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:             

 

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

 

 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

 

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 15^th to participate in the school district’s kindergarten program.  The child must be age six (6) on or prior to September 15^th 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

 

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

 

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

 

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:             

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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:             

 

Request to transfer into the district under the Open Enrollment Act of 1989 shall be acted on by the board no later than March 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st.  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

 

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:             

 

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:             

 

The board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises.  Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

A student who commits an assault against an employee on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities will be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension is sent to the board president.  The board will review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  Assault for purposes of this section of the policy defined as:

• an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
• any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
• intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal’s office.  It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

Detention means the student’s presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes.  The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day.  Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee disciplining the student or the building principal.

Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, or a restriction from activities.  An in-school suspension means the students will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under suspension.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement will take place.  The Individual Education Program (IEP) is evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension.

If a special education student’s suspensions, either in or out of school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team will meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4115, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                       Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975)
                                       Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987)
                                       Sims v. Colfax Comm. School District, 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970)
                                       Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa  1972)
                                       Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147 N.W.2d 854 (1967)
                                       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 708.1 (2001)

Cross Reference:  501             Student Attendance
                                       502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504      Student Activities
                                       603.3   Special Education
                                       904.5   Distribution of Materials

Approved:  2-10-2003          
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:             

 

Only the board may expel a student from the school environment.  The removal for an extended period of time, of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.

It shall be within the discretion of the board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It shall be within the discretion of the administration to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the board’s records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student shall be provided with:

1.    Clear notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

2.    The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies;

3.    An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student’s behalf;

4.    The right to be represented by counsel;

5.    The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student’s inspection.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with the following procedures:

1.    Determine whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct;

2.    A staffing team should determine whether the student’s behavior is caused by the student’s handicap and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement.  Discussions and conclusions of the meeting should be recorded;

3.    If the handicapped student’s conduct is not caused by the handicap; the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the district’s expulsions hearing procedures;

4.    If the misconduct is caused by the handicap and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the school district;

5.    If a change in placement is not recommended, a determination must be made as to how to cope with the student and the failure.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Goss v Lopez, 419 U.S. 565, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).
                                        Wood v Strickland, 95 S.Ct. 992 (1975).
                                        Southeast Warren Comm. School District v DPI, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
                                        Iowa code §§21.5, 282.3, .4, .5 (1991).
                                        281 Iowa Admin. Code 11.3(5).
                                        281 Iowa Admin. Code 41.2(1), 12.3(8).

Cross Reference:  502   Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                        503   Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  2-14-96

 

The board believes students should respect the property of the school district and assist in its preservation for future use by others.  Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities, or for misuse of school property.

The following fees shall be paid in full by all students unless a full, partial, or temporary waiver is granted in accordance with state regulations:  Book rental, activity fees, eye protection devices, ear protection devices, summer school tuition, school supplies and P.E. towels.  Additional fees may be required of students taking certain courses or activities:  Athletics, Instrumental Music, Art, and vocational classes.  The administration shall inform the board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).
                                      1982 Op. Att’y Gen. 227.

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503    Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  8-19-96, 11-08-99, 12-11-06

 

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in school extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy regarding student conduct.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered, the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons, or it is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity.  Students will have a comparable opportunity to participate in intramural or interscholastic athletic activities and to reap the benefits of school activities.  Comparable opportunity, however, does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other’s teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  The principal shall keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

Students who wish to participate in extracurricular activities that require physical exertion including, but not limited to, cheerleading and athletics, shall be required to submit a physical examination stating that the student is able to participate.

The events must be approved by the administration, unless they involve unusual travel and expense, in which case the board will take action.  The events must not disrupt the educational program or other school district operations.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop rules and regulations for each school activity.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season upon approval of the head coach and administration.  Such outside participation shall not conflict with the school sponsored athletic activity.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Bunger v Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
                                      In re Jason Clark, 1 D.P.I. App. Dec. 167 (1978).
                                      Iowa Code §§280.13, .13A (1989).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3 (8)

Cross Reference:  502           Students Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503           Student Discipline
                                      503.4E1   Good Conduct Rule/Explanation

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  11-10-97, 12-13-99

 

Corporal punishment may not be used to discipline students.  Reasonable physical force, however, may be used upon a student with or without advance notice when the use of such force is deemed essential by a reasonable person for the purposes of self-defense, to protect school district property, or for the protection of others located on the school district property.

Reasonable physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation, and it should be moderate so as not to cause permanent physical harm to the student.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

• seriousness of the offense;
• attitude and past behavior of the child;
• nature and severity of the physical force;
• motivation of the teacher;
• age and strength of the child; and
• availability of less severe but equally effective means of dealing with the situation.

The student’s parents shall be given an explanation of the reasons for the use of physical force upon request.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Ingraham v Wright, 430 U.S. 651, 97 S.Ct. 14021, 51 L.Ed.2d 711 (1977).
                                       Goss v Lopez, 419 U.S. 565, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1975).
                                       Garcia v Miera, 817 F.2d (10^th Cir. 1987).
                                       Tinkham v Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W.2d 2258 (1961).
                                       Lai v Erickson, PTCP Admin. Doc. 83-12 (1983).
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8, 280.21 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(8).
                                       19480 Op. Att’y Gen. 275.

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503     Student Discipline

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  2-14-96

 

The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes.  Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes will be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.  Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, or any knife.

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property are notified of the incident.  Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled of not less than one year.  The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.  For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Note:  This policy meets state and federal law.  Federal law gives an exception, to the mandatory one-year expulsion for weapons possession or bringing to schools, for weapons that are lawfully stored in a locked vehicle on school property.  Boards wishing to adopt this exception should amend this policy to reflect that and direct the administration to develop the required procedures designed to ensure student safety.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4141, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                       Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994, P.L. 103-382
                                       18 U.S.C. §921 (1994)
                                       McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106  (5^th Cir. 1982)
                                       Iowa Code §§279.8; 280.21B; 724 (1997)
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

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

Approved:  2-10-03              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:             

 

The student council provides for student activities, serves as training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearing house for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the school administration.

The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed personnel, shall set forth the guidelines for the student government’s elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504     Student Activities
                                       505     Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       506     Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:             

 

Secondary school student-initiated, noncurriculum-related groups, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use school facilities for group meetings during non-instructional time.

Non-instructional time shall mean any time before the first period in the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class.  Meetings shall not interfere with the orderly conduct of the educational program or other school district operations.  It shall be within the discretion of the building principal to determine whether the meetings will interfere with the orderly conduct of the educational program or other school district operations.  Activities relating to and part of the educational program shall have priority over the activities of any other organization.

It shall also be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum-related.  The following two questions will be answered affirmatively if the group is curriculum-related:

• Does the school usually sponsor an activity dealing with this subject matter?
• Does the school require or directly encourage student participation in such a group in connection with the curriculum course work?

Only students may attend and participate in meetings of noncurriculum-related groups.  Such attendance shall be strictly voluntary and student-initiated.  As a means of determining whether a student’s attendance is voluntary, the principal may require parental consent for the student to attend the meetings.

Student-initiated, noncurriculum-related groups will not use the school name, school mascot name, school district name, or any name or emblem that might imply school district sponsorship.  Such groups will be afforded equal access to methods of advertisement of their meetings.  The use of school equipment will be subject to the discretion of the principal.

School district personnel will be assigned to monitor approved meetings.  School district personnel shall not in any way participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing or encouraging attendance.  Non-school persons cannot direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities or meetings of these noncurriculum-related, student-initiated groups.

Secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use the school facilities for meetings and other purposes before, after and during the instructional school day.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  They shall include guidelines for determining whether the meeting will interfere with the orderly conduct of the educational program or other school district operations.  The administrative regulations shall also provide additional guidelines for determining whether a student group is curriculum-related.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Westside Community Schools v Mergens, 110 S.Ct. 2356, (1990).
                                       Bender v Williamsport Area Community School District, 741 F.2d 538
                                       (3d cir. 1984), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 106 S.Ct. 1326 (1986).
                                       20 U.S.C.A. §§4071 et seq. (1989).
                                       Iowa Code §§287.1 - .3, 297.9 (1989).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       504    Student Activities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  3-11-96

 

Students may author a publication as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a licensed employee and the principal.

As a school-sponsored activity, the viewpoints of student publications may be attributed to the school.  Therefore, student publications must be responsible.  In the judgment of the administration, the publication shall not encourage the breaking of laws, cause defamation of persons, or contain obscenity.  Further, the publications must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be inappropriate for their level of maturity.

Prior to final printing and distribution, the publication must be reviewed by the student editors and the faculty advisor.  Based on the review of the student editors and/or the faculty advisor, articles may be required to be rewritten or removed.  Failure to allow review by the student editors and faculty advisor, prior to its final printing and distribution, is grounds for denying distribution of the publication.

The principal shall have the authority to designate the time, place and manner of distribution of school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored student publications.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Hazelwood School District v Kuhlmeier, 108 S.Ct. 562 (1988).
                                      Iowa Code §280.1 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      504    Student Activities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:             

 

Students, as part of the educational program, may participate in contests or other public and private events approved by the administration that will be of benefit to the student and the educational program.  Performance at such events is a privilege.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  Students, who perform at such events, serve as ambassadors of the school district and must conduct themselves in the same manner as required in the regular school day.

Students will be allowed to perform in these events only with proper permission and supervision and when the events do not disrupt the educational program or other school district operations.  The events must be approved by the administration, unless it involves unusual travel and expense, in which case the board will take action.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  In developing the administrative regulations, these guidelines should be followed:

• Performances by student groups below the senior high school level should be allowed only on a very limited basis;
• All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and
• Extensive travel by one (1) group of students as a result of the requests should be discouraged.

It shall be within the discretion of the administration to determine whether the event will benefit the educational program and the participating students.  Contests or other performances by students unapproved by the administration will be the responsibility of the parent and the student.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Hazelwood School District v Kuhlmeier, 108 S.Ct. 562 (1988).
                                      Iowa Code §§280.13-.14 (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.6.

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      504     Student Activities
                                      1005   Community Activities Involving Students

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  3-11-96

 

Students may raise funds for school-sponsored events with permission of the principal.  Fund raising by students for events other than school-sponsored organizations is allowed.  Collection boxes for nonschool-sponsored organizations, however, must have prior approval from the building principal before being placed on school property.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §280.14 (1991).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                      503    Student Discipline
                                      504    Student Activities

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  3-11-96

 

Revenue raised by students or from student activities shall be deposited and accounted for in the student activities fund.  This revenue is the property of and shall be under the financial control of the board.  Students may use this revenue for purposes approved by the building principal.

Whether such revenue is collected from student contributions, club dues, and special activities or result from admissions to special events or from other fund-raising activities, all funds will be under the jurisdiction of the board and under the specific control of the building principal.  They will be deposited in a designated depository and will be disbursed and accounted for in accordance with instructions issued by the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the bookkeeper to keep student activity accounts up-to-date and completed.

Any unencumbered class or activity account balances will automatically revert to the activity fund, lined item classified high school activity, when a class graduates or an activity is discontinued.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§11:23; 279.8 (1997)

Cross Reference:  504    Student Activities
                                      701    Financial Accounting System

Approved:  12-13-99            
Reviewed:  12-10-18            
Revised:  10-14-02

 

Students shall receive a progress report at the end of each nine (9) week grading period.  Students, who are doing poorly, and their parents, shall be notified prior to the end of the semester in order to have an opportunity to improve their grade.  The board encourages the notification of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the semester. 

Parent-teacher conferences about students’ progress will be held to keep the parents informed.  Parent-teacher conferences are held at designated times in the school year.  The conferences at the high school are not on any individually scheduled basis.  Parents may see any of the staff members during those conference periods.

Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten (K) through six (6) at any time if they feel the circumstances warrant it.  Students are encouraged to discuss the student’s progress or other matters with the student’s teacher and/or any other appropriate staff members.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §256.11, Chapter 280 (1991).
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(7).

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                       505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                       506    Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  1-14-19              
Revised:  12-13-99

 

Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student’s achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The district shall adhere to the following:

Retention/Promotion in kindergarten – eighth grade:  The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the district’s professional staff.  When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eighth may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision.  It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

Retention/Promotion in ninth-twelfth grade:  Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required course work necessary to be promoted each year.  When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents will be informed.  It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade:  Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level.  Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district’s graduation requirements.

Retention or Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law.

Any student or parent who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff may seek recourse through policy 502.4 – Student Complaints and Grievances.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§256.11, 279.8, 280.3
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.5(16)

Cross Reference:  501    Student Attendance
                                      505    Student Scholastic Achievement
                                      603.2  Summer School Instruction

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  1-14-19              
Revised:  12-13-99, 1-08-18

 

The district shall provide a program that sets out honors and awards including, but not limited to, academic letters, scholarships and good citizenship awards for students to assist students in setting goals.  Students shall be made aware of honors and awards and the action necessary on the part of the student to achieve them.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  504    Student Activities
                                      505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:  4-13-92              
Reviewed:  1-14-19              
Revised:  3-11-96

 

A comprehensive testing program is established and maintained to evaluate the education program of the school district and to assist in providing guidance or counseling services to students and their families.

No student is required, as part of a program funded by the United States Department of Education (USDE), to submit, without prior written consent from the student’s parent, to surveys, analysis or evaluation which reveals information concerning:

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
• sex behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• legally recognized, privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
• income, (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

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

It is the responsibility of the board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title II, Sec. 1061, P.L. 107-110 (2002)
                                     Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227,
                                     20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1994)
                                     Iowa Code §§280.3; 256B; 282.1, .3, .6 (2001)
                                     281 I.A.C. 12.5(13), .5(21).

Cross Reference:  505       Student Scholastic Achievement
                                     506       Student Records
                                     607.2    Student Health Services

Approved:  2-10-03              
Reviewed:  1-14-19              
Revised:             

 

Parental involvement is an important component in a student’s success in school.  The board encourages parents to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success.  The board will:

1. how the board will involve parents in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan and the process for improvement;
2. how the board will provide the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;
3. build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement;
4. coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies under Title I with other programs such as Head Start, Reading First, etc.;
5. conduct with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of  the school served including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, minorities, parents with disabilities and parents with low literacy) and use the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parental involvement policies; and
6. involve parents in Title I activities.

The board will review this policy annually.  The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents of this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  No Child Left Behind, Title I, Sec. 1118, P.L. 107-110

Cross Reference:  903.2  Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Approved:  2-10-03              
Reviewed:  2-12-24              
Revised:             

 

The board recognizes the importance of maintaining education records and preserving their confidentiality, as provided by law.  Education records are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages.  The board secretary is the custodian of education records.  Education records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student’s attendance center. 

 

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the defined words have the following meaning:

• “Education Record” means those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution.
• “Eligible Student” means a student who has reached eighteen years or attends a postsecondary institution.  Parents of an eligible student are provided access to education records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code.  In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. 

An education record may contain information on more than one student.  Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information.  Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves or be informed of the information.

Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have access to the student’s education records during the regular business hours of the school district.  Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student’s education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made.  Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student’s records if the school district has a court order stating such or when the district has been advised under the appropriate laws tht the parents may not access the student records.  Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student’s education records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

Copies of education records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the education records.  Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or eligible student from accessing the records.  A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from education records.

Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the school district shall provide an explanation and interpretation of the education records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or used by the school district.

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the education records is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the education records.

Education records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student’s written permission.  This disclosure is made on the condition that the education record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. 

• To school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
• To officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the education records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
• To the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
• In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid;
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was conducted;
• To accrediting organizations;
• To parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;
• To comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;
• Consistent with an interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies;
• In connection with a health or safety emergency;
• As directory information; or
• In additional instances as provided by law.

The superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student’s education records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student.  Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student’s written permission.  This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

The superintendent will also keep a list of individuals, agencies and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student’s education records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records.  The superintendent, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the school district who have accessed the student’s education records.  This list for an education record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student and the custodian of education records.

Permanent education records, including a student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation.  Permanent education records will be kept in a fire-safe vault or they may be maintained electronically with a secure backup file.

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent education records, is no longer needed to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified.  This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the school district.  If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the school district will destroy the records, except for permanent records.  Prior to the destruction of the records, the school district must inform the parents or eligible student the records may be needed by the parents or eligible student for social security benefits or other purposes.  For purposes of policy, “n longer needed to provide educational services” means that a record is no longer relevant to the provision of instruction, support, or related services and is no longer needed for accountability and audit purposes.  At a minimum, a record needed for accountability and audit purposes must be retained for five years after completion of the activity for which funds were used.  In the absence of parents or an eligible student’s request to destroy the records, the school district must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

The school district will cooperate with the juvenile justice system in sharing information contained in permanent student records regarding students who have become involved with the juvenile justice system.  The school district will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice agencies (agencies) involved.

The purpose of the agreement is to allow for the sharing of information prior to a student’s adjudication in order to promote and collaborate between the school district and the agencies to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The school district may share any information with the agencies contained in a student’s permanent record, which is directly related to the juvenile justice system’s ability to effectively serve the student.  Prior to adjudication information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the school district to the parties without parental consent or court order.  Information contained in a student’s permanent record may be disclosed by the school district to the agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order.  Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student’s family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student’s family.

Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student’s parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian.

Confidential information shared between the school district and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.

The school district may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the school district determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement.

Agencies will contact the principal of the attendance center where the student is currently or was enrolled.  The principal will then forward copies of the records within a reasonable time following receipt of the request.

The school district will provide training or instruction to employees about parents’ and eligible students’ rights under this policy.  Employees will also be informed about the procedure for carrying out this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students that they have the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student’s education records;
2. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights;
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and
4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the law.

The notice is given in a parents’ or eligible student’s native language.  Should the school district collect personal information from the student for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the school district will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the school district failed to comply with this policy.  Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC  20202-8520.

 

 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C. § 1232g, 1415.
                                      34 C.F.R. §§ 99; 300.610 et seq.
                                      Iowa Code §§ 22;  279.9B;  280.24; 280.25; 622.10.
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41.
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 720, 825.

Cross Reference:  501        Student Attendance
                                      505        Student Scholastic Achievement
                                      506        Student Records
                                      507        Student Health and Well-Being
                                      603.3    Special Education
                                      708        Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records
                                      901        Public Examination of School District Records

Approved:  3-10-03              
Reviewed:  1-14-19              
Revised:  5-8-17

 

Directory information is information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  The district may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory information”, the parent’s or eligible student’s right to restrict the disclosure of such information, and the period of time within which a parent or eligible student has to notify the school in writing that he or she does not want any or all of those types of information designed as “directory information”.  The district has designated the following as “directory information”:

•   Student’s name
•   Address
•   Telephone listing
•   Electronic mail address
•   Photograph
•   Date and place of birth
•   Major field of study
•   Dates of attendance
•   Grade level
•   Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
•   Weight and height of members of athletic teams
•   Degrees, honors, and awards received
•   The most recent educational agency or institution attended
•   Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc.  (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

Student is defined as an enrolled individual, PK-12 including children in school district sponsored child-care programs.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents (including parents of student open enrolled out of the school district and parents of children home schooled in the school district) will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child’s information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.

 

 

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C.  §1232g
                                      34 C.F.R .  §99
                                      Iowa Code . § 22; 622.10
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 720

Cross Reference:  504              Student Activities
                                       506      Student Records
                                       901      Public Examination of School District Records
                                       902.4   Live Broadcast or videotaping

Approved:  5-8-17, 1-14-19
Reviewed:  5-8-17, 1-14-19
Revised:  5-8-17

 

The board will permit student “portrait” photographs to be taken on school premises by a commercial photographer as a service to the students and their families.

Parents will be notified prior to the taking of pictures by a commercial photographer for student “portraits”.  In no case will students be required to have their picture taken or be pressured to purchase pictures.

Students or commercial photographers may take pictures of students upon consent for such things as the yearbook or student newspaper.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to develop administrative rules regarding student photographs.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).
                                      1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 114.

Cross Reference:  506      Student Records

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 1-8-07, 1-11-10, 1-11-16, 1-14-19
Reviewed:  2-14-96, 12-13-99, 10-14-02, 1-8-07, 1-11-10, 1-11-16, 1-14-19         
Revised:  3-11-96

 

 

Some students need special health services to participate in their educational program.  These students shall receive special health services concomitant with their educational program.  Licensed health personnel shall provide special health services under the auspices of the school.  The duties of the licensed personnel include:

□     to participate as a member of the education team

□     to provide the health assessment;

□     to plan, implement, and evaluate the written individual health plan;

□     to plan, implement, and evaluate special emergency health services;

□     to serve as a liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care;

□     to provide health consultation, counseling, and instruction to the student, the student’s parent, and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber;

□     to maintain a record of special health services;

□     to report unusual circumstances to the prescriber, parent and school administration; and

□     to assign, delegate, instruct, provide technical assistance to and supervise qualified designated personnel; and update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs;

 

The record of special health services shall include:

□     the student’s name;

□     the special health service;

□     the prescriber or person authorizing;

□     the date and time;

□     the signature and title or the person providing the special health service; and

□     any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services.

 

Prior to the provision of special health services the following shall be on file:

□     a written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated;

□     a written statement by the student’s parent requesting the provision of the special health service;

□     a written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team; and

□     a written individual health plan.

 

Licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, shall determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the special health services.  The documented rationale shall include the following:

□     an analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome, and risk of improperly performed service;

□     the determination that the special health service, task, procedure, or function is part of the person’s job description;

□     the determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student’s needs;

□     a review of the designated person’s competence; and

□     the determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision required to ensure quality services.

 

Licensed health personnel shall supervise the special health services, define the level of supervision, and document the supervision.

Licensed health personnel shall instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the individual health plan.  Documentation of instruction and periodic updates shall be on file at the school.

Parents shall provide the usual equipment, supplies, and necessary maintenance for such.  The equipment shall be stored in a secured area.  Personnel responsible for the equipment shall be designated in the individual health plan.

Qualified designated personnel, other than licensed personnel, shall be presumed to agree to provide the special health service unless presenting to district personnel a signed written refusal to provide such service.

 

 

Legal Reference:  155A.4(2)“c”, Iowa Code Education {281} - §41.23 (281); §12.3(9)

Cross Reference:            

Approved:  2-10-94, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  10-14-02

 

Students desiring to participate in athletic extracurricular activities or enrolling kindergarten (K) or first (1^st) grade in the district shall have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the school district.  A physical examination and proof of such an examination may be required by the administration for students in other grades enrolling for the first time in the district.

 A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the physician shall be on file at the attendance center.  Each student shall submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the superintendent of schools.  Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students enrolling for the first time in the district shall also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and any other immunizations required by the school district.  The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so.  Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for expulsion.

Exemptions from the immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons recognized under the law.  The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§139.9, 232.647-.75, 280.13 (1991).
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 7
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 11.4(13).

Cross Reference:  402.2   Child Abuse Reporting
                                      501      Student Attendance
                                      507      Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:

 

Some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.  These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program.

Medication shall be administered when the student’s parent or guardian (hereinafter “parent”) provides a signed, dated written statement requesting medication administration at school, and the medication is in the original labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer’s container.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and student’s parent.  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication.  A written statement by the student’s parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.

Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse, parent, physician and person who have successfully completed a medication administration course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners.  A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course completion kept on file at school.

A written medication administration record shall be on file at school, including:

□     date;

□     student’s name;

□     prescriber or person authorizing administration;

□     medication;

□     medication dosage;

□     administration time;

□     administration method;

□     signature and title of the person administering medication; and

□     any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.

Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.

 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION IS TO BE TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM SCHOOL BY AN ADULT.

Medication information shall be confidential information, and shall be available to school personnel with parental authorization.

 

 

Legal Reference:  155A.4(2)“c”, Iowa Code Education {281} - §41.23(281); §12.3(9)
                                        Pharmacy {657} – 10.16(204), IAC

Cross Reference:

Approved:    2-10-94, 1-10-00, 8-13-01, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:   12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 11-12-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:    7-9-01

 

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school as long as they are physically able to perform the tasks assigned to them and as long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of transmission of the illness or other harm to the students or the employees.  The term “communicable disease” shall mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by the State Department of Health.

A student will be excluded from school when the student’s condition has been determined to be injurious to the health of others or when the student is too ill to attend school. The health risk to an immuno-depressed student attending school shall be determined by the student’s personal physician.  The health risk to others in the school environment from the presence of a student with communicable disease shall be determined on a case-by case basis by public health officials.

Since there may be greater risks of transmission of a communicable disease for some persons with certain conditions, than for other persons infected with the same disease, these special conditions:  the risk of transmission of the disease; the effect upon the educational program, the effect upon the student, and other factors deemed relevant by public health officials or the administration shall be considered in assessing the student’s continued attendance at school.  The administration may require medical evidence that students with a communicable disease are able to attend school.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration or school nurse, when the administration or school nurse has knowledge that communicable disease is present, to notify the State Department of Health.  Rumor and hearsay shall be insufficient evidence for the administration to act.

Health data of a student is confidential and it shall not be disseminated.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease.  Appropriate hygienic practices shall be included in the administrative regulations.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Board of Education of Nassau County v Arline, 55 U.L.W. 4245 (U.S. March 3, 1987)
                                      Iowa Code Chapter 139 (1991).
                                      29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.
                                      45 C.F.R. 84.3
                                      641 Iowa Admin. Code 1.2-1.5, 7.
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 43.15-43.17

Cross Reference:  403.1     General Personnel Physical Examinations
                                      403.3     General Personnel Communicable Diseases

Approved:    4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-14-96, 12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  3-11-96

 

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the student’s parents shall be notified by the school nurse or the principal as soon as possible after these individuals are aware of the incident.

The school district, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have authorized school personnel present to administer emergency or minor first aid if possible.  An ill or injured child will be turned over to the care of the parents or qualified medical personnel as quickly as possible.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the superintendent within twenty-four (24) hours after the student is injured at school.

Annually, parents shall be required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child.

The administration shall be responsible, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop rules and regulations governing the procedure in the event a student should become ill or be injured at school.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §613.17 (1991).

Cross Reference:  507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-14-96, 12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  3-11-96

 

Students will be informed of the action to take in an emergency.  Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters shall be conducted each school year.  Fire and tornado drills shall each be conducted regularly during the academic school year.

School district personnel shall participate in emergency drills.  Licensed personnel shall be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §100.31 (1991).

Cross Reference:  507          Student Health and Well-Being
                                       712.10     School Bus Safety Instruction
                                       804          Safety Program

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:\

Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the school district.  The school district will not take the “side” of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.  Court orders that have been issued shall be followed by the school district whether the parent or student agrees or disagrees with the order.  It shall be the responsibility of the person requesting an action by the school district to inform and show the school district the court order allowing such action.

This policy does not forbid school district personnel to listen to a student’s problems and concerns.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to ensure that school district personnel remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights, other than child abuse situations.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§232.67, .70, .73, .75, 235A, 279.8 (1991).
                                      441 Iowa Admin. Code 9.2, 155, 175.

Cross Reference:  506.1     Student Records Access
                                      507        Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-14-96, 12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  3-11-96

 

Pursuant to Iowa law, an individual required to register on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for a conviction involving a sex offense against a minor (“registrant”) is prohibited from being on school property or in any school vehicle. The only exceptions are as follows:

• Students. Note a student on the Sex Offender Registry must have board approval to attend school.
• A registrant who is a parent or a legal guardian of a minor is allowed on school property solely during the period of time reasonably necessary to transport the parent’s own minor child or legal guardian’s own ward to or from a place on school property.
• A registrant who is legally entitled to vote shall be allowed on school property solely for the period of time reasonably necessary to exercise the right to vote in a public election if the polling location of the offender is located on school property.
• If written permission is received from the Bennett School Administration. To request written permission, registrant must complete and submit the Registrant Request Form. The form can be obtained by contacting the administrative office by telephone or email. This provision does not apply to a registrant requesting permission to be on school property in his or her role as employee, contractor, vendor, or volunteer. No written exception is allowed for operating, managing, be employed by, or acting as a contractor or volunteer on school property.

Pursuant to Iowa Code 692A.113-114, no sex offender Registrant for a conviction involving a minor is allowed on school property. It is the vendor or contractor’s responsibility to ensure this prohibition is enforced. If a Registrant controlled by the vendor or contractor is allowed on school property, the District will deem this a material breach of any contract and cancel the contract.

 

 

Approved:  2-13-12, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:

 

Registrant Request Form

 

This form shall be used to document the Principal’s response to an individual’s, on the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) (hereafter “registrant”), request to come onto school grounds.

Requests will be considered only from registrants who are the parent/legal guardian of a student or the person designated by the parent/legal guardian to have access to the student.

Registrants whose request is granted shall keep a copy of this completed form with them each time they come onto school grounds.

To be Completed by Registrant

 

Full Name______________________________  Phone Number________________________
                    (first, middle, last)

Address___________________________________ Email Address_____________________

Requested Visit Date_________________________Building or location_________________

 

Reason for Request (check at least one)

• Confer with school staff concerning my child’s academic, disciplinary or placement, including matter required by federal or state law.
• Attend a school activity (in which my child is participating)(activity name)_______________________
• Attend a nonschool sponsored activity which is (activity name)_________________________

Registrant recognizes that permission to be on school grounds is at the discretion of the principal or designee. Permission is granted for the sole reason, time, location, etc. listed below. Registrant recognizes that he/she is not permitted to be in any location, including restrooms, other than that listed below.

Signature______________________________________ Date___________________________

 

Principal’s Response

• Registrant is required to provide additional information as follows: ________________________________________________________________________
• Registrant must follow check-in and check-out requirements as follows: ________________________________________________________________________
• Registrant must be directly supervised while on school grounds by the following individual(s) designated by the Principal: ______________________________________
• Registrant is restricted to the following designated location(s) on school grounds: ________________________________________________________________________
• Registrant may only be on school grounds during the following time period: ________________________________________________________________________
• Request by registrant to be on school grounds is denied.

 

Principal’s Signature_____________________________________ Date___________________

 

The completed form must be kept on file at school. A copy of this completed form shall be provided to the registrant.

 

The board promotes healthy students by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment.  The school district supports a healthy environment where students learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices.  By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of students.  Improved health optimizes student performance potential.

The school district provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors.  The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy school district goals to positively influence a student’s understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity.

The school district supports and promotes proper dietary habits contributing to students’ health status and academic performance.  All foods available on school grounds and at school-sponsored activities during the instructional day should meet or exceed the school district nutrition standards.  Foods should be served with consideration toward nutritional integrity, variety, appeal, taste, safety and packaging to ensure high-quality meals. 

The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.  Toward this end, the school district may utilize electronic identification and payment systems; promote the availability of meals to all students; and/or use nontraditional methods for serving meals, such as “grab-and-go” or classroom breakfast.

The school district will develop a local wellness policy and gather input from representatives of the board, parents, leaders in food/exercise authority and employees.  The school district will develop a plan to implement and measure the local wellness policy and monitor the effectiveness of the policy.  The principal will monitor implementation and evaluate the implementation of the policy.  The principal will report annually to the board regarding the effectiveness of this policy.

 

Specific Wellness Goals

I.  Nutrition Education and Promotion

The school district will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:

• Is offered at each grade level designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health;
• Is part of not only health education classes, but also classroom instruction;
• Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods and health-enhancing nutrition practices;
• Emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and physical activity; and
• Includes training for teachers and other staff.

 

II.  Physical Activity

A.  Daily Physical Education

The school district will provide physical education that:

• Is offered at least 50 minutes per week;
• Is for all students in grades K-6 for the entire school year;
• Is taught by a certified physical education teacher;
• Engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50 percent of physical education class time.

 

B.  Daily Recess

Elementary schools will provide recess for students that:

• Is at least 20 minutes a day;
• Is preferably outdoors.

III.  Communication with Parents

The school district will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children.  The school district will:

• Encourage parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the established nutrition standards for individual foods and beverages;
• Provide parents a list of foods that meet the school district’s snack standards and ideas for healthy celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities;
• Provide information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day;
• Support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school.

IV.  Food Marketing in Schools

School-based marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion.  The school district will:

• Promote healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products; and
• Market activities that promote healthful behaviors and may include: vending machine covers promoting water; pricing structures that promote healthy options in a la carte lines or vending machines; sales of fruit for fundraisers; and coupons for discount gym memberships.

 

V.  Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Available on Campus

A.  School Meals

Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:

• Be appealing and attractive to children;
• Be served in clean and pleasant settings;
• Meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by local, state and federal law;
• Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables;
• Serve low-fat (1%) and fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent  non-dairy alternatives (as defined by the USDA); and,
• Ensure that some of the served grains are whole grain.
• Engage students and parents, through taste-tests of new entrees and surveys, in selecting foods offered through the meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices.

 

B. Breakfast

To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will:

• Operate the breakfast program;
• Arrange bus schedules and utilize methods to serve breakfasts that encourage participation; and,
• Notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program.

 

C.  Free and Reduced-Price Meals

The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.  Toward this end, the school district may:

• Utilize electronic identification and payment systems;
• Promote the availability of meals to all students.

 

D.  Meal Times and Scheduling

The school district:

• Will provide students with at least 10 minutes to eat after sitting down for breakfast and 20 minutes after sitting down for lunch;
• Will schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g. lunch should be scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.; should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities;
• Will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and,
• Will take reasonable steps to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimens of students with special oral health needs (e.g. orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).

 

E.  Sharing of Foods

The school district discourages students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.

 

F.  Foods Sold Outside the Meal (e.g. vending, a la carte, sales)

       1)  Beverages

• Allowed: water or seltzer water without added caloric sweeteners; fruit and vegetable juices and fruit-based drinks that contain at least 50 percent fruit juice and that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners; unflavored or flavored low-fat or fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages (as defined by the USDA).
• Discouraged: soft drinks containing caloric sweeteners; sports drinks; iced teas; fruit-based drinks that contain less than 50 percent real fruit juice or that contain additional caloric sweeteners; beverages containing caffeine, excluding low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk (which contain minimal amounts of caffeine).

2)   Foods

A food item sold individually:

• Will have no more than 40 percent of its calories from fat (excluding nuts, seeds, peanut butter and other nut butters) and 10 percent of its calories from saturated and trans fat combined;
• Will include a choice of fruits and/or non-fried vegetables for sale at any location on the school site where foods are sold.

Examples:  Food items could include, but are not limited to, fresh fruits and vegetables; 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice; fruit-based drinks that are at least 50 percent fruit juice and that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners; cooked, dried or canned fruits (canned in fruit juice or light syrup); and cooked, dried or canned vegetables (that meet the above fat and sodium guidelines).

        3)  Fundraising Activities

        To support children’s health and school nutrition-education efforts, school fundraising activities will

        discourage food sales that would not meet nutrition guidelines outlined above.  The school district

        encourages fundraising activities that promote physical activity.

        4)   Foods Brought From Home/Classroom Snacks/Parties

        Snacks served in the classroom must be fresh fruit/vegetables or PREPACKAGED items.            

        (Prepackaged:  Items that are prepared in a licensed facility; for example, bakery or store bought.) 

        No home prepared food products.  Serving potentially hazardous foods brought from home can place

        our students at risk for food borne illness.

        5)  Rewards

        The school district will not use foods or beverages; especially those that do not meet the nutrition  standards for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic performance or good behavior, and will not withhold food or beverages (including food served though meals) as a punishment. 

        6)  Celebrations       

       The school district will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.

 

PLAN FOR MEASURING IMPLEMENTATION

The board will monitor and evaluate this policy.

I.  Monitoring

The superintendent will ensure compliance with established school district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.

In the school district:

• The principal will ensure compliance with those policies in the school and will report on the school’s compliance to the superintendent; and,
• Food service staff will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent or principal.
• The superintendent will develop a summary report every three years on school district-wide compliance with the school district’s established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies, based on input from schools within the school district.

 

II.  Policy Review

To help with the initial development of the school district’s wellness policies, the school will conduct a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutrition and physical activity environments and practices.  The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the school district level to identify and prioritize needs.

Assessments will be repeated every five years to help review policy compliance, assess progress and determine areas in need of improvement.  As part of that review, the school district will review the nutrition and physical activity policies and practices and the provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity.  The school district will revise the wellness policies and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.  (2005)
                                       Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.,

Cross Reference:  504.6   Student Activity Program
                                      710      School Food Services

Approved:  7-17-06, 2-12-07, 10-10-11, 2 -8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-12-07, 9-19-11, 10-10-11, 2 -8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  9-19-11

 

The board welcomes gifts to the school district from a class or student group.  Class gifts to the school district do require the approval of the administration.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§68B.1, .5, .8, .11(4), 722.1, .2 (1991)

Cross Reference:  502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-99, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  2-14-96, 12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  3-11-96, 12-13-99

 

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6:15 p.m. whenever possible.  It shall be the responsibility of the principal to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991).

Cross Reference:  1007     Other Interdistrict Relations

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:  12-13-99, 2-12-07, 2-8-16

 

Generally, students receiving telephone calls shall not be called to the phone.  The administrative office in their attendance center will take a message and forward it to the student.  Only in an emergency situation will a student be removed from the classroom or a school activity to receive a telephone call.

Students may, in an emergency situation, use the telephone in the administrative office of their attendance center to make a telephone call.  Prior permission must be obtained from the principal or the principal’s secretary.

 

 

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

Cross Reference:  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised:

 

To supervise the school facility, there shall be a district employee or a person designated by the school district available while students wait at the school building after a school activity.

It shall be the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that the students and other individuals in the school building have a valid and clear purpose for being in the facility at that time.  If there is no valid and clear purpose for the student or other individual to be in the building, the supervisor shall require them to leave the school building at once.  Persons or students who do not leave upon request may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

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

 

 

Legal Reference:  McClain v Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 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
                                       1004   Public Participation in the School District

Approved:  4-13-92, 1-10-00, 11-11-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Reviewed:  12-13-99, 10-14-02, 2-12-07, 2-8-10, 2-8-16, 2-13-19
Revised: