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:
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Approved: 5/13/13 |
Reviewed: 8/8/2016 |
Revised: 6/10/19 |
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;
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:
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Approved: 5/13/13 |
Reviewed: 8/8/2016 |
Revised: 8/8/2016; 6/10/19 |
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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:_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Interviews Initiated by Law Enforcement Officers
Taking a Student into Custody
Disturbance of School Environment
Disseminating and Reviewing Policies
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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:
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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:
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approved: 11/14/67 Reviewed: 6/10/19 Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13