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:
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
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:
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
501.09R1 - CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM AND TRUANCY
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience. The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and absences can cause disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and the school.
This regulation is divided into two sections: Section I addresses legal requirements related to chronic absenteeism and truancy and Section II addresses additional academic, disciplinary and extracurricular consequences students face due to chronic absenteeism and truancy. It is important for students to recognize that chronic absenteeism and truancy impacts all these facets of their educational experience.
SECTION I – Legal Requirements
Chronic Absenteeism
When a student meets the threshold to be considered chronically absent, the school official will send notice by mail or e-mail to the county attorney where the district’s central office is located. The school official will also notify the student, or if a minor, the student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian via certified mail that includes information related to the student’s absences from school and the policies and disciplinary processes associated with additional absences.
School officials will send notice when the student's absences meet the threshold but before the student is deemed chronically absent.
School Engagement Meeting
If a student is absent from school for at least fifteen percent of the days in the grading period, the school official will attempt to find the cause of the absences and start and participate in a school engagement meeting. All of the following individuals must participate in the school engagement meeting:
The purpose of the meeting is to understand the reasons for the student’s absences and attempt to remove barriers to the student’s ongoing absences; and to create and sign an absenteeism prevention plan.
Absenteeism Prevention Plan
The absenteeism prevention plan will identify the causes of the student’s absences and the future responsibilities of each participant. The school official will contact the student and student’s parent/guardian at least once per week for the remainder of the school year to monitor the performance of the student and the student’s parent/guardian under the plan. If the student and student’s parent/guardian do not attend the meeting, do not enter into a plan or violate the terms of the plan, the school official will notify the county attorney.
SECTION II – Academic and Disciplinary Requirements
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to one of the following: detention, early bird school, in-school suspension, check-in/check-out, or other appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, and school-sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations approved by the building principal if the student's work is finished before the trip or vacation.
A student who is unexcused for one or more classes for less than a whole school day, will be assigned to a detention, school, in-school suspension, check-in/check-out, or other appropriate disciplinary sanctions for the next day during the class period(s) missed. If a student is unexcused for a whole day of classes, he or she will spend the next two days in detention, early bird school, in-school suspension, check-in/check-out, or other appropriate disciplinary sanctions. Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.
School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed eight days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.
Adopted: 08/19/2024
Revised:
Reviewed:
| I.C. Iowa Code | Description |
|---|---|
| Iowa Code § 294.4 | Teachers - Daily Register |
| Iowa Code § 299 | Compulsory Education |
| I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 281 I.A.C. 12.3 | Administration |
| C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations | Description |
|---|---|
| 28 C.F.R. 35 | Judicial - Disability - Nondiscrimination |
| 34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 | Education - Disabilities/Children/Assistance to States |
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
501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absences Regulation
Policy Rescinded - 10/21/2024
See policy 509.3 and 509.3R1.
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking student attendance records. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and school.
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned appropriate disciplinary sanction(s). Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be assigned on a two-for-one basis or as needed.
Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.
Note: If "supervised study hall" or "in-school suspension" is used in the above paragraphs, the following paragraph is recommended for inclusion.
In the event the student has not completed all of the student's assignments while in (supervised study hall, in-school suspension), the student will remain out of class and in (supervised study hall, in-school suspension) until caught up in every class.
School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed 10 (ten) days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision
|
I.C. Iowa Code |
Description |
|
Iowa Code § 294.4 |
|
|
Iowa Code § 299 |
|
|
I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code |
Description |
|
281 I.A.C. 12.3 |
Cross References
|
Code |
Description |
|
206.03 |
|
|
410.03 |
Approved: 4/17/2023
Reviewed:
Revised: 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:
To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:
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