The school district’s academic calendar shall accommodate the educational program of the school district.  The calendar shall be for a minimum of 189 days, 190 days for new employees and include, but not be limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development and in-service, and time for teacher conferences.

The school academic year for students shall be for a minimum of one thousand and eighty (1080) hours in the school calendar.  The school academic year for students shall begin each year no earlier than August 23.  School district personnel may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date. 

Special education students may attend school on a school calendar different from that of the regular education program consistent with their Individual Education Program.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.

The board may amend the official school calendar when the board considers the change to be in the best interests of the school district’s educational program.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§20.9, 279.10, 280.3 (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2(1).

Cross Reference:  501       Student Attendance
                                      601.2    School Day

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  3-14-16

The student school day for grades kindergarten through six (6) shall consist of the schedule of class instruction and class activities as established and sponsored by the school district.  Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences shall be counted as part of the student’s instructional time.  The minimum school day shall meet the requirements as established for the operation of accredited schools.

The board may define the number of days kindergarten (K) will be held and the length of each school day for the students attending kindergarten (K).  The school day shall consist of a schedule as recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.

When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies, that part of the day during which school was in session will be counted with total amount of minutes attended.  Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board annually of the length of the school day.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.2(2), .2(3), .2(6).

Cross Reference:  502.10     Search and Seizure
                                      503          Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  3-14-16

Curriculum development is an ongoing process in the school district and consists of both research and design. Research is the studious inquire and critical investigation of the various content areas for the purpose of revising and improving curriculum and instruction based on relevant information pertaining to the discipline. This study is conducted both internally (what and how we are currently doing at the local level) and externally (what national standards, professional organizations, recognized experts, current research, etc. tell us relative to the content area). Design is the deliberate process of planning and selecting the standards and instructional strategies that will improve the learning experience for all students.

A systematic approach to curriculum development (careful research, design, and articulation of the curriculum) serves several purposes:

• Focuses attention on the content standards of each discipline and ensures the identified learnings are rigorous, challenging, and represent the most important learning for our students.
• Increases the probability that students will acquire the desired knowledge, skills and dispositions and that our schools will be successful in providing appropriate learning experiences.
• Facilitates communication and coordination.
• Improves classroom instruction.

The superintendent is responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective method of conducting research and design activities. A curriculum framework will describe the processes and procedures that will be followed in researching, designing, and articulating each curriculum area. This framework will at a minimum describe the processes and procedures for the following curriculum development activities to:

• Study the latest thinking, trends research and expert advice regarding the content/discipline;
• Study the current status of the content/discipline (what and how well students are currently learning);
• Identify content standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations for the content/discipline;
• Describe the desired learning behaviors, teaching and learning environment related to the content/discipline;
• Identify differences in the desired and present program and develop a plan for addressing the differences;
• Communicate with internal and external publics regarding the content area;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum development decisions;
• Verify integration of local, state, and/or federal mandates (MCNS, school-to-work, etc.);
• Verify how the standards and benchmarks of the content/discipline support each of the broader student learning goals and provide a K-6 continuum that builds on the prior learning level.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of necessary curriculum revisions, progress of each content area related to curriculum development activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum development including recommendations to the board.

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§624-634
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e-11.
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3-.14, 601A.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5

Cross Reference:  103     Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505     Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602     Curriculum Development

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  6-09-08

Without careful and continuing attention to implementation, planned changes in curriculum and instruction rarely succeed as intended. How change is put into practice, to a large extent, determines how well it fares.

Implementation refers to what actually happens in practice as compared to what was supposed to happen. Curriculum implementation includes the provision of organized assistance to staff in order to ensure that the newly developed curriculum and the most powerful instructional strategies are actually delivered at the classroom level. There are two components of any implementation effort that must be present to guarantee the planned changes in curriculum and instruction succeed as intended:

• Understanding the conceptual framework of the content/discipline being implemented; and,
• Organized assistance to understand the theory, observe exemplary demonstrations, have opportunities to practice, and receive coaching and feedback focused on the most powerful instructional strategies to deliver the content at the classroom level.

The superintendent is responsible for curriculum implementation and for determining the most effective way of providing organized assistance and monitoring the level of implementation. A curriculum framework will describe the processes and procedures that will be followed to assist all staff in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement the developed curriculum in each content area. This framework will, at a minimum, describe the processes and procedures for the following curriculum implementations activities to:

• Study and identify the best instructional practices and materials to deliver the content;
• Describe procedures for the purchase of instructional materials and resources.
• Identify/develop exemplars that demonstrate the learning behaviors, teaching and learning environment to deliver the content;
• Study the current status of instruction in the content area (how teachers are teaching);
• Compare the desired and present delivery system, identify differences (gap analysis), and develop a plan for addressing the differences;
• Organize staff into collaborative study teams to support their learning and implementation efforts (address the gaps);
• Provide ongoing professional development related to instructional strategies and materials that focuses on theory, demonstration, practice, and feedback;
• Regularly monitor and assess the level of implementation;
• Communicate with internal and external publics regarding curriculum implementation;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum implementation decisions.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of curriculum implementation activities, progress of each content area related to curriculum implementation activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum implementation including recommendations to the board.

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§624-634.
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e-11.
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3-.14, 601A.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5.

Cross Reference:  103    Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  6-09-08

Regular evaluation of the total curriculum is necessary to ensure that the written and delivered curriculum is having the desired effect for students.

Curriculum evaluation refers to an ongoing process of collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting information to aid in understanding what students know and can do. It refers to the full range of information gathered in the school district to evaluate (make judgments about) student learning and program effectiveness in each content area.

Curriculum evaluation must be based on information gathered from a comprehensive assessment system that is designed for accountability and committed to the concept that all students will achieve at high levels, is standards-based, and informs decisions which impact significant and sustainable improvements in teaching and student learning.

The superintendent is responsible for curriculum evaluation and for determining the most effective way of ensuring that assessment activities are integrated into instructional practices as part of school improvement with a particular focus on improving teaching and learning. A curriculum framework will describe the procedures that will be followed to establish an evaluation process that can efficiently and effectively evaluate the total curriculum. This framework will, at a minimum, describe the procedures for the following curriculum evaluation activities:

• Identify specific purposes for assessing student learning;
• Develop a comprehensive assessment plan;
• Select/develop assessment tools and scoring procedures that are valid and reliable;
• Identify procedures for collecting assessment data;
• Identify procedures for analyzing and interpreting information and drawing conclusions based on the data (including analysis of the performance of various sub-groups of students);
• Identify procedures for establishing at least three levels of performance (specific to the content standard and the assessment tool when appropriate) to assist in determining whether students have achieved at a satisfactory level (at least two levels describe performance that is proficient or advanced and at least one level describes students who are not yet performing at the proficient level);
• Identify procedures for using assessment information to determine long-range and annual improvement goals;
• Identify procedures for using assessment information in making decisions focused on improving teaching and learning (data based decision making);
• Provide support to staff in using data to make instructional decisions;
• Define procedures for regular and clear communication about assessment results to the various internal and external publics (mandatory for communication about students receiving special education services);
• Define data reporting procedures;
• Verify that assessment tools are fair for all students and are consistent with all state and federal mandates;
• Verify that assessment tools measure the curriculum that is written and delivered;
• Identify procedures for deciding when multiple assessment measures are necessary for making good decisions and drawing appropriate conclusions about student learning;
• Identify roles and responsibilities of key groups;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum evaluation;
• Ensure participation of eligible students receiving special educations services in district-wide assessments.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of curriculum evaluation activities, the progress of each content area related to curriculum evaluation activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum evaluation including recommendations to the board.

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§624-634.
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e-11.
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3-.14, 601A.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5

Cross Reference:  103    Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602     Curriculum Development

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  6-09-08

The board welcomes new ideas in curriculum.  Proposals for pilot of experimental projects shall first be reviewed and analyzed by the administration.  Projects recommended by the administration will be considered by the board.  Pilot and experimental projects approved by the board, the State Department of Education, or the U.S. Department of Education may be utilized in the educational program.

Students, who may or are asked to participate in a research or experimental project or program, must have their parents’ written consent on file prior to participating in the project or program.  A research or experimentation program or project requiring parents’ prior written consent is a program or project designed to explore or develop new or unproven teaching methods or techniques.  These programs or projects shall be designated as research or experimentation projects or programs.  The educational materials or a program or project designated as a research or experimental program or project may be inspected and reviewed by the parents of the students participating or being considered for participation in the program or project.  The inspection and review by the parents shall be in accordance with board policy 605.2 “Instructional Materials Inspection.”

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

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. §§1221e, 1232h.
                                       34 C.F.R. 98.
                                       Iowa Code §279.8, 280.3-.14 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5.

Cross Reference:  103    Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  3-11-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The basic instruction program shall include the courses required for each grade level by the State Department of Education.  The instructional approach will be nonsexist and multicultural.

Students enrolled in kindergarten (K) shall attend school all day everyday.  The basic instruction program shall be designed to develop healthy emotional and social habits, language arts and communication skills, the capacity to complete individual tasks, and the ability to protect and increase physical well-being with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills and human growth and development.

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades one (1) through six (6) shall include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, traffic safety, music, visual arts, technology, and character education.

The board may, in its discretion, offer additional courses in the educational program for any grade level.

Each instructional program shall be carefully planned to obtain its benefits.  Each instructional program’s plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities and the method for student evaluation.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten (K) and grades one (1) through six (6).

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§624-634.
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e-11.
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3-.14, 601A.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5.

Cross Reference:  103    Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  4-18-19              
Revised:  4-09-07

The Bennett Community School District recognizes the importance of ongoing learning opportunities for students. As such, the district shall offer summer school instruction in accordance with the following:

The board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas.  Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board will weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district’s budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school.

If a child, who is eligible for special education, has been determined to need extended school year services as necessary to receive a free appropriate public education, as determined according to state and federal law, such services shall be provided as described in the child’s individualized education program.

In additional instances as provided by law.

The superintendent may develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, 282.6
                                       281 I.A.C. 41.106

Cross Reference:  410.2   Summer School Licensed Employees
                                       505.2   Student Promotion – Retention - Acceleration
                                       603      Instructional Curriculum
                                       711.4   Summer School Transportation

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  4-08-19              
Revised:  1-08-18

The board recognizes some children have different educational needs than other children.  The board shall provide an opportunity for an appropriate educational program and related services to children identified in need of special education.  The special education services shall be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed or to age twenty-one (21).  The board shall provide a free and an appropriate education for a child in need of special education but the board is not required to provide the best possible option or to maximize the potential of the child commensurate with the opportunity provided to nondisabled children.  The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).  The IEP may state that a special education student’s interests are best served by the student attending school on a different school calendar than regular education students.

Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements stated in board policy for graduation, or the requirements stated in their individual education plans.  Discipline of special education students shall be through their individual education plan.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration and the area education agency director of special education to administer the special education program.  While the administration shall be custodian of school records, the building principal shall be responsible for maintaining records of the children in need of special education.  These records may be viewed by authorized school personnel and in accordance with the requirements of board policy.

Legal Reference:  Board of Education v Rowley, 102 S.Ct. 3034, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).
                                       Springdale School District #50 v Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8^th Cir. 1982).
                                       Southeast Warren Community School District v Department of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
                                       20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq. (1988).
                                       34 C.F.R. 300 et seq. (1990).
                                       Iowa Code §§256.11(5)-(26), 273.1, .2(5), .9(2)-(3), 280.28,
                                       281 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 41.

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  4-08-19              
Revised:  11-12-12

Enrolled children in the school district community shall have an equal opportunity for a quality public education without regard to race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

The educational program shall be free of such discrimination and provide equal opportunity for the participants.  The educational program shall foster knowledge of and respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society.  It shall also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal education opportunity shall be directed to the compliance officer by writing to Title IX, Title VI and Section 504 Compliance Officer, Bennett Community School District, Box D, Bennett, Iowa 52721; or by telephoning at 563-890-2226; or by writing to the Director of the Region VII: Office of Civil Rights, Chicago Office, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski, Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37^th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60604; telephone (312)730-1560; facsimile (312) 730-1576; email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.  Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a grievance are available in the central administrative office and the administrative office in the attendance center.

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§624-634.
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e-11.
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3-.14, 601A.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5 (8).

Cross Reference:  103    Equal Education Opportunity
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  4-08-19              
Revised:  4-08-13

Students in grade levels kindergarten through six (6) shall receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health, food and nutrition, environmental health, safety and survival skills, consumer health, family life, substance use and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body, human sexuality, self-esteem, stress management, and interpersonal relationships, emotional and social health, health resources, prevention and control of disease, and the characteristics of communicable diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

While the areas stated above shall be included in health education, the instruction shall be adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the pupil be excused from the instruction.  The written request shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the administration.  The administration shall have the final authority to determine alternate activity or study.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256.1, 279.8, 280.3-.14 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       503    Student Discipline
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  4-11-16

Students in grades kindergarten through six (6) shall be required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Students may be excused from physical education courses if:

• the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student; or
• the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available; or
• the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student’s religious beliefs

Students who will not participate in physical education, related to the above exemptions, must have a written request or statement from their parents.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §256.11 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(3)(f), .5(4)(f), .5(5)(f), 4.5(6).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  4-11-16

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the educational program.  Career education will be infused into the educational program for grades kindergarten (K) through six (6).  This education shall include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to assist licensed personnel in finding ways to provide career education in most courses.  Special attention should be given to courses of vocational education nature.  The board, in its review of the curriculum, shall review the means in which career education is combined with other instructional programs.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256.11, 280.9 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 11.5(7), .5(9).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  4-09-07

The school district is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum.  The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum.  Preferential or derogatory treatment to a single religion shall not take place.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:

• the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
• the primary object of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
• the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. I.
                                       Lemon v Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).
                                       Graham v Central Community School District of Decatur County,     
                                       608 F. Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.6 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities-
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view.  Academic freedom is the opportunity for educators and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students. 

It shall be the responsibility of the instructor to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or biased positions through classroom or school methods.  Instructors are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .6 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:             

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education shall be incorporated into the educational program for grades kindergarten (K) through six (6) so that students have the opportunity to acquire a perspective on world issues, problems, and prospects for an awareness of the relationship between an individual’s self-interest and the concerns of people elsewhere in the world.  Global education, in the educational program, is the lifelong growth in understanding, through study and participation, of the world community and the interdependency of its people and systems – social, cultural, racial, economic, linguistic, technological, and ecological.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §256.11 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(11).

Cross Reference:  602     Curriculum Development
                                       603.7   Career Education

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  4-9-07

The administration shall provide an audit of the availability of instructional time for students.  Considerations in the audit shall include, but need not be limited to, the patterns of employment and assignment of instructional professional staff; the relationship of the school organization and instructional methods to the availability of instructional time; identification of the responsibility for organizing and managing the instructional program, with specific attention to the effect of curriculum sequencing and integration on instructional time availability; and the effect of co-curricular and extracurricular activity programs on availability of instructional time. 

The audit shall be conducted at least once each year.  The administration shall provide an annual report to the board on the availability of instructional time for students.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §256.11 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(5).

Cross Reference:  602     Curriculum Development
                                       603.1  Basic Instructional Program
                                       605        Instructional Materials
                                       606        Instructional Arrangements

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

In the event a child of compulsory education age, over age (6) and under age sixteen (16), cannot attend or the child does not attend public school, the child must receive competent private instruction elsewhere.  It shall be the responsibility of the board to annually determine whether the educational program provided to a resident child not attending an accredited public or private program is competent private instruction.

Students attending a nonpublic school accredited by the State Department of Education or receiving instruction through the home study program sponsored by the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency will be presumed to be receiving competent private instruction.

When the board receives information indicating that a child not enrolled in the public schools has been evaluated as being in need of special education, the board or its designee shall notify the child’s parents and request a meeting with them to assess the child’s instructional program.

Legal Reference:  Johnson v Charles City Community School’s Board of Education, 368 N.W.2d 74 (Iowa 1985).
                                       Iowa Code §§256.11, 279.10, .11, 280.2, .3, 299.1-.6, .8-.11, .15, .16, .18-.20, .22, .24, 299B.1-.10.
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 31

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504    Student Activities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-49              
Revised:             

The board’s primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular education program.  Generally, students attending the school district shall take the regular educational program offered by the district.  Only for exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to receive individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.

Recommendations from the administration for individualized instruction shall state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the personnel requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256.11, 279.8, .10, .11, 280.3, .14, 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24 (1989).

Cross Reference:  604.1    Equivalent Instruction

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The board recognizes some students require qualitative differentiated programming beyond the regular educational program.  The board shall identify students with special abilities and provide educational programming.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of school district personnel.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§442.31-.36 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 59.
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(12).

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The board recognizes some students require additional assistance.  The board shall provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop a plan for students at risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of school district personnel.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§442.51-.54 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 61.
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(13).

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       607.1 Student Guidance and Counseling Program

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19          
Revised:  4-09-07

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent.  The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion it if is not disruptive to the educational process and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest.  Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.

In notifying the superintendent, the parents shall abide by the following:

• The notice shall be in writing;
• The objection shall be based on religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state a proposed alternate activity or study.

The superintendent shall have sole discretion to make this determination.  The factors the superintendent shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, numbers of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.

Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend I.
                                       Lemon v Kurtzman, 403 U.S.602, 91 S.Ct. 2105 (1971).
                                       Graham v Central Community School District of Decatur County,
                                       608 F.Supp. 531 (Iowa 1985).
                                       Iowa Code §§256.11(7), 279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.4 School Ceremonies and Observances

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:             

The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district.  This authority is delegated to the licensed staff to determine which instructional materials, other than textbooks, will be utilized and purchased by the school district.

In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed staff shall consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration to report to the board the action taken by the licensed staff.

In the case of textbooks, the board shall make the final decision after receiving a recommendation from the administration.  The criteria stated above for selection of other instructional materials shall apply to the selection of textbooks.  The administration may develop another means for the selection of textbooks.  Textbooks shall be reviewed as needed and at least every three years.

Educational materials given to the school district must meet the criteria established above.  The gift must be received in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .14, 301 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(22).

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development
                                       605    Instructional Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

Parents and other members of the school district community may review instructional materials used by the students. 

The instructional materials must be viewed on the school district premises.  Copies of material may be obtained according to board policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .14, 301 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(22).

Cross Reference:  602    Curriculum Development
                                       602.4  Pilot – Experimental – Innovative Projects
                                       605     Instructional Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

Members of the school district community may object to the instructional materials utilized in the school district and ask for their use to be reconsidered.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .14, 301 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(22).

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development
                                       605    Instructional Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:             

The board supports the use of innovative methods and the use of technology in the delivery of the educational program.  The board encourages school district personnel to investigate economic ways to utilize instructional television, audiovisual materials, computers, and other technological advances as part of the curriculum.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually.  The administration shall report the results of the evaluation and make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the use of technology in the curriculum.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256.17, 279.8, 282.14 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(10).

Cross Reference:  602   Curriculum Development
                                       605    Instructional Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

Students are encouraged to use the media center for quiet study.  The students shall have an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of media resources.  The school district shall maintain a media center in each building, staffed by a qualified school media specialist, for use by school district personnel and by students during the school day.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the media center is located to oversee the use of materials in the media center.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, for the weeding of library and instructional materials, and for the handling of challenges to either library or classroom materials.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3. .14, 301 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(22).

Cross Reference:  505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       602    Curriculum Development
                                       605    Instructional Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The board may make arrangements for sharing students with neighboring school districts in order to expand the opportunities available in the educational and extra-curricular programs or in the operation of the school district.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to determine when and with which school district sharing agreements will be made.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to bring to the board’s attention opportunities for sharing students with neighboring school districts.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§280.15, 282.10-.12, 442.39, 442.39A (1991).

Cross Reference:  217.3 Board of Directors and Adjoining District Board of Directors
                                       302.3 Administration and Adjoining District Administration
                                       410.2 Shared Licensed Personnel

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  3-13-00

It shall be within the sole discretion of the board to determine the size of classes and to determine whether class grouping shall take place.  The board shall review the class size annually.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to make a recommendation to the board on class size based upon the budget of the school district, the qualifications of and number of licensed personnel, and other factors deemed relevant to the board.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3 (1991).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

Homework can be an effective teaching-learning activity.  It is important that students develop the daily habit of independent learning outside of the classroom.  Plus, it is recognized that home involvement in a student’s academic development further promotes the parent-school partnership in the education of our youth.

All homework should have a specific purpose relative to the curriculum and previous instruction and not be assigned as busy work.  It should not be given for disciplinary purposes.  The quantity of homework should also be reasonable.

All homework should involve some type of immediate follow-up and evaluation, so skills and knowledge are reinforced and students are kept informed of their academic standing.

It is important that the schools teach study skills so students know how to be independent, self-directed learners.

Approved:  4-10-00              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  12-9-02

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom to the educational program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of legal holidays, such as Christmas, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances shall have a secular purpose and shall not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance, or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons, in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  U.S. Const. Amend. I.
                                      Lemon v Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 91 S.Ct. 2105 (1971).
                                      Graham v Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.
                                      Supp. 531 (Iowa 1985).
                                      Iowa code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  603    Instructional Curriculum
                                       604.6 Religion-Based Exclusion From a School Program

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:             

Live animals will not be allowed in the school facilities or on school property, including activities being held outside of the school facilities, such as in attendance at extra-curricular activities, except under special circumstances, and it must be for an educational purpose.  Permission from the principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into the school facilities.  Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school facilities. 

The person bringing the animal must furnish transportation for the animal brought to school.  Animals will not be allowed to travel to and from the student’s attendance center on the school bus.

It shall be the responsibility of the building principal to determine appropriate supervision of animals in the classroom.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  3-13-00

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district shall be the property of the school district.  Materials and services produced by students at the student’s expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, shall be the property of the student.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to determine incidental expense.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  408.2   Licensed Personnel Publication or Creation of Materials

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

The principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district. 

In authorizing such field trips and excursions, the principal shall consider the budget of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the administration.  Parents will be notified by a written communication prior to a student’s participation in a field trip or excursion outside the school district.  The principal/classroom teacher will make an alternate assignment for students who do not wish to participate.  The Board’s approval will be required for field trips or excursions outside the continental United States.

Field trips are to be arranged with the office well in advance and planned in detail by the classroom teacher.  The office will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 43.9.

Cross Reference:  503.1   Student Conduct
                                       503.4   Good Conduct Rule
                                       712      Transportation

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  5-14-07

The administration may authorize programs or activities in the form of a school assembly when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district.  Such assemblies shall comply with the school calendar.

In authorizing a school assembly, the administration shall consider the budget of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors as the administration deems relevant.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to inform the board of the approved school assemblies.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.3, .14 (1991).

Cross Reference:  605     Instructional Materials
                                       904.2  Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:  6-10-96

Insufficient classroom space exists when conditions adversely affect the implementation of the educational philosophy and program of the board.  The board shall determine insufficient classroom space on a case-by-case basis.  Criteria to be used by the board in its determination may include, but not be limited to, available personnel, grade level, educational program, instructional method, physical space, equipment and materials available, finances available, facilities either being planned or currently under construction, sharing agreements in force, bargaining agreements in force, and district goals and objectives.

This policy shall be reviewed by the board annually between the months of July and October.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §282.18 (1991).

Cross Reference:  101     Educational Philosophy of the School District
                                       103     Equal Educational Opportunity
                                       105     Educational and Operational Planning and Needs Assessment
                                       602     Curriculum Development
                                       603     Instructional Curriculum
                                       606.2   Class Size – Class Grouping

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  5-13-19              
Revised:             

The board shall provide a guidance and counseling program, for the students enrolled, by a guidance counselor licensed with the State Department of Education and holding the qualifications required by the board.  The guidance counseling services will serve grades kindergarten (K) through six (6).  The program will assist students with their personal, educational, and career development.  The program shall be designed to coordinate with the educational program and to involve school district personnel.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §256.9(b) (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(6), 12.5(20)\

Cross Reference:  506    Student Records

Approved:  4-15-92              
Reviewed:  6-13-22              
Revised:  6-11-07

Health services are an integral part of comprehensive school improvement, assisting all students to increase learning, achievement, and performance.  Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental and social well being.  Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home, and community service providers.  The school district’s comprehensive school improvement plan, needs, and resources determine the linkages.

The superintendent, in conjunction with the (school nurse and public health nurse) will develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.  The superintendent will provide a written report on the role of health services in the education program to the board annually.

In addition to the health services provided in the curriculum, the school district may provide annual vision screening, annual audiometer screening, annual height and weight measurement and furnish evidence of immunization for students to the State Board of Health within the first thirty (30) days of the school year.  These services may be provided in conjunction with state and county public health officials, local hospitals, or as part of a school health clinic.

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title II, Sec. 1061, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                       42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. (1997)
                                       20 U.S.C. 1232g  §  1400 6301 et seq. (1997)
                                       29 U.S.C. § 794(a)(1988)
                                       28 C.F.R. 35
                                       34 C.F.R. pt. 99, 104, 200, 300 et seq. (1999)
                                       Iowa Code §§22.7, 139A.3. .8, .21; 143, 152, 256.7(24), .11, 280.23 (2001)
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(4). (7), (11); 12.4(12); 12.8; 41.12(11),.96
                                       282 I.A.C. 15.3(14); 22
                                       641 I.A.C. 7
                                       655 I.A.C. 6, 6.3(1), 6.3(6), 6.6(1), 7

Cross Reference:  501.4     Entrance – Admissions
                                       507        Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  6-13-22              
Revised:  12-9-02

Annually, as a service to students and their parents, the board may hold a musical instrument display night.  The event is designed to provide an opportunity to students and their parents to view, purchase, and rent musical instruments and accessories if they desire.

This policy does not require students and parents to purchase musical instruments from the vendor displaying at this event.  This policy shall not limit a student’s participation in the band or require a student to participate in band or other activities involving musical instruments.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration and Instrumental Music Instructor to establish criteria for a vendor to display at this event.  Vendors invited by the teacher must meet those qualifications.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §280.14 (1991)
                                       1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 580

Cross Reference:  504      Student Activities
                                       1006    Use of School District Facilities and Equipment

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  6-13-22              
Revised:  3-13-00