameras may be placed on vehicles and buses to monitor student behavior on the vehicle/bus. Exceptions or modifications to these rules may be made as necessary to accommodate a student with a disability.

 

Bus Riders

• Buses load and unload on Pearl Street and bus riders walk up the sidewalk to enter our staffed entrance at the playground.

 

Walkers/Bikers

• Walkers should cross using Crossing Guard help both AM and PM.
• Walking students should not arrive before 8:00 AM and must exit the school campus by the time the Car Line is completed at 3:25 pm.
• PM Walkers/Bikers in grades 2-5 need a Walking Waiver on file for LPS to dismiss students to independently navigate the village. 

 

Car Riders

• Where? 
  • Car Line for all drop-off and pick-up students is behind the school on Fourth Street. Our protected, single-path loop is the safest place for loading and unloading. 
  • Always pull as far forward as possible before loading/unloading.
  • “Wait for the straight!” No loading/unloading along the curved part of Car Line.
• When? 
  • AM: Students should arrive between 8:00 and 8:15. Classroom doors open at 8:10. Students arriving before 8:10 will report to the Cafeteria for supervised breakfast/waiting time.
  • PM: Car Line pickup begins at 3:16 pm for all students in grades 1-12. Kindergarten students begin dismissal from teacher to parent at 3:10. 
• How? Safely!
  • Drivers must stay in cars. Our LPS staff will support students loading/unloading on the sidewalk. We load and unload all students on the passenger side for safety.
  • Never “pass” (go around a car to get to a spot further up) in Car Line. Once your car pulls away from the sidewalk into the driving lane, you must exit the Car Line completely without re-entering the drop-off and pick-up zone at the sidewalk. 
  • Pedestrians may not cross between cars in Car Line. This is very surprising to drivers and risks a tragic accident.

Students Who Drive to School:

• All driving students must have a LPS Parking Pass. This helps us quickly identify cars, even street-parked cars, in case of an emergency. 
• Driving students must drive safely and slowly around our campus. Students driving too quickly or recklessly will lose their driving privileges.