STUDENTS

501.01 - RESIDENT STUDENTS

Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school 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 school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school 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.

NOTE:  This policy reflects the current Iowa law regarding residency and payment of tuition.

Legal Reference:         Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School,

334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

                                    Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).

                                    Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).

                                    33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (1995).

                                    1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.

                                    1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.

                                    1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.

                                    1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/19/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.02 - NONRESIDENT STUDENTS

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

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

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in 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 school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.
 

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Iowa's open enrollment law has not eliminated the need for this policy.  This policy affects nonresident students who do not qualify for open enrollment.

Legal Reference:         Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School,

334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

                                    Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).

                                    Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (1995).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

Approved:                    7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/18/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                      3/24/10

STUDENTS
501.03 - 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 1080 hours.  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 religious instruction;
• 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; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

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.

Note:  This is a mandatory policy.  The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer. 

Approved:  7/13/00

Reviewed:  5/18/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:  3/24/2010, 8/19/2024

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A.

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 259A
High School Equivalency Diploma

Iowa Code § 279
Directors - Powers and Duties

Iowa Code § 299
Compulsory Education

Iowa Code § 299A
Private Instruction

Cross References

Code
Description

601.01
School Calendar

604.01
Competent Private Instruction

STUDENTS

Removed:  3/20/2023 - See Secondary Handbook for Agreement

501.03E1 - SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Iowa Department of Human Services

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Under a new Iowa law, a school truancy officer must tell the Department of Human Services (DHS) when a child is not complying with the school's attendance policy.  The law applies only to children who have not finished sixth grade.  DHS must then set up a meeting with the child's family.  One purpose of the meeting is to help the family get the child to attend school.  The other is to prevent a 25% reduction in the family's FIP grant.

The participants at the meeting will try to find out why the child has not been attending school.  They will also come up with a plan so that the child will attend school in the future.  This Agreement will state why the child has not been attending school.  It will also state the plan for the child's school attendance in the future.  The Agreement shall be signed by each participant at the end of the meeting.  The signed original Agreement is given to the child's family.  Copies will be given to the other participants.

PART A  (Part A must be signed by each participant at the meeting.)

1.  Child's Name

2.  FIP Case Number

3.  Service Case Number

4.  Date of Meeting

5.  Location

6.   Participants at the meeting.  (List each person's name, agency represented, and phone number.)

7.   Reasons for the child's nonattendance identified at the meeting.  This includes barriers that may need to be overcome to ensure that the child attends school.  (Be specific)

8.   Terms agreed to by all participants for resolving the child's nonattendance.  (Be specific.)

9.   Future responsibility of each participant at the meeting.  (List the person's name and what the person is responsible for doing to resolve the child's nonattendance.)

10.   If a monitor is agreed to, list the person's name, agency represented, and phone number.

Name

Phone Number

Agency Represented

11.    Signatures of persons participating in the meeting.  By signing this form, I understand that I am agreeing to all items described in Part A, above.

PART B FIP Parents' or Caretaker's Statement of Understanding and Consent

Each parent living in the home with the child or the relative caring for the child shall sign Part B.

I understand that this Agreement stays in effect until the school decides the child is complying with attendance policies or the child goes off FIP, whichever happens first.

I understand that if we agree to a monitor in the meeting, the monitor must periodically contact everyone who signed the Agreement to check if its terms are being carried out.  I will comply and cooperate with the monitor.  I understand that the monitor may need to have confidential information for the sole purpose of resolving the child's nonattendance.  I agree to sign necessary forms for the release of confidential information needed to improve the child's school attendance.

I understand that the school district can declare the child truant if:

·         The participants at the meeting don't enter into an Agreement, or

·         I violate a term of the Agreement, or

·         I fail to participate in the meeting without good cause.

The truancy officer must also confirm that the child still meets the conditions for being truant.

I understand that if the school declares the child truant, DHS will reduce my FIP benefits by 25%.

I understand that my FIP benefits will stay reduced until the child goes off FIP or  at-risk coordinator notifies DHS that:

·         The child is complying with the school's attendance policy; or

·         The child has satisfactorily completed sixth grade; or

·         The school has found there is good cause for the child's nonattendance and it withdraws the truancy notification; or

·         The child is no longer enrolled in that school, and the child's family proves that either:

§  The child is attending another school, or

§  The child is otherwise receiving equivalent schooling as allowed under Iowa law.

I understand that I have the right to appeal the terms of this Agreement.  (See back of Part B for appeal rights.)

I understand that by signing Parts A and B, I am agreeing to all items described in both parts.

Signature of parent in the home or                Date                     Signature of other parent in the home             Date

signature of relative caring for the child

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you don't agree with the terms of your School Attendance Cooperation Agreement, you have the right to appeal.  Your appeal rights and procedures for hearing are explained in the Iowa Administrative Code, 441—Chapter 7.

How to Appeal.  You must appeal in writing.  You can use the Department of Human Services (DHS) appeal form or simply send a letter asking to appeal.  Send or take your appeal request to the DHS office in your county.  There is no fee or charge for an appeal.  Your county DHS office will help you file an appeal if you ask them.

Time Limits.  To get a hearing, you must file your appeal within 30 calendar days of the date you signed the School Attendance Cooperation Agreement.  When the appeal is filed later than this but less than 90 days after you signed the Agreement, the Director of DHS must approve whether a hearing will be held based on good cause for late filing.  If the appeal is filed more than 90 days after you signed the Agreement, there will be no hearing.

Granting a Hearing.  DHS will determine whether or not an appeal may be granted a hearing.  If a hearing is granted, you will be notified of the time and place.  If a hearing is not granted, you will be notified in writing of the reason and the procedures for challenging that decision.

Presenting Your Case.  If an appeal hearing is granted, you may explain your disagreement or have someone else like a relative or friend explain your disagreement for you.  You may be represented by an attorney, but DHS will not pay for the attorney.  Your county DHS office has information about legal services available to you that are based on your ability to pay.  You may also phone the Legal Services Corporation of Iowa at 1-800-532-1275.  If you live in Polk County, phone 243-1193.

POLICY ON NONDISCRIMINATION

This action was taken without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or political belief.  If you think you have been discriminated against for any of the reasons stated above, you may file a complaint with DHS by completing a Discrimination Complaint form which you can get from any DHS office or the DHS Office of Equal Opportunity.  You may also file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (if you feel you were discriminated against because of your race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability); or the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Iowa Department of Human Services                          Iowa Civil Rights Commission

Office of Equal Opportunity                                       211 E. Maple Street

Hoover State Office Building 1st Fl                              Des Moines, IA  50309-1858

Des Moines, IA  50319-0114                                     

                                                  US Department of Health and Human Services

                                                  Office for Civil Rights Region VII

                                                  601 E. 12th St Rm 248

                                                  Kansas City, MO  64106

STUDENTS

Removed - 3/20/2023 - See Secondary Handbook for Cooperation Process

501.03R1 - ATTENDANCE COOPERATION PROCESS

When it is determined that a student in grades K-6 is in violation of the school district attendance policy and procedures, the at-risk coordinator will check the Department of Human Services records to determine whether the student’s family is receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits.  If the student’s family is receiving FIP benefits, the at-risk coordinator will notify DHS.  DHS is then responsible for the ACP.

If the student’s family is not receiving FIP benefits, the at-risk coordinator will initiate the ACP.  The parents will be contacted to participate in the ACP.  The at-risk coordinator may also invite juvenile court officers, the county attorney, other school officials and others deemed appropriate.  If others are invited who don’t have access to the student’s records either by law or a Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement, parental consent is needed for them to participate in the ACP.

The purpose of the ACP is to determine the cause of the student’s nonattendance, get the parties to agree to solutions addressing the nonattendance and initiate referrals to any other services that may be necessary.  The agreement is then written.  The agreement is to include all terms agreed to and future responsibilities of all parties.  All parties must sign the agreement and failure to sign by the parents is considered a violation of the process and initiates the next level.

If the parents (or guardians) do not participate in the ACP, if the parties do not enter into an ACA or if the parents violate a term of the agreement, the student is deemed truant.  For FIP students and non-FIP students, the school district notifies the county attorney when students are truant.  When an FIP student is deemed truant, DHS is again notified and DHS then initiates the process whereby FIP benefits are reduced.

Approved                    July 16, 1998

Reviewed                    6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised                       

STUDENTS

501.04 - ENTRANCE - ADMISSIONS

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school 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 school 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.

Before the student may enroll in the district’s education program, the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age.  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.
 

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Only the state registrar has authority to make a copy of a birth certificate.  Districts who utilize online registration platforms should be aware that birth certificates should not be uploaded on the online platform as proof of age, as that creates a copy of the birth certificate.  Districts can either view a birth certificate in person then return it to the child’s guardian; or utilize a variety of documents including but not limited to a certified statement from a treating medical provider, or an immunization record from the child’s treating provider that lists the child’s date of birth as sufficient proof of age.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (1995).

                                                1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.05 - ATTENDANCE CENTER ASSIGNMENT

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center, to assign students to the attendance centers. 

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms.  In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year.  If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned.  If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms. 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student.  In making the recommendation, the superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation challenges, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.
 Note: The requirement for the school principals to honor valid placement requests in paragraph two is a new legal requirement effective July 1, 2019.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 279.11
Directors - Powers and Duties - Classroom Assignment

Iowa Code § 282
Attendance and Tuition

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.06 - STUDENT TRANSFERS IN

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school 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 will make the grade level determination.  The superintendent 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 will determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.
 

NOTE:  School districts do not need parental permission to request student records from previous school districts.  The school district sending the records must notify the parents that the student's records have been sent.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3; 299A (1995).

Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance

                                    505.3  Student Honors and Awards

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1  Competent Private Instruction

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.07 - STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they should notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.  

The notice should state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents must notify the superintendent 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 superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.
    

NOTE:  The third paragraph is a reflection of federal law regarding the forwarding of student records.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (1995).

Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance

                                    506    Student Records

                                    604.1  Competent Private Instruction

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.08 - STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student 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, the custodian of school records.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.09 - CHRONIC ABSENTEESIM AND 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 semester as established by the district’s annual calendar. 

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 semester as established by the calendar on an annual basis. Truancy does 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 religious instruction;
• are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
• are excused under Iowa Code §299.22; and
• are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24.

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.  Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to any of the following unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met:  detention, early bird school, in-school suspension, check-in/check-out, or any other appropriate disciplinary sanctions as assigned on a two-for-one basis.

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.

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                      3/24/10, 8/19/2024

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

                                    506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   6/15/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                      3/24/10, 8/19/2024

STUDENTS

501.10 - TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Policy Rescinded:  10/21/2024

See policy 503.09 and 503.9R1.  

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse.  These absences will  include, but not be limited to, tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations, hair appointments, personal business, and employment.  Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

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. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to supervised study hall, in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:         206.3  Secretary

                                    410.5  Truancy Officer

                                    501    Student Attendance

                                    503    Student Discipline

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    506    Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/19/2015, 3/20/2023

Revised:                      03/24/10, 10/21/2024

STUDENTS

501.11 - STUDENT RELEASE DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Students will be allowed to leave the school 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.  The secondary student handbook has any open campus guidelines in current use.  

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, senior privileges, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit, and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 294.4 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

506    Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/18/2015

Revised:                      03/24/10, 4/17/2023

STUDENTS
501.12 - PREGNANT STUDENTS
The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so.  The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy.  The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes.  If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence.  The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.
 
Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (1995).
 
Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance
                                    604.2  Individualized Instruction
 
Approved:                   7/13/00
Reviewed:                  5/18/2015, 4/17/2023
Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.13 - STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE

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.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes.  In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/19/2015, 4/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

501.14 - OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A SENDING DISTRICT

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district.  As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice is made on forms provided by the Iowa Department of Education.  The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten 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 September1 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 school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  

Subject to applicable laws, the board may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation. 

An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving 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 school district until the final determination is made.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code ¤¤ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 17.

                                    1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference:         501      Student Attendance

                                    501.14  Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a

                                               Sending District

                                    506     Student Records

Approved:                   09/19/1996

Reviewed:                   05/19/2015

Revised:                      05/23/01, 4/17/2023, 10/21/2024

STUDENTS

501.15 - OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT

The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district.  As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements to open enroll into the school district.  The board shall have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will approve all 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 school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. 

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

Open enrollment requests into the school 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 school district are considered in the order received by the school 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 school district will 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 shall be responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.  The board may approve the superintendent's recommendation regarding transportation into the sending district.

If an open enrolled student’s primary residence is closer to the receiving district’s attendance center than the distance from the student’s primary residence to the sending attendance center, the sending district will allow the student’s receiving district to send school vehicles no more than two miles into the sending district’s boundaries to pick up the student. 

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 school 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 school 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 to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

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

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 17.

                                    1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.

Cross Reference:         501.6   Student Transfers In

                                    501.7   Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

                                    501.14  Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a

                                               Sending District

                                    506     Student Records

507          Student Health and Well-Being

                                    606.6   Insufficient Classroom Space

Approved:                   9/19/1996

Reviewed:                   5/19/15

Revised:                      05/23/01, 4/17/2023, 10/21/2024

STUDENTS

501.16 - HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

The WACO Community 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. 

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes: 

• Children and youth who are: 
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”); 
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; 
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • Abandoned in hospitals. 
• Children and youth who have 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; 
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and 
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are 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 the secondary counselor 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 in 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. 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy. 
 
NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy. 
 

NOTE: The United States Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Education have additional information about implementation of the policy. For additional information, please visit: 
•    The “Education Department Releases Guidance on Homeless Children and Youth” section of the United States Department of Education’s website, located at: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-releases-guidance-homeless-children-and-youth. 
The “Homeless Education” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/title-programs/title-x-part-c-homeless-education
 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 6301.
42 U.S.C. § 11302. 
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.     
281 I.A.C. 33.

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 33
Homeless Children and Youth

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 6301
Education - Elementary and Secondary Improvement

42 U.S.C. § 11302
Public Health - Homeless Assistance

42 U.S.C. § 11431
Public Health - Education for Homeless Children

Cross References

Code
Description

503.03
Fines - Fees - Charges

503.03-R(1)
Fines - Fees - Charges - Regulation

503.03-E(1)
Fines - Fees - Charges - Standard Fee Waiver Application

507.01
Student Health and Immunization Certificates

603.03
Special Education

711.01
Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   5/18/2015         

Revised:                      6/21/03, 4/17/2023                     

STUDENTS

502.01 - STUDENT APPEARANCE

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.

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.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated.  When, in the judgment of a 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.

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

Legal Reference:         Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

                                    Bethal School District  v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

                                    Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).

                                    Torvik v. Decorah Community School, 453 F.2d 779 (8th Cir. 1972).

                                    Turley v. Adel Community School District, 322 F.Supp. 402 (S.D. Iowa

1971).

                                    Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F.Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         500  Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for

                                              Students

                                    502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015, 4/17/2023

Revised:                      

STUDENTS

502.02 - CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/VANDALISM

Students shall treat school district property with the care and the respect they would treat their own property.  Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be required to reimburse the school district.  They may be subject to discipline under board policy and the school district rules and regulations.  They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

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

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    802.1  Maintenance Schedule

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015, 4/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

502.03 - FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Student Expression

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 superintendent is encouraged to obtain feedback from community stakeholders in the development of these procedures.  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 helping to ensure 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, 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 in board policy 213.1.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 502.4.

The superintendent is responsible for developing a student publications code.  This code will include, but not be limited to, reasonable rules including time, place, and manner of restrictions.  The superintendent will also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

NOTE:  This policy represents the current status of students' first amendment rights.    This is a mandatory policy and accompanying regulation required by Iowa Code ch. 279.73.  Schools are urged to handle all protests through a strictly viewpoint neutral lens. Districts should consider the need to balance opposing views.  If one social issue is permitted, other opposing viewpoints should also be permitted. 

Legal Reference:         U.S. Const. amend. I.

                                    Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

                                    Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

                                    New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).

                                    Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22; 282.3 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    603.9  Academic Freedom

                                    903.5  Distribution of Materials

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015

Revised:                      4/17/2023

STUDENTS

502.04 - STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

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 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 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. 

Formal complaints and informal reports regarding sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, will be subject to the Title IX grievance process (see the Title IX Grievance Procedure regulation).

Legal Reference:                 Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:                 210.8  Board Meeting Agenda

213     Public Participation in Board Meetings

307     Communication Channels

502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

504.3  Student Publications

Approved:        7/13/00

Reviewed:       8/17/2020

Revised:          8/17/2020, 4/17/2023

STUDENTS

502.05 - STUDENT LOCKERS

Student lockers are the property of the school district.  Students shall use the lockers assigned to them by the school district for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school.  It is be 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 with advance notice, in compliance with board policy regulating search and seizure.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A (1995).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

502.8    Search and Seizure

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015, 4/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

502.06 - WEAPONS

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

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

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

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

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. Students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course or shooting sports activity are exempt from this policy.  The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy. 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy. 

 NOTE: The board may specifically authorize individuals to be armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on school grounds under limited circumstances outlined in law. Reasons for this authorization may include, conducting instructional programs regarding firearms or for conducting an Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved hunter education course or shooting sports activities course on school property. 

Legal Reference:
18 U.S.C. § 921 
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724 
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 279.8
Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees

Iowa Code § 280.21B
Expulsion-weapons

Iowa Code § 483A.27
Hunter Education Program

Iowa Code § 724
Weapons

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

18 U.S.C. § 921
Crimes - Criminal Procedures - Firearms

Adopted          11/10/94       

Reviewed:       07/20/2015

Revised           1/18/96, 5/15/2023, 10/21/2024

STUDENTS

502.07 - SMOKING - DRINKING - DRUGS

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco, beer, wine, alcohol or controlled substances by students 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 the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.  Use, purchase or being in possession of cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products for those under the age of eighteen, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.  Possession, use or being under the influence of beer, wine, 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 abuse 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 abuse prevention program will include:

·         Age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol 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 peer pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;

·         A statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol or tobacco is wrong and harmful;

·         Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol or tobacco 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 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.

Legal Reference:         34 C.F.R. Pt. 86 (2004).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 124; 279.8, .9; 453A (2007).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(9); .5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e), .5(21).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    507  Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  07/20/2015, 5/15/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

502.08 - SEARCH AND SEIZURE

School district property is held in public trust by the board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation, or law has been violated.  The search shall be 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 school district facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school 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 to 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, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are 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.  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 school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

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

NOTE:  This policy reflects the law regarding school district authority for searching students, their possessions, and their lockers.

Legal Reference:         U.S. Const. amend. IV.

                                    New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).

                                    Cason v. Cook, 810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930 (1987).

                                    Iowa Code ch. 808A (2007).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015, 5/15/2023

Revised:                      

STUDENTS

502.08R1 - SEARCH AND SEIZURE REGULATION

I. Searches, in general.

1. Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion:  A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school district policy, rules, or regulations affecting school order.
   Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:
   1. eyewitness observations by employees;
   2. information received from reliable sources;
   3. suspicious behavior by the student; or,
   4. the student's past history and school record. although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.
2. Reasonable Scope:  A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search.  Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:​
   1. the age of the student;
   2. the sex of the student;
   3. the nature of the infraction; and
   4. the emergency requiring the search without delay.

II. Types of Searches

1. Personal Searches
   ​​​​​​​
   1. A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated school district policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order.
   2. Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.
      ​​​​​​​
      1. Pat-Down Search:  If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student and with another adult witness of the same sex present, when feasible.
          
      2. A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors are threatened.  Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student, with an adult of the same sex present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.
         ​​​​​​​
2. Locker and Desk Inspections 

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

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

3. Automobile Searches

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

​​​​

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 808A
Student Searches

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

U.S. Supreme Court
Description

469 U.S. 325
New Jersey T.L.O

Case Law
Description

Cason v. Cook
810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930 (1987).

New Jersey v. T.L.O.
469 U.S. 325 (1985)

Cross References

Code
Description

905.02
Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   07/20/2015

Revised:                     5/15/2023

STUDENTS

502.09 - INTERVIEWS OF STUDENTS BY OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Generally, students may not be interviewed during the school day by persons other than parents and school district officials and employees.

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office.  Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.

If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will defer to the investigator's judgment as to whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

Students will not be taken from school without the consent of the principal and without proper warrant.

NOTE:  Iowa law does not address access to students by law enforcement authorities or other officials.  This policy reflects the generally accepted practice of school districts.

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 232; 280.17 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 102.

                                    441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

Cross Reference:         402.2   Child Abuse Reporting

                                    502.8   Search and Seizure

                                    503     Student Discipline

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                    07/20/2015

Revised:                      5/15/2023

STUDENTS

502.10 - USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES

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 or at either their attendance center or a shared district’s attendance center for the purpose of attending extracurricular activities.  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 live within one mile of school, and would not otherwise be eligible for a student driving permit, may be eligible for a student driving permit, for driving to and from school and school activities and practices, if the student has the principal sign the school permit form as needed.  

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.
 

NOTE: This policy is not mandatory.  The underlined language, however, needs to be in board policy with the board adding its own criteria.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321 (2007).

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

Approved:                   03/24/10

Reviewed:                 07/20/2015

Revised:                      03/24/10, 5/15/2023

STUDENTS

503.1 - STUDENT CONDUCT

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

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

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 school 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.

A student who commits an assault against an employee or another student on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities will be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension is sent to the board president.  The board will review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  In making its decision, the board shall consider the best interests of the school district, which shall include what is best to protect and ensure the safety of the school employees and students from the student committing the assault. Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as, 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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Legal Reference:         No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4115,P.L. 107-110 (2002).

                                    Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).

                                    Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F.Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).

                                    Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F.Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).

                                    Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).

                                    Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147 N.W.2d 854 (1967).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 708.1 (2007).

Cross Reference:         501    Student Attendance

                                    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    603.3  Special Education

                                    903.5  Distribution of Materials

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   08/17/2015

Revised:                      03/24/10, 6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.1R1 - STUDENT SUSPENSION

Administration Action

A.        Probation

     1.  Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

     2.  The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.

B.        In-School Suspension

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

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

C.        Out-of-School Suspension

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

     2.  A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten school days by a principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:

          a.  Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student and

          b.  The opportunity to respond to those charges.

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

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

D.        Suspensions and Special Education Students

     1. Students who have been identified as special education students may be referred for a review of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.

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

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  8/17/2015

Revised:                     6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.2 - EXPULSION

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

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 readmit 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 shall be provided with:

• Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
• 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;
• An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;
• The right to be represented by counsel; and,
• The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with 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 school district.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and is a reflection of Iowa law regarding student expulsion.  It is consistent with the due process requirements of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  The last two paragraphs reflect federal special education law.

Legal Reference:         Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).

                                    Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).

                                    Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   8/17/2015, 6/19/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

503.3 - FINES - FEES - CHARGES

The board believes students should respect school 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.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1 (1997).

                                    281 I.A.C. 18.

                                    1994 Op. Att'y Gen. 23.

                                    1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.

                                    1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 227.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 532.

Cross Reference:         501.17 Homeless Children & Youth

                                    502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503            Student Discipline

Approved                     9/19/96

Reviewed                    8/17/2015, 6/19/2023

Revised                       7/13/00

STUDENTS

503.3E1 - STANDARD FEE WAIVER APPLICATION

STUDENTS

503.3R1 - STUDENT FEE WAIVER AND REDUCTION PROCEDURES

The board recognizes that while certain fees charged students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees.  The school district will grant either full waivers, partial waivers or temporary waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parents' ability to meet the financial criteria.

        A.      Waivers -

                  1.       Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition program, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income guidelines, or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.

                  2.       Partial Waivers - a student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or the student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program.  A partial waiver shall be based on the same percentage as the reduced price meals (40%).

                  3.       Temporary Waivers - a student may be eligible for a temporary waiver of fees charged by the district in the event the student's parents are facing financial difficulty.  Temporary waivers may be applied for at any time throughout the school year and shall not extend beyond the end of the school year.

        B.       Application - Parents or students eligible for a fee waiver shall make an application on the form provided by the school district.  Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.

        C.       Confidentiality - The school district will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.

        D.      Appeals - Denials of a waiver may be appealed to the superintendent.

        E.       Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

        F.       Notice - the school district will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials and printed in the parent/student handbook.

Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived.  Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees.  Parents or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the principal  at registration time for a waiver form.  This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

Approved                     9/16/96

Reviewed                    8/17/2015

Revised                       7/13/00, 6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.4 - GOOD CONDUCT RULE

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

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in 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 shall keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.  

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

The regulations outlining specific conduct expected and penalties for violation are listed in the student handbook, and students are to be notified of its contents.

Legal Reference:         Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).

                                    In re Jason Clark, 1 D.P.I. App. Dec. 167 (1978).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8); 36.15(1).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   8/17/2015

Revised:                     6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.5 - CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

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 within a student's control.

·         For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.3.

·         For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.

·         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 physical 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 shall be given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.  Corporal punishment is prohibited by law.  This policy outlines when it may be appropriate for an employee to use physical force on a student.  By law, students must be notified that corporal punishment is prohibited, and it is recommended that this notice be in an annual notice to students or in the student handbook.

Legal Reference:         Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).

                                    Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).

                                    Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W.2d 258 (1961).

                                    Lai v. Erickson, PTPC Admin. Doc. 83-12 (1983).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8); 103.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

Cross Reference:         402.3  Abuse of Students by School District Employees

                                    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503    Student Discipline

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  8/17/15

Revised:                     6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.6 - PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION OF STUDENTS

Approved:     6/19/2023

Reviewed:

Revised:

STUDENTS

503.6E1 - USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND/OR SECLUSION DOCUMENTATION FORM

Approved:  6/19/2023

Reviewed:

Revised: 

STUDENTS

503.6E2 - DEBRIEFING LETTER TO GUARDIAN OF STUDENT INVOLVED IN AN OCCURRENCE WHERE PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND/OR SECLUSION WAS USED

Approved:  6/19/2023

Reviewed:

Revised: 

STUDENTS

503.6E3 - DEBRIEFING MEETING DOCUMENT

Approved:  6/19/2023

Reviewed:

Revised:

STUDENTS

503.6R1 - PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSTION OF STUDENTS REGULATION

Approved:     6/19/2023

STUDENTS

503.7 - STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY

It is the goal of the district to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which all students may learn.  As part of creating that safe educational environment, no employee of the district will provide false or misleading information to the parent/guardian of a student regarding that student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different from their birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.   

If a student makes a request to a licensed employee to accommodate a gender identity, name, or pronoun that is different than what was assigned to the student in the student’s registration forms or records, the licensed employee is required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The school administrator receiving the report is required by Iowa law to report the request to the student’s parent/guardian.  This requirement also applies to all nicknames.

To maintain compliance with Iowa law and also provide efficiency in the reporting requirements listed above, the Superintendent will provide the opportunity for parents and guardians to list in the student’s registration paperwork any and all nicknames used for students.

Approved:  8/21/2023

Reviewed:

Revised:

STUDENTS

503.7E1 - STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY EXHIBIT

Approved:  8/21/2023

STUDENTS

507.3E2 - REQUEST TO UPDATE STUDENT IDENTITY EXHIBIT

Approved:  8/21/2023

STUDENTS

503.08 - Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence

The 2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), signed by Governor Reynolds on May 26, 2023, requires the Iowa Department of Education to develop and distribute a model policy for school districts and charter schools that, if adopted, satisfies a school district's or charter school’s responsibilities under Iowa Code 279.79 established by the Act. These model policies are intended to support a school district and charter school in meeting the requirements of new Iowa Code section 279.79 and in developing policies for different grade levels that describe how a school district or charter school may discipline a student for making a threat of violence or causing an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or assault.

Districts are required to:

• Publish the district policy on the district website (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1).
• Provide each parent or guardian with a copy of the policy and require the parent or guardian acknowledge receipt of the policy in writing or electronically (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 8).

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 IA Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1).

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 279.79, subsection 3).

District Response to a Threat or Incident of Violence by a Student

Reporting a Threat of Violence or Incidence 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 designee within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or designee 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 designee upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or designee 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 279.79, 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.  A threat needs to be for the age level involved.

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

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).

Definitions (consistent with the Department of Education’s Data Dictionary 2022-23)

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

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.

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.

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 consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district.

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.

Escalating Responses by Grade Band

The superintendent will ensure this policy is published online in the policy section of the school’s webpage.  Also, the superintendent, with the assistance of the building principals, will ensure that each parent or guardian will get a copy of these guidelines and give the district a receipt either in writing or electronically that they have received a copy of the guidelines. 

Adopted:  3/18/2024

STUDENTS

503.08R1 - Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence Regluation

Effective student discipline policies serve the needs of the District in maintaining the order of the education environment while safeguarding the education interests of all students.  For this reason, it is crucial to engage many perspectives in crafting sound policies related to discipline. The board, in conjunction with teachers and administrators in the District, have assigned further meaning to concepts listed in this policy.

Incident Levels Defined

Incident levels must escalate, with Level 1 being less severe than Level 3 incidents. However, the District maintains discretion in applying the level of discipline appropriate for an incident. In making this determination, the administration will consider the following definitions of incident levels. Because no definition could encompass all possible threats or incidents, the administration has discretion in determining which level to assign the incident after looking at the nature of the incident as well as the age, grade level, and maturity of the student.

Level 1 Defined:

A Level 1 behavior incident is characterized by a minor infraction or a minor breach of established rules and guidelines that may be outlined in the building handbooks.  These incidents typically involve non-threatening, non-disruptive behaviors that are easily managed and do not pose a significant risk to the safety or well-being of students or community members. 

Level 2 Defined:

A Level 2 behavior incident refers to an event or situation in which a student’s actions or conduct exhibit behavior that is moderately disruptive, potentially harmful, or in violation of established rules and guidelines outlined in the handbook.  Level 2 incidents typically fall between minor disturbances (Level 1) and major infractions (Level 3) in terms of severity.  These incidents may require a more significant response or intervention than Level 1 incidents but generally not as severe as Level 3 incidents.

Level 3 Defined:

A Level 3 behavior incident refers to a specific category of disruptive or problematic behavior that is typically assessed or categorized in a three-tiered behavioral management system used in an educational setting.  This level of incident is characterized by behaviors that are more serious and challenging than Level 1 or Level 2 incidents.  Level 3 incidents may include actions that significantly disrupt the learning environment, pose a potential threat to the safety of the student’s involved, or require immediate intervention and specialized strategies to address.

Timeframe for Determining Repeated Incidents

The District will consider all incidents occurring within the school year as sufficiently close in proximity between incidents to establish that a repeated incident has occurred. The rationale for establishing this timeframe is to ensure students understand the necessity of an orderly academic environment.  The administration will have discretion to alter this timeframe when appropriate under the circumstances, depending on the nature of the incident as well as the age, grade level and maturity of the student.

Considerations for Determining the Maturity of the Student

The District believes that gauging the maturity of a student is subject to interpretation and best left to the licensed employees who interact most closely with the student on a regular basis.  Assessing a student’s maturity level is based on individual characteristics unique to each student. Therefore, in making a determination about the maturity of a student, the administration may consult with the student’s classroom teacher and other relevant licensed staff.  The administration will consider the following factors in determining the maturity of the student:

Age, Emotional Development, Cognitive Development, Social Skills, Responsibility and Independence, Communication Skills, Decision-Making Skills, Motivation, Interest, Physical Development, Special Needs and Abilities, Cultural and Family Background, past Academic Performance, Guidance, Counseling, and Developmental Milestones.   

Considerations for Determining Whether the Off-Campus Threat of Violence or Incident of Violence Will Directly Affect the Good Order, Efficient Management and Welfare of the School District

The District recognizes that students maintain First Amendment rights to free expression both within school and outside. However, free speech protections are not absolute and do not extend to true threats of violence toward an individual or a group of individuals. In considering whether a threat or incident of violence will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district necessitating the need for investigation, the administration will consider, among other things, the following factors:

• The specificity of the threat for time, location or individual(s) targeted
• The reasonable likelihood of the student’s ability to carry out the threat
• The reasonable likelihood that the threat will interfere with the operation of the educational environment

In addition to the notification requirements in policy, the administration will apprise the parents or guardians of any student who suffered violence or a threat of violence, of the rights to file complaints under any other relevant board policies including but not limited to anti-bullying/anti-harassment and Title IX.

NOTE:  Iowa law requires school boards to collaborate with teachers and administrators in adopting a policy related to threats of violence and incidents of violence. This accompanying regulation is designed to supplement the framework provided by the Department of Education in policy 503.8 and be edited and completed by boards through a collaborative process involving relevant stakeholders for the district.  
Legal Reference:        Iowa Code §279.79

Adopted:  3/18/2024
 

STUDENTS

504.1 - STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The student council 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, shall set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    504  Student Activities

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/2015, 7/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

504.2 - STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It shall also 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 the school district facilities for meetings and other purposes before and after the instructional school day.  Employees shall be assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

Noncurriculum-Related Organizations

Student-initiated, noncurriculum-related organizations shall be provided access to meeting space and school district facilities.

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

Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings.  Employees shall not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance.  Only students may be involved in and attend the noncurriculum group's meetings.

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

All organizations shall handle all financial matters through the regular school activity accounts as designated by the Superintendent of Schools.

NOTE:  This policy reflects the protection given nonschool-sponsored student groups in the federal Equal Access Act.

Legal Reference:         Westside Community Board of Education v Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990).

                                    Bender v. Williamsport Area Community School District, 741 F.2d 538 (3d Cir. 1984), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 475 U.S. 534 (1986).

                                    20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074 (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 287.1-.3; 297.9 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    504  Student Activities

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 7/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

504.3 - 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 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 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 shall 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 shall be 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 shall follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 214.1.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted shall follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 502.4.

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

Legal Reference:         Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

                                    Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).

                                    Iowa Code § 280.22 (1995).

Cross Reference:        

502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

504        Student Activities

502.4  Student Complaints and Grievances

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15

Revised:                      Not active 7/17/2023

STUDENTS

504.3R1 - STUDENT PUBLICATIONS CODE

A.                Official school publications defined.

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

B.                 Expression in an official school publication.

1.                  No student shall express, publish or distribute in an official school publication material which is:

a.                   obscene;

b.                  libelous;

c.                   slanderous; or

d.                  encourages students to:

1)                  commit unlawful acts;

2)                  violate school rules;

3)                  cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school or school activity;

4)                  disrupt or interfere with the education program;

5)                  interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or

6)                  infringe on the rights of others.

2.                  The official school publication shall be produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

C.                 Responsibilities of students.

1.                  Students writing or editing official school publications shall 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 shall strive to achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and thoroughness in each and every aspect of official school publications.

3.                  Students shall strive to achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling for clarity and accuracy of official school publications.

D.                Responsibilities of faculty advisors.

            Faculty advisors shall 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.

E.                 Liability.

            Student expression in an official school publication shall not be deemed to be an expression of the school district.  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 expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

F.                  Appeal procedure.

1.                  Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in their exercise of expression in an official student publication shall seek review of the decision through the student grievance procedure, under board policy 502.4.

2.                  Persons who believe they have been aggrieved by a student-produced official student publication shall file their complaint through the citizen grievance procedure, under board policy 214.1.

G.                Time, place and manner of restrictions on official school publications.

1.                  Official student publications may be distributed in a reasonable manner on or off school premises.

2.                  Distribution in a reasonable manner shall not encourage students to:

a.                   commit unlawful acts;

b.                  violate school rules;

c.                   cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity;

d.                  disrupt or interfere with the education program;

e.                   interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or

f.                   infringe on the rights of others.

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15

Revised:                      Not Active, 7/17/2023

STUDENTS

504.4 - STUDENT PERFORMANCES

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 school 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.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. In developing the administrative regulations, these guidelines should be followed:

·         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 shall be 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 shall be the responsibility of the parent and the student.

Legal Reference:         Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.6.

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503.4  Good Conduct Rule

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    904    Community Activities Involving Students

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 7/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

504.5 - STUDENT FUNDRAISING

Students may raise funds for school-sponsored events with the permission of the principal.  Fund raising by students for events other than school-sponsored events is not allowed.  Collection boxes for school fund raising must have prior approval from the principal before being placed on school property.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy for inclusion in parent, student, and staff handbooks.

Legal Reference:         Senior Class of Pekin High School v. Tharp, 154 N.W.2d 874 (Iowa 1967).

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503    Student Discipline

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    704.5  Student Activities Fund

                                    904.2  Advertising and Promotion

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 7/17/2023

Revised:                      03/24/10

STUDENTS

504.6 - STUDENT ACTIVITY PROGRAM

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

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered, the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity or the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons.  If the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity, students of the opposite sex will have a comparable opportunity for participation.  Comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other's teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities, which are the promotion of additional interests and abilities in the students.

Student activity events must be approved by the superintendent unless it involves unusual travel expense, in which case the board will take action.  The events must not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for each school activity.  These regulations shall include, but not be limited to, when physical examinations will be required, how and when parents will be informed about the risk of the activity, academic requirements, and proof of insurance on the student participating in certain activities.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686 (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41 (1993).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.6.

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

                                    507  Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   1/21/99

Revised:                      9/21/15, 7/17/2023

Reviewed:                   03/24/10

STUDENTS

505.1 - STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES

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

Parent-teacher conferences will be held once per semester at the elementary and secondary school to keep the parents informed. 

Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in  grades kindergarten through twelve in addition to the scheduled conference time.  Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student's progress or other matters with the student's teacher.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 280 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), .3(7); .5(16).

Cross Reference:         505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15, 7/17/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

505.2 - STUDENT PROMOTION - 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 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 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 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. 

For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at a proficient level, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading level, and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year.  The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently, and the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.

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

NOTE: School districts that use specific steps or processes for determining retention or acceleration should reference the applicable criteria or where to locate the criteria in the bulleted information above. 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 279.8; 280.3 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(7); 12.5(16).

Cross Reference:         501  Student Attendance

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15

Revised:                     7/17/2023, 10/21/2024

STUDENTS

505.3 - STUDENT HONORS AND AWARDS

The school district will 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 will 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 an accredited public or private school for their entire high school education, will not be eligible for honors and awards.  

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         501.6  Student Transfers In

                                    504    Student Activities

                                    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15

Revised:                     7/17/2023

STUDENTS

505.4 - TESTING PROGRAM

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

No student is required, as part of any applicable program, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

·         political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;

·         mental and psychological problems or the student or the student's family;

·         sex behavior or attitudes;

·         illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;

·         critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships;

·         legally recognized, privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;

·         religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent or;

·         income, (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.

Prior to an employee or contractor of the district providing information on a student enrolled in the district on any survey related to the social or emotional abilities, competencies or characteristics of the student; the district will provide the parent/guardian of the student detailed information related to the survey and obtain written consent of the parent/guardian of the student.  This includes the person who created the survey, the person who sponsors the survey, how the information generated by the survey is used and how information generated by the survey is stored. This requirement will not prohibit a district employee from answering questions related to a student enrolled in the district as part of developing or implementing an individualized education program for the student.

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

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

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects federal law.

Legal Reference:         No Child Left Behind, Title II, Sec. 1061, P.L. 107-110 (2202). Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125 (1994).

                                    20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 280.3; 256B; 282.1, .3, .6 (2001).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5(13), .5(21).

Cross Reference:         505    Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    506    Student Records

                                    607.2  Student Health Services

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15

Revised:                      1/20/03, 7/17/2023, 8/21/2023

STUDENTS

505.5 - GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 52 credits prior to graduation.  The following credits will be required:

            Language Arts            8 credits

            Science                       6 credits

            Mathematics               6 credits

            Social Studies             6 credits

            Physical Education     4 credits

            Electives                     19 credits

            Computer                    1 credit

            Health                         1 credit

            Financial Literacy:       1 credit

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.

Graduation requirements for special education students include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science. 

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited ½ credit of social studies.

Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive 1/8th physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.  
NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy. 
 

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12.5

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 256.11
DE - Educational Standards

Iowa Code § 256.41
DE - Online Learning Requirements

Iowa Code § 256.7
DE - Duties of State Board

Iowa Code § 279.8
Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees

Iowa Code § 280.14
Uniform School Requirements - Administrators

Iowa Code § 280.3
Education Program - Attendance Center Requirements

Iowa Code §279.61
Individual Career and Academic Plan

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 12.5
General Accreditation Standards - Education Program

Cross References

Code
Description

603.03
Special Education

Approved:                    7/13/00

Reviewed:                   11/18/19

Revised:                      11/18/19, 8/21/2023

STUDENTS

505.6 - EARLY GRADUATION

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve.  Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in board policy.  Students must request permission for early graduation at least 30 days prior to the completion of graduation requirements.

A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the school district.  However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.  School districts do not have the authority to limit when a student may graduate early.  Students can graduate early whenever they meet the school district's graduation requirements.  It is recommended that when a student graduates early, the student either gets the diploma or a notice from the school district that the student has graduated.  The board should determine in policy how an early graduate will be treated after the student graduates.  The board should determine whether the early graduate will be allowed to participate in activities and, if so, which activities.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2; .3(7); .5.

Cross Reference:         505  Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 9/18/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

505.7 - COMMENCEMENT

Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement proceedings provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school district.  It shall be 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.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2; .3(7); .5.

Cross Reference:         505  Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 9/18/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

505.8 - Parent and Family Engagement

Policy 505.08: Parent and Family Engagement District Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement)

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. The board will:

1. Involve parents and families in the development of the Title 1 plan, the process for school review of the plan and the process for improvement by holding parent meetings at the elementary school, participation of Title teachers in parent/teacher conferences, parent surveys, and home to school compacts between parents.
2. Provide the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance by collaboration of the Title 1 Committee and the Administrative Team.
    
3. To the extent feasible, coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title 1 with parent and family engagement strategies outlined in other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs by collaboration of the Title 1 Committee and the Building Leadership Team.
    
4. Conduct with the involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying: barriers to greater participation by parents in Title 1 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 family to assist their children’s learning; and strategies to support successful school and family interactions by surveying parents and staff to gather relevant data. The Title 1 Committee will use student achievement data and survey data to complete the annual program evaluation.
    
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 by analyzing the data, reviewing current best practice, and taking action to improve parent and family involvement.
    
6. Involve parents and families in Title 1 activities by sending home Title 1 folders, containing reading activities and information to parents about what students are learning and working on in class, with students on a regular basis. Emails and phone calls containing student progress will be regular and two-way between the Title 1 teacher and parents.

Revised:  9/18/2023

STUDENTS

505.8R1 - Parent and Family Engagement Regulation

STUDENTS

506.01 - STUDENT RECORDS ACCESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Confidential information shared between the school district and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.  The school district may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the school district determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement. 

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE: For districts that include the option language regarding the interagency agreement, please ensure that the policy is included in the student handbook in accordance with law. 
 

Legal Reference:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g, 1415. 
34 C.F.R. Pt. 99, 300, .610 et seq. 
Iowa Code §§ 22; 279.9B, 280.24, .25, 622.10. 
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41 

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 22
Open Records

Iowa Code § 279.9B
Directors - Powers and Duties - Reports to Juvenile Authorities

Iowa Code § 280.24
Drug & Alcohol Possession Reporting

Iowa Code § 280.25
Information Sharing

Iowa Code § 622.10
Evidence - Communications in Professional Confidence

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 41
Special Education

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Education - FERPA

20 U.S.C. §1415
IDEA - Procedural Safeguards

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations
Description

34 C.F.R. Pt. 300
Education - Disabilities/Children/Assistance to States

34 C.F.R. Pt. 300.610
Education - Confidentiality

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99
Education - Family Rights and Privacy

Cross References

Code
Description

102
Equal Educational Opportunity

102-R(1)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Grievance Procedure

102-EH(1)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

102-EH(2)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

102-EH(3)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

102-E(4)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Discrimination Complaint Form

102-E(5)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Witness Disclosure Form

102-E(6)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Disposition of Complaint Form

603.03
Special Education

604.11
Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

708
Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

712
Technology and Data Security

712-R(1)
Technology and Data Security - Security Requirements of Third-Party Vendors Regulation

804.06
Use of Recording Devices on School Property

804.06-R(1)
Use of Recording Devices on School Property - Use of District Owned Recording Devices Regulation

901
Public Examination of School District Records

Approved        10/17/96

Reviewed         9/21/15

Revised           05/23/01, 9/18/2023

STUDENTS

506.01E1 - REQUEST OF NONPARENT FOR EXAMINATION OR COPIES OF EDUCATION RECORDS

STUDENTS

506.01E2 - REQUEST OF NONPARENT FOR EXAMINATION OR COPIES OF STUDENT RECORDS

STUDENTS

506.01E3 - PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS

STUDENTS

506.1E4 - REQUEST FOR HEARING ON CORRECTION OF STUDENT RECORDS

​

STUDENTS

506.1E5 - PARENTAL REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION OF STUDENT RECORDS

STUDENTS

506.1E6 - NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS

STUDENTS

506.1E7 - SAMPLE LETTER TO PARENT REGARDING RECEIPT OF A SUBPOENA

STUDENTS

506.1E8 - SAMPLE JUVENILE JUSTICE AGENCY INFORMATION SHARING AGREEMENT

STUDENTS

506.1E9 - ANNUAL NOTICE

STUDENTS

506.1R1 - USE OF STUDENT RECORDS REGULATION

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access a student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from eligible students and parents to access a student’s education records.  

Education records mean those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. These may include, but are 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.

1. Access to Records
    
   1. Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have access to the student's education records during the regular business hours of the school district. Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. An eligible student or parent, upon written request to the board secretary, shall receive an explanation and interpretation of the education records. A student, eighteen years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records.  Parents of students who are 18 years or older but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
   2. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school 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 school 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 Outside the School – Information from education records may be disclosed to outside parties as outlined in board policy and otherwise provided by law. 
    
3. Procedures for Requesting a Record Amendment 
   ​​​​​​​
   1. If the eligible student, parent, or legal guardian believe the information in the education records is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the education student records.  
   2. The school district will decide whether to amend the education student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request.
   3. If the school district determines an amendment is made to the education student record, the school district will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.
   4. If the school district determines that amendment of the student's education 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 school district. The hearing officer may be an employee of the school district, so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   5. Upon parental request, the school district will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student’s education records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy rights of students.
   6. 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.
   7. 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 at their choice at their own expense.
   8. 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.
   9. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within [insert number] days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
   10. 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 [insert number] days.  It is within the discretion of the board to hear the appeal.
   11. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the education 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 education student record commenting on the school district's decision or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the school district. Additions to the student's education records will become a part of the education student record and be maintained like other education student records. If the school district discloses the education student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 22
Open Records

Iowa Code § 279.9B
Directors - Powers and Duties - Reports to Juvenile Authorities

Iowa Code § 280.24
Drug & Alcohol Possession Reporting

Iowa Code § 280.25
Information Sharing

Iowa Code § 622.10
Evidence - Communications in Professional Confidence

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 41
Special Education

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Education - FERPA

20 U.S.C. §1415
IDEA - Procedural Safeguards

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations
Description

34 C.F.R. Pt. 300
Education - Disabilities/Children/Assistance to States

34 C.F.R. Pt. 300.610
Education - Confidentiality

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99
Education - Family Rights and Privacy

Cross References

Code
Description

102
Equal Educational Opportunity

102-R(1)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Grievance Procedure

102-EH(1)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

102-EH(2)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

102-EH(3)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

102-E(4)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Discrimination Complaint Form

102-E(5)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Witness Disclosure Form

102-E(6)
Equal Educational Opportunity - Disposition of Complaint Form

603.03
Special Education

604.11
Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

708
Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

712
Technology and Data Security

712-R(1)
Technology and Data Security - Security Requirements of Third-Party Vendors Regulation

804.06
Use of Recording Devices on School Property

804.06-R(1)
Use of Recording Devices on School Property - Use of District Owned Recording Devices Regulation

901
Public Examination of School District Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15

Revised:                     9/18/2023

STUDENTS

506.1E10 - SPANISH VERSION - ANNUAL NOTICE

Los Derechos Educativos de la Familia y Ley de Privacidad (FERPA) otorga a los padres y estudiantes mayores de 18 años de edad ("estudiantes elegibles") ciertos derechos con respecto a los expedientes académicos de los estudiantes. Ellos son:

(1) El derecho a inspeccionar y revisar los registros educativos del estudiante dentro de los 45 días de la fecha que el distrito reciba una solicitud de acceso.

Los padres o estudiantes elegibles deben presentar al director de la escuela (o al oficial escolar apropiado) una petición por escrito que identifique el expediente (s) que desean inspeccionar. El director hará los arreglos para el acceso y notificará al padre o estudiante elegible de la hora y lugar donde los registros pueden ser inspeccionados.

(2) El derecho a solicitar la enmienda de los registros educativos del estudiante que el padre o el estudiante elegible cree que son incorrectos o engañosos o en violación de los derechos de privacidad del estudiante.

Los padres o estudiantes elegibles pueden pedir que el distrito escolar enmender un registro que ellos creen es inexacto o engañoso. Ellos deben escribir al director de la escuela, identificando claramente la parte del expediente que quieren cambiar, y especificar por qué es inexacto o engañoso.

Si el distrito decide no enmendar el expediente según lo solicitado por el padre o el estudiante elegible, el distrito notificará al padre o al estudiante elegible de la decisión y les informará de su derecho a una audiencia sobre la solicitud de modificación. Información adicional sobre los procedimientos de audiencia será proporcionada al padre o al estudiante elegible cuando se les notifique del derecho a una audiencia.

(3) El derecho a consentir la divulgación de información personalmente identificable contenida en los expedientes académicos del estudiante, salvo en la medida en que FERPA autoriza la revelación sin consentimiento.

Una excepción que permite la divulgación sin consentimiento es la revelación a oficiales escolares con intereses educativos legítimos. Un oficial escolar es una persona empleada por el distrito como un administrador, supervisor, instructor, o miembro del personal de apoyo (incluyendo personal de salud o médico y personal de la policía), una persona que sirve en el consejo escolar, una persona o compañía con quien el distrito ha contratado para realizar una tarea especial (como un abogado, auditor, los empleados de la AEA, consultor médico, o terapeuta), o un padre o estudiante sirviendo en un comité oficial, como un comité disciplinario o de quejas o estudiante equipo de asistencia o asistiendo a otro funcionario escolar en el desempeño de sus tareas.

Un funcionario escolar tiene un interés educativo legítimo si el funcionario necesita revisar un expediente educativo para cumplir con su responsabilidad profesional.

Sobre petición, el distrito divulga los registros educativos sin consentimiento a oficiales de otro distrito escolar en el cual el estudiante busca o intenta inscribirse. (Nota:. FERPA requiere que el distrito escolar haga un intento razonable para notificar a los padres o al estudiante elegible de la solicitud de registro, a menos que declare en su notificación anual que tiene la intención de enviar los registros a petición)

(4) El derecho de informar al distrito escolar que los padres no quieren que la información del directorio, según se define a continuación, para ser puesto en libertad. Cualquier estudiante mayor de dieciocho años o los padres no quieren esta información sea divulgada al público debe hacer objeción por escrito de 1 de octubre, con el director. La objeción debe ser renovada anualmente.

a. La información del directorio  incluye: nombre, dirección, número de teléfono, fecha y lugar de nacimiento, dirección de correo electrónico, grado, estado de inscripción, área principal de estudio, participación en actividades y deportes oficialmente reconocidos, peso y altura de miembros de equipos atléticos , fechas de asistencia, títulos y premios recibidos, la más reciente agencia o institución educativa que asiste por el estudiante, número de identificación del estudiante que aparece en la tarjeta de identificación del estudiante (siempre y cuando no se utilizan únicamente para acceder a los registros educativos del estudiante), el usuario ID u otro identificador único personal que se muestra en una tarjeta de identificación de estudiante (siempre y cuando no se utilizan únicamente para acceder a los registros educativos del estudiante), fotografía y otras imágenes, y otra información similar

b. Aunque las direcciones y números de teléfono de estudiantes no se considera información de directorio en todos los casos, los reclutadores militares y de post-secundaria instituciones educativas pueden legalmente acceder a esta información sin el consentimiento previo de los padres. Los padres que no quieren a los reclutadores militares o instituciones post-secundarias para acceder a la información debe pedir al Distrito de retener la información. Además, los distritos que ofrecen instituciones de enseñanza superior y los empleadores potenciales el acceso a los estudiantes deben proporcionar el mismo derecho de acceso a los reclutadores militares.

(5) El derecho a presentar una queja con el Departamento de Educación de EE.UU. sobre presuntas fallas del distrito para cumplir con los requisitos de FERPA. El nombre y la dirección de la oficina que administra FERPA es:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education,  400 Maryland Avenue., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-5920.

El Distrito puede compartir información con las Partes que contenidas en el expediente permanente del estudiante, la cual está directamente relacionada con la capacidad del sistemas de justicia juvenil  para servir efectivamente al estudiante. Antes de la adjudicación, la información contenida en el expediente permanente puede ser revelada por el distrito escolar para las Partes, sin consentimiento de los padres o una orden judicial. La información contenida en el expediente permanente del estudiante puede ser revelada por el distrito escolar para las partes después de la adjudicación sólo con el consentimiento de los padres o una orden judicial. La información compartida en el acuerdo no es admisible en cualquier procedimiento judicial que se realizan antes de una audiencia de disposición, salvo consentimiento por escrito por parte del padre de un estudiante, tutor o custodio legal o real. La información obtenida de otras, no se utiliza para la base de la acción disciplinaria del estudiante. Este contrato sólo gobierna la capacidad de un distrito escolar a compartir la información y los propósitos para los cuales se puede que la información utilizada.

El propósito para el intercambio de información previa a la adjudicación de un estudiante es mejorar la seguridad escolar, reducir el alcohol y el uso ilegal de drogas, reducir el absentismo escolar, reducir en la escuela y suspensiones fuera de la escuela, y para apoyar las alternativas a en la escuela y fuera de la escuela suspensiones y expulsiones que ofrecen programas educativos estructurados y bien supervisado complementados con servicios coordinados y adecuados designados a las conductas correctas que conducen a las ausencias injustificadas, suspensión y expulsión y apoyar a los estudiantes en completar con éxito su educación.

La parte que solicita la información se comunicará con el director del edificio en que se encuentra el estudiante inscrito o matriculado fue. El director remitirá los expedientes dentro de los diez días hábiles (10) de la solicitud.

La información confidencial compartida entre las Partes y el Distrito tendrá carácter confidencial y no será compartida con ninguna otra persona, a menos que se disponga lo contrario por la ley. La información compartida en el acuerdo no es admisible en cualquier procedimiento judicial que se realizan antes de una audiencia de disposición, salvo consentimiento por escrito por parte del padre de un estudiante, tutor o custodio legal o real, ni puede ser utilizado como base para la acción disciplinaria de la estudiante.

                        Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.,  20202-4605.

STUDENTS

506.2 - STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Directory information is information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The district may disclose "directory information" to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as "directory information," the parent's or eligible student's right to restrict the disclosure of such information, and the period of time within which a parent or eligible student has to notify the school in writing that he or she does not want any or all of those types of information designated as "directory information."  The district has designated the following as “directory information”:  Note: a district may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below, which is included in the United States Department of Education’s sample policy. This information should match the information contained in 506.01E8, 506.02R1, and 506.02E1.

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

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

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.
 
NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.  A school district may limit what it considers to be directory information.  If the school district limits the information, it must also make those changes in the school district's annual notice.  

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

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 22
Open Records

Iowa Code § 622.10
Evidence - Communications in Professional Confidence

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 41
Special Education

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Education - FERPA

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations
Description

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99
Education - Family Rights and Privacy

Cross References

Code
Description

901
Public Examination of School District Records

902.04
Live Broadcast or Recording

Approved:                   10/17/96

Reviewed:                  9/21/15

Revised:                      7/13/00, 9/18/2023

STUDENTS

506.2E1 - PARENTAL REFUSAL OF AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The WACO Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  A copy of the school district's policy is available for review at each principal's office in the district.  

This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the public.

The school district has designated the following information as directory information: Note: a district may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below, which is included in the United States Department of Education’s sample policy. This information should match the information contained in 506.01E8, 506.02R1, and 506.02E1. 

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

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 school district in writing not later than                , 20     of this school year.  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.
 
NOTE: If the board decides to eliminate name, address or telephone listing from their directory information, military recruiters and postsecondary institutions still have the right, under federal law, to access the three items. If the board eliminates name, address or telephone listing, the district needs to give parents a second notice allowing them to withhold this information from military recruiters or postsecondary institutions. 
       
RETURN THIS FORM
            
                                                                                               Community School District Parental Directions to
Withhold Student/Directory Information for Education Purposes, for 20     - 20      school year.
            
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.

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 22
Open Records

Iowa Code § 622.10
Evidence - Communications in Professional Confidence

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 41
Special Education

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Education - FERPA

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations
Description

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99
Education - Family Rights and Privacy

Cross References

Code
Description

901
Public Examination of School District Records

902.04
Live Broadcast or Recording

Revised:  9/18/2023

STUDENTS

506.2R1 - USE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that WACO Community Schools with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, WACO Community Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the WACO Community Schools to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and,
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.1

If you do not want the WACO Community Schools to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 15th of each school year.  WACO Community Schools has designated the following information as directory information:  Note: a district may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below, which is included in the United States Department of Education’s sample policy. This information should match the information contained in 506.01E8, 506.02, and 506.02E1.

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

1These laws are: Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and 10 U.S.C. § 503(c).
 

I.C. Iowa Code
Description

Iowa Code § 22
Open Records

Iowa Code § 622.10
Evidence - Communications in Professional Confidence

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code
Description

281 I.A.C. 12.3
Administration

281 I.A.C. 41
Special Education

U.S.C. - United States Code
Description

20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Education - FERPA

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations
Description

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99
Education - Family Rights and Privacy

Cross References

Code
Description

901
Public Examination of School District Records

902.04
Live Broadcast or Recording

Revised:  9/18/2023

STUDENTS

506.3 - STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS

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

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

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative rules regarding student photographs.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 114.

Cross Reference:         506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15, 9/18/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

506.4 - STUDENT LIBRARY CIRCULATION RECORDS

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the school district libraries and media center.  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, authorized licensed employees, 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 school district.  If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying may be charged.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the teacher or teacher-librarian, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and a reflection of federal and Iowa law.

Legal Reference:         20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 (1993).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 622.10 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 720, 825.

Cross Reference:         506  Student Records

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 9/18/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

507.1 - STUDENT HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATES

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

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

NOTE:  Physical examinations are not required by law but are strongly recommended.  Immunizations and the certificate of immunization are legal requirements.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 280.13 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 33.5.

                                    641 I.A.C. 7.

Cross Reference:         402.2  Child Abuse Reporting

                                    501    Student Attendance

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  10/29/2020

Revised:                      10/29/2020, 10/16/2023

STUDENTS

507.11 - STOCK EPINEPHRINE

The WACO Community School District will implement a protocol to respond to life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The school will maintain the medication necessary to apply the protocol in each building of the school district. This protocol would apply to any individual present (student, staff, visitor, etc.) in the facility both while school is in session and during any school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

The district nurse and all trained and authorized personnel may administer an epinephrine auto-injector from the school’s supply to any individual if reasonably and in good faith believes the person is having an anaphylactic reaction. Individuals authorized to administer the epinephrine will complete appropriate training and be signed off by the district nurse annually.

The district will obtain and keep on file a prescription and standing order for the stock epinephrine, both pediatric and adult doses, from a licensed healthcare professional. A new prescription must be obtained annually.

The district will store the epinephrine auto-injectors in a secured, room temperature area that remains accessible in an emergency within each school building. The medication will be checked monthly to ensure stability and effectiveness by the school nurse.

In the event the epinephrine is used, the “Report of Stock Epinephrine Administration” form will be filled out and submitted to the state of Iowa.

ANAPHYLAXIS EMERGENCY TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated. Some students, staff, and/or visitors are at an increased risk for anaphylaxis because of known allergies. However, some individuals with unknown allergies may experience their first anaphylactic reaction while at school as allergens can develop any time during a person’s life.

All students with a known history of anaphylaxis or any severe allergies should have a specific emergency action plan on file and their own auto-injector of epinephrine at school. For these individuals follow their specific action plan.

For any person without a known allergy take the following steps:

For ANY of the following SEVERE symptoms:

LUNGS: shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive coughing
HEART: pale or blue color, faint, weak pulse, dizziness
THROAT: tightness, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing
MOUTH: significant swelling of the tongue and/or lips
SKIN: widespread hives or redness
GUT: repetitive vomiting or severe diarrhea
PSYCHOLOGICAL: feeling of impending doom, anxiety, confusion

Steps:                                     

1. INJECT EPINEPHRINE IMMEDIATELY
2. Call 911. Tell the dispatcher the person is having anaphylaxis.
3. Lay the person flat, raise legs, and keep warm. If breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, let them sit up or lie on their side.
4. If symptoms do not improve or worsen within 5 minutes, give 2^nd injection.

Epinephrine doses:

0.15mg IM for 55 pounds or less
0.30mg IM for 55 pounds or more

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 135.185; 279.8

                                    281 I.A.C. 14.3.

                                    641 I.A.C. 7.

Cross Reference:        507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:         5/17/2021         

Reviewed:                  

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

507.2 - ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program. 

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256) .  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.   

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physician, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist. A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school. 

A written medication administration record shall be on file including: 

• date; 
• student’s name; 
• prescriber or person authorizing administration; 
• medication; 
• medication dosage;
• administration time; 
• administration method; 
• signature and title of the person administering medication; and 
• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.

Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication. 

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy. 

NOTE: Iowa law requires school districts to allow students with asthma, airway constricting disease, or respiratory distress to carry and self-administer their medication as long as the parents and prescribing physician report and approve in writing.  Students do not have to prove competency to the school district. The consent form, see 507.2E1, is all that is required.  School districts that determine students are abusing their self-administration may either withdraw the self-administration if medically advisable or discipline the student, or both.  

 NOTE: School districts may stock over-the-counter, nonprescription medications that are not for life-threatening incidents.  The policy for medication administration covers prescription and nonprescription medication.

 NOTE: Disposal procedures reflect the Iowa Department of Education School Hazardous Waste and Medication Management Guidance, issued 2021-2022: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/waste/swfact_schoolhazardou...

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code ch. 124 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 41.23.

                                    657 I.A.C. 1.1(3).

Cross Reference:         506    Student Records

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    603.3  Special Education

                                    607.2  Student Health Services

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15

Revised:                      8/21/2023

STUDENTS

507.2E1 - RECORD OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Name of Student:                                                                                                                    

Parents' Phone Number:                                                          Grade:                                     

Medication:                                                                                                                            

Date to Begin:                                                 Date to End:                                                   

Dosage:                                                                                   Time:                                     

Prescriber or person authorizing administration:                                                                  

Phone #1:                                                                    Phone #2:                                           

Possible Adverse Reaction:                                                                                                   

Person(s) Authorized to Administer Medication:                                                                 .

**********

Date Given

Time

Dosage Given

Signature of Employee Administering Medication

Comments

Reviewed 10/16/2023

STUDENTS

507-2E2- PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

The undersigned are the parent(s), guardian(s), or person(s) in charge of

(Student's Full Legal Name)                                                                                                          ,

in the           grade at the                                            building in the WACO Community School District.

It is necessary that ______________________ receive

(name of medication) ___________________________________________________________ ,

beginning on (date)                                    and continuing through (date)                                      .

I hereby request the WACO Community School District, or its authorized representative, to administer the above-named medication to my child named above and agree to:

1.                  Submit this request to the principal or school nurse;

2.                  Personally ensure that the medication is received by the principal or school nurse administering it in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescribing physician or licensed pharmacist or is in the manufacturer's container;

3.                  Personally ensure that the container in which the medication is dispensed is marked with the medication name, dosage, interval dosage, and date after which no administration should be given; and

Dated this                                             day of                                          , 20_____

Name of Student

Parent/Guardian                                                                     Home Phone Number

                                                                                                _____________________

Alternate Phone No.

Reviewed:  10/16/2023

STUDENTS

507.3 - COMMUNICABLE DISEASES - STUDENTS

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" shall 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 shall be included in the school district's bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan.  The procedures shall 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 shall be reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.

The health risk to immunodepressed students shall be 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 shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's personal physician, a physician chosen by the school district or public health officials.

A student who is at school and who has a communicable disease which creates a substantial risk of harm to other students, employees, or others at school shall report the condition to the Superintendent any time the student is aware that the disease actively creates such risk.

A student’s parent or guardian 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 shall be 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.

NOTE:  This policy is consistent with current health practices regarding communicable diseases.  The bloodborne pathogen language in the second paragraph and accompanying regulation is in compliance with federal law on control of bloodborne pathogens. 

Legal Reference:         School Board of Nassau County v. Arline, 480 U.S. 273 (1987).

            29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq. (1988).

            45 C.F.R. Pt. 84.3 (1993).

            Iowa Code ch. 139 (1997).

            641 I.A.C. 1.2-.5, 7.

Cross Reference:         403.3   Communicable Diseases - Employees

            506      Student Records

            507      Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   1/21/99

Revised:                     10/29/2020

Reviewed:                  10/29/2020, 10/16/2023

STUDENTS
507.3E1 - COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CHART

CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXCLUSION OF CASES FROM SCHOOL

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, and 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 and at least 3 days (72 hours) after recovery.

ERYTHEMIA

INFECTIOSUM

(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 puss.

48 hours after antibiotic therapy started or until physician permits retune.

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

SCARLATINA

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.

STUDENTS
507.3E2 - REPORTABLE INFECTIOUS DISEASES

While the school district is not responsible for reporting, the following infectious diseases are required to be reported to the state and local public health offices:

Acquired Immune
  Deficiency Syndrome
  (AIDS)

Leprosy

Rubella (German
  measles)

Leptospirosis

Lyme disease

Rubeola (measles)

Amebiasis

Malaria

Salmonellosis

Anthrax

Meningitis
  (bacterial or viral)

Shigellosis

Botulism

Tetanus

Brucellosis

Mumps

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Campylobacteriosis

Parvovirus B 19
  infection (fifth
  disease and other
  complications)

Trichinosis

Chlamydia trachomatis

Tuberculosis

Cholera

Tularemia

COVID-19

Diphtheria

Typhoid fever

E. Coli 0157:h7

Pertussis
  (whooping cough)

Typhus fever

Encephalitis

Venereal disease
  Chancroid
  Gonorrhea
  Granuloma Inguinale

Giardiasis

Plague

Hepatitis, viral
  (A,B, Non A-
  Non-B, Unspecified)

Poliomyelitis

Psittacosis

Rabies

  Lymphogranuloma
    Venereum
  Syphilis

Histoplasmosis

Reye's Syndrome

Human Immunodeficiency
  Virus (HIV) infection
  other than AIDS

Rheumatic fever

Rocky Mountain
  spotted fever

Yellow fever

Influenza

Rubella (congenital
  syndrome)

Legionellosis

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.

STUDENTS

507.3E3 - REPORTING FORM

Source:  Iowa Department of Public Health (1997).

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

Botulism

Poliomyelitis

Yellow Fever

Cholera

Rabies (Human)

Disease outbreaks of

Diphtheria

Rubella

      any public health concern

Plague

Rubeola (measles)

REPORT ALL OTHER DISEASES BELOW.

WEEK ENDING

See other side for list of reportable infectious diseases.

DISEASE

PATIENT

COUNTY OR CITY

DOB

SEX

Name                         Parent (If applicable)

Address

Attending Physician

Name                         Parent (If applicable)

Address

Attending Physician

Name                         Parent (If applicable)

Address

Attending Physician

Name                         Parent (If applicable)

Address

Attending Physician

Name                         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)

STUDENTS

507.4 - STUDENT ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school district shall 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 shall be the responsibility of the school nurse to file an accident report with the superintendent within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.

Annually, parents shall be required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child.  The authorization form will also include the phone numbers of the parents and alternative numbers to call in case of an injury or illness.

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

NOTE:  This policy outlines the recommended practice.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 613.17 (1995).

Cross Reference:         507  Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15, 10/16/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

507.5 - EMERGENCY DRILLS

Students will be informed of the action to take in an emergency.  Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters shall be conducted each school year.  Fire and tornado drills shall be each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1.

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.

NOTE:  The last sentence of the first paragraph is a legal requirement.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 100.31 (1995).

                                    281 I.A.C. 41.27(3).

Cross Reference:         507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    711.7  School Bus Safety Instruction

                                    804    Safety Program

Approved:                  7/13/00

Reviewed:                 9/21/15, 10/16/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

507.6 - STUDENT INSURANCE

New:  The district will provide all students in grades PK-12 with catastrophic insurance coverage while at school, and while participating in any school-sponsored event.  Participation in the accident insurance plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.  

It is the recommendation of the Board of Directors that all students be covered by insurance (health and accident insurance).

NOTE:  Although it is a recommended practice, it is within the board's discretion to determine whether it wants to require student athletes to have insurance.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         504  Student Activities

                                    507  Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                  9/21/15

Revised:                     11/20/2023

STUDENTS

507.7 - CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS

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

This policy does not prohibit an employee from listening to a student's problems and concerns.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6 (1995).

                                                441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

Cross Reference:         506  Student Records

                                     507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 11/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

507.8 - STUDENT SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES

The board recognizes that there are some special education students who are in need of special health services during the school day.  These students shall receive confidential special health services in conjunction with their education program.

The superintendent, in conjunction with licensed health personnel, will establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and reflects Iowa law.

Legal Reference:         Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).

                                    Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).

                                    Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).

                                    20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1993).

                                      Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (1999).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(7), 41.96

Cross Reference:         502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    506    Student Records

                                    603.3  Special Education

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 11/20/2023

Revised:                     

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AND INSTRUCTION

507.8R1 - SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES REGULATION

Some students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program.  These students shall 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 shall be 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.

"Prescriber" - 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.
• available on call.

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

• Participate as a member of the education team.
• Provide the health assessment.
• Plan, implement and evaluate the written individual health plan.
• Plan, implement and evaluate special emergency health services.
• Serve as liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care.
• Provide health consultation, counseling and instruction with the eligible student, the student's parent and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber.
• 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.
• Report unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber.
• Assign and delegate to, instruct, provide technical assistance and supervise qualified designated personnel.
• Update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.

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

• Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated.
• Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health service.
• Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team.
• Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).

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

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

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

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

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

Approved:                 5/23/01

Reviewed:                 9/21/15, 11/20/2023

Revised:                       

STUDENTS

507.9 - STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

WELLNESS POLICY

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

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

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

The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.  Toward this end, the school district may utilize electronic identification and payment systems; provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; promote the availability of meals to all students.

The school district will develop a local wellness policy committee comprised of representatives of the board, parents, leaders in food/exercise authority and employees.  The local wellness policy committee will develop a plan to implement and measure the local wellness policy and monitor the effectiveness of the policy.  The committee will designate an individual to monitor implementation and evaluation of the implementation or the policy.  The committee will report annually to the board regarding the effectiveness of this policy.

Specific Wellness Goals

• Specific goals for nutrition education (see Appendix A)
• Physical activity (See Appendix B)
• Other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness (see Appendix C)
• The nutrition guidelines for all foods available with the objective of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity in the WACO Community Schools (see Appendix D).
• The Board will monitor and evaluate this policy by (see Appendix E).

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

                                    Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.,

Cross Reference:         504.6   Student Activity Program

710      School Food Services

Approved                    3/20/06

Reviewed                    7/20/2020

Revised                      

507.9E1 - Wellness Policy Appendix A, B, C, D

                                                                                                                 Appendix A

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

• Is offered at each grade level 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;
• Includes enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant participatory activities;
• Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods and health-enhancing nutrition practices;
• Participate in the Pick A Better Snack Nutrition Program; and
• Includes training for teachers and other staff.

                                                                                                                        Appendix B

Physical Activity

Physical Education

• Is for all students in grades K-12;
• Is taught by a certified physical education teacher;
• Includes students with disabilities and special health-care needs;
• Engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50 percent of physical education class time; and,
• Will not allow substitution for meeting the physical education requirement by student involvement in other activities involving physical activity.

Recess

Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:

• Is at least 20 minutes a day;
• Is preferably outdoors;
• Encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity through the provision of space and equipment; and
• Discourages extended periods of inactivity.

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

Physical Activity and Punishment

Teachers and other school and community personnel should not use physical activity (running laps, push-ups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (recess, physical education) as punishment.

                                                                                                                        Appendix C

Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness

Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Settings

For students to receive the nationally recommended amount of daily physical activity (at least 60 minutes per day) and for student to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond physical education class.  Toward that end WACO will:

• Offer 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;
• Discourage sedentary activities, such as watching television; and,
• Provide opportunities for physical activity to be incorporated into other subject lessons.

Communication with Parents

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

• Provide parents with a list of foods that meet the district’s snack standards and ideas for healthy celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities;
• Encourage parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the above nutrition standards for individual foods and beverages;
• Send nutrition information home with students and via the Parent letter;
• Support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school; and,
• Enlist the support of parents with the Pick A Better Snack Program.

Staff Wellness

The WACO Community Schools will value the health and well being of every staff member and will plan and implement activities that support personal efforts by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  The district will:

• Develop, promote and oversee a plan to promote staff health and wellness;
• Offer and encourage staff participation in wellness activities and yearly health screening; and,
• Offer and support participation of school based influenza vaccination.

                                                                                                            Appendix D

                                                                                                            Page 1 of 4

NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR ALL FOODS AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS

School Meals

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

      •     be appealing and attractive to children;

      •     be served in clean and pleasant settings;

      •     meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by local, state and federal law;

      •     offer a variety of fruits and vegetables; and                                        -

      •     ensure that half of the served grains are whole grain.

WACO Community Schools will:

•     engage students and parents through surveys, in selecting foods offered through the meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices; and,

•     share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students. (The information could be made available on menus, a web site, on cafeteria menu boards, placards or other point-of-purchase materials.)

Breakfast

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

·         operate the breakfast program, to the extent possible;

·         arrange bus schedules and utilize methods to serve breakfasts that encourage participation;

·         notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, where available; and,

·         encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take-home materials or other means.

Free and Reduced-Priced Meals

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

·         utilize electronic identification and payment systems;

·         provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; and,

·         promote the availability of meals to all students.

Meal Times and Scheduling

The WACO Community Schools:

·         will provide students with an appropriate time for breakfast and lunch;

·         should schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g., lunch should be schedu1ed between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm; should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities;

·         will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat; and

·         students who have special oral health needs will be allowed appropriate accommodations.

Qualification of Food Service Staff

Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the meal programs. As part of the school district’s responsibility to operate a food service program, the school district will:

·         provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals; and,

·         provide staff development programs that include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, nutrition managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility.

Sharing of Foods

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

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

Elementary schools: The food service program will approve and provide all food and beverage sales to students in elementary schools. To this end:

·    food in elementary schools should be sold as balanced meals, given young children’s limited nutrition skills; and,

·    foods and beverages sold individually should be limited to low-fat and non-fat milk, fruits and non-fried vegetables.

Secondary schools: In middle/junior high and high school, all foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable meal programs (including those sold through a la carte [snack] lines, vending machines, student stores or fundraising activities) during the school day, or through programs for students after the school day, will meet the following nutrition and portion size standards:

Beverages

·         Allowed: water or seltzer water without added caloric sweeteners; fruit and vegetable juices and fruit-based drinks that contain at least 50 percent fruit juice and that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners; unflavored or flavored low-fat or fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages (as defined by the USDA).

·         Not allowed: soft drinks containing caloric sweeteners; sports drinks; iced tea fruit-based drinks that contain less than 50 percent real fruit juice or that contain additional caloric sweeteners; beverages containing caffeine, excluding low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk (which contain minimal amounts of caffeine) will not be sold during the instructional day.

Foods

A food item sold individually:

·         will have no more than 35 percent of its calories from fat (excluding nuts, seeds, peanut butter and other nut butters) and 10 percent of its calories from saturated and trans fat combined;

·         will have no more than 35 percent of its weight from added sugars;

·         will contain no more than 230 mg of sodium per serving for chips, cereals, crackers, french fries, baked goods and other snack items; will contain no more than 480 mg of sodium per serving for pastas, meats and soups; and will contain no more than 600 mg of sodium for pizza, sandwiches and main dishes;

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

Fundraising Activities

·         all fundraising projects are encourage to follow the district nutrition standards

·         all fundraising projects for sale and consumption within and prior to the instructional day will be expected to make every effort to follow the district’s nutrition standards

Snacks

Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. Schools will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations. The school district will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to teachers, after-school program personnel and parents.

If eligible, schools that provide snacks through after-school programs will pursue reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program.

Rewards

Strong consideration should be given to nonfood items as part of any teacher-to-student incentive programs.  Should teachers feel compelled to utilize food items as an incentive they are encouraged to adhere to the district nutrition standards.

Celebrations

Schools should evaluate their celebrations practices that involve food during the school day.  The district will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.

School-Sponsored Events

Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day will meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually.

Food Safety

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

·         All foods made available on campus 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. http://www.fiis.usda.gov/mfResources/serviunsafe chapter6.pdf

Summer Meals

Schools in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic school year and the first day of the following school year, and, preferably, throughout the entire summer vacation.

                                                                        Appendix E

PLAN FOR MEASURING IMPLEMENTATION I

Monitoring

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

In each school:

·         the principal will ensure compliance with those policies in the school and will report on the school’s compliance to the superintendent; and,

·         food service staff, at the school or school district level, will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent or principal.

n the school district:

·         the school district will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes. If the school district has not received a SMI review from the state agency within the past five years, the school district will request from the state agency that a SMI review be scheduled as soon as possible;

·         the superintendent will develop a summary report every three years on school district-wide compliance with the school district’s established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies, based on input from schools within the school district; and,

·         the report will be provided to the school board and also distributed to all school wellness committees, parent/teacher organizations, principals and health services personnel in the school district.

Policy Review

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

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

STUDENTS

508.1 - CLASS OR STUDENT GROUP GIFTS

The board welcomes gifts to the school district from a class or student group.  While class gifts to the school 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 school district.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 68B; 722.1, .2 (1995).

Cross Reference:         704.4  Gifts - Grants - Bequests  704.5    Student Activities Fund

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15, 11/20/2023

Revised:                     

STUDENTS

508.2 - OPEN NIGHT

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6:15 p.m. whenever possible.  This time is considered in effect during the academic school year.  It is the responsibility of the principal to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:         900  Principles and Objectives for Community Relations

Approved:                   7/13/00

Reviewed:                   9/21/15

Revised:                     11/20/2023

STUDENTS

550.1 - CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES REGULATIONS

This policy is rescinded as of 12/18/2023.

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 and other 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 Co-curricular Activities Policies

1.  Students who participate in the above 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 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.

Department of Education Co-curricular Activities Policies

A.         Eligibility Rules

1.  Eligibility may be compromised if any of the following are true:

     a.  You do not have a physician's certificate of fitness issued this school year.

     b.  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 7^th or 8^th grade may not be eligible to participate in middle school activities.

     c.  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.)

     d.  You have changed schools this semester, except upon like change of residence of your parents/guardians.  (Not applicable to the middle school.)

     e.  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.

     f.  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.

     g.  You have ever trained with a college squad or have participated in a college event.

     h.  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.

B.         Scholarship Rules for Athletics

  1.  Application of Scholarship Rules

     a.  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.

     b.  In addition, Scholarship Rules apply to all students who are members of any recognized District Activity.

  2.   Requirements

     a.  All students must be enrolled and in good standing in a school that is a member or associate member in good standing of the organization sponsoring the event.  Each student shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress toward graduation requirements at the end of the first quarter, second quarter, first semester, third quarter, fourth quarter, and second semester.

      b.  All students must be under twenty (20) years of age.

     c.  All students shall be enrolled students of the school in good standing.  The student shall receive credit in at least four subjects, each of one period or hour, or the equivalent thereof. They shall receive credit in all courses for which a letter grade is given.  Grades will be checked at the end of each grading period as defined in (a) above.

       i.  Coursework taken under the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 261C, postsecondary enrollment options, for which a school District or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation shall be used in determining eligibility.  No student shall be denied eligibility if the student’s school program deviates from the traditional two-semester school year.

       ii.  Dual credit courses from community colleges will count toward the four-credit class requirement, and failure of such courses will result in violation of eligibility standards.

     d.  A student who has had four or more successful non-failing (no “F”s) grading periods (quarters) after the grading period in which the student did not pass all coursework is eligible.

      e.  For block scheduling classes, the grading period may be the end of nine (9) weeks if that is when the grade is recorded on the transcript.  Each block scheduled course is the equivalent of two traditional courses.  Thus, at a minimum, students must receive credit in at least two block courses during any grading period

     f.  If a student does not meet the Eligibility Standard, then s/he will not be allowed to represent the school for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days in all co-curricular activities and competitions as defined in paragraph (a) of this policy.  S/he is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next athletic contests and competitions in which the athlete is a contestant for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days. The thirty (30) Day Rule applies to all levels of high school athletics, and not just varsity competition.  The thirty (30) consecutive calendar days of ineligibility begin on the earliest date when the IGHSAU or the IHSAA allows games to begin for each sport.  If the sport is in mid-season, then the period of ineligibility begins at 3:40 P.M. the afternoon of the 3^rd weekday following the end of the grading period.

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

      h.  Subject to the provision below regarding contestants in interscholastic baseball or softball, if at the end of any grading period a contestant is given a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the contestant is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next occurring interscholastic athletic contests and competitions in which the participant is a contestant for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.  The thirty (30) calendar days begin at 3:40 the afternoon of the 3^rd weekday following the end of the grading period.

     i.  At the end of a grading period that is the final grading period in a school year, a contestant, in interscholastic baseball or softball who receives a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, is ineligible to dress for and compete in interscholastic baseball or softball for the thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.  The thirty (30) calendar days begin at 3:40 the afternoon of the 3^rd weekday following the end of the grading period.  If the season expires prior to thirty (30) consecutive calendar days elapsing, the period of ineligibility will carry over to the beginning of the next sport in which the student participates.

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

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

     l.   An incomplete (I) will be considered a failure.  At the time the incomplete (I) becomes a passing grade, eligibility will be reinstated.

     m.  A student is academically eligible upon entering the ninth grade.

     n.  No student shall be eligible to participate in any given interscholastic athletic sport if the student has engaged in that sport professionally.

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

C.        After-Hours, Off-Premises Special Rules

  1.  Application- The following rules cover students in grades 5-12.  These after hours, off-premises special rules will be printed in the Student Handbook given to each student in grades 5-12 when school opens in the fall.  A Student Handbook will also be issued to each new student who registers after the school year begins.

  2.  General Rule- The Board, the administration, and other employees of the District, have no control or responsibility for any student when the student is in the custody and control of his/her parents, guardian, or other non-school related agency except as explained below.

  3.  Exceptional Rules- The Board and administration have determined the following specific policies as exceptions to the immediately preceding paragraph:

      a.  Training and Conduct Rules- The sponsors and coaches must establish reasonable training and conduct rules for the activities for which they have been given responsibility.  These rules must be approved by the principal or athletic director. They must be distributed to each participant before the activity commences. A student who registers late will receive the rules when he/she starts.  Violation of any of these training and conduct rules may be just cause for eliminating a student from the activity or restricting participation.

     b.  Participation in Criminal or Unlawful Activity- Students who represent the District in extra-curricular activities are expected to characterize high standards of conduct.  Students who participate in any conduct which, in Iowa, is illegal, whether or not an arrest or conviction occurs, except simple misdemeanor traffic violation may be suspended from activity participation if an investigation by school officials if they determine the student has committed a violation of the rules.  They may be penalized in the manner described in the following section on alcohol and controlled substances.  Upon each offense of a criminal or otherwise unlawful activity, the student shall be referred to the Building Assistance Team.

     c.  Alcohol, Nicotine and Controlled Substances- Involvement with alcohol, nicotine and/or other illegal substances classified as controlled substances is deemed a most serious offense.  The Board and administration will impose severe penalties when it has been determined a participant has been involved in the use, sale, distribution or possession of the same.  Severe penalties will also be imposed on those who inhabit an environment or are in attendance where an illegal act(s) related to alcohol and/or controlled substances occur(s), including, but not limited to: (i) alcohol being possessed, distributed or consumed by people not of legal age to do so and (ii) possession, sale, distribution or consumption of illegal substances.  Since rules for participation in activities carry over outside of school hours and school-sponsored events, parents and concerned agencies must cooperate with the school in eliminating alcohol, nicotine, and controlled substance use and abuse.

  4.  Penalties- When it has been determined that a student has violated the rules regarding (b) or (c) in sub-section (3) above, the student shall be penalized as follows:

     a.  Repeat offenses shall be calculated by counting backward from the date of the current violation.  Two (2) calendar years shall be used in determining the number of offenses that apply.

     b.  First Offense: Four-week (28 calendar days) suspension from scheduled cocurricular competition or performance.  This four week suspension will be shortened to two weeks (14 calendar days) if the student reports the incident to a coach, sponsor, activities/athletic director, or principal prior to any one of the above's awareness of the incident.

     c.  Second Offense: Ten weeks (70 calendar days) suspension from all cocurricular competition or performance.  A student suspended for a second time under this policy will be eligible to participate in cocurricular activities and competition after five weeks (35 days) if he/she reports the incident to a coach, sponsor, activities/athletic director, or principal prior to any one of the above's awareness of it.

     d.  Third Offense: A minimum of 18 weeks (126 calendar days) suspension from participation in all co-curricular competition and performance.

     e.  The suspensions described above will commence at the time the student makes a school coach, sponsor, athletic director or principal aware of the infraction or at the time an investigation by the athletic director or the principal determines by the finding of fact that the student has violated this policy.

D.        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:

     a.  Scheduled contests will conform at all times to the state association rulings and adhere to recommendations made by these agencies.

     b.  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. 

REVISED:  10/29/2020, (12/18/2023 Rescinded)

REVIEWED: 10/29/2020

SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY RELATIONS

POLICY 550.5 - CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

This policy was rescinded on 12/18/2023.  Please check with the AD and the athletic handbook on concussion management.  

The District considers concussions and head injuries serious matters, and will follow all laws and regulations regarding the identification and management of such injuries.  The District shall provide annually to each parent or guardian of each student in grades seven through twelve a concussions and brain injury information sheet, as provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.  The student and the student’s parent or guardian shall sign the sheet and return it to the District prior to the student’s participation in any extra-curricular interscholastic activity.

If a student’s coach or activity sponsor observes signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion or brain injury during an extra-curricular interscholastic activity, the student shall be immediately removed from the activity.  Extra-curricular interscholastic activity means any dance or cheerleading activity or extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest or practice governed by the Iowa High School Athletic Association or the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union that is a contact or limited contact activity as identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The student’s parent or guardian shall be contacted as soon as possible following the injury, and told that the student cannot return to participate in the activity until evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional.  The student shall not return to participate in the activity or practice on the same day of a concussion. The student shall not return to participation in an extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest or practice until a written clearance to participation signed by the appropriate health care provider is given to the district. The student shall be examined by an appropriate health-care professional the same day the injury occurs.  A licensed health care provider means a physician, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist or licensed athletic trainer.  There may be situations when the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and/or the District specifically designates individuals to act as the health-care professional during an activity or event.  In such situations, the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s, and/or the District’s decision regarding the designation of the health-care professional is final. The written release shall be maintained as part of the student’s cumulative record.

For students who participate in an extracurricular interscholastic activity which is a contest in grades seven through twelve, the District shall adopt a return to play protocol consistent with the Department of Public Health’s rules and a return to learn plan based on guidance developed by the Brain Injury Association of America in cooperation with a student removed from participation in an extracurricular interscholastic activity and diagnosed with a concussion or brain injury, the student’s parent or guardian, and the student’s licensed health care provider to accommodate the student as the student returns to the classroom.

Approved       6/17/19
Reviewed       6/17/19
Revised         12/18/2023 - Rescinded