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.

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Approved:  11/14/67; 9/17/84                   Reviewed:  6/10/19                                Revised: 7/14/08; 5/13/13; 7/14/2

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 their former resident District will 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 their former nonresident district for the next school year 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 October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school without chargewith the permission of building adminstration, 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 and/or building administration 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. Foreign exchange students are not eligible to be candidates for a Spirit Lake High School diploma.

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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Compulsory Attendance

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, 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.  Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 146 days. Students not attending the minimum days or hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;

• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;

• are attending religious services or receiving qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;

• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;

• has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;

• has a plan under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child’s attendance;

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

• are attending an accredited nonpublic school; 

• are receiving independent private instruction;

• are receiving competent private instruction;

• are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;

• are engaged in military service;

• are traveling to attend a funeral; or

• are traveling to attend a wedding.

It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above. 

Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes.  For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.

Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days in the academic school year established by the district.

 

Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the academic school year established by the district.

Chronic absenteeism and truancy do not apply to the following students who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma

• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;

• are attending religious services or receiving qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;

• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;

• have an individualized education program than affects the student's attendance;

• have a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance;

• are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;

• are excused under Iowa Code §299.22;

• are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24;

• are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;

• are engaged in military service;

• are traveling to attend a funeral; or

• are traveling to attend a wedding.

Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above. Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.

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Approved:  7/14/25               Reviewed:                Revised:

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; 7/14/25

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.

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Approved:  5/13/13                               Reviewed:                                 Revised:  6/10/19; 7/14/25

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; 7/14/25

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each students is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the Board Secretary. 

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the Board Secretary or their designee as the custodian of District records.

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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.

Students in grades 9 to 12 may be allowed to leave the school district facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class. Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

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

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Approved:  5/13/13                            Reviewed:  6/10/19                          Revised:  7/14/25

The District will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the Board will allow resident students whom meet the requirements 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 Iowa 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 and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district's basic enrollment 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 1 unless another deadline applies.

The receiving district will approve or deny 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. It will also be the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/19; 7/14/25

 

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. 

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.  The district reserved the right to deny continued open enrollment to any students who meet the definition of truant. The District will notify the truant student's parent or guardian and district of residence of the decision to deny enrollment in the future in accordance with applicable laws.

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.

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the District will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law. 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. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

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

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 7/14/25

 

 

The Spirit Lake School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education.  The District will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

“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; or is abandoned in a hospital;

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 above.

 

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the Board shall:

• Designate district office personnel as the local homeless children and youth liaison;​​​
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
• Provide school stability and school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation; 
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law and;
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

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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; 7/14/25

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: 7/14/25

 

It is the goal of the district to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights.  Student expression should be appropriate to help ensure 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.

While students will generally be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions, in certain qualifying circumstances, student speech may require administrative regulation to help ensure the safety and welfare of the school community.  The district may regulate speech that:  causes or is reasonably anticipated to cause a material and substantial disruption to the education environment; infringes upon the rights of others; is obscene or lewd; is school sponsored; and/or promotes illegal activity.  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.  The expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the school district.

The superintendent may develop procedures for safely addressing qualifying types of mass protests by students, including walk-ins and walk-outs.  Walk-ins occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  Walk-outs occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups off district property with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  The goal of the procedures shall be to address student safety, maintain the education environment and promote communication during demonstrations while remaining viewpoint neutral.

Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures. Employees are responsible for ensuring students' expression is in keeping with this policy. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

Student Publications

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 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 school 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 who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication will follow the District’s grievance procedure.

 

 

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Approved: 8/12/91                    Reviewed: 6/10/19                                     Revised: 12/14/09; 5/13/13; 7/14/25

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their concerns in a meaningful manner is vital to the learning process. 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. The Board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

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Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised: 7/14/25

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; 7/14/25

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 and students may be subject to disciplinary action.

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, or otherwise defined by applicable law. 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 or other individuals specifically authorized by the Board are exempt from this policy. The Superintendent may allow law enforcement to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes. The Superintendent will develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy and communicate with law enforcement relevant exemptions to this policy as appropriate.

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Approved: 9/19/04                                       Reviewed:                                                     Revised: 10/12/09; 5/13/13; 6/19/19, 8/22/22; 6/22/23l 7/14/25

The Board believes it is imperative to promote the health and well-being of all students in the District. The District will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable laws.

he 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. "Controlled substances" in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs.

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.

Violation of this policy by students may result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.  Use, purchase or being in possession of tobacco/nicotine products for those under the age of twenty-one, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.  Possession, use or being under the influence of alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance use assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board.  If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

• Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;

• A statement to students that the use of controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol is harmful to student well-being;

• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and/or alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;

• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;

• A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;

• Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;

• A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and,

• Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

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

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; 7/14/25

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; 7/14/25

 

 

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.

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; 7/14/25

 

Discipline Policy 

Discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604, sec. 7, new section 279.79A). 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level and maturity of the student. Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79A).

 

District Response to a Threat or Incident of Violence

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4).

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79A, subsections 1 and 4). 

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage, or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5). 

 

Threat of Violence 

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage, or assault.

 

Incident of Violence

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault. Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981). 

 

Property Damage 

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building, or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)). 

 

Assault

Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: 

     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 (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Approved:   4/14/2024                              Reviewed:                                               Revised:

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

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on 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.

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.

This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students.

Discipline of special education students, including suspensions and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws.

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Approved: 1/9/84                                              Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised: 11/9/09; 5/13/13

 

 

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.

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;
2. Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing; 
3. Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the Superintendent;
5. Notice that the student will be given an opportunity to present a defense against the charges and to provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses;
6. Notice that the student has the right to be represented by counsel; and
7. The results and finding of the Board in writing open to the student's inspection.

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 addressing adverse witnesses. 

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.  Following the Board’s deliberations, the Board shall reconvene in open session and render its decision on the Superintendent’ recommendation for expulsion. 

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. 

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Approved:  1/9/73                           Reviewed: 6/10/19                              Revised:  11//9/09; 5/13/13; 7/14/25

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; 7/14/25

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 good conduct policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral, or unhealthy. Good conduct policy information is found in the high school handbook.

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.

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Approved: 11/15/67                                  Reviewed:   6/10/19                                        Revised: 6/11/12; 5/13/13, 7/11/18; 7/14/25

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student.  It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.  No employee is prohibited from any of the following which are not considered corporal punishment:

• Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:

  • To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.

  • To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object(s) within a student's control.

  • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.03.

  • For the protection of property as provided for in IOWA CODE section 704.04 or 704.05.

  • To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school premises or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.

  • To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.

  • To protect the safety of others.
     

• Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.  

Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor.  

Reasonable force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

1. The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;

2. The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;

3. The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;

4. The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;

5. The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student's parents are given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

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Approved: 7/14/25                            Reviewed:                                              Revised:

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation. 

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.  

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.  

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or

• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or

• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and

• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and

• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.  

 

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Approved:  7/14/25                                   Reviewed:                                          Revised:

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:

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

 

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.

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

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.

 

 

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

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.

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

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.

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

Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised:  6/10/19

 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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).

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

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

 

 

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.

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________

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: