Children in the District community will be allowed to enroll in the District's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the District's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

Children will be allowed to enroll in the statewide preschool program beginning at age four. The child must be age four on or prior to September 15 to participate in the statewide preschool program.

The Board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the District's education program. It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the Superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student. An exception to this would be a homeless student.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed:

Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13; 6/10/19

1.  Objectives

Attendance is a critical factor in school success for students. Studies have shown that consistent school attendance, academic success, and school completion have a positive correlation. The educational process requires continuity of instruction and students need to experience classroom discussions, debate, and independent study in order to increase achievement. Regular participation in classroom activities fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and responsibility, all of which are essential skills for future employment. Good attendance in school is also part of the self-discipline that we try to instill in our students to enable them to act as responsible members of the community.

The purpose of the District’s Attendance policy is to ensure the maintenance of an adequate record of verifying the attendance of all students during days of instruction and to establish a mechanism by which the patterns of student absence can be examined to develop effective intervention strategies. The goal of this procedure is for each school to know the whereabouts of every student for safety and school management reasons and to help students succeed at meeting the Iowa State learning standards.

Parents are expected to make sure that their children attend school on a regular basis. Attendance for continuous remote learning is required as included in the District's Return to Learn Plan, in consideration of age and content area, understanding that some work is done without synchronous computer connection. To implement a successful attendance policy, we need the cooperation of all members of the educational community, including parents, students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. Through the implementation of this policy the District expects to reduce the level of unexcused absences, tardiness, and unexcused early dismissals.

2. General Procedures

Each absence, instance of tardiness, and early dismissal will be recorded as excused or unexcused along with a code noting specific reason therefor. Excused absences are defined as: an absence due to personal illness, medical appointments that cannot be scheduled at another time, illness or death in the family, religious observance, quarantine (however, if participation in continous remote learning is appropriate during the quarantine, attendance will be in compliance with the District's Return to Learn Plan and will not be counted as an absence), required court appearances, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, or military obligations, or pre- approved family vacations. All other absences, tardiness, or early dismissals will be considered unexcused.

Any absence, tardiness, or early dismissal must be accounted for. It is the parent’s responsibility to call or email the school. A written note may be required by the building Principal. Each day a student is absent, a phone call from the parent is requested; however, all absences will be recorded as unexcused until a parent contact is made to the building office. At the secondary level it is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation for all in-school appointments that will prevent a student from attending class prior to dismissal from class.

When a student is out of school for 10 or more consecutive days or is hospitalized for any period of time, the parent or guardian must contact the health office prior to the student returning to school to set up a re-entry interview.

Parents will be notified by phone if their child is absent, late, or departs early from school. Any absence which occurs without parental knowledge will be classified as unexcused. 

 

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Approved: Reviewed: 7/11/16                                Reviewed:                                                           Revised: 5/13/13; 7/11/16; 6/10/19; 8/10/20

 

 

Students will be allowed to leave District 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 will 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 appropriate by the principal.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised:

The Superintendent/designee shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the condition exists. The Superintendent/designee shall make provisions to publicly announce such closings via available mass communication media as soon as possible after the decision to close. Every reasonable effort shall be made to have students attend the total amount of school days or hours annually as specified by statue, state departmental rules, the district's Return to Learn plan, and local school board policy.

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Resident Students

Children who are residents of the District community will attend the District without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. A student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the District without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the District is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students 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.

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school District.

Non-Resident Students

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the District may be admitted into the District at the discretion of the Superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the District as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the District after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the District may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the Superintendent and approval of the Board. Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the Superintendent or Board. These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the District, but were residents in the District the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the 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 District prior to the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

International Students

Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school without charge, if they are recommended by the American Field Service or an approved local organization and reside within the boundaries of this District. Proper I-20 forms and/or any other required papers must be submitted to and processed by the District, the student, and the sponsoring organization before an international student can be formally admitted to school.

The District will allow a maximum of three (3) international students per year. The Superintendent has the right to suspend or cancel the privilege of an international student attending school within the District. Organizations not cooperating or not fulfilling their responsibilities on behalf of the international students could also result in termination of the student’s privilege to attend school.

Programs or activities for which foreign exchange students are not eligible are: Driver Education and National Honor Society.

For those items not specifically mentioned above, a foreign exchange student has the same rights and responsibilities as all other students.

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Approved: 11/14/67; 9/17/84

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13

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 the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.

“Homeless child or youth” is defined as a child or youth from the age of 3 years through 21 years who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence and includes the following:

1. A child or youth who is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; is abandoned in a hospital; or is awaiting foster care placement;

2. A child or youth who has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

3. A child or youth who is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting; or

4. A migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because the child or youth is living in circumstances described in paragraphs “1” through “3” above.

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Approved: 3/14/94

Reviewed: 7/14/08; 6/10/19

Revised: 2/10/03; 5/13/13; 9/16/13

Transfers Into the District

A student's parents or a student may transfer the student into the District. Students who transfer into the District must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the District.

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the Superintendent and/or designee will make the grade level determination. The Superintendent and/or designee may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the Board.

The Superintendent and/or designee shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, the Superintendent and/or designee may not accept credits. A student not attending grades 9 through 11 at an accredited school shall be unranked for class ranking purposes.

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

Any student declared ineligible under the prior school district's Good Conduct Code, and then, without having completed the full period of ineligibility at that school, transfers to the high school, will not be eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school until the full period of ineligibility has been completed. Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible for interscholastic competition as far as any Good Conduct Rule is concerned.

Transfers Out of the District

A student's parents or a student may withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program. The student or parent should notify the building principal in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. The notice shall state the student's final day of attendance. The student or parent should present this written notice at the building office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, etc..

If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the District will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the District.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents must notify the building principal in writing. This notice will 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. If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the building principal that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/19

Procedures as a Sending District

The District will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the Board will allow resident students to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of District for their student will notify the sending and receiving school 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 district office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the District are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner 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 30 unless another deadline applies.

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 District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

The Board may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the District for the purposes of transportation.

An open enrollment request out of the 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 school 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 District until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/19

 

Procedures as a Receiving District

The District will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the Board will allow non-resident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the District. The Board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the District under open enrollment.

The Superintendent will approve timely filed applications by June 1; incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application filed by September 1.

The Superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. The Superintendent will also forward a copy of the District’s action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.

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

Open enrollment requests into the District will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.

Open enrollment requests into the District that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, 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 District are considered in the order received by the District with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Generally, students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the District will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the District.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the Board or Superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance. Upon a parent's request, the Board may approve transportation into the sending district. (The transportation is limited to within 2 miles of the District boundary/current bus route.) The Board's approval is subject to the sending district's approval.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is 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 District is appropriate for the 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 District will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.

The policies of the District will apply to students attending the District under open enrollment.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised:

 

 

Parents within the school district who have children over age four (4) and enrolled in the statewide preschool program, over age five (5) and enrolled in the District’s kindergarten program, or over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15 and in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school District at the attendance center designated by the Board. If the student's classroom or attendance center transitions to required continous learning opportunities included in the district's approved Return to Learn Plan, the student's participation is required. The superintendent may include in the district's approved Return to Learn plan an option for parents or guardians who prefer to have students participate in required continuous learning. An enrolled student who does not participate in compulsory remote-learning opportunities offered by the school district during a period of school closure implemented any time during the school year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 20, 2021, due to the COVID -19 pandemic shall be considered truant.

Students shall attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of required minutes/days school is in session or in the case of Preschool or kindergarten, students will attend school a minimum of scheduled days in session.

Students over age four (4) on September 15 and enrolled in the statewide preschool program and students over age five (5) on September 15 and enrolled in the District’s kindergarten program, may not attend the minimum days only if the student’s parent notifies the District in writing of the parent’s intent to remove the child from the preschool program and/or from enrollment in the District.

Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not attend the minimum days only if the student falls into one of the following exemptions:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have

  obtained a high school equivalency diploma;

• is attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;

• is attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;

• is attending an accredited nonpublic school;

• is receiving competent private instruction; or

• is subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian 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.

The principal will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent will represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/12/14; 8/10/20

 

 

In the event a child of compulsory attendance age does not attend public school or an accredited non-public school, the child must receive competent private instruction or independent private instruction.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner, competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual or independent private instruction must meet the requirements outlined under Iowa law.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district. The forms are available in the central administration office. One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by a non-licensed individual may notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the district. The forms are available in the central administration office. One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the district and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Education Agency.

A parent choosing independent private instruction for a student may be asked to provide a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent instruction, and the names of the students enrolled to the district.

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee will determine whether the completed form or report is in compliance with the law. The district shall report non-compliance with the reporting, immunization, attendance, instructor qualifications, and assessment requirements of the compulsory attendance law to the county attorney of the county of residence of the student's parent, guardian, or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction or independent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another district. The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements. If the parent, guardian, or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district. The resident district shall then report the non-compliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner must make adequate progress. Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall be monitored for progress by the supervising teacher. Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner may be assessed annually. The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.

Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual must make adequate progress. Students receiving competent private instruction by a non-licensed individual shall be evaluated annually by the parent, guardian or legal custodian to ensure adequate progress is being made. Students receiving competent private instruction from a non- licensed individual may be assessed annually. The district will provide any optional assessments at no cost.

Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner and students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may dual enroll with the district. Students receiving individual private instruction may not dual enroll with the district.

Upon the request of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction or upon referral of a licensed practitioner who provides instruction or instructional supervision of a student under competent private instruction, the district shall refer a student who may require special education to the appropriate Area Education Agency, Division of Special Education, for evaluation.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 11/11/13; 6/10/19

Revised: 11/11/13

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or by a non-licensed individual may also enroll the student in the district. The student shall be considered under dual enrollment. The parent, guardian or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the superintendent prior to October 1st each year on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education. On the form, the parent, guardian or custodian shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the district office.

A dual enrollment student is eligible to participate in the district's extracurricular and academic activities in the same manner as other students enrolled in the District. The policies and administrative rules of the District shall apply to the dual enrollment students in the same manner as the other students enrolled in the District. These policies and administrative rules shall include, but not be limited to, athletic eligibility requirements, the good conduct rule, academic eligibility requirements, and payment of the fees required for participation.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 11/11/13

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 District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the 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 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 orderly and efficient operation of the District or school activity; 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.

Teachers and/or others who are in charge of a classroom must be the administrators of classroom discipline. Therefore, minor disciplinary offenses are the responsibility and obligation of the classroom teacher. When a situation arises wherein the educational process is substantially interfered with, it then becomes the responsibility of the administration to assist in the disposition of the discipline problem.

Impermissible Conduct

Students may be disciplined for conduct that violates commonly held notions of unacceptable, immoral, or inappropriate behavior that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including

extracurricular rules);

2. Assault or threatened assault on another person;

3. Extortion, intimidation, or coercion;

4. Inciting others to violate the law or school rules;

5. Vandalism;

6. Gambling;

7. Theft or possession of stolen goods/property;

8. Sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation

controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia;

9. Possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances,

imitation controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia.

10. Possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation weapon, or an explosive;

11. Possession, use, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;

12. Use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco, or imitation substances;

13. Profanity;

14. Possession of pornographic/obscene literature, items, or materials;

15. Student dress which is suggestive, condones illegal activity, or in some way disrupts the educational process;

16. Failure to abide by corrective measures for previous acts of misconduct;

17. Harassment in any form of another person;

18. Conduct which discriminates against others based upon an individual's 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;

19. Destruction, damage, unauthorized use, inappropriate use, and/or manipulation of hardware, software, or any aspect or component of the school's electronic information system including the internet; or

20. Inappropriate sexual conduct including harassment, indecent exposure, and visible display of affection.

A student who commits an assault against an employee District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in District activities will be suspended by the principal. Notice of the suspension will be 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 this policy is 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 the 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.

Sanctions for Misconduct

The District may impose a range of disciplinary measures for acts of misconduct. Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion. Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct. The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline. In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the District's administration of discipline. The school reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.

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 Saturday. 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, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility. An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. 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 other 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. Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement 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.

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Approved: 1/9/84

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13

 

 

Harassment and bullying of students 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 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, including but not limited to, 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.

This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the Board; while on District-owned or District-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 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/or 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 includes 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/or 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 District will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

The Superintendent 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 school. The Superintendent shall report to the Board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment in the school.

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; or

• Inclusion on the school or District’s website.

Furthermore, a copy shall be made to any person at the District office.

 

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Name of complainant: ______________________________________________________________________

Position of complainant:_____________________________________________________________________

Date of complaint:__________________________________________________________________________

Name of alleged harasser or bully:_____________________________________________________________

Date and place of incident or incidents:_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Description of incident or incidents:____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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: _____ /_____ /_____

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: ____/____ /____

Investigation Procedures

I. General Procedures

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

• tell a teacher, counselor, principal, or another appropriate school employee; and

• write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor, principal, or another appropriate school employee 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.

II. Complaint Procedure

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the building principal or designee, who will be the designated investigator. The alternate investigator is the District superintendent. 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 has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

III. 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 Superintendent. The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the Superintendent.

Remember the following points:

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

IV. Conflicts with Investigation

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

V. Resolution of the Complaint

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the Superintendent 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 Superintendent may, at the Superintendent’s discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The Superintendent 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 Superintendent will maintain a log of information necessary to comply with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

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Approved: 5/13/13                              Reviewed: 8/8/2016                                 Revised: 8/8/2016; 6/10/19

I.     Initiations, Hazing, Bullying or Harassment

Harassment, bullying and abuse are violations of District policies, rules and regulations and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The District has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.

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.

Harassment and bullying includes 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.

 

II.     Procedures

Students who feel that they have been harassed or bullied should:

• tell a teacher, counselor, principal or another appropriate school employee; and

• write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor, principal or another appropriate school employee 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.

 

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District property is held in public trust by the Board. District authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. The search is 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, employees and visitors to the District facilities.

The furnishing of a locker, desk, or other facility or space owned by the District and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect the locker, desk, or other facility.

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, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on District 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. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.

The Board believes that illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the District premises or property within the jurisdiction of the District.

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Approved: 8/11/86

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 10/12/09; 5/13/13; 12/9/19

 

 

I. What factors caused you to have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search of this student or the student's effects or automobile would turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, District policy, and/or rules or regulations affecting school order?

A. Eyewitness account.

1. By whom: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Date/Time:_________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Place: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What was seen: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Information from a reliable source.

1. From whom: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Time received: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. How information was received: ________________________________________________________________________________

4. Who received the information: _________________________________________________________________________________

5. Describe information: ________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Suspicious behavior? Explain.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Student's past history? Explain.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E. Time of search:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

F. Location of search:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

G. Student told purpose of search:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

H. Consent of student requested:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

II. Was the search you conducted reasonable in terms of scope and intrusiveness?

A. What were you searching for:___________________________________________________________________________________

B. Where did you search?________________________________________________________________________________________

C. Sex of the student:____________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Age of the student:____________________________________________________________________________________________

E. Exigency of the situation:_______________________________________________________________________________________

F. What type of search was being conducted:_________________________________________________________________________

G. Who conducted the search:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position:________________________________________________________ Sex:_______________________________

H. Witness(s):__________________________________________________________________________________________________

III. Explanation of Search.

A. Describe the time and location of the search:_______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Describe exactly what was searched:_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

C. What did the search yield:______________________________________________________________________________________

D. What was seized:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

E. Were any materials turned over to law enforcement officials?____________________________________________________________

F. Were parents notified of the search including the reason for it and the scope:_______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Approved:     5/13/13                                            Reviewed:  6/10/19                                       Revised: 5/13/13

I. General Searches.

A. Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion: A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or District policy, rules, or regulations affecting school order. Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:

(1) Eyewitness observations by employees;

(2) Information received from reliable sources;

(3) Suspicious behavior by the student; or,

(4) The student's past history and school record although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.

B. Reasonable Scope: A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:

(1) The age of the student;

(2) The sex of the student;

(3) The nature of the infraction; and

(4) The emergency requiring the search without delay.

II. Types of Searches

A. Personal Searches

1. A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated District policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order.

2. Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.

(a) Pat-Down Search: If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student and with another adult witness of the same sex present, when feasible.

(b) A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors are threatened. Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student, with an adult of the same sex present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.

B. Locker and Desk Inspections

1. Although school lockers and desks are temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the District at all times. The District has a reasonable and valid interest in insuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained. For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk. Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual. Any contraband discovered during such searches will be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.

2. The contents of a student's locker or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the contents contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or District policy or rule. Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.

C. Automobile Searches

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items are contained inside.

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Approved:    5/13/13                                           Reviewed:   6/10/19                                                      Revised: 5/13/13

Student lockers are the property of the District. Students will use the lockers assigned to them by the District for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school. It is the responsibility of students to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of lockers. Either students or another individual will be present during the inspection of lockers. Student lockers may also be searched, at any time and without advance notice, in compliance with board policy regulating search and seizure.

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Approved: 8/11/97

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 11/29/09; 5/13/13

District officials and employees may interview students during the school day. Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and employees. For purposes of this policy, the school resource police officer and juvenile court officer shall be considered a school employees.

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will 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 interview a student, the principal will defer to the investigator's judgment as to whether the student should be interviewed 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 will not be taken from school without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.

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Approved: 2/14/74                                 Reviewed:                                          Revised: 1/11/10; 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Investigation Conducted in the Educational Environment

     A. Interviews Initiated by School Administrators

1. Conducted by Administrators
   
   1. Principals shall have the authority to conduct investigations and to question students pertaining to infractions of school rules, whether or not the alleged conduct is a violation of criminal law.
2. Conducted by Law Enforcement Officers
   
   1. The principal/designee shall determine when the necessity exists that law enforcement officers be contacted to conduct an investigation of alleged criminal behavior.
   2. The principal/designee may request that law enforcement officers conduct an investigation of alleged criminal behavior during school hours. A reasonable attempt shall be made to contact the student's parents, guardian, or representative prior to questioning of students by law enforcement officers. Such contacts or attempted contacts with parents, guardian, or representative shall be documented by the administrator involved. In the absence of a student's parents, guardian, or representative during any questioning of such students, the principal or other designated certificated school staff person shall be present.
   3. If the investigation has centered on any particular student suspected of such alleged criminal activity, the procedure of taking students into custody by the police set forth in Section II shall be followed to the extent that they do not interfere with reasonable law enforcement procedures.

Interviews Initiated by Law Enforcement Officers

1. Although cooperation with law enforcement officers will be maintained, it should not normally be necessary for law enforcement officers to initiate and conduct any investigation and questioning on the school premises during school hours pertaining to criminal activities unrelated to the operation of the school. Only in demonstrated emergency situations, when law enforcement officers find it absolutely necessary, will they be voluntarily permitted to conduct such an investigation during school hours. These circumstances should ordinarily be limited to those in which delay might result in danger to any person, or flight from the jurisdiction of a person reasonably suspected of a crime or destruction of evidence.
2. In such cases, the officers shall be requested to obtain prior approval of the principal/designee before beginning such an investigation on school premises. The administrator shall document the circumstances of such investigations as soon as practicable. Alleged criminal behavior related to the school environment brought to the principal's attention by law enforcement officers shall be dealt with under Iowa law.
3. Questioning of Students During Investigation
   1. Violations of School Rules
      
      1. In instances where school rules have allegedly been violated, the principal/designee may contact the suspected rule violator or potential witness to the infraction.
      2. The suspected student shall be advised orally or in writing of the nature of the alleged offense and of the evidence, if any, against the student.
      3. In questioning a potential student witness to an alleged disciplinary infraction, care should be taken by the administrator to insure that there is a reasonable likelihood that the student was indeed a witness.
         1. Violations of Criminal Law
            
            1. During an investigation of violation of school rules, it may come to the attention of the administrator that the investigated activity may also be a violation of criminal law. In proceeding with the investigation, the principal/designee can attempt to ascertain whether there is sufficient justification to believe that a criminal offense was committed that warrants contacting law enforcement officials.
            2. Where a suspected violation of criminal law has occurred on the school grounds, involving the operation of the school or during a school-sponsored activity, law enforcement officials may be notified and their presence requested for the questioning of suspected students. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, questioning of the student shall not begin or continue until the law enforcement officers arrive. Reasonable attempts shall be made to contact a student's parents, guardian, or representative who, unless an emergency exists, shall be given the opportunity to confer with the student and to be present with the student during such questioning. The administrator shall document the contact or attempted contact with the student's parents, guardian or representative. The law enforcement officers may wish to advise the student of his/her legal rights.

Taking a Student into Custody

1. Students may not be released to law enforcement authorities voluntarily by school officials unless the student has been placed under arrest or unless the parent, guardian, or representative and the student agrees to the release. Administrators shall make reasonable objections to law enforcement authorities who attempt to remove students from school without placing them under arrest or without the acquiescence of the parent, guardian, or representative and the student. When students are removed from school for any reason by law enforcement authorities, reasonable efforts will be made to contact the student's parents, guardian, or representative immediately. Such effort shall be documented. The Superintendent's office shall be notified immediately of any removal of a student from school by law enforcement officers under any circumstances.
2.  Where it is necessary to take a student into custody on school premises, and the time permits, the law enforcement officer shall be requested to contact the school principal/designee and relate the circumstances necessitating such action. When possible, the principal/designee shall have the student summoned to the principal's office where the student may be taken into custody.
   1. When an emergency exists, the school principal/designee may summon law enforcement officials to the school to take a student into custody.
      1. When a student has been taken into custody or arrested on school premises without prior notification to the principal/designee, the school staff present shall encourage the law enforcement officers to notify the principal/designee of the circumstances as quickly as possible. In the event that the officers decline to notify the principal/designee, the school staff members present shall immediately notify the principal/designee.
      2. If possible, the student’s parents, guardian, or representative shall be notified by the principal or other school administrator before the student is taken into custody by law enforcement officers or as quickly thereafter as can be accomplished. The administrator shall document such notification or attempted notification.

Disturbance of School Environment

1. Law enforcement officers may be requested to assist in controlling disturbances of the school environment which the principal or other school administrator has found to be unmanageable by school personnel or has the potential of causing harm to students and other persons or to property. Such potential of possible harm includes members of the general public who have exhibited inappropriate or illegal conduct on school premises or at a school event held on school property and who have been requested to leave by an administrator, but have refused or failed to do so.

Disseminating and Reviewing Policies

1. This policy shall regularly be disseminated to staff members. School staff members shall be apprised of the contents of these provisions as they are updated, and at least annually.
2. School administrators are encouraged to meet at least annually with local law enforcement officials to discuss the District's policy and rules regarding law enforcement contacts with the District. Law enforcement officials will be asked to instruct their staffs as to the terms of the school's policy and rules.

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Approved: 5/13/13                                                Reviewed:   6/10/19                                                       Revised:

Student complaints and grievances regarding Board policy or administrative regulations and other matters should be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint. It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within five (5) days of the employee's decision. If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the Superintendent within five (5) 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 in compliance with Board policy.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised:

A. Probation

1. Probation is conditional attendance of a student during a trial period. Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant removal from school. The following procedures shall be followed when probation is imposed.

2.The principal will conduct an informal investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation. The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. Probationary status will not be imposed for longer than ten (10) school days. Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.

3. Should the student breach the condition imposed for probation, the student may be removed from academic or extra-curricular privileges or have more severe penalties such as suspension, imposed. An investigation similar to that of the informal investigation described above shall be conducted to determine whether the condition imposed has been breached.

B. In-School Suspension

1. In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision. In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school. Credit for work made up while under suspension will be determined by the building principal.

2. The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension. The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than five school days or ten school days with the approval of the Superintendent. Written and oral notice of the in-school suspension and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student's parents and the Superintendent.

C. Out-of-School Suspension

1. Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration. Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.

2. A student may be suspended out-of-school for not more than five school days by a principal, or ten days with approval of the Superintendent. Out-of-school suspension will be imposed for the commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policies, or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school. The principal may suspend students only after conducting an informal investigation of the charges against the student, and giving the student:

1. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student;
2. The basis in fact for the charges, and;
3. The opportunity to respond to those charges.

At the principal's discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or present witnesses on behalf of the student.

3. The notice to the student, investigation, and informal hearing must precede removal of the student from school. However, nothing should prevent the immediate suspension of a student when the student's continued presence on the school grounds endangers the student's safety or well-being, the safety or well- being of other members of the school community, or substantially interferes with the proper functioning of the school. In the instance of an immediate suspension, a hearing will be held within three (3) school days to determine future action. In the event the suspension occurred prior to the hearing, the person responsible shall document the basis of the necessity for such action.

4. Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed to the student’s parents, the Superintendent and the president of the Board of Education, no later than the end of the school day following the suspension. A reasonable effort shall be made to personally notify the student's parents by telephone or personal contact, and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make such contact. Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the Board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

D. Suspensions and Special Education Students

1. Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student's placement shall take place. The student's Individual Education Program (I.E.P.) shall be 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-school or out-of-school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the student's I.E.P. is appropriate.

2. Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.

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Approved: 1/9/84

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school rules or the law. It is 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 is within the discretion of the Superintendent 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 re- admit the student. The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the Board, the student is provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion written with sufficient specificity to enable the student to prepare a defense;
2. Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student to obtain the assistance of counsel and to prepare a defense;
3. Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. The names of the witnesses the Superintendent will present, if available, and a statement of the facts to which each witness will testify;
5. Notice that the student will be given an opportunity to present a defense against the charges; to provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses; to present documents; to be given copies of documents which will be introduced by the administration, and to cross-examine adverse witnesses, if available; and
6. Notice that the student has the right to be represented by counsel.

At the hearing, the student will have all of the rights given in the notice and may give an opening and closing statement in addition to calling witnesses and cross-examining adverse witnesses. The Board hearing the expulsion matter must be impartial (i.e. have no prior involvement in the situation, have no stake in the outcome, and have no personal bias or prejudice).

After the Board has heard the expulsion matter, it shall go into deliberations. No one who advocated a position at the hearing of the matter should be present during the Board’s deliberations unless the other party or parties are also permitted to attend deliberations. The student has a right to a decision based solely on the evidence presented at hearing. There must be an adequate factual basis for the Board’s decision. A preponderance of the evidence standard is sufficient to find the student violated the rule or policy at issue. Following the Board’s deliberations, the Board shall reconvene in open session and render its decision on the Superintendent’ recommendation for expulsion. The student is entitled to a written decision setting out the Board’s findings and conclusions as to the charges and the penalty.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures. A determination should be made of whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct. A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement. Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.

If the special education student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district's expulsion hearing procedures. If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the District. If a change in placement is not recommended, a determination shall be made within the student's I.E.P. and the law as to how to manage the student's behavior to prevent the student's possible future misconduct.

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Approved: 1/9/73

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13

The Board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco, nicotine, beer, wine, alcohol or controlled substances by students while on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on District- owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the District.

The Board believes 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.

Each violation of this policy shall be reviewed by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time after the alleged violation. Both the student and their parents shall have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the administrator before the administrator makes a decision.

The penalty for such violations may include suspension or expulsion. Participation in activities, including practices, shall also be prohibited during any period of suspension or expulsion. A student suspended or expelled under this policy will be allowed to return to classes upon completion of the suspension/expulsion period and enrollment in a program of substance abuse evaluation with an agency approved by the District. It shall be the responsibility of the student and/or their parent to enroll in the program of substance abuse evaluation.

School officials will notify law enforcement when a student is suspected of possessing, using, distributing or selling any illegal controlled substance on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools, unless reporting would jeopardize the District's at-risk or student assistance program. Such reports must be made before the incident becomes part of the student's record, i.e., before it is written down.

This policy does not affect nor rescind policies in effect for students who may also be disciplined through the activity policies of the athletic department or other departments.

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Approved: 4/9/84

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13; 12/9/19

The Board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in 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 District premises or property within the jurisdiction of the District.

District facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes, or any instrument used as a weapon. Weapons, other dangerous objects, look-a-likes, and any instrument used as a weapon will be taken from students and others who bring them onto District property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the District or from students who are within the control of the District.

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes, or any instrument used as a weapon on District property shall be notified of the incident. Confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes, or any instrument used as a weapon will be reported to law enforcement officials.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled for not less than one year. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee 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 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. Students bringing a weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object, or any instrument used as a weapon onto District property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the District may be suspended or expelled from school.

For purposes of this policy, the term “dangerous object” includes 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 upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed. The term “dangerous object” also includes any instrument or device or any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the individual intends to inflict death or injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being. In addition, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon in the school includes any object used to intimidate, coerce, scare or threaten a student, school district employee or visitor. Dangerous objects therefore include, but are not limited to, clubs, nunchakus, brass knuckles, knives regardless of blade length, stun guns, BB and pellet guns, toy guns used or displayed as real guns, and unloaded guns.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy. The Superintendent may allow law enforcement to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.

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Approved: 9/19/04                                       Reviewed:                                                     Revised: 10/12/09; 5/13/13; 6/19/19, 8/22/22; 6/22/23

Students utilizing school transportation shall conduct themselves in an orderly manner fitting to their age level and maturity with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of the bus driver and the passengers. Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will be subject to disciplinary measures.

The school vehicle driver shall have the authority to maintain order on the school vehicle. It shall be the responsibility of the driver to report misconduct to the building administrator. Once an infraction occurs, the following bus discipline procedure shall be used to maintain an orderly atmosphere on the school vehicle:

Bus Discipline Procedure

In the event a general education student's conduct is inappropriate while being transported to and from school, the following actions could result:

Step 1) A student/driver conference will be held centering around the student’s behavior, the rule that was violated, and the expectations for the future. The parents of the student will be contacted by the building principal. A written report will be filed with the building principal of the student and a copy forwarded to the parents along with a copy of the bus policy.

Step 2) A student/driver/principal conference will be held concerning the incident. A written report will be filled out by the driver and principal. The building principal will contact the parents of the student and an accompanying letter will be sent to the parents along with a copy of the bus policy. The student will be suspended from bus privileges from one to five days.

 Step 3) A student/driver/principal conference will be held concerning the incident. A written report will be filled out by the driver and principal. The building principal will contact the parents of the student and an accompanying letter will be sent to the parents along with a copy of the bus policy. The student will be suspended from bus privileges from five to ten days. A parent/student/driver/principal conference will be held prior to the return of the student to bus privileges.

Step 4) A student/driver/principal conference will be held concerning the incident. A written report will be filled out by the driver and principal. The building principal will contact the parents of the student and an accompanying letter will be sent to the parents. At this time the bus policy and the due process hearing procedure will be presented to the parent/guardian. The student will be suspended from bus privileges pending the result of a hearing by the Spirit Lake Board of Education.

In the event a special education student's conduct is inappropriate while being transported to and from school, the following actions could result:

Step 1) A student/driver conference will be held centering around the student’s behavior, the rule that was violated, and the expectations for the future. The parents of the student will be contacted by the driver. A written report will be filed with the building principal of the student and a copy forwarded to the parents along with a copy of the bus policy.

Step 2, 3, & 4) A student/driver/principal conference will be held concerning the incident. In addition, the student's IEP Team will meet to determine appropriate educational options and transportation for the student. A written report will be filled out by the driver and principal. The building principal will contact the parents of the student and an accompanying letter will be sent to the parents along with a copy of the bus policy.

Those student riders whose privileges have already been suspended by the board during one academic year could start on step 2 or 3 of this procedure the next academic year. If the offense jeopardizes the safety of other students and the bus driver, action may be processed at step 3.

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Approved: 5/13/13                               Reviewed:                                       Revised: 6/10/19

While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated. The Board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors.

When, in the judgment of the principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment. The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The Board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place, and occasion. Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are disallowed.

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Approved: 5/13/13                                  Reviewed: 6/10/19                                 Revised:

Student expression, other than student expression in student-produced official school publications, made on the District premises or under the jurisdiction of the District or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the District; 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 harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsible. The expression will not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, defame others, be obscene or indecent, or cause a material and substantial disruption to the educational program. The administration, when making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students' speech furthers an educational purpose. Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the District.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. Employees are responsible for insuring students' expression is in keeping with this policy.

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Approved: 8/12/91                    Reviewed: 6/10/19                                     Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

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 during the school day without permission from the principal. Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center. Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.

Cars will remain parked from the time the student arrives at school until school is dismissed for the day, unless the student has specific permission from the high school principal or Superintendent to drive. There is to be no eating of lunches or loitering in parked vehicles.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal. 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 including suspension and expulsion.

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Approved: 11/14/67                           Reviewed:  6/10/19                                           Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining student records and preserving their confidentiality. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student records, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs.

Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages. The Board secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.

Parents and eligible students will have access to the student's records during the regular business hours of the District. An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education at the post high school level. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student 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. A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a special education student's records. Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the District has a court order stating such or when the District has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records. Parents may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.

A student 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 and eligible students will have a right to access the student's records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five (45) calendar days after the request is made. Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

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

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

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the student record is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the District amend the student records. The District will decide whether to amend the student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request. If the District determines an amendment is made to the student record, the District will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

If the District determines that amendment of the student's record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the District. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the student record commenting on the District's decision and/or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the District. Additions to the student's records will become a part of the student record and be maintained like other student records. If the District discloses the student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed. Student records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission. When a disclosure is made without parental or eligible student’s written permission, it is disclosed on the condition that the student record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be made to the following individuals or under the following circumstances:

1. to school officials within the 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 official school committees;

2. to officials of another school District in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school District notifies the parents the student 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;

3. to the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;

4. in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

5. to organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting audits, evaluations and/or studies to evaluate the effectiveness of education programs, provided the district has a written agreement with the organization conducting the audit, evaluation and/or study;

6. to accrediting organizations;

7. to parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

8. to comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena consistent with an interagency agreement between the District and juvenile justice agencies;

9. in connection with a health or safety emergency;

10. to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;

11. to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records; or

12. as directory information.

The Superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student's 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 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 District who have accessed the student's records. This list for a student record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student, and the custodian of student records.

Permanent student 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 student records will be kept in a fire-safe vault. When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the District 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 District. If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the District will destroy the records. Prior to the destruction of the records, the 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. In the absence of parents or an eligible student's request to destroy the records, the District must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

The 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 District will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice 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 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 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 District to the parties without parental consent or court order. Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the 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 District and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law. 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. The District may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the 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 10 business days of the request.

The District will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy. Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right to inspect and review the student's records. The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language. Should the District collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the 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 District failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

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Approved: 1/13/93                             Reviewed: 6/10/19                                                 Revised: 8/13/12; 5/13/13

To: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Board Secretary, Custodian of Records

 Spirit Lake Community School District

I, the undersigned, believe certain student records of a student, ___________________________ (full legal name of student), a student at Spirit Lake Community School District to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law.

 

The student records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

The reason(s) I believe these student records to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________

I understand that I will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing; that I will be notified in writing of the decision; and I have the right to appeal the decision by so notifying the hearing officer in writing within ten days after my receipt of the decision or a right to place a statement in my child's record stating I disagree with the decision and why.

 

________________________________________    __________________________________________   

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

 

 ______________________________________        ______________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                             (City, State, Zip Code)

 

 ______________________________________

(Phone Number)

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Approved:

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

Student records are all official records, files, and data directly related to students, including all material incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system specifically including, but not necessarily limited to: dates of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized test scores); attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observations; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.

The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from parents for access to their child's records, use of the data, and procedures for its transmittal within forty-five (45) calendar days.

1. Access to Records
   
   1. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to these records upon written request to the Board secretary and/or building administrator. The parent or legal guardian will have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of the records, have the right to question the data, and, if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in the cumulative folder stating the dissenting person's position. If further challenge is made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by school policy will be followed.
   2. A student, eighteen (18) years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records. Parents of students who are eighteen (18) years or older, but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
   3. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
2. Release of Information to External Parties
   
   1. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parent, legal guardian or eligible student must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released unless the District annually notifies parents that the records will be sent automatically.
   2. Student records may be released to official education and other government agencies only if allowed by state or federal law.
   3. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent and/or authorization shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or a student of majority age. This consent and/or authorization form will state which records are released, to whom they are released, and the reason for the release. A copy of the specific records being released will be made available to the person signing the release form if requested.
   4. Before furnishing student records in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, the District will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parents, legal guardian or eligible student are notified in advance.
   5. Student records may be shared with juvenile justice agencies with which the District has an interagency agreement. This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.
3.  Hearing Procedures
   
   1. Upon parental request, the District will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student's records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy rights of students.
   2. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the parent or eligible student's request. The parent or eligible student will receive reasonable advance notice of date, time, and place of the hearing.
   3. The hearing officer may be an employee of the District so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   4. The parents or eligible student will be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues. The parent or eligible student may be represented by an individual of their choice at their own expense.
   5. The hearing officer will render a written decision within a reasonable period after the hearing. The decision will be based upon evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
   6. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within five (5) calendar days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   7. The parents may appeal the superintendent's decision, or the hearing officer’s decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the Board within five (5) calendar days. It is within the discretion of the Board to hear the appeal.

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Approved:

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

 

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Spirit Lake Community School District's official student records of:

____________________________________                       _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                       (Date of Birth)

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned certifies that they are the parent and/or legal guardian or of the above student or that they are the above student.

The undersigned (check one):

( ) does want copies of the above-stated student records. I understand that the District may

     charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

 ( ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

                                                                                   

___________________________________

(Signature)

                                                                       

___________________________________

(Printed Name)

 

APPROVED:	Date:
	Address:
Signature:	City:
Title:	State:                                  Zip:
	Phone Number:

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Approved:

Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Revised:

The undersigned hereby authorizes the ___________________ Community School District and any of its agents to release official student records of:

 

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                        (Date of Birth)

 

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Name of Last School Attended)                                            (Dates of Attendance)

 

The undersigned specifically authorizes the release of the following official student records of the above student: (If no records are specified, the undersigned authorized the release of all student records of the above student.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

The reason for the authorization:______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copies of the records shall be furnished to the following (check all that apply):

( ) the undersigned

( ) the student

( ) other (please specify:_____________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned has the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________________

 

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

 

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                            (City, State, Zip Code)

 

                                                                                     ___________________________________

                                                                                    (Phone Number)

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Approved:

Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Revised:

 

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school District. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs. Directory information is defined in the annual notice. It may include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e- mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

The District may designate that certain directory information is available to specific parties and/or for a specific purpose.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, and parents of children homeschooled 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.

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Approved: 1/8/04

Reviewed:

Revised: 8/13/12; 5/13/13; 6/10/19

 

 

The student handbook or similar publication given to each student which contains general information about the school shall contain the following statement, which shall be published at least annually in a prominent place or in a newspaper of general circulation in the District:

The following information may be released to the public as follows in regard to any individual student of the District as needed. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by October 1st of this school year to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.

Name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

 

 

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Approved:

Reviewed:

Revised: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the District in writing prior to the start of the school year or upon admission to the District. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice.

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

RETURN THIS FORM

Student Name:__________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________

School: ________________________________________________ Grade: _________________

______________________________________________                 ________________________

(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child)                     (Date)

This form must be returned to your child's school no later than __________________, 20______.

Additional forms are available at your child's school.

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Approved:                                        Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised: 5/13/13

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of District libraries. As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent. Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, school officials, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents. Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

It is the teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records. Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the District. If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

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Approved: 10/8/12

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

The Board recognizes the importance of conducting student surveys and gathering information from students. Surveys relating to and/or gathering certain information from students are subject to the parent’s consent and/or right to opt his/her student out of the survey.

The District shall require parental consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information surveys”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
3. Sex behaviors or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family  relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

The District shall provide an opportunity for parents to opt their child out of any of the following surveys and/or information gathering processes:

1. A protected information survey, which concerns any of the protected areas outlined above, regardless of the source of funding of the survey;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under Iowa law; and
3. Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

The District shall provide parents an opportunity to inspect upon request and before administration or use, any of the following information:

1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum.

The District shall also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys listed above and will provide an opportunity for the parent to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will provide the Schedule of Activities outlining the activities to which this Policy applies, preferably at the same time as the District provides the Notice, if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities and surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed above and/or planned activities and surveys that may arise during the school year that are not listed below, and will be provided an opportunity to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

It is the responsibility of the building Principal to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right consent and/or opt-out of participation in surveys and/or activities. The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the District failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised:  6/10/19

 

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students over eighteen (18) years of age and/or students who are considered emancipated minors pursuant to Iowa laws (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the district’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include the following rights:

1. The right to consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information surveys”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

 

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
3. Sex behaviors or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors,or ministers;
7.  Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or  
8. Income,  other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

 

       2. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of a protected information survey, which concerns any of the protected areas outlined above, regardless of the source of funding of the survey.

        3. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under Iowa law.

        4. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

        5. The right to inspect, upon request and before administration or use, any of the following information:

1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum

         6. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of PPRA. The name and address of the office that administers PPRA is:

               Family Policy Compliance Office

              U.S. Department of Education

              400 Maryland Ave. SW

              Washington, DC   20202-5920

The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys listed below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will provide the Schedule of Activities outlining the activities to which this notice applies, preferably at the same time as the District provides this notice, if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities and surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and/or planned activities and surveys that may arise during the school year that are not listed below, and will be provided an opportunity to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

The District will develop policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of the school year and after any substantive changes.

The following is a list of the specific activities and surveys to which this Notice apply:

Iowa Youth Survey, 5th Grade Science “Changing” Day, 6th Grade Science Human Reproduction, 8th Grade Health Human Sexuality

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/19

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires the District to notify you and obtain consent and/or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas, known as “protected information surveys,” that concern one or more of the following eight areas:

(a) Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;

(b) Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;

(c) Sex behaviors or attitudes;

(d) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

(e) Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family

relationships;

f) Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors,

or ministers;

(g) Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or

(h) Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes, known as “marketing surveys,” and/or certain physical exams and screenings.

The following is a schedule of activities requiring parental notice and consent or opt-out for the upcoming school year. This list is not necessarily exhaustive and, for surveys and/or activities scheduled after the school year starts, the District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and/or activities, notification of the surveys and/or activities and the opportunity to consent and/or opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys.

The right to consent, and notification and opt-out transfers from parents to any student over eighteen (18) years of age or any student who is an emancipated minor pursuant to Iowa laws.

Schedule of Activities

Date: Sept./Oct.

Grades: 6, 8, 11

Activity: Iowa Youth Survey

Summary: Students in the 6th, 8th and 11th grades across the state of Iowa answer questions about their attitudes and experiences regarding alcohol and other drug use and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family and neighborhood/community environments.

 

Date: May

Grades: 5

Activity: “Changing Day”

Summary: Students in 5th grade science classes are instructed in human growth and development. Both male and female students are offered some basic information about their body and how it is changing and developing.

 

Date: April/May

Grades: 6

Activity: Human Reproduction Summary: S

Summary: Students in 6th grade science class are instructed about the human reproduction system. Males and females are offered information regarding how their reproductive system works.

 

Date: Quarterly (Sept., Dec., March, May)

Grades: 8

Activity: Human Growth and Development Summary: Students in 8th grade are offered human growth and development instruction in their exploratory class.

 

Review of Survey and/or Instructional Material

If you wish to review any survey instrument or instructional material used in connection with any protected information or marketing survey, please submit the following request to the Superintendent at Spirit Lake Community School District. The Superintendent and/or designee will notify you of the time and place where you may review these materials. You have the right to review a survey and/or instructional material before the survey and/or material is administered to student.

I, ____________________________, request to review a survey and/or instruction material in connection with any protected information or marketing survey.

Title of Survey and/or Instructional Material: ___________________________________

Brief Description: ________________________________________________________

Date the Survey and/or Instructional Material will be Submitted to Students: __________

Parent’s Contact Information: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip

____________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number (Cell/Home) E-mail Address

 

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________

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Approved: 5/13/13                       Reviewed:   6/10/19                                Revised:

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

Students may participate in interscholastic athletics, music, speech, and other contests or events approved by the administration subject to the rules and regulations which govern participation in general for each event or contest. Any such events must be supervised by licensed school personnel.

The District may be affiliated with and pays dues as a member of the following entities: Iowa FFA Association, United States Academic Decathlon, National Forensic League, National Honor Society, Kiwanis Club (Builder’s Club and Key Club), Iowa State Music Association, Iowa State Speech Association, Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Girls' Athletic Union, and the Iowa Association of Student Councils. Therefore, the school is subject to all the rules and regulations of these associations and the Department of Education.

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 extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with Board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

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

Furthermore, a student may not violate the rules and regulations of the state associations and/or the discipline policy of the District or any rules and regulations pertaining to eligibility for extra- curricular activity, without jeopardizing the student's continued participation as it may apply.

Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the District for participation in the activity.

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Approved: 11/14/67                                   Reviewed: 11/9/09; 6/10/19                                Revised: 1/8/07; 5/13/13

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

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

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

In determining whether to approve a student performance, the Superintendent shall consider the following guidelines:

• Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;

• All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and,

• Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to determine whether the event will benefit the education program and the participating students. Contests or other performances by students unapproved by the Superintendent are the responsibility of the parent and the student.

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Approved: 5/13/13                               Reviewed:   6/10/19                                          Revised:

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night during family time whenever possible. For purposes of this policy, “family time” is defined as 3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade and 5:45 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. for 9th through 12th Grade. On the rare occasion a State sponsored event is scheduled at our facility we will plan to host the event. It is the responsibility of the principal and activities director to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

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Approved: 5/13/13                              Reviewed:   6/10/19                                          Revised:

The Board believes students should respect District property 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 Superintendent will inform the Board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually. Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent. Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

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Approved: 8/12/96                             Reviewed:  6/10/19                                       Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13

All information provided in connection with this application will be kept confidential.

Name of parent/guardian:_________________________________________________

Date______________________ School year______________

Name of student:______________________________ Grade in school:____________

Name of student:______________________________ Grade in school:____________

Name of student:______________________________ Grade in school:____________

Name of student:______________________________ Grade in school:____________

Please check the type of waiver desired:

Full waiver_____ Partial waiver_____ Temporary waiver_____

Please check if the student or the student's family meet the financial eligibility criteria or is involved in one of the following programs:

Full Waiver:

_____ Free meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program

 _____ The Family Investment Program (FIP)

 _____ Transportation assistance under open enrollment

 _____ Foster care

 Partial waiver:

_____ Reduced priced meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program Temporary waiver

_____ If none of the above apply, but you wish to apply for a temporary waiver of school fees because of serious financial problems, please state the reason for the request:

 

__________________________________________________

Signature of parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian

(Your signature is required for the release of information regarding the student or the student's family financial eligibility for the program checked above.)

Please return this completed form to the principal's office.

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Approved:  8/12/96

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

The Spirit Lake Community School District is committed to providing each student with an equitable education. This textbook policy is designed to ensure that all students will have access to the appropriate textbooks associated with concurrent enrollment courses that will support and enrich their learning experience.

The concurrent enrollment program, also known as district-to-community college sharing, promotes rigorous academic or career and technical pursuits by providing opportunities for high school students to enroll part-time in eligible nonsectarian courses at or through community colleges. Per Senior Year Plus (SYP), concurrent enrollment courses are offered through contractual agreements between community colleges and school districts within their service area. Spirit Lake CSD is in partnership with Iowa Lakes Community College.

According to Senior Year Plus Programming (SYP), the Spirit Lake Community School District is responsible for the costs of tuition for eligible students to register for concurrent enrollment courses. A student registered for a concurrent enrollment course is responsible for the act of purchasing, renting, or borrowing the appropriate college textbook(s) and for the costs associated with that, unless students qualify for a textbook waiver and that student submits the appropriate textbook waiver form to the high school counselor by the concurrent enrollment registration deadline date communicated to stakeholders each academic term.

Textbook Waiver Options

● Full Waiver - A student shall be granted a full waiver of all textbooks fees if:

○ The student or the student’s family meets the financial eligibility criteria for free meals offered under the Child Nutrition Program

○ The student or the student’s family meets financial eligibility criteria for participation in the Family Investment Program (FIP)

○ The student or the student’s family is eligible for transportation assistance under open enrollment provided under 28I-IAC 17.9(3)

○ The student is in foster care. Note: Supplemental Security Income eligibility is not a qualifier because a student may qualify for SSI without regard to financial circumstances

● Partial Waiver - A student shall be granted a partial waiver of all textbooks fees if:

○ The student or the student’s family meets the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals under the Child Nutrition Program. A partial waiver shall be based on a sliding scale related to an ability to pay.

● Temporary Waiver - A student shall be granted a temporary waiver of all textbooks fees if:

○ At the discretion of the school board, a student may appeal for or be granted a temporary waiver of a fee or fees (note: it does not have to be all fees) in a hardship case. A temporary waiver shall be determined on a case-by-case basis, and may be granted at any time during a school year. The maximum length of a temporary waiver shall be one year.

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Approved: 6/12/17                                  Reviewed:   6/10/19                                               Revised:

The rules and regulations of the District and state associations shall be in effect for all events in which students participate, representing the District, during or after school hours, either on school premises or off school premises for events considered school sponsored or school approved activities. This policy includes athletics, speech, drama, music, academic competitions, FFA competitions, FCCLA activities, cheerleading, dance, homecoming royalty speaker at graduation and other school related events, competitive conference activities or performing or participating in any activity as a representative of the District.

Penalties for violations after school hours or at designated places for events will be the same as during regularly scheduled school hours or on school premises except where a special discipline policy has been specified. This includes particular rules and regulations established by the Department of Education, director of the activity, special temporary restrictions imposed on the students prior to this scheduled event, and any other mandates determined by the administration.

Additionally, the executive Boards of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) may sanction member and associate member schools that permit or allow participation in any event by a person in violation of the eligibility rules or by a student who has been suspended from school and/or school activities in accordance with local rules.

General Extra-curricular and Co-curricular Activities Policies

1. Students who participate in the above extra-curricular and co-curricular activity programs are subject to the rules and policies governing activity eligibility participation and the training and conduct rules set down by the coach or sponsor, twenty-four hours per day, year round. Students may be declared ineligible from activity participation by the athletic director, principal or the Superintendent/designee for violation of any of these rules and policies.
2. The principal/designee shall be responsible for informing coaches/sponsors of activities which students are not eligible for participation.
3. A student with an unexcused absence during any part of the school day or who was not present the last half of the school day will not be eligible for activity participation on the day of the absence, unless approved by the principal/designee.
4. Freshmen (ninth grade students) may not participate in junior varsity football and basketball or varsity interscholastic athletic competition in any sport or cheerleading except with the recommendation of the coach/sponsor, and, approval of the athletic director/principal, in consultation with the parents or guardians.
5. Beyond the freshman year, a coach may cut a student from an athletic activity before the first contest by notifying the athletic director/principal and the parents/guardians of the reason why the participant is being cut.
6. A student will not be penalized for non-participation (practice or contests) during regularly scheduled vacation periods, if that student is excused from these by his/her parent or guardian. Communication between the parent/guardian, athletic director, and coach is required prior to a participant’s absence that will occur during a scheduled vacation period.
7. A student may not be dropped from practice or competition during the season or during tournament play unless he/she has violated the Districts or coach’s good conduct rules or the Department of Education eligibility rules. In the event that a student is to be removed for this cause, the athletic director/principal will be notified and will be a part of the decision and the appropriate action. The parent/guardian shall be notified of the action taken.
8. If a student drops one activity for good cause during the season, he/she will not be penalized for participation in any succeeding activity for which he/she is eligible for the same good cause offense.
9. Athletic directors, coaches, and sponsors have the prerogative to establish reasonable training and conduct rules, when not in conflict with District policy and regulations, for a particular co-curricular activity or competition, all of which must be followed by the participants, including but not limited to, the special rules below. Those rules shall be sent to the students' parents/guardians before the activity commences.

Extra-curricular and Co-curricular Activities Eligibility Rules

1. Eligibility may be compromised if any of the following are true:
   
   1. You do not have a physician's certificate of fitness issued this school year.
   2. You have attended high school for more than eight (8) semesters (twenty days of attendance or playing in one contest constitutes a semester). Middle school students who have completed more than four (4) semesters in 7th or 8th grade may not be eligible to participate in middle school activities.
   3. You were not enrolled in high school last semester or if you entered school this semester later than the second week of school and were not enrolled in school immediately prior to enrolling at the high school. (Not applicable to the middle school.)
   4. You have changed schools this semester, except upon like change of residence of your parents/guardians. (Not applicable to the middle school.)
   5. You have been declared ineligible under a prior school district’s Good Conduct Rule, and then, without having completed the full period of ineligibility at that school, transfer to the high school. You may not be eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school until the full period of ineligibility has been completed. Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, you are then immediately eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school as far as any Good Conduct Rule is concerned.
   6. You have competed on an outside school team as a team member or as an individual while out for a sport during that particular sport season without the previous written consent of your current coach, athletic director, and parent/guardian with the exception of dance.
   7. You have ever trained with a college squad or have participated in a college event.
   8. Your habits and conduct both in and out of school are such as to make you unworthy to represent the ideals, principles, and standards of your school.

2.         Scholarship Rules for Athletics

a.   Application of Scholarship Rules

1. Scholarship Rules apply to all member and associate member schools that belong to the IHSAA and the IGHSAU. Schools may not allow ineligible or suspended students to participate. The IHSAA and the IGHSAU have the power to impose sanctions upon schools that do not enforce Scholarship rules.
2. In addition, Scholarship Rules apply to all students who are members of any recognized District Activity.

b.   The requirements of scholarship rules for Athletics are found in the Good Conduct Policy section of this policy Series.

Scheduling of Events

1. The Board and administration realizes that the amount of participation in co-curricular activities does limit the amount of time a student may spend on academic preparation and progress. Therefore, the following are considered as appropriate limitations: 
   • Scheduled contests will conform at all times to the state association rulings and adhere to recommendations made by these agencies.
   • The activities and/or athletic director will be responsible for the scheduling of all high school activities and the athletic director will be responsible for scheduling athletic events at the middle school. All schedules must be approved by the middle or high school principal. 
2. The Superintendent shall consult with appropriate entities regarding protections for staff and students in activities, including appropriate social distancing measures during a pandemic or other health emergency, and whether the district's participation in the activity should be suspended for a period of time.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised:  6/10/19; 8/10/20

Extra-curricular activities of students are recognized as essential and desirable for the school program and are deemed worthy of liberal financial support, but extravagant or wasteful expenditure of money is to be avoided.

All student activities of the District shall be under the control and supervision of the Superintendent, but the Superintendent may, at his discretion, delegate details of management to principals, faculty, committees, athletic director, sponsors, or to competent students. The principal or his/her designee will be on duty when a major activity is in progress. This includes activities when the public is invited.

All student organizations and classes will keep complete and accurate financial and business records. All classes and organizations will budget their spending within their financial receipts. Each organization and class must be self-supporting.

All student activity monies will be deposited with the building office manager or building principal. All monies w ill be deposited in the bank weekly.

No member of the student body or faculty shall be permitted to solicit funds or merchandise for any activity without the approval of the principal.

All school sponsored activities shall be completed by twelve o'clock midnight (with the exception of those receiving special permission from the Superintendent).

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised:  6/10/19

No student organization shall exist that is not approved by the Board. The Superintendent shall determine qualifications and regulations for student groups and make recommendations to the Board for groups seeking approval. Applications for organizing shall be relayed to the Superintendent through the building principal.

Secondary school student-initiated curriculum-related organizations and non-curriculum related organizations are encouraged. Upon receiving permission from the principal, such organizations may use school facilities for group meetings during non-instructional time.

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

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It will be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum- related. One or more of the following questions will be answered affirmatively if the group is curriculum-related:

• Is the subject matter of the group actually taught in a regularly offered course?
• Will the subject matter of the group soon be taught in a regularly offered course?
• Does the subject matter of the group concern the body of courses as a whole?
• Is participation in the group required for a particular course?
• Does participation in the group result in academic credit?
•  

Secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use District facilities for meetings and other purposes during non-instructional time. Employees are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

Non-Curriculum-Related Organizations

Student-initiated, non-curriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and District facilities.

Only students may attend and participate in meetings of non-curriculum-related groups. Such attendance is 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.

Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings. Employees will not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed:   6/10/19

Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

 

 

Spirit Lake High School offers a variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for high school students, designed to enhance their classroom education. Participation in school extra- curricular and co-curricular activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for a lifetime.

Students who participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular 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 extra-curricular and co-curricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral, or unhealthy.

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.

Applicability

The following activities are covered by the board's policy and these rules:

Extra-curricular activities: school-related activities and events outside the school day in which the student represents the school; these activities (e.g., all types of competitive sports, speech contest) are optional to students and do not affect a student's grade in a course.

Co-curricular activities: course-related activities and events which may be outside or during the school day in which the student represents the school and participation is expected or recommended as part of a curricular class; being withheld from such activities (e.g., marching band performance, Pan Am Club activities) for a Good Conduct Rule violation will not affect the student's grade in the course, although alternative activities may be required to maintain the student's grade. Activities subject to this policy shall also include all activities of the district where there is a sponsor or coach who receives compensation from the district.

Eligibility Requirements

a. All contestants must be enrolled and in good standing in a school that is a member or associate member in good standing of the organization sponsoring      the event.

b. All contestants must be under 20 years of age.

c. All contestants shall be enrolled students of the school in good standing. They shall receive credit in at least four subjects, each of one period or “hour” or the equivalent thereof, at all times.

To qualify under this rule, a “subject” must meet the requirements of 281-Chapter 12. Coursework taken under the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 261C, postsecondary enrollment options, for which a school district or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation shall be used in determining eligibility. No student shall be denied eligibility if the student’s school program deviates from the traditional two-semester school year.

(1) Each contestant shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress toward graduation requirements at the end of each grading period. Grading period, graduation requirements, and any interim periods of ineligibility are determined by local policy. For purposes of this subrule, “grading period” shall mean the period of time at the end of which a student in grades 9 through 12 receives a final grade and course credit is awarded for passing grades.

(2) Subject to the provision below regarding contestants in interscholastic baseball or softball, if at the end of any grading period a contestant is given a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the contestant is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next occurring interscholastic athletic contests and competitions in which the contestant is a bona fide contestant for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, which begins at 3:40 p.m. the afternoon of the 3rd weekday following the end of the grading period. For purposes of this sub rule, a “bona fide contestant” means a student who presently is or previously has competed in the interscholastic athletic activity to which the student’s period of ineligibility herein applies.

(3) If at the time the student has a failing grade, and he/she is out for a sport and the season ends before the thirty (30) days are served, the days carryover to the next sport he/she participates in.

(4) At the end of a grading period that is the final grading period in a school year, a bona fide contestant in interscholastic baseball or softball who receives a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded is ineligible to dress for and compete in interscholastic baseball or softball for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days following the end of the final grading period.

d. A student with a disability who has an individualized education program shall not be denied eligibility on the basis of scholarship if the student is making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, towards the goals and objectives on the student’s individualized education program.

e. A student who meets all other qualifications may be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for a maximum of eight consecutive semesters upon entering the ninth grade for the first time. However, a student who engages in athletics during the summer following eighth grade is also eligible to compete during the summer following twelfth grade. Extenuating circumstances, such as health, may be the basis for an appeal to the executive board which may extend the eligibility of a student when the executive board finds that the interests of the student and interscholastic athletics will be benefited.

f. All member schools shall provide appropriate interventions and necessary academic supports for students who fail or who are at risk to fail, and shall report to the department regarding those interventions on the comprehensive school improvement plan.

g. A student is academically eligible upon entering the ninth grade. No student shall be eligible to participate in any given interscholastic athletic sport if the student has engaged in that sport professionally.

h. No student who has been a member of a college squad or who has trained with a college squad or participated in a college contest shall be eligible for any athletic contest.

i. A student who is eligible at the close of a semester is academically eligible until the beginning of the subsequent semester.

j. The local superintendent of schools, with the approval of the local board of education, may give permission to a dropout student to participate in athletics upon return to school if the student is otherwise eligible under these rules.

Good Conduct Rule

To retain eligibility for participation in Spirit Lake High School extra-curricular and co- curricular activities, students at all levels of participation, in grades five (5) through twelve (12), must conduct themselves as good citizens both in and out of school at all times. Students who represent the school in an activity are expected to serve as good role models to other students and to the members of the community.

The Board, the administration and other employees of the District have no control or responsibility for any student when the student is in the custody and control of the student’s parent, guardian or other non-school related agency, except as outlined below.

Some conduct, although it may occur after school hours and/or off school premises, is so severe that it may cause a student to lose eligibility for participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. A student may lose eligibility under the Good Conduct Rule for any of the following behaviors (this list is not exhaustive):

* possession, use, or purchase of tobacco products, regardless of the student's age;

* possession, use, or purchase of alcoholic beverages, or any substance containing alcohol

* possession, use, or purchase of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or the unauthorized possession, use, or purchase of otherwise lawful (prescription) drugs;

* joint possession of drugs and/or alcohol;

* engaging in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenil court system, excluding minor traffic offenses, regardless of whether the student is cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act(s), including joint possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances

* inappropriate or offensive conduct at school or school events such as fighting, insubordination (talking back or refusing to cooperate with authorities), hazing or harassment

* failing to follow reasonable training and conduct rules that are established by the sponsors and coaches of the activity in which the student is participating and have been approved by the principal and/or athletic director.

If a student transfers to Spirit Lake High School from another school or school district and the student has not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of a Good Conduct Rule in the previous school or school district, the student shall be ineligible at SLHS until the full period of ineligibility has been completed. Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible at Spirit Lake High School as far as the Good Conduct Rule is concerned. Any violation of the policies of the Spirit Lake Community School will be separate from violations at prior school districts.

Additional Information on “Joint Possession”

Joint possession is defined as “A student who is in a car or in attendance at a function or party where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors and who has "knowledge" of the alcohol or other drugs but "fails to leave," despite having ample opportunity to do so, is in "joint possession." The student knows there is alcohol and/or illegal drug use at the function and may not be participating in the illegal activity, but he/she has chosen to stay. This student could be charged by law enforcement and is in violation of the Good Conduct Rule.”

Joint possession is included as an offense under the Good Conduct Policy for the following reasons:

* Even in moderate amounts, alcohol and drugs have an unhealthy impact on growing bodies.

* This country and this community have a serious problem with drug and alcohol use by teenagers and even younger children.

* Federal and state laws require schools to educate students about drug and alcohol use and abuse. Many laws have been passed and grant money has been made available to impress upon students the message against any type of chemical involvement.

* The message sent, when a student attends a party where drugs and alcohol are being used by minors, even if the student doesn't participate him/herself, is one of approval. This is true for the so-called responsible activity of declaring a "designated driver" who will abstain from use while his/her peers engage in illegal consumption of the chemicals.

If a student finds him/herself in a situation where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors, the student's options are:

1. Leave immediately. An "intention" to leave is not a defense. Nor is being the "designated driver."

2. Stay and risk loss of eligibility for extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

These actions could result in the following possible scenarios:

1. If a student without transportation calls home or calls someone else for a ride and waits outside the party and off the property, that will be interpreted as "leaving."

2. A student who accepts a ride from an adult who has groceries in the car, including beer, is not in violation.

3. A student would have to be drinking or using drugs or in attendance at a social function or party where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors to be in violation.

4. A minor who drinks wine at the family Christmas dinner or takes a drink of champagne at a wedding, assuming the student's parent/guardian is also present, is not in violation, because parents can legally provide alcohol to their minor children.

Penalties for Violation of Good Conduct Policy:

When the administration believes it is more likely than not that the student violated the Good Conduct Rule, during the school year or summer, the student is subject to a loss of eligibility as follows:

First Offense within the student's high school career: 1 event suspension

Second Offense within the student's high school career: 3 event suspension

Third or Subsequent Offense within the student's high school career: 10 event suspension

Students who go 14 months without a subsequent good conduct policy will have their initial good conduct offense(s) erased from their good conduct record.  This reset can only be used one time during the student's high school career.  An event cancelled due to inclement weather will not count as an event missed for the good conduct policy.

The period of ineligibility from extra-curricular and co-curricular activities begins immediately upon a finding of a violation, and events must be missed in the order in which they occur, without student selection, unless the student is already under violation, in which case the second violation starts after the first one is completed. An ineligible student shall attend all practices or rehearsals, but may not "suit up" nor perform/participate.

If a student drops out of an activity prior to completion of the period of ineligibility, the penalty or remainder of the penalty will attach when the student next seeks to go out for another activity, subject to a 12-month limitation above. When a student under suspension for a violation seeks to join a new extra-curricular activity without completing the previous activity, the coach of the new activity will have discretion whether to allow the student to participate, the decision subject to review by the Activities Director.

If the offense results in an out-of-school (O.S.S.) suspension, including, but not limited to, threatening another student or staff member; vandalism to, theft of, or unauthorized possession of the property of any school; or harassment of others. Any events during the O.S.S. would count towards the Good Conduct Rule penalties.

Academic Consequences for Violation of Good Conduct Policy

Unless the student violated the Good Conduct Rule while on school grounds or at a school event or activity off school grounds, there will be no academic consequences (e.g., detention, suspension from school) for the violation.

National Honor Society has its own separate policies with regard to good conduct.

Appeals

Any student who is found by the administration to have violated the Good Conduct Rule may appeal this determination to the superintendent by contacting the superintendent within three days of being advised of the violation. The penalty will be in effect pending the superintendent's decision.

If the student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the school board by filing a written appeal with the board secretary at least 24 hours prior to the next board meeting. The review by the board will be in closed session unless the student's parent (or the student, if the student is 18) requests an open session. The grounds for appeal to the school board are limited to the following: the student did not violate the Good Conduct Rule; the student was given inadequate due process in the investigation and determination; or the penalty is in violation of the Handbook Rule or Board Policy. The penalty will remain in effect pending the outcome of the meeting with the board.

If the school board reverses the decision of the administration, the student shall be immediately eligible and shall have any record of the ineligibility period and violation deleted from the student's record.

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Approved: 11/15/67                                  Reviewed:   6/10/19                                        Revised: 6/11/12; 5/13/13, 7/11/18

An all-pupil insurance program may be offered to the parents of pupils in the District. The Board upon recommendation of the Superintendent shall select an insurance company to issue such policies for all schools in the District.

The purchase of pupil insurance shall be voluntary with the entire cost being paid by the student or the student’s parents.

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Approved: 11/14/67                               Reviewed: 7/14/08; 6/10/19                                                Revised: 3/10/03; 5/13/13

The District seeks to provide all students who desire to participate in athletic events the safest conditions of participation. Every student seeking to participate in athletics will therefore be required to submit to a physical examination by a licensed physician. Such physical examinations shall be at the expense of the student. The examination shall be based on sound medical practices.

The parents/guardians of students who seek to participate in athletics shall be required to complete an information form that provides school officials with additional information on prospective athletes before athletic participation is approved by the school.

Should the above-referenced information form reveal that a student has any physical condition that places the student's health in jeopardy; the student will be required to have a second examination, if possible by the same doctor, to determine if the reported condition(s) still exist. When the final medical approval is granted and attested to by a physician's signature, the student may be cleared for participation.

Should the physician's report reveal any medical problem experienced by the prospective athlete that might be determined as life or health threatening, participation will be denied. Any athlete, who has sustained an injury, or a health problem requiring a physician's care, must receive a medical release from a licensed physician before the student may return to athletic participation.

The Board directs the Superintendent to ensure that all District patrons, employees, directors, physicians, and students be made familiar with this policy through proper induction, information, and orientation programs.

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Approved: 11/12/90

Reviewed: 7/14/08

Revised: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

 

 

The student council (Student Advisory Council - SAC) provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school district affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.

The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed employees, will set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

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Approved: 11/14/67                      Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19                          Revised: 12/14/09

Students may produce official school publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal. Official school publications include material produced in the journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy. The District, the Board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression. The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law. A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication, will follow the grievance procedure outlined elsewhere in the Board’s policies.. Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the student grievance procedures set forth in this series of policies.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing regulations, which shall include, but not be limited to, reasonable rules including time, place, and manner of restrictions. The Superintendent will be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

Official school publications defined.

An "official school publication" is material produced by students in the journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to students either free or for a fee.

Expression in an official school publication.

1. No student will express, publish or distribute in an official school publication
2. material which is:
   1. Obscene;
   2. Libelous;
   3. Slanderous; or
   4. Encourages students to:                      

*Commit unlawful acts;

*Violate school rules;

*Cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school or school activity;

*Disrupt or interfere with the education program;

*Interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or

*Infringe on the rights of others.

3.The official school publication is produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Responsibilities of students.

1. Students writing or editing official school publications will assign and edit the news, editorial and feature contents of the official school publications subject to the limitations of the student publications code and the law.
2. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and thoroughness in each and every aspect of official school publications.
3. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling for clarity and accuracy of official school publications.

Responsibilities of faculty advisors.

1. Faculty advisors will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to restrictions against unlawful speech.

Liability.

1. Student expression in an official school publication will not be deemed to be an expression of the District. The District, the Board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student expression. The liability, if any, is only to the extent of interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Appeal procedure.

1. Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in their exercise of expression in an official student publication will seek review of the decision through the student grievance procedure, set forth in this series of policies.
2. Persons who believe they have been aggrieved by a student-produced official student publication will file their complaint through the citizen grievance procedure outlined elsewhere in the Board’s policies.
3. Time, place and manner of restrictions on official school publications.
   • Official student publications may be distributed in a reasonable manner on or off school premises.
   • Distribution in a reasonable manner will not violate any provision of this Student Publications Code

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Approved: 5/13/13                                     Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised:

All school-sponsored events shall be under the control and supervision of school personnel. Approval for an event shall be secured from the principal of the building involved, and the event shall be placed on the school calendar before any public announcement is made. Hours, behavior, and activities related to school-sponsored events shall be reasonable and proper as determined by the administration.

School-sponsored social events are open to the students enrolled in the District. Others, such as alumni or nonschool students, may attend as the date or escort of students enrolled in the District or with the permission of the licensed employees supervising the event.

Students’ behavior shall be in keeping with the behavior required during regular school hours.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

The following are the requirements for graduation for students to earn a Spirit Lake Community School District High School diploma:

1. The accumulation of a minimum of fifty (50) credits. One credit is earned for the successful completion of a semester of work in a full-credit class that meets every day unless designated as a competency based course. The specific course requirements are outlined elsewhere in this series of policies.

2. A student may be eligible for graduation when the number of credits have been obtained, but not before the end of the third year of high school.

3. The high school principal/designee shall submit a list of persons eligible for diplomas or certificates of attendance to the Board for approval in the month of May each year.

4. The Home School Assistance Program Coordinator shall submit a list of persons eligible for certificates of completion to the Board of Directors for approval in the month of May each year.

5. Students must have successfully completed the District and state requirements for graduation to be eligible for participation in graduation exercises. The only exception will be for extenuating circumstances involving unforeseen and unavoidable situations. Such exceptions may be made at the discretion of the high school principal/designee.

6. Any student may, after four (4) years of attendance, make-up their failed classes through correspondence work or by returning to school. When these failed classes have been made-up, the student may receive a regular diploma.

7. Required courses taken at a post-secondary institution, which are duplicates of courses offered at the high school, will not count toward graduation requirements unless a course has been previously failed at the high school.

8. A maximum of four (4) elective courses taken at a post-secondary institution may be counted toward meeting the graduation requirements. These courses must be approved in advance by the principal/designee.

9.  Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with this policy, unless an individual student’s individualized Education Program (IEP requires some other arrangement.  This may include additional services or courses, if those additional services or courses are determined by an individual student’s IEP Team to be necessary for a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  The IEP Team may waive particular graduation requirements in the policy, based on a particular child’s disability-related needs. However, beginning with the graduation class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts, and three years each of mathematics, science, and social studies (known as 4-3-3-3), with support and accommodations as described in their IEPs for graduation with a regular high school diploma.  An IEP Team may determine, based on a particular child’s educational needs, how the 4-3-3-3 requirements are met; however, an IEP Team may not waive this requirement.

10. According to the Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education:  “Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, and updated annually, thereafter, the IEP must include:  a. Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and b.  The transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.” Prior to special education student’s graduation, the IEP team will determine whether the graduation criteria have been met.  The superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete 4-3-3-3 based on their IEP.  Students who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach the maximum age of twenty-one.

11.  Core diploma: A core diploma will be available for individual students, recommended and approved by the administration.  The core diploma will require earning 40 credits for graduation (8 English/LA, 6 Social Studies, 6 Science, 6 Math, 1 Personal Finance, 3 Physical Education, 1 Financial Foundations, 1 Personal Wellness, 1 21st Century Skills, 1 Leadership and Service, 1 Fine Arts, 2 Career Technical, and 3 Elective which can include work credit). The core diploma offers a different graduation pathway for those individuals facing life events or not planning to attend a four year college following graduation. This diploma is accepted by junior colleges and the Armed Forces, but is not currently accepted by four year postsecondary schools. This diploma is only available to students approved by the administration.

12. At graduation, seniors with a GPA of 3.50 or higher will be awarded a gold seal indicating the student “Graduated with Honors.” Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 - 3.49 will be awarded a silver seal indicating the student “Graduated with Recognition.”

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/13; 6/10/19; 3/9/20; 9/13/21; 8/12/24

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve (12). Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in the Board Policy. A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the District.

Students are required to give notice of their intent to graduate early at spring registration. Application forms are available in the counselors’ offices and must be completed by December 1 for mid-term graduation and by April 1 for graduation at the end of the junior year.

Students who graduate early may attend the next graduation ceremony (e.g., if they graduate at the end of their junior year, they may attend that spring’s ceremony, or if they graduate at the end of the first semester of their senior year, they may attend the following spring’s ceremony). It will be the responsibility of the early graduates to check with the school, in advance of graduation, regarding:

1. Picking up announcement package;

2. Distribution of cap and gown;

3. Graduation practice.

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Approved: 5/13/13                                       Reviewed:   6/10/19                                           Revised:

The following are the course requirements for students to graduate from Spirit Lake Community School District High School:

1. Science:  Six (6) credits, must include two (2) biology credits, and topics in Earth science Chemistry and Physics.

2. Mathematics:  Six (6) credits of mathematics.

3. Social Studies:  Six (6) credits of social studies, must include two (2) American History credits, one (1) world history credit, two (2) government credits and one (1) elective credit.

4. English/Language Arts:  Eight (8) credits, must include two (2) English I credits, two (2) English II credits, two (2) English III credits (includes American Literature) and two (2) elective credits.

5. Business - Personal Finance:  One (1) credit

6. Physical Education:  Three (3) credits, must include one (1) semester of physical education per year. Students may exempt from PE their senior year by meeting one of the state appointed exemptions.

7.  Vocational Education (CTE): Two (2) elective credits in business, family & consumer science, industrial education or agricultural education.

8. Fine Arts:  One (1) elective credit.  Foreign language may be used to meet this requirement.

9.  Personal Wellness (Health): One (1) credit** 

10. 21st Century Skills:  One (1) credit**

11.  Leadership and Service:  One (1) credit**

12.  Financial Foundations:  One (1) credit**

13.  J-Term:  One and a half (1.5) credits**

Special Education Classes:  Special education students must attend classes pursuant to Board Policy.

Locally determined requirements (non bolded items above) may be waived by the building principal for those students with scheduling conflicts who carry a full course load for four (4) years.

All students are required to carry a "full load," defined as six (6) classes plus physical education (PE), at least one semester per year.  Exceptions must be approved by the high school principal.  

**Will be reached through Competency Based Pathways

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Approved: 5/13/13                Reviewed:           Revised: 6/10/13; 5/14/18; 6/10/19; 3/9/20; 8/12/24

Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement activities provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school District. It is the responsibility of the principal to solicit input from each graduating class regarding the proceedings for their commencement.

Failure of a student to participate in commencement will not be a reason for withholding the student's final progress report or diploma certifying the student's completion of high school.

The Board may exclude students from participation for violation of rules established for the orderly governance of the school.

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Approved: 2/17/74                                  Reviewed:    6/10/19                                        Revised: 1/11/10; 5/13/13

The District shall provide a program that establishes 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. Students who have not attended the school district for their entire education or have not attended an accredited public or private school may not be eligible for honors and awards.

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Approved: 11/14/67                                       Reviewed:  6/10/19                                                       Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

505.6 Student Promotion and - Retention - Acceleration

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 licensed employee and the principal district’s professional staff. When it becomes evident
a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the
parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision. It shall be the responsibility of the building
principal 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 coursework 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 shall be the responsibility of the building principal 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 502.14 - Student Complaints and Grievances.

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Approved: 7/20/81

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 2/14/11; 6/10/13; 7/8/24

Parent and family engagement is an important component in a student’s success in school.  The board encourages parents and families to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success.  In order to facilitate parent and family involvement, it is the goal of the district to conduct outreach and implement programs, activities and procedures to further involve parents and families with the academic success of their students. 

1. The district will involve parents and families in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan and the process for improvement. This jointly developed and agreed upon written policy is distributed to parents and family members of participating Title I children through the Parent Handbook.  In school wide buildings, this will include all parents. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2))

 

2. The district will provide technical assistance and support to schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement activities to improve academic achievement and school performance through professional development regarding parent and family engagements.  The district will partner with community groups as a means to engage families more creatively and successfully.  (ESSA Section 1116 (a)(2)(B))

 

3. The district will work, to the extent feasible, cooperatively with other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs. The Title 1 program will work with local public preschool programs, Headstart programs, local library programs, and special education programs (IDEA). Our homeless education program coordinates with the local backpack program to offer support to students that are food insecure, especially over the weekends.  (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(C))

 

4. The district conducts an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness for the Parent and Family Engagement Policy in improving the academic quality of the school served.

a. The evaluation includes parents in a meaningful manner. In addition to surveys, the district uses open discussion groups for this evaluation. The evaluation tools and methods to identify the type and frequency of school-home interactions and the needs of parents and families to better support and assist their children in learning. The evaluations will target at least three key areas:  barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I   activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, parents of any   racial or ethnic minority, parents with disabilities and parents with limited literacy); needs of parents and families to   assist in their child’s learning; and strategies to support successful school and family interactions.  (ESSA Section1116 (a)(2)(D)(i-iii)

b. Annual notification will be given to inform parents and family members of the school’s participation in the Title I program, explaining the requirements of the program and their right to be involved. Communication will run through Spirit Lake Elementary Schools and be posted on the district website and included in the annual handbook.  (ESSA Section 1116 (c)(1))

c. Parent and family meetings, including parent teacher conferences, will be held at different times during the day and Title I funds may be used to pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parent family and engagement activities, including transportation, childcare, or home visit expenses to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(2))

d. Parents and family members of participating children are given assistance in understanding the Title I program, with timely information about the Title I program.  Through annual notification and parent-teacher conferences, the school will provide parents and family members of participating children with a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.  Parents and family members receive an explanation of the school’s performance profile, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the expected proficiency levels in the annual progress report distributed to all stakeholders in the spring of the year, through individual reports given to parents at conference time, and through report cards.  (ESSA Section 1116(c)(4)(A) & (B)

e. In a schoolwide program plan, parents are asked to be involved in the joint development of the building’s schoolwide plan through in-person meetings, surveys and electronic feedback as appropriate.  This applies only to Title I schools operating a Schoolwide Program (ESSA Sections 1116 (c)(3) and 1114)

f. If requested by parents, the school will provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(4)(C))

 

5.  Use the findings of the annual evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent and family involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parent and family involvement policies.

a. If the schoolwide plan under Section 1114(b) is not satisfactory, parents of participating students may comment. Comments may be made in writing to the school principal.  (ESSA Section 1116(c)(5))

b. A jointly developed school/parent contract outlines how parents and family members, the entire school staff, and students all share responsibility for improved school achievement. The contract also describes the means by which the school and parents build and develop a partnership to help children achieve our local standards. It is distributed to parents and reviewed annually. (ESSA Section 1116(d))

c. Parents will be notified of this policy in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, provided in a language the parents can understand.  The policy will be provided in English and Spanish and will be free of educational jargon.  (ESSA Section 1116(b)(1))

 

6.  The district will involve parents and families in Title I activities.

a. The district uses the annual evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parent and family engagement. The evaluation results help uncover best practices that are working and adapt those ideas to the district and individual school needs.  (ESSA Section 1116 (a)(2)(E))

b. The district will involve parents in the planning, review and improvement of the school’s Title I program through participation in discussion groups and in-person meetings where parents give input and feedback. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(3)).

c. In order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement, each school and local educational agency shall:

-i. Provide assistance to parents in understanding challenging State academic standards, State and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children;

-ii. Provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology (including education about the harms of copyright piracy), as appropriate, to foster parental involvement;

-iii. Educate teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals, and other school leaders, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school.

-iv. Coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs,  including public preschool programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children.

-v. Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to the parents of participating children in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand; and

-vi. Provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities  under this section as parents may request.  (ESSA Section 1116(e)(1-14))

d. The school, to the extent practicable, will provide opportunities for the informed participation of parents and family members (including parents and family members who have limited English proficiency, parents and family members with disabilities, and parents and family members of migratory children) by providing information and school reports required under Section 1111 in a format and language the parties can understand.  (ESSA Section 11116(f))

e. The district involves parents and family members in activities of the school.  The district has established a committee with a sufficient number and representative group of parents or family members to adequately represent the needs to the population, revise, and review the Parent and Family Engagement Policy. (ESSA Section 116(a)(2)(F))

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Approved:   2/12/24                                  Reviewed:                                                Revised: 

 

To further the interests of student achievement, the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:

1. Policy Involvement:  The district will host an annual meeting and invite all parents to attend; and inform parents of their rights and the district’s requirements under Title I.  This meeting will also invite parents to become involved in the planning, review and improvement of a building policy and in developing the district plan.  The district will inform parents of:  

   • programs under this policy, 

   • curriculum and assessment used for students, 

   • the opportunity to meet with administration to participate in decisions related to their children’s education, 

   • a description and explanation of curriculum used in the school forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and 

   • achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards. 
      

2. Accessibility:  Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages.  This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.  The superintendent has discretion to allow schools to provide childcare for families of students during these meetings through Title I funds.
    

3. High Student Academic Achievement:  Each school in the district will jointly develop with parents and family members a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, staff and students share responsibility for improving student academic achievement; and how a partnership will be built to achieve this.  The compact will describe the responsibility of the school to provide high quality curriculum and instruction, and the parents’ responsibility to support their children’s learning.  This will also address the importance of communication between schools and parents through parent teacher conferences, regular reports to parents on their children’s progress, and ensuring regular meaningful communication between family and school staff. 
    

4. Building Capacity for Involvement: Each school within the district will include in their plan ways to achieve the following:

   • Assist parents and families to understand topics including academic standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress; 

   • Provide materials and training to help parents work with students to improve achievement; 

   • Educate teachers and staff in how to communicate with parents and build ties to foster academic success; 

   • Coordinate and integrate other federal, state and local programs to support parents in more fully participating in students’ education; 

   • Ensure information related to programs is sent to parents and families in understandable formats; and 

   • Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement. 

 

5. Schools Operating a Schoolwide Program:  Each school operating a schoolwide program under this policy shall:

   • Involve parents on a timely and ongoing basis in the planning, review and improvement of programs, including the parent and family engagement school policy drafting and review, and the joint development of the schoolwide program.  

   • If the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, parent comments will be requested and submitted with the plan to the district.

 

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Approved:    2/12/24                                 Reviewed:                                                Revised: 

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

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised:

I. Student Health Services

Each school building may develop a customized student health services program within the comprehensive school improvement based on its unique needs and resources. Student health services are provided to identify health needs; facilitate access to health care; provide for health needs related to educational achievement; promote health, well- being, and safety; and plan and develop the health services program.

Student health service elements that improve student achievement include:

· qualified health employees

· school superintendent, school nurse, and school health team working collaboratively

· family and community involvement

· optimal student health services program with commitment to its continuing improvement

Components provided within a coordinated school health program include:

· health services

· health education

· nutrition

· physical education and activity

· healthy, safe environment

· counseling, psychological, and social services

· staff wellness

· family and community involvement

II. Student Health Services Essential Functions

A. Identify student health needs:

1. Provide needed health screenings

2. Maintain and update confidential health records

3. Communicate (written, oral, electronic) health needs as consistent with

confidentiality laws

B. Facilitate student access to physical and mental health services:

1. Link students to community resources and monitor follow through

2. Promote increased access and referral to primary health care financial

resources such as Medicaid, HAWK-I, social security, and community health clinics

3. Encourage appropriate use of heath care

C. Provide for student health needs related to educational achievement:

1. Manage chronic and acute illnesses

2. Provide special health procedures and medication including delegation,

training, and supervision of qualified designated school employees

3. Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise individual health plans (IHPs) for all students with special health needs according to mandates in the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

4. Provide urgent and emergency care for individual and group illness and injury

5. Prevent and control communicable disease and monitor immunizations

6. Promote optimal mental health

7. Promote a safe school facility and a safe school environment

8. Participate in and attend team meetings as a team member and health

consultant

D. Promote student health, well-being, and safety to foster healthy living:

1. Provide developmentally appropriate health education and health counseling for individuals and groups

2. Encourage injury and disease prevention practices

3. Promote personal and public health practices

4. Provide health promotion and injury and disease prevention education

E. Plan and develop the student health services program collaboratively with the superintendent, school nurse, and school health team:

1. Gather and interpret data to evaluate needs and performance

2. Develop health procedures and guidelines

3. Collaborate with staff, families, and community

4. Maintain and update confidential student school health records

5. Coordinate program with all school health components

6. Evaluate and revise the health service program to meet changing needs

7. Develop student health services annual status report

8. Coordinate information and program delivery within the school and between school and major constituents

9. Provide for professional development for school health services staff

10. Develop student health services annual status report.

11. Coordinate information and program delivery within the school and between school and major constituents.

12. Provide health services by qualified health professionals to effectively deliver services, including multiple levels of school health expertise such as registered nurses, physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.

13. Provide for professional development for school health services staff.

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Approved: 11/14/67                                       Reviewed:                                                Revised: 2/14/11; 6/10/13; 6/10/19

The Board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day. These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized education program.

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Approved: 5/19/03

Reviewed: 6/101/9

Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13

Some students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program. These students will receive special health services in accordance with their individualized educational program.

A. Definitions

Assignment and delegation - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services. Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel. Each designation considers the student's special health service. The rationale for the designation is documented. If the designation decision of the team differs from the licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion.

Co-administration - the eligible student's participation in the planning, management and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.

Educational program - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.

Education team - may include the eligible student, the student's parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program.

Health assessment - health data collection, observation, analysis, and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.

Health instruction - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan. Documentation of education and periodic updates are on file at school.

Individual health plan - the confidential, written, preplanned, and ongoing special health service in the educational program. It includes assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, evaluation, and a plan for emergencies. The plan is updated as needed and at least annually. Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with the education team.

Licensed health personnel - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications.

Prescribe - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications.

Qualified designated personnel - persons instructed, supervised, and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.

Special health services - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:

• Interpretation or intervention,

• Administration of health procedures and health care, or

• Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.

Supervision - the assessment, delegation, evaluation, and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel. Levels of supervision include situations in which licensed health personnel are:

• Physically present;

• Available at the same site; or

• Available on call.

B. Licensed health personnel will provide special health services under the auspices of the school. Duties of the licensed personnel include the duty to:

1. Participate as a member of the education team;
2. Provide the health assessment;
3. Plan, implement, and evaluate the written individual health plan;
4. Plan, implement, and evaluate special emergency health services;
5. Serve as liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care;
6. Provide health consultation, counseling, and instruction with the eligible student, the student's parent, and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber;
7. Maintain a record of special health services. The documentation includes the eligible student's name, special health service, prescriber or person authorizing, date and time, signature and title of the person providing the special health service, and any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services;
8. Report unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber;
9. Assign and delegate to, instruct, provide technical assistance, and supervise qualified designated personnel; and
10. Update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.

C. Prior to the provision of special health services the following will be on file:

1. Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated;
2. Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health services;
3. Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the educationteam; and
4. Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or IFSP.

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

1. 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;
2. Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person's job description;
3. Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student's needs;
4. Review of the designated person's competency; and
5. Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision required to ensure quality services.

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

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

G. Parents will provide the usual equipment, supplies, and necessary maintenance for such. The equipment is stored in a secure area. The personnel responsible for the equipment are designated in the individual health plan. The individual health plan will designate the role of the school, parents, and others in the provision, supply, storage, and maintenance of necessary equipment.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised:

Students desiring to participate in athletic extracurricular activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the District will have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the 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 is on file at the attendance center. Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the Superintendent. Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students enrolling in kindergarten or any grade in elementary school in the District will have, at a minimum, a dental screening performed by a licensed medical professional (physician, nurse, physician assistant, dentist, dental hygienist) sometime between the student turning three (3) years of age and four (4) months following the student’s enrollment in the District, and will provide proof of such a screening to the District. Students enrolling in any grade in high school in the District will have, at a minimum, a dental screening performed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist sometime between one (1) year prior to the student’s enrollment in the District and four (4) months following the student’s enrollment in the District, and will provide proof of such a screening to the District.

Parents or guardians of students enrolling in kindergarten in the District shall be provided a student vision card provided by the Iowa optometric association and as approved by the department of education. The goal of the District is that every child receives an eye examination by age seven, as needed.

The superintendent shall ensure the district collaborates with the Iowa Department of Public Health to ensure that applicants and transfer students comply with the blood lead testing requirements under Iowa law.

Students enrolling for the first time in the school District will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law. 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 suspension, expulsion or denial of admission. Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the District for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission. The District may conduct TB tests of current students.

Exemptions from the certification and immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical, religious or undue burden 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.

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Approved: 11/14/67                                 Reviewed: 6/10/19                                             Revised: 5/14/12; 5/13/13;8/14/17

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees. The term "communicable disease" will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the school district's bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan. The procedures will include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees and record keeping. This plan is reviewed annually by the Superintendent and school nurse.

The health risk to immunosuppressed students is determined by their personal physician. The health risk to others in the school district environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease is determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's personal physician, a physician chosen by the District or public health officials.

A student shall notify the Superintendent or the school nurse when the student learns the student has a communicable disease. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent, when the Superintendent or school nurse, upon investigation, has knowledge that a reportable communicable disease is present, to notify the Iowa Department of Public Health. Health data of a student is confidential and it shall not be disclosed to third parties, except in cases of reportable communicable diseases.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease.

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Approved: 11/14/67

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13; 8/10/20

CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXCLUSION OF CASES FROM SCHOO

DISEASE *Immunization is available	Usual Interval Between Exposure and First Symptoms of Disease	MAIN SYMPTOMS	Minimum Exclusion From School
CHICKENPOX	13 to 17 days	Mild symptoms and fever. Pocks are "blistery." Develop scabs, most on covered parts of body.	7 days from onset of pocks or until pocks become dry.
CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYE)	24 to 72 hours	Tearing, redness and puffy lids, eye discharge.	Until treatment begins or physician approves readmission.
COVID - 19	5-6 days, but can be asymptomatic and contagious for up to 14 days	Typical symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath. Atypical symptoms include chills, malaise, sore throat, increased confusion, rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, myalgia, dizziness, headache, nausea and diarrhea.	14 days following exposure or 10 days isolation for a positive test AND symptom free.
ERYTHEMA INFECTIOUSUM (5TH DISEASE)	4 to 20 days	Usual age 5 to 14 years - unusual in adults.	Brief prodrome of low-grade fever followed by Erythemia (slapped cheek) appearance on cheeks, lace-like rash on extremities lasting a few days to 3 weeks. Rash seems to recur. After diagnosis no exclusion from school.
GERMAN MEASLES* (RUBELLA)	14 to 23 days	Usually mild. Enlarged glands in neck and behind ears. Brief red rash.	7 days from onset of rash. Keep away from pregnant women.
HAEMOPHILUS MENINGITIS	2 to 4 days	Fever, vomiting, lethargy, stiff neck and back.	Until physician permits return.
HEPATITIS A	Variable - 15 to 50 (average 28 to 30 days)	Abdominal pain, nausea, usually fever. Skin and eyes may or may not turn yellow.	14 days from onset of clinical disease and at least 7 days from onset of jaundice.
IMPETIGO	1 to 3 days	Inflamed sores, with pus.	48 hours after antibiotic therapy started or until physician permits return.
MEASLES*	10 days to fever, 14 days to rash	Begins with fever, conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, then blotchy red rash.	4 days from onset of rash.
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS	2 to 10 days (commonly 3 to 4 days)	Headache, nausea, stiff neck, fever.	Until physician permits return.
MUMPS*	12 to 25 (commonly 18) days	Fever, swelling and tenderness of glands at angle of jaw.	9 days after onset of swollen glands or until swelling disappears.
PEDICULOSIS (HEAD/BODY LICE)	7 days for eggs to hatch	Lice and nits (eggs) in hair.	24 hours after adequate treatment to kill lice and nits.
RINGWORM OF SCALP	10 to 14 days	Scaly patch, usually ring-shaped, on scalp.	No exclusion from school. Exclude from gymnasium, swimming pools, contact sports.
SCABIES	2 to 6 weeks initial exposure; 1 to 4 days reexposure.	Tiny burrows in skin caused by mites.	Until 24 hours after treatment.
SCARLET FEVER SCARLANTINA STREP THROAT	1 to 3 days	Sudden onset, vomiting, sore throat, fever, later fine rash (not on face). Rash usually with first infection.	24 hours after antibiotics started and no fever.
WHOOPING COUGH* (PERTUSSIS)	7 to 10 days	Head cold, slight fever, cough, characteristic whoop after 2 weeks.	5 days after start of antibiotic treatment.

Readmission to School – It is advisable that school authorities require written permission from the health officer, school physician or attending physician before any pupil is readmitted to class following any disease which requires exclusion, not mere absence, from school.

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Approved:                                                Reviewed:   6/10/19                                             Revised: 5/13/13; 8/10/20

The following infectious diseases are required to be reported to the state and local public health offices by the District:

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Amebiasis Anthrax Botulism Brucellosis Campylobacteriosis Chlorea COVID - 19 Diphtheria E. Coli 0157:h7 Encephalitis Giardiasis Hepatitis, viral (A,B, Non-A, Non-B, Unspecified) Histoplasmosis Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection other than AIDS Infuenza Legionellosis

Leprosy Leptospirosis Lyme disease Malaria Meningitis (bacterial or viral) Mumps Parvovirus B 19 Infection (fifth disease and other complications) Pertussis (whooping cough) Plague Poliomyelitis Psitacosis Rabies Reye’s Syndrome Rheumatic fever Rocky Mountain spotted fever Rubella (congenital syndrome)

Rubella (German measles) Rubeola (measles) Salmonellosis Shigellosis Tetanus Toxic Shock Syndrome Trichinosis Tuberculosis Tularemia Typhoid fever Typhus fever Venereal disease Chancroid Gonorrhea Granuloma Inguinale Lymphogranuloma Venereum Syphilis Yellow fever

Any other disease which is unusual in incidence, occurs in unusual numbers of circumstances, or appears to be of public health concern, e.g., epidemic diarrhea, food or waterborne outbreaks, acute respiratory illness.

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Approved:                                            Reviewed:  6/10/19                                       Revised: 5/13/13; 8/10/20

Series 500

Policy Title: Infectious Diseases Reporting Form

Code No. 506.4E3

REPORTING FORM

REPORT THE FOLLOWING DISEASES IMMEDIATELY BY TELEPHONE (1-800-362-2736)

Botulism Cholera Diphtheria Plague

Poliomyelitis Rabies (Human) Rubella Rubeola (measles)

Yellow Fever Disease outbreaks of any public health concern

                                                                             WEEK ENDING ______________

REPORT ALL OTHER DISEASES BELOW.

See 507.3E2 for list of reportable infectious diseases.

DISEASE	PATIENT	COUNTY OR CITY	DOB	SEX
	Name of Parent (if applicable)
	Address
	Attending Physician
	Name of Parent (if applicable)
	Address
	Attending Physician
	Name of Parent (if applicable)
	Address
	Attending Physician
	Name of Parent (if applicable)
	Address
	Attending Physician
	Name of Parent (if applicable)
	Address
	Attending Physician

Reporting Physician, Hospital, or Other Authorized Person

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Address

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Remarks:

FOR SCHOOLS ONLY: Report over 10% absent only. Total enrollment:
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
No. Absent
% of Enrollment

 

REPORT NUMBER OF CASES ONLY   ________Chickenpox __________Gastroenteritis   ________Erythema infectiosum (5th Disease) __________Influenza-like illness (URI)

 

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Approved:

Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Revised:

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Approved:                                       Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19                                          Revised:

Students may be required to take medication during the school day. Medication shall be administered only by the school nurse or a qualified designee. A qualified designee is a person who has been trained under the State Department of Health guidelines. Training and continued supervision shall be documented and kept on file at school.

Some students may need prescription and non-prescription medication to participate in their educational program. These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program. 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 the student's parent.

Students may be required to take medication during the school day. Medication is administered by the parent, physician, school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, by a person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners. The course is conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist. A record of course completion will be maintained by the school District.

Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self- administer their medication as long as all other relevant portions of this policy have been complied with by the student and the student’s parent or guardian. A written statement by the student's parent/guardian shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.

Medication will not be administered without written authorization that is signed and dated from the parent and the medication must be in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of the day which it is to be given, the dosage, and the duration. Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated. When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parents. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the medication is current; that all information regarding the medication is current; and that the information provided to the district, including, but not limited to the written authorization, is current.

A written record of the administration of medication procedure must be kept for each child receiving medication including the date; student's name; prescriber or person authorizing the administration; the medication and its dosage; the name, signature, and title of the person administering the medication; and the time and method of administration 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. Medication information shall be kept confidential.

The school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, the person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners will have access to the medication which will be kept in a secured area. Students may carry medication (including but not limited to inhalers and epi-pens) only with the approval of the parents and building principal of the student's attendance center. Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.

The superintendent is responsible, in conjunction with the school nurse, for developing rules and regulations governing the administration of medication, prescription and nonprescription, including emergency protocols, to students and for ensuring persons administering medication have taken the prescribed course and periodically review the prescribed course. Annually, each student is provided with the requirements for administration of medication at school.

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Approved: 8/14/89                                                Reviewed: 6/10/19                                                    Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school district will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible.

The school district, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have employees present 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 employees as quickly as possible.

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the superintendent within twenty-four hours after the student is injured. Reports will be kept in the administrative office for that year and then filed in the student's cumulative folder.

Annually, parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child. The authorization form will also include the phone numbers of the parents; alternative numbers to call in case of an injury or illness; local physician's name and telephone number; preference of ambulance service and hospital; any medical problems which the student may have; and a parental signature.

 

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Approved: 1/9/94

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13

The District promotes healthy students by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment. The 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 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 District goals to positively influence a student’s understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity.

Wellness Goals

The district has the following goals that will encourage wellness in students and staff:

1. Encouraging physical activity, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Physical Activity policy.

2. Providing nutrition education and promotion, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Nutritional Guidelines policy .

3. Establishing other school-based activities that are designed to promote student and staff wellness, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Other Activities to Promote Wellness policy.

Plan for Measuring Implementation of the Wellness Plan and Nutrition Guidelines

A. Wellness Policy Committee.

1. The District will establish a local wellness policy committee that may be comprised of any of the following: representatives of the Board; representatives of the District, including administrators; representatives of the public; parents; students; representatives of the school food authority; and nutrition/wellness experts, including teachers of physical education and/or school health professionals.

2. The wellness policy committee will implement, monitor, evaluate/ measure and update the wellness policy. This committee will report at least once every 3 years to the Board and to the general public regarding these efforts.

B. Implementation

1. The District, through the committee and/or the designated official, will inform and update the public, including parents, students and the general community, about the content and implementation of the District’s wellness policy.

2. Each school and the district as a whole will periodically measure and prepare reports regarding implementation of the district’s wellness policy. The report shall describe how the school and/or district are striving to implement the goals outlined in the policy.

C. Monitoring.

1. The Superintendent, the principal at each school, and the committee and/or designee will ensure compliance with established District-wide nutritional and physical activity wellness policies.

2. Additionally, the following actions will occur:

a. Food service staff, at the school or District level, will ensure compliance with nutritional policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the Superintendent or principal; b. The District will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes; c. The Food Service Director and/or the Superintendent will develop a summary report on District-wide compliance with the District’s wellness policy, based on input from schools within the District; and d. The report will be provided to the Board and also distributed to the District.

D. Policy Review

1. To help with the initial development of the District’s wellness policy, each school in the District has conducted a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutritional and physical activity environments and practices. The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the District level to identify and prioritize needs.

2. Periodic assessments will be conducted to review implementation and compliance, to assess progress, and to determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that review, the committee and/or the designated official will do the following:

a. Generally consider whether there exists an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity;

b. Review the nutritional and physical activity policies and practices to determine the extent to which the district and schools within the District are in compliance with the local wellness policy; c. Consider the extent to which the District’s local wellness policy compares to the model local wellness policy;

d. Assess the progress the District has made in attaining the goals of its local wellness policy;

e. Provide to the board any recommended updates to the District’s wellness policy.

3. The committee and/or the designated official will make the assessment available to the general public. The Board will revise the wellness policies and develop plans to facilitate their implementation.

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Approved: 7/10/06                      Reviewed: 3/13/17; 6/10/19; 8/8/22                                            Revised: 9/17/12; 5/13/13; 3/13/17

Physical Activity

A.        The District will provide at least thirty (30) minutes of physical activity per day for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The District will provide at least one hundred twenty (120) minutes of physical activity per week for students in sixth through twelfth grade.

B.        Physical Education

1.         The District will provide physical education that:

● Is for all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade;

● Is taught by a certified physical education teacher;

● Includes students with disabilities; students with special health-care needs may be provided with alternative educational settings; and

● Engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during physical education class time.

C.        Daily Recess

1.         Elementary schools will provide recess for students that:

● is at least twenty (20) minutes a day;

● is preferably outdoors;

● encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity; and

● discourages extended periods (i.e., periods of two (2) or more hours) of inactivity.

2.         When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools      should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.

D.        Physical Activity and Discipline

1.         Employees should not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, pushups) as disciplinary action. Withholding opportunities for physical activity              (e.g., recess, physical education) is discouraged.

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Approved:

Reviewed: 3/13/17; 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

 

A. Meals served by the district to students will:

1. Be appealing and attractive to students;
2. Be served in clean and pleasant settings;
3. Meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law;
4. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables;
5. Include low-fat and fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy alternatives (as defined by the USDA) for those with an allergy;
6. Encourage serving of whole grain products; and
7. Accommodate alternatives for those students with allergies that meet the above guidelines as closely as possible.

B. Breakfast

1. To ensure that all students have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will notify parents and students of the availability of the District’s breakfast program and encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children.

C. Beverages

1. The District will seek to provide water without added caloric sweeteners; fruit and vegetable juices and fruit-based drinks that contain 100 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).

D. Free and Reduced-Price Meals

1. The 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- priced meals. Toward this end, the district will utilize electronic identification and payment systems and promote the availability of meals to all students.

E. Sharing of Food

1. The District prohibits students from sharing foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies, spreading of germs and communicable diseases, and other restrictions on student diets.

F. Meal Times and Scheduling

1. The district will do the following:

a. Provide students with adequate and appropriate time for meals;

b. Schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g., lunch should be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.;

c. Provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and

d. Take reasonable steps to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimens of students with special oral health needs (e.g., orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).

G. Qualification of Food Service and Staff

1. Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the meal programs. As part of the District’s responsibility to operate a food service program, the District will provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals and provide staff development programs and training programs for the Food Service Director, kitchen managers, and cafeteria workers, according to their level of responsibility.

 

Other Food Available at School

A. Food Sold Outside the Meal

1. All foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable meal programs including those sold through a la carte lines, vending machines and sales foods during the school day, will meet federal and state nutritional standards.

2. Elementary Schools. The food service program will approve and provide all food and beverage sales to students in elementary schools.

3. Middle School and High School. The food service program and the school make available to middle and high schools foods and beverages meeting federal and state nutritional standards regarding calorie, sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, total fat, sugar and dietary fiber content of food and the ingredients in beverages.

B. Snacks

1. The Elementary will provide a healthy school wide snack to all children with regard to allergic concerns and attempts will be made to avoid common food allergens.

 

Food Safety

A. All foods made available on campus will adhere to food safety and security guidelines.

B. All foods made available through food service will comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness in schools.

C. For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the food service operations are limited to food service staff and authorized personnel.

 

Nutrition Promotion and Education

A.        The district will provide nutritional education and engage in nutrition promotion that:

● is offered at each building as part of a sequential, comprehensive, standards-based program 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 in subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, and elective subjects;

● promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods, and health-enhancing nutritional practices;

● emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and physical activity;

● links with meal programs, other foods, and nutrition-related community services; and

● includes training for teachers and other staff.

Other Aspects of Wellness Plan – Nutrition Guidelines

A. Fundraising Activities

1. Regulated fundraising groups’ activities, which offer the sale of food and/or beverages on school property to students by students and/or student groups/organizations, will be encouraged to use foods and/or beverages that are compliant with the school’s wellness policies. These groups’ activities will be encouraged to promote physical activity.

2. To support student health and school nutrition-education efforts, non-regulated school fundraising groups’ activities will be encouraged to use foods and/or beverages that are compliant with the school’s wellness policies and promote physical activity. 

B. Rewards

1. The District will discourage the use of 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 through meals) as a discipline.

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Approved:

Reviewed: 3/13/17

Revised: 5/13/13; 3/13/17; 6/10/19; 6/8/20

 

Activities that Promote Student Wellness

A.        For students to receive the nationally recommended amount of daily physical activity and for students to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond the physical education class. Toward that end, the District will:

1.         Integrate physical activity into classroom settings, by doing the following:

a.         Offering classroom health education that compliments physical education by reinforcing the knowledge and self-management skills needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to reduce time spent on sedentary activities;

b.         Discouraging sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing computer games, etc.;

c.         Providing opportunities for physical activity to be incorporated into other subject lessons; and

d.         Encouraging classroom teachers to provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, as appropriate.

 

2.         Market food in school in a manner consistent with nutritional education and health promotion, by doing the following:

a.         Limiting food and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutritional standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually;

b.         Prohibiting school-based marketing of brands promoting predominantly low-nutrition foods and beverages;

c.         Promoting healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products; and

d.         Marketing activities that promote healthful behaviors.

 

3.         Communicate with parents regarding providing students with a healthy diet and daily physical activity, by doing the following:

a.         Sending home nutrition information and posting nutrition tips on a school web site;

b.         Encouraging parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the established nutritional standards for individual foods and beverages;

c.         Providing parents a list of foods that meet the school District’s snack standards, ideas for healthy celebrations/parties, rewards, and fundraising activities;

d.         Asking parents or guardians to notify the school if their student has any food allergies or special dietary requirements;

e.         Providing information about physical education and other physical activity opportunities before, during, and after the school day. 

f.          Supporting parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school; and

g.         Sharing information about physical activity and physical education through a web site and/or newsletter.

 

B.        The District will also provide instruction concerning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to all high school students, so that each student has completed instruction in CPR prior to their high school graduation. The District may offer this instruction as it deems appropriate, including offering it through its physical education program.

 

Activities that Promote Staff Wellness

The District values the health and well being of every staff member. Staff members are encouraged to plan and implement activities that support efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Approved:

Reviewed:

Revised: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

 

 

Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency.  Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1. Other emergency drills will be conducted at the discretion of the administration.

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

The emergency plan shall include:

• Assignment of employees to specific tasks and responsibilities;

• Instructions relating to the use of alarm systems and signals. If combination visual and auditory warning devices do not exist, the plan shall include specific provisions for warning individuals with hearing impairments;

• Information concerning methods of fire containment;

• Systems for notification of appropriate persons and agencies;

• Information concerning the location and use of fire-fighting equipment;

• Specification of evacuation routes and procedures;

• Posting of plans and procedures at suitable locations throughout the facility;

• Evacuation drills which include the actual evacuation of individuals to safe areas; and

• An evaluation for each evacuation drill.

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Approved: 8/14/89                                           Reviewed:  6/10/19; 6/22/23                                               Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13; 8/22/22

Students may be exposed to non food or environment irritants that pose a risk to the student’s health and safety during the school day.  Parents and students shall take all precautions to ensure that they are not exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.

If the parent(s) requests a meeting, the District will meet with the parent(s) and/or student to discuss the student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s), and, if appropriate, develop a plan based on the student’s physician’s recommendation to limit the above student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s).  Every such plan to avoid exposure shall include a completed Parental Identification of Student Irritant and/or Allergen Form and a completed Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student.

The District cannot guarantee that the student will never be exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.  If a student is exposed to such an irritant and/or allergen and/or suffers from an allergic reaction, the District may administer medication to the student as necessary according to its policies and procedures.

 

 

 

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Approved: 1/13/20

Reviewed:

Revised:

The undersigned(s) are the parent(s), guardian(s), or person(s) in charge of __________________________ (student’s full legal name), who is in the ______ grade at the _____________________________ building in the Spirit Lake Community School District.

I am requesting that the above student should not be exposed to or should be minimally exposed to the following irritant(s) and/or allergen(s) because such irritant(s) and/or allergen(s) pose a risk to the student’s health and safety during the school day:  (Attach additional sheets if necessary):

 (a) Irritant and/or Allergen: _____________________________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                                   

      Why Requesting Limited Exposure (i.e., identified allergy, doctor’s request, other reason):  

      ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       Possible Exposure Symptom(s):______________________________________________________________________________

      ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       Proposed Plan for Limiting Exposure: _________________________________________________________________________

      ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student:

_____ I have completed a Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student so that the Spirit Lake Community School District, or its authorized representative, may administer medicine to the above-named student in the case of exposure to an irritant or an allergic reaction.

 

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Approved: 1/13/20

Reviewed:

Revised:

The Board welcomes gifts to the District from a class or student group. While class gifts to the District do not require the approval of the Superintendent, the Board encourages students to consult with the Superintendent or other licensed employees prior to selecting a gift for the District.

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Approved: 11/ 14/67                                          Reviewed:  6/10/19                                               Revised:1/11/10; 5/13/13

It is the policy of the District that parents of all participating students have the opportunity to be involved in the joint development of the District plan and in the District’s review process for the purpose of school improvement. The District provides coordination, technical assistance, and other necessary support in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities. The District encourages parent involvement and supports the partnership between home/school/community by providing understandable information about standards and assessment; providing training and materials for parents to help their children and to involve other parents; educating school personnel about involving parents and the value of parent contributions; and developing meaningful roles for community organizations and businesses to work with parents and schools.

It is the policy of the District that:

* This jointly developed, written policy is distributed to parents of participating Title I children and is available to all the patrons of our District. This policy will be given to parents of participating Title I children at our annual Fall meeting or at Parent-Teachers Conferences. Copies are available in each office. A copy will be sent home to the parents of children who enter the Title I program during the course of the year.

* An annual meeting is held for all parents of participating children. Additional parent meetings with flexible meeting times shall be held throughout the year as determined by parent interest and suggestions. These meetings shall include parent-teacher conferences and meetings requested by parents and/or teachers. Notification of these meetings will be made through U.S. mail, phone calls, written notes via students or emails. 

* Parents are given assistance in understanding the requirements of the Title I law, local improvement goals, content standards, performance standards, and assessments at our annual meeting each Fall. Such information may also be printed in the District newsletter, the Annual Progress Report, and may be communicated at parent-teacher conferences and at Open House.

* Parents receive an explanation of the school’s performance profile in the Annual Progress report published once a year. Teachers communicate expected proficiency levels and assessment results twice a year at parent-teacher conferences.

* Parents are informed of reasons for their children’s participation, the curriculum, and the instructional objectives and methods of the program at the Fall annual parent meeting.

* Parents receive timely responses to all parent recommendations. As much as feasible, they are sent to parents in the language used in the home. Full opportunities are provided for all parents to participate in Title I activities through a verbal and/or written invitation. Childcare is provided at our annual parent meeting and during parent-teacher conferences.

* A jointly developed school/parent compact outlines how parents, school personnel, and students share the responsibility for improved student achievement and the means by which the school and parents continue to build and develop partnerships to help children achieve the local high standards. This compact was developed by a joint committee of parents, teachers, and administration. It is reviewed annually and distributed to parents as their child enters the program and again each Fall.

* The Title I or school-wide program provides opportunities for parents to become partners with the school by promoting the education of their children at home and school. Parents are given help monitoring their student’s progress. The school provides assistance to parents on how they can participate in decisions related to their student’s education. The school provides reasonable support for parental involvement activities as requested by parents. Such information is communicated at parent-teacher conferences and other parent meetings including the annual Fall parent meeting. Articles regarding reading improvement will be published in the District at least once per year. Teachers will attend workshops to improve their knowledge of teaching reading skills and strategies. * The school coordinates and integrates parent involvement programs and activities with

other programs as appropriate. All teachers will have the opportunity to attend training session/workshops in reading. Title I parents will have representation on our District advisory committee (locally called the Futures Committee). * An annual evaluation of this parental involvement policy shall be conducted to determine

the effectiveness of this policy and the barriers of this policy for increasing parent involvement. Policy evaluation findings shall be used in designing strategies for school improvement and revising parent policies. This evaluation will be conducted annually at the Fall annual parent meeting. Revisions will be made and the revised Parent Involvement Policy will be distributed to all Title I parents via U.S. Mail or through Title I students.

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Approved: 5/13/13                                  Reviewed:                                            Revised: 6/10/19

The Board prefers that the District financially support student activities, but it may be necessary and advisable for students to raise funds to support some activities.

Any student activity wishing to engage in fundraising efforts must make the appropriate request to the building principal.

Fund-raising activities, other than admission established for student productions such as music, drama, and athletics, must be recommended by the principal and approved by the superintendent. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to annually report any such fund-raising activities to the Board.

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Approved: 5/13/85                                          Reviewed: 6/10/19                                                Revised: 2/22/10; 6/10/13

Students may be exposed to non food irritants or environment that pose a risk to the student’s health and safety during the school day.  Parents and students shall take all precautions to ensure that they are not exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.

If the parent(s) requests a meeting, the District will meet with the parent(s) and/or student to discuss the student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s), and, if appropriate, develop a plan based on the student’s physician’s recommendation to limit the above student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s).  Every such plan to avoid exposure shall include a completed Parental Identification of Student Irritant and/or Allergen Form and a completed Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student.

The District cannot guarantee that the student will never be exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.  If a student is exposed to such an irritant and/or allergen and/or suffers from an allergic reaction, the District may administer medication to the student as necessary according to its policies and procedures.

 

 

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Approved: 1/13/20                                                 Reviewed:                                         Revised:

 

   HEADS UP: Concussion in High School Sports 

The Iowa Legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2011, regarding students in grades 7 – 12 who participate in extracurricular interscholastic activities. Please note this important information from Iowa Code Section 280.13C, Brain Injury Policies:

1. A child must be immediately removed from participation (practice or competition) if his/her coach or a contest official observes signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or brain injury in an extracurricular interscholastic activity.
2. A child may not participate again until a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and other brain injuries has evaluated him/her and the student has received written clearance from that person to return to participation.
3. Key definitions:

          “Licensed health care provider” means a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner,                                                nurse, physical therapist, or athletic trainer licensed by a board.

           “Extracurricular interscholastic activity” means any extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest, or practice, including sports,                                           dance, or cheerleading.

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What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

What parents/guardians should do if they think their child has a concussion?

1. OBEY THE NEW LAW.
   • Keep your child out of participation until s/he is cleared to return by a licensed healthcare provider.
   • Seek medical attention right away.
2. Teach your child that it’s not smart to play with a concussion.
3. Tell all of your child’s coaches and the student’s school nurse about ANY concussion.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days after the injury. If your teen reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, keep your teen out of play and seek medical attention right away.

STUDENTS:

If you think you have a concussion:

• Tell your coaches & parents – Never ignore a bump or blow to the head, even if you feel fine. Also, tell your coach if you think one of your teammates might have a concussion.
• Get a medical check-up – A physician or other licensed health care provider can tell you if you have a concussion, and when it is OK to return to play.
• Give yourself time to heal – If you have a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is healing, you are much more likely to have another concussion. It is important to rest and not return to play until you get the OK from your health care professional.

IT’S BETTER TO MISS ONE CONTEST THAN THE WHOLE SEASON.

Signs Reported by Students:

• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

PARENTS:

How can you help your child prevent a concussion?

Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion and other injuries.

• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity. It should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.
• Ensure that they follow their coaches’ rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Information on concussions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/Concussion

IT'S BETTER TO MISS ONE CONTEST THAN THE WHOLE SEASON.

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IMPORTANT: Students participating in interscholastic athletics, cheerleading and dance; and their parents/guardians; must annually sign the acknowledgement below and return it to their school. Students cannot practice or compete in those activities until this form is signed and returned.

We have received the information provided on the concussion fact sheet titled, “HEADS UP: Concussion in High School Sports.”

___________________________________________________                              ____________________________________________ 

Student’s Signature                                             Date                                                 Student’s Printed Name

___________________________________________________                               _____________           _________________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature                           Date                                                   Student’s Grade           Student’s School

 

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Approved: 6/10/19                                          Reviewed:                                               Revised: 

 

 

 

 

Total cognitive and physical rest, also called the complete rest phase, is the first step in the recovery plan. This should last for three days or less if the student is symptom free for 24 hours. Activities that should be avoided include cell phone use (including texting), computer use, and video games. Activities that can be done include yoga, light meditation, light stretching activities, and breathing exercises. Light thinking activities are the second step in the recovery plan. Activities that are appropriate include listening to music that is calm and relaxing and playing familiar games. Activities that were mentioned in the complete rest phase may be expanded upon (yoga, meditation, stretching exercises, and breathing activities). Now you have reached the return to school phase in the recovery plan. Start with half-days or attending school part time. Discuss a 504 plan with accommodations with the teacher and school sta. Identify accommodations that will make the student most successful. Always monitor the student carefully, allow rest breaks, and look for signs that he or she is not doing well. Everyone involved with the student should work together. This includes parents and school sta. It is key for everyone to keep the lines of communication open while monitoring the recovery plan.

 

 

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Approved: 6/10/19                                          Reviewed:                                               Revised: 

 

 

 

 

 

Return-to-play Protocol.

The following return-to-play step-wise process shall begin when the student who has been removed from participation in any extracurricular interscholastic activity governed by the Iowa High School Athletic Association or the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is no longer showing signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or other brain injury for a minimum of 24 hours and has received written medical clearance from a licensed health care provider to return to or commence such participation.

Return-to-play process.

Each step shall take a minimum of 24 hours.

a. If the student shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or other brain injury at any step of the return-to-play protocol, the student must stop the activity and the student’s licensed health care provider and parent or guardian shall be contacted.

b. If the student shows signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or other brain injury during this process, an additional 24-hour period of rest shall take place. After the 24-hour period of rest, the student shall drop back to the previous level when the student showed no signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or other brain injury and begin the progression again.

Return-to-play steps.

STEP 1:

Athlete has received written medical clearance from a licensed health care provider to begin the return-toplay process, AND the athlete is back to regular activities, including school, without experiencing any concussion signs, symptoms, or behaviors for a minimum of 24 hours.

STEP 2:

Low impact, light aerobic exercise. Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance/weight training.

STEP 3:

Basic exercise, such as running in the gym or on the field. No helmet or other equipment.

STEP 4:

Noncontact, sport-specific training drills (dribbling, ball handling, batting, fielding, running drills) in full equipment. Resistance/weight training may begin.

STEP 5:

Full contact practice and participation in normal training activities.

STEP 6:

Contest participation.

 

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Approved: 6/10/2019                              Reviewed:                                        Revised: