501 - Student Attendance

501 - Student Attendance dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:08

501.01 - Resident Students

501.01 - Resident Students

Children who are residents of a school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of the student means the place, adobe, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents.  A child may, however, establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in that school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for obtaining a free public education.  Further, emancipated minors or individuals who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Lakota Cons. Ind. School v Buffalo Center-Rake C.S.D., 334 N.W. 2d 704 (Iowa 1983)
                                      Mt. Hope School District v Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924)
                                      Oshel v Creston C.S.D., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981)
                                      33 D.P.I. Dec. Rul. 80 (1984)
                                      Iowa Code §§282.2, .6, .7, 285.4, 442.4 (1991)
                                      1930 Op. Att’y Gen. 147
                                      1938 Op. Att’y Gen 69
                                      1946 Op. Att’y Gen. 197
                                      1956 Op. Att’y Gen 185

Cross Reference:  501                   Student Attendance

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:             

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:08

501.02 - Nonresident Students

501.02 - Nonresident Students

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of this district, and who have not properly applied under open enrollment provisions, may be admitted to school at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate shall be the current per-pupil cost of the district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the State Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent.  These students must have the recommendation of the principal, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to the certified enrollment date may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Lakota Consolidated Ind. School v Buffalo Center-Rake C.S.D., 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983)
                                      Mt. Hope School District v Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924)
                                      Oshel v Creston C.S.D, DPI Admin. Doc. 570, (1981)
                                      Iowa Code §§282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24, 442.4 (1991)

Cross Reference:  501  Student Attendance

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  11-08-99, 10-09-06

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:12

501.03 - Compulsory Attendance

501.03 - Compulsory Attendance

 Persons within the district who have control of a child over six (6) and under sixteen (16) years of age by September 15 in proper physical and mental condition to attend school shall have the child attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

  • Are attending an accredited nonpublic school
  • Have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma
  • Are attending religious services or are receiving religious instruction
  • Are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school
  • Are receiving competent private instruction from a parent, guardian, or legal custodian

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child’s mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child’s qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 259A, 299B, §§ 279.10-.11, 299.1 (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 31
                                      1978 Op. Att’y Gen. 378

Cross Reference:  501.9 Student Absences – Excused
                                      501.10 Student Absences – Unexcused
                                      601.1 School Calendar
                                      604.1 Equivalent Instruction

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  2-12-24              
Revised:  8-12-02

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:14

501.04 - Entrance - Admissions

501.04 - Entrance - Admissions

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district’s regular educational program beginning at age five (5).  The child must be age five (5) on or prior to September 15th to participate in the school district’s kindergarten program.  The child must be age six (6) on or prior to September 15th to begin the first grade of the educational program.  The board may exclude a child under six (6).

The board shall require evidence of age in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of the student’s age before the student may enroll in the school district’s educational program.  It shall be within the discretion of the administration to determine what satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the parent must provide the administration with their child’s health and immunization certificate.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the administration may be reason for admission being denied.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 281, §§282.1, .3, .6 (1991)
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen 258

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      603.3 Special Education

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  2-14-96, 8-12-02

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:15

501.05 - Student Transfers In

501.05 - Student Transfers In

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district as to immunizations and age.

The student must provide the district with proof of grade level and a copy of the student’s permanent records from the student’s prior school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the administration will make the grade level determination.  The administration may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the required information.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§139.9, 282.1, .3 (1991)
                                      470 Iowa Admin. Code 7
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 11.4 (13)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      507 Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  2-14-96, 10-9-06

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:16

501.06 - Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

501.06 - Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

If the student’s parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the educational program, they shall notify the administration in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the educational program.  The pupil should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.  No clearance slip will be issued or refunds made until all fees or fines have been paid.

The parent’s notice shall state the student’s final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district shall maintain the student’s records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the student wishes to have the student’s cumulative record sent to the new school district, the student or the parents shall notify the administration.  This notice shall include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student’s cumulative records should be sent.

The means of transferring student’s cumulative record will be the decision of the local school district.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§274.1, 299.1 (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 11.3 (10) – (11)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      506 Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  8-12-02

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:18

501.07 - Student Attendance Records

501.07 - Student Attendance Records

As part of the school district records of students, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§294.4  (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2 (4)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      506 Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:             

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:19

501.08 - Student Absences - Excused

501.08 - Student Absences - Excused

Regular attendance on the part of each student is encouraged.  It is imperative that teachers let students know they care for them and want them in attendance every day.  Regular attendance is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the educational program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to make sure that any absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal.

Student absences approved by the administration shall be excused absences.  Excused absences are absences which cannot be avoided.  These absences include, but are not limited to: illness, family emergencies, authorized religious holidays, school-sponsored or approved activities, and medical and dental appointments.

Students whose absences are approved shall have an opportunity to make up, if possible, work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student’s teacher to complete the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the entire day the equivalent of six class periods of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It shall be the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day.  The administration may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§294.4  (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2 (4)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                       503 Student Discipline
                                       504 Student Activities
                                       506 Student Records
                                       501.9R Student Attendance – Administrative Regulation

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  2-14-96, 11-8-99

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:20

501.08R - Student Attendance - Administrative Regulations

501.08R - Student Attendance - Administrative Regulations
  1. Philosophy

Students will be expected to attend classes regularly and to be on time in order to receive maximum benefit from the instructional program, to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility, and to assist in keeping disruption of the educational environment to a minimum.  While it is possible for an absent student to make up much of the school work missed, it is impossible to completely compensate for absence from classes.

Absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the student who was absent.  In order to maintain interest and understanding in a program of instruction, students should not expect to be absent more than is absolutely necessary.  Students who fail to make up work missed may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work.  Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only retards their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those pupils who are regular and prompt in attendance.

Students who have good attendance records are most likely to achieve higher grades, enjoy school life to a greater degree, and have more employment opportunities after leaving school.  Prospective employers expect promptness and regular attendance from employees and are reluctant to hire persons who have not established good habits of responsibility and self-discipline.  Life-long patterns of responsibility and self-discipline of regular attendance and promptness are fostered by attention given them during the years of school attendance.

There are times, however, when school officials may determine that the problem associated with absence form school are outweighed by the advantages of an activity in which the student participates and they may endorse or sponsor an activity or tip.  Attendance at such approved trips and activities will not be considered an absence from school.

 

  1. Tardiness
      1.  
    2. Tardies may be excused upon the same reasonable grounds as those considered for absences.  Two (2) unexcused tardies constituting one half day absence shall be considered on unexcused absence.

 

  1. Absences
      1.  
    2. Absences from school will be considered excused but not limited to the following examples:
      1. Personal Illness
      2. Death or serious illness in the immediate family or household
      3. Funerals
      4. Medical or dental appointments which cannot be made other than during school time
      5. Vacations – Whenever possible, family vacations should be planned over Christmas vacation or during Spring break.
      6. Work for parents/guardian
      7. Religious holidays and activities
      8. Court appearances
      9. Hunting trip with a parent (maximum 2 days/yr.)
      10. Other reasons which can be justified from an educational standpoint may approved in advance by the principal
    3. Absences from school will be considered excused but not limited to the following examples:Absences from school for the following reasons will generally be treated as unexcused absences:
      1. Working for someone other than parent/guardian
      2. Shopping
      3. Hair appointments
      4. Over-sleeping
      5. Missing the bus
      6. Car trouble
      7. Truancy
      8. Leaving school without permission
      9. Failure to verify an absence within the one day limit
    4. Reasons for absence from school which can be justified from an educational standpoint may be approved by the principal.  Permission for such absences should be obtained in advance of the absence from school.  Failure to obtain prior permission may result in the absence being considered unexcused.  The principal should document the reasons for excusing or refusing to excuse such absences.
    5. School work missed due to any absence must be completed to the satisfaction of each teacher whose class or classes were missed.
      1. When students can anticipate absences, every effort should be made to see that school work is made up in advance of the absence.  The principal may determine that the completion of school work in advance be a prerequisite to allowing the absence to be excused.

 

IV           When a student is absent form school, the following is the policy for excused make-up

  1. Students will be allowed two (2) days to make up work for credit for each day missed, but may be expected to complete work in a shorter period in the case of a lengthy absence.  If a student is absent on a day which a previously assigned test is given, he/she should be prepared to take the test on the day he/she returns.
  2. Five (5) school days to make up incomplete work at the end of the first semester or following each quarter.
  3. All second semester class work must be completed by the last day of school or unless other arrangements are made with the administration and teachers.
  4. Students shall receive full credit for school work made up due to absences.
  5. Students who anticipate an absence, especially when the absences must have the principal’s prior approval, shall give timely notice to the school office in advance of the anticipated absence.  When time permits, notification shall be in writing and signed by the student and the parents or guardian or the student.  Failure to notify the school in advance may result in the absence being considered as unexcused.
  6. All students who were absent from school for any reason shall submit in written form the specific reasons for their absence, the specific days or times they were absent, verification by the doctor or dentist, if appropriate, and the signature of the student and a parent or guardian.

    Parents and guardians should be encouraged to phone the school regarding a student’s absence on the day of the absence.

    Only when a student of majority age (18 year or older, or married) is not residing with the student’s parents or guardian, may the student present his or her own excuse for absence without parental verification.  The principal should be notified in advance of any such circumstance.

  7.   In the event that the principal determines that it is advisable to verify an excuse given for an absence, the principal may take appropriate steps to do so.  When it is determined that an excuse is forged or misrepresents the facts, the principal may treat those instances of absence as unexcused.

 

V            Unexcused Absences    

    1. Students who are absent from school or class without reasonable excuse shall be subject to disciplinary measures.  Reasonable excuses are those which are acceptable reasons as provided in Section IV of these rules.  All other absences from school shall be considered unexcused absences.
        1. Each day or portion of a day of an unexcused absence from school or class shall be considered a separate violation of these rules
        2. Students who are found to be absent without reasonable excuse may be subjected to one or more of the following disciplinary measures:
            1. Probation
            2. After-School detention
            3. In-school suspension
            4. Removal of school privileges
            5. Short-term suspension from school
            6. Long-term suspension from school

VI.         Reduction of Grades Prohibited

              Reduction of grades shall not be used as a disciplinary measure against a student because of an absence from school.

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:22

501.09 - Student Absences - Unexcused

501.09 - Student Absences - Unexcused

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the educational program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to make sure that any absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal.

Absences, including tardiness, which are not approved by the administration, shall be unexcused absences.  Unexcused absences are absences that could have been avoided.  These absences shall include, the absences in code 501.8R, Section IV,III B.  Unexcused absences will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for unexcused absences.  It shall be within the discretion of the principal to investigate and determine whether disciplinary or special action is necessary for students who are absent repeatedly.  It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine “absentee repeatedly” on a case-by-case basis.

A student absent without the administration or the parent’s permission are considered truant.  To be truant means the student willfully failed to attend school regularly even though the student is required to attend.  Truant students may be reported to the local law enforcement officers.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for the unexcused absence or absences.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa code §§294.4  (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2 (4)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                      503 Student Discipline
                                      504 Student Activities
                                      506 Student Records
                                      501.8R Student Attendance – Administrative Regulations

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  11-8-99, 8-12-02

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:40

501.10 - Student Release During School Hours

501.10 - Student Release During School Hours

Students will be allowed to leave the school facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student’s attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of  a student during the school day shall include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student’s attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit, and other reasons determined by the principal.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§294.4  (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2 (4)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
                                       503 Student Discipline
                                       504 Student Activities
                                       506 Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  2-17-96, 11-08-99

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:42

501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

501.14 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district.  As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student shall fill out an open enrollment application notifying the receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.  The notice shall be made on forms provided by the Department of Education.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline.  Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same matters set forth above by September 1.  Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 1 unless another deadline appears. 

The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year.  The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving district is appropriate for the student’s needs.  The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

 

 

Approved:  12-13-99            
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  12-9-96, 8-12-00

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:44

501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

501.15 - Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

The board shall take action on the open enrollment request to the school district as an alternative receiving district within fifteen days of receipt of the open enrollment request.  The superintendent shall notify the parents of the board’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request at the next regular meeting of the board.

Open enrollment requests into the school district as an alternative receiving district shall be considered by the board in the same manner as open enrollment requests into the school district as a receiving district.

Approved open enrollment requests into the school district as an alternative receiving district shall be effective the following semester or at the beginning of the next school year.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to make the open enrollment request into the school district as an alternative receiving district effective immediately based upon the circumstances of the open enrollment request and with the mutual agreement of the board of the school district the student is attending.  The superintendent shall notify the parents of the effective date of the open enrollment into the school district as an alternative receiving district within fifteen days of the mutual agreement.

Attendance center assignments, athletic eligibility and transportation of students open enrolling into the school district as an alternative receiving school district shall be handled in the same manner as students open enrolled into the school district as a receiving district.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for student’s needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed.  The area education agency director of special education serving the school district shall determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student shall remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.

The policies of the school district shall apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school district, will be given highest priority.  The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts.  Other open enrollment requests into the school district shall be considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Generally, students in grades ten through twelve open enrolling into the school district shall not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the school district.  Such students may be eligible to participate if:

  1. School district and sending district participate jointly in the sport
  2. The sport in which the pupil wishes to participate is not offered in the sending district
  3. The sending district was dissolved and merged with one or more contiguous school districts for failure to meet accreditation standards
  4. The student is open enrolling because the sending district has entered into a whole grade sharing agreement with another school district for the student’s grade
  5. The student’s parent is an active member of the armed forces and resides in permanent housing on government property by a branch of the armed services
  6. The student paid tuition for one or more years to the school district prior to open enrolling into the school district
  7. The student attended the school district under a sharing or mutual agreement between the school district and the sending district for one or more years prior to open enrolling into the school district.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the (superintendent) shall be responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.  The board will not approve transportation into the sending district.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (1995)
                                       281 I.A.C. 17.
                                       1990 Op. Att’y Gen. 75

Cross Reference:  501.6 Student Transfers In
                                       501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
                                       501.14 Open Enrollments Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District
                                       506 Student Records
                                       507 Student Health and Well-Being
                                       606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved:  10-8-18              
Reviewed:  10-8-18              
Revised:             

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:45

501.16 - Approval of Open Enrollment Transfers

501.16 - Approval of Open Enrollment Transfers

Request to transfer into the district under the Open Enrollment Act of 1989 shall be acted on by the board no later than March 1st of the preceding school year.  The superintendent, within fifteen (15) days of board action on a request, shall notify the parent or guardian as to whether the child will be enrolled in the district or the request will be denied.  Open Enrollment requests filed after March 1st must be acted upon by the receiving district within 30 days.  Open Enrollment requests filed in a timely manner must be acted upon by the receiving district by March 1st.  When the district is functioning in the role of an alternative receiving district, notice of board action to deny the request will be provided to the individuals making the request and the district filing the transfer, and notice of board action to approve the request will be provided to the individuals making the request, to the district filing the transfer, and to the resident district of the student.

When deciding whether to approve a request to transfer, the board shall consider the following:

  1. If a child, for which a request to transfer has been filed with a district, has been expelled in the district and has been denied reinstatement in that district, the board may refuse the request to transfer until the child has been reinstated in the sending district.
  2. The board may refuse a request to transfer if insufficient classroom space exists.

Once the request has been approved by the board, the student named in the request will be considered to be enrolled in the district, and will be committed to attend in the district for the term stated in the enrollment transfer form.  As with all students enrolled in the district, the board has the authority to determine which school attendance center shall be attended by a student enrolled under the Open Enrollment Act of 1989.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (1991)
                                       470 Iowa Admin Code 7
                                       281 Iowa Admin Code 11.3(10)-(11), 11.4(13)

Cross Reference:  501.5 Student Transfers In
                                       501.6 Student Transfers Out and Withdrawals
                                       506 Student Records
                                       507 Student Health and Well-Being
                                       501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers – Sending District
                                       501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Receiving District
                                       606.9 Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:  8-12-02, 10-12-15

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:47

501.17 - Homeless Children and Youth

501.17 - Homeless Children and Youth

The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices.  The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is Guidance Counselor.

A homeless child is defined as a child or youth between the ages of 5 and 21 who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and includes a child or youth who is living on the street, in a car, tent or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designed as a permanent home; who is living in a community shelter facility; or who is living with non-nuclear family members or with friends, who may or may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.

So that enrollment of homeless children and youth of school age may be facilitated, the following policy areas are modified as follows:          

School Records: For students transferring out of the district, records may be provided directly to the student or the student’s parents.  In addition, students transferring into the school district may provide cumulative records directly to the district.  The school district will not require that such records be forwarded from another school district before that student may enroll.  The school will then request the official records from the previous school.

Immunization Requirement: Homeless students will not be denied enrollment for lack of immunization records if:

  1. They have a statement signed by a physician stating that immunization would be injurious to the student
  2. They provide an affidavit stating such immunization would conflict with their religious beliefs
  3. They are in the process of being immunized
  4. They are a transfer student from another school

The school district will make a reasonable effort to locate immunization records from the information provided or will arrange for the student to receive immunizations.

Waiver of Fees and Charges: Fees and charges which may present a barrier to the enrollment or transfer of a homeless child or youth may be waived in the discretion of the superintendent.

Enrollment Requirements/Placement: Enrollment requirements which may constitute a barrier to the education of the homeless child or youth may be waived in the discretion of the superintendent.  If the school district is unable to determine the grade level of the student because of missing or incomplete records, the school district will administer tests or utilize other reasonable means to determine the appropriate grade level for the child.

Residency: For purposes of a homeless child or youth, residence for the purpose of attending school is where the child actually resides for the purpose of attending school is where the child actually resides or the child’s school district of origin.  A child’s school district of origin is the school district where the child was last enrolled.  The deciding factor is the welfare of the child.  As much as possible, the child will not be required to change attendance centers within the school district every time the child changes residence unless that change results in the child no longer being classified as homeless.

Transportation: Policies or practices regarding transportation of students which might cause a barrier to the attendance of a homeless child or youth may be waived by the superintendent.

Special Services:  All services which are available to resident students are made available to homeless children or youths enrolled in the school district.  Services include special education, talented and gifted programs, vocational education, English as a second language programs, health services and food and nutrition programs.

The contents of this policy will supersede any and all conflicting provisions in board policies dealing with the seven policy areas discussed above.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title X, Sec. 722, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                       42 U.S.C. §§11431 et seq. (1994)

Cross Reference:  281        I.A.C. 33
                                       501        Student Attendance
                                       503.3    Fines-Fees-Charges
                                       506        Student Records
                                       507.1     Student Health and Immunization Certificates
                                       603.3    Special Education
                                       711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved:  2-10-03              
Reviewed:  10-08-18            
Revised:             

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:50