Since its inception, the Minnetonka School District has been proud to provide a truly comprehensive education. Recognizing academic instruction and achievement as the heart of our mission, the Minnetonka School District also insists on and supports those activities that reinforce the academic pursuits of the students we serve. Co-curricular activities are essential for delivering a world-class education. Opportunities not found in the traditional classroom enhance the students' experience today, as well as prepare them for life's challenges ahead. A variety of co-curricular activities, both competitive and non-competitive, play an important role in the academic, social, physical, and emotional development of students by nurturing the following:

• perseverance
• self-discipline
• ethical behavior
• ability to work with others
• leadership qualities
• an understanding of the importance of physical health and fitness
• goal-setting and follow-through skills
• positive self-image
• the experience of competition
• good sportsmanship

These attitudes, skills and experiences enhance, rather than compete with, the academic mission of our schools. They are necessary for life-long success and will be supported and celebrated.

Vibrant co-curricular participation also sustains two essential cultural elements of child-centered excellence: increased community support and a feeling of belonging for each student. Wide-spread participation and outstanding performance in a variety of co-curricular activities brings the community closer to the schools and students, thereby increasing awareness of and support for our students. Offering a wide variety of co-curricular options which are open to a broad number of students and are responsive to student interests helps to create smaller communities within the high school community. These smaller communities are necessary for creating a feeling of belonging and relevance, both of which are essential for student performance and happiness.

I.    DEFINITIONS

1. Co-curricular Activities: activities students voluntarily participate in beyond the regular school day.
    
2. Competitive Co-curricular Activities: co-curricular activities with competitions organized between District students and students from outside the District. This category includes athletic and enrichment competitions.
    
3. Non-competitive Co-curricular Activities: co-curricular activities that involve students of the District without competition. This category includes athletic and enrichment activities.

II.    PROGRAMMING EXPECTATIONS

1. Co-curricular activities offered shall be based on a variety of factors, including student interests, equal opportunities, facilities, and funding.
    
2. Co-curricular programming shall be structured in a way that encourages participation by a large number of the student body ideally attracting every student to participate in at least one co-curricular program.
    
3. The number of participants a co-curricular activity can accommodate shall be established on an activity-by-activity basis.
    
4. Generally participation in co-curricular activities at Minnetonka High School shall be limited to students in grades 9-12. Seventh and eighth grade students shall be allowed to request a waiver for possible participation in a high school co-curricular activity.
   1.  The decision regarding seventh and eighth grade students will be based on:
       
      • The individual skills of the student as it relates to the needs of the specific sport/activity at any given level of competition.
      • The social maturity, academic history, and discipline history of the student.
      • The lack of opportunity for the student to improve his/her skill level in a school or non-school program.
         
   2. No class time at Minnetonka Middle School East/Minnetonka Middle School West will be missed for practices/team meetings at the high school level. Missing class time at either middle school for high school games/meets may be authorized by the respective middle school principal.
       
5. Co-curricular programming shall be structured in a way, which encourages students of various age levels and skills to have co-curricular activities available to them throughout the school year.
    
6. Co-curricular programming shall be structured in a way offering a balance of competitive and non-competitive co-curricular activities to students.
    
7. Co-curricular programming shall adhere to state and federal statutes and regulations.
    
8. Student recognition criteria will be established for all programs.
    
9. All co-curricular activity schedules shall respect students' needs to complete homework assignments and be prepared for their academic classes.

III.    ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students shall adhere to all of the rules and regulations of the Minnetonka Public Schools and the Minnesota State High School League. Furthermore, specific requirements are as follows:

1. Academic Eligibility
    
   1. A student earns academic eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities by achieving a passing grade in five subjects per quarter. Appeals will be examined in the event there are unique and compelling reasons that passing five subjects is inappropriate for a student.
       
   2. A student must have earned academic eligibility prior to the start of the Co-curricular activity as determined by the last report card.
       
   3. All entering ninth graders are academically eligible to participate in the fall co-curricular activities.
       
   4. All 10th – 12th grade students enrolling from another school will establish their eligibility based upon requirements from their previous school.
       
   5. During any period of ineligibility, the student may continue to participate in practices, scrimmages, and team meetings.
       
2. Mood-Altering Chemicals
    
   1. All coaches/advisors are required to adhere uniformly to all levels of consequences established by the MSHSL in the event that a student has a mood-altering chemical violation.
       
   2. Captains of team/programs who, during the period of being captain, have a mood-altering chemical violation will immediately be removed from the duties as team captain for the remainder of that season. If applicable, these students may be candidates for the position of captain in future seasons.

IV.    FUNDING

1. Co-curricular activities shall be funded through the general operating budget, through participant fees as permitted by law, and through voluntary donations.
    
2. Scholarships for fees will be provided to those students in need.

V.    REPORTING

Each year an Annual Report for Co-Curricular Activities shall be developed.

VI.    ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS OF PROGRAMS

The Superintendent will make recommendations to the School Board regarding the addition and or deletion of a program.

VII.    PROCEDURES

The Superintendent is directed to establish procedures for the implementation of this policy.

Related Policies:    

Policy #909:    Scheduling School Events with Respect for Family & Community Activities
Policy #503:    Attendance Policy for Minnetonka High School
Policy #506:    Student Discipline and Code of Conduct

Date of Approval: November 17, 2005
Implementation: July 1, 2006