The board believes that inappropriate student appearance cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, personnel, and visitors on the school premises.

The board expects students to be clean and well groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place, and purpose intended.  Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors; clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to subversion; and hats are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the educational program will not be tolerated.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Hazelwood School District v Kuhlmeier, 108 S.Ct. 562 (1988).
                                      Bethal School District v Fraser, 106 SCt. 3159 (1986).
                                      Bystrom v Fridley High School, Ind. Schl. Dist. #14, 882 F.2d 747 (8^th Cir. 1987)
                                      Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Students shall treat school district property with care and with the respect they would treat their own property.  Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school property may be required to reimburse the school district.  They may be subject to discipline under board policy and the school district rules and regulations.  They may also be turned over to local law enforcement authorities.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 282.4, .5, 613.16 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Riding a bicycle to and parking it at the student’s attendance center is a privilege.  Students who fail to follow the regulations set by the principal of their attendance center or the school district will be subject to withdrawal of their privilege to ride a bicycle to their attendance center and may also be subject to other disciplinary action.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to develop and enforce administrative rules for students riding bicycles to and parking them at their attendance center.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502   Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center.  Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the student’s attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center.  Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle nor leave the school grounds in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the principal of their attendance center or by the school district.  Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules shall be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8, Chapter 321 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Student expression made on the school premises or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school, therefore student expression must be responsible.  Student expression must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be inappropriate for their level of maturity.

Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsibly done.  The expression shall not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, or contain obscenity or indecency.  The administration, when making this judgment, shall consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or the prohibition of the student speech is related to an educational purpose.

Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place and manner that is not disruptive to the educational program of the school district. 

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures.  School district personnel shall be responsible for insuring students expression is in keeping with this policy.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. I.
                                      Bethal School District v Fraser, 106 S.Ct. 3159 (1986).
                                      New Jersey v T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985).
                                      Tinker v Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
                                      Iowa Code §§279.8, 282.3 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      603.9   Academic Freedom

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulation violations and other matters should be addressed to the student’s teacher or other member of the licensed personnel, other than administration, for resolution of the complaint.  It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest administrative level.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by the teacher, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within five (5) days.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within ten (10) days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  214.1   Meeting Agenda
                                       502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Student lockers are the property of the school district.  Students shall use the lockers assigned to them by the school district for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school.  It shall be the responsibility of each student to keep the locker assigned to them clean and undamaged.

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned locker, the principal of the building may inspect the lockers from time to time.  Student lockers may also be searched in compliance with board policy regulating search and seizure.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.14, 808A (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 21.8

Cross Reference:  502        Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      502.10   Search and Seizures

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:  2-14-96

 

As per Chapter 702.7 of the Code of Iowa…A “dangerous weapon” is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in a manner for which it was designed.  Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon.  Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, or knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length.

School buildings are not an appropriate place for dangerous weapons of any kind.  Dangerous weapons shall be taken from students and others who bring dangerous weapons onto the school property.

The board believes that dangerous weapons on school grounds cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, personnel, and visitors on the school premises.

Parents of students found to possess a dangerous weapon on school property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons may be reported to the police.  Further, the student will be subject to disciplinary action.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement personnel shall be exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display dangerous weapons for educational purposes.  Such a display shall also be exempt from this policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  McClain v Lafayette County Bd. Of Ed., 673 F.2d 106 (1982).
                                       Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       503     Student Discipline
                                       507     Student Health and Well-Being
                                       702.7  Definitions

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:  2-14-96

 

The board prohibits the use of tobacco and prohibits the possession, the use, or being under the influence of beer or alcohol, other controlled substances, or “look alike” substances that appear to be tobacco, beer or alcohol or controlled substances by students on school property or at any activities sponsored by the school, on or off school property.

The board believes that such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school premises.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including possible suspension.  Possession of beer or alcohol, for those under legal age, and/or of a controlled substance may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§204, 279.8, .9 (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(9), 12.5(3)(e), 12.5(4)(e), 12.5(5)(e).

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503     Student Discipline
                                      507     Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

School property is held in public trust by the board.  School authorities may, without a search warrant, search a student, student lockers, desks, work areas, or student automobiles based on a reasonable suspicion under the circumstances and in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include but are not limited to nonprescription controlled substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for the administration of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student anywhere on the school premises or on property under the jurisdiction of the school district.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action and may be grounds for reporting to local law enforcement.

The board believes that such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, personnel, or visitors on the school premises. 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. IV.
                                      New Jersey v T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985).
                                      Shy Cason v Connie Cook, Federal District Court for the 8^th Circuit, No. 85-2393 (Iowa, January 28, 1987).
                                      Iowa Code Chapter 808A (1989).

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503     Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Generally, students may not be interrogated during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and personnel.

Requests from law enforcement officers and those other than parents, school district officials, and personnel to interrogate students shall be made through the principal’s office.  Upon receiving a request, it shall be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted.  In making this determination, the principal shall consider the welfare of the student and directives to the principal from the courts.  Prior to granting a request, the principal shall attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.

If a child abuse investigator wishes to interrogate a student, the principal will defer to the investigator’s judgment as to whether the student should be interrogated independently from the student’s parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

Students shall not be taken from school without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 232 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502.10    Search and Seizure
                                       503         Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:             

 

Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the school district.  This policy is in effect while students are on school grounds, school district property, or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned and/or school-operated buses, vehicles or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

Harassment prohibited by the district includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or disability.  Students whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to the investigation procedure which may result in discipline, up to and including, suspension and expulsion.

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favor and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:             

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition or a student’s education or of a student’s participation in school programs or activities;         
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student; or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating or hostile learning environment.

Sexual harassment as set out above, may include, but is not limited to the following:

• verbal or written harassment or abuse;
• pressure for sexual activity;
• repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications
• unwelcome touching;
• suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.

Harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status or disability means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb, or trouble students when:

• submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education or of a student’s participation in school programs or activities;
• submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student; or
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating or hostile learning environment.

Harassment as set forth above may include, but is not limited to the following:

• verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
• repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
• implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, etc.;
• demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.

The district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment.  The building principal will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging harassment.

Retaliation against a student because the student has filed a harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited.  A student who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy, will be subject to discipline up to and including suspension and expulsion.

It shall also be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop administrative rules regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal References:  20 U.S.C.  § § 1221-1234i (1988).
                                        29 U.S.C. 794 (1988).
                                        42 U.S.C. 2000d-2000d-7 (1988).
                                        42 U.S.C. 12001 et. seq. (Supp. 1990).
                                        Iowa Code 216.9, 280.3 (1993).

Cross Reference:  Harassment
                                        Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                        Student Discipline
                                        Student Records

Approved:  12-13-99            
Reviewed:  11-12-18            
Revised:  11-12-18

 

 Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by students, school employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

 The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics: age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based upon race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

 This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

 If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds. “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

 Harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;

• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;

• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or

• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging, or similar technologies

 Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

• Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment, bullying, hazing, or other victimization that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

• Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc. that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;

• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim; and/or

• Unreasonable interference with a student's performance or creation of an intimidating, offensive, or hostile learning environment.

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or benefits;

• Submission to or rejection of the conduct by a school employee is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or

• The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.

 In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

• Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or

• Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

 Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

 The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

 It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the board. The superintendent shall report to the board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment in the board.

 The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

●Inclusion in the student handbook

●Inclusion in the employee handbook

●Inclusion in the registration materials

●Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site

●Inclusion in the August District Newsletter

and a copy shall be made to any person at the central administrative office at 300 Cedar Street, Bennett, Iowa.

 

 

Name of complainant:  ____________________________________

 

Position of complainant:  ___________________________________

 

Date of complaint:  ___________________

 

Name of alleged harasser or bully: __________________________________________

 

Date and place of incident or incidents:  ______________________________________

 

Description of misconduct:

 

 

 

Name of witnesses (if any): _____________________         ______________________

 

Evidence of harassment or bullying, i.e., letters, photos, etc. (attach evidence if possible):

 

Any other information:

 

 

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

 

 

Signature:  _____________________________________________

 

Date:  ________________________________________________

 

 

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT WITNESS DISCLOSURE FORM

 

Name of witness: _______________________________________

 

Position of witness: _____________________________________

 

Date of testimony, interview:  _______________________________

 

Description of incident witnessed:

 

 

 

Any other information:

 

 

 

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

 

Signature:  _____________________________________________

 

Date:  _______________________

 

 

ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

  • Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so. If the individual wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.

 • If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:

 -- tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

 -- write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;

• what, when and where it happened;
• who was involved;
• exactly what was said or what the harasser did;
• witnesses to the harassment;
• what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
• how the student felt; and
• how the harasser responded.

 

 COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the Superintendent, the designated investigator. The alternate investigator is the Principal. The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures. The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form. Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

 

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint. The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The alleged harasser may file a written statement in response to the complaint. The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and conclusions to the principal. The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the principal.

 

 RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the principal may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps, which may include discipline.

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the principal may, at the principal's discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint. The complainant, the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation.

The principal will maintain a log of information necessary to comply with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

 • Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.

 • Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.

 • No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.

 • Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.

 

 CONFLICTS

 If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate.

 

 

Approved:  9-17-07              
Reviewed:  11-12-12            
Revised: