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

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022        
Revised August 27, 2018

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022       
Revised August 27, 2018

Parents within the school district who have children over age four (4) and enrolled in the statewide preschool program, over age five (5) and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program, or over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the district at the attendance center designated by the board.

Students of compulsory attendance age (i.e., over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school) will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Students over age four (4) on September 15 and enrolled in the statewide preschool program and students over age five (5) on September 15 and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program, may not attend the minimum days only if the student’s parent notifies the district in writing of the parent’s intent to remove the child from the preschool program and/or from enrollment in the district.

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 attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited nonpublic school; 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.

The principal will investigate the cause for a student’s truancy.  If the principal is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the school board.  If after school board action the student is still truant, the principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

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

.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022       
Revised September 26, 2022

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.

The board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district’s education program.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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

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 difficulties, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised September 26, 2022

A student’s parents or the student may transfer the student to the school district.  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, or the superintendent’s designee 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022       
Revised August 27, 2018

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 notice should state the student’s final day of attendance.  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. 

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

As part of the school district’s records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded  electronically with the district’s registrar.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

Regular attendance by students 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.

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences.  All schools will accept parentally excused absences for up to five (5) days during a semester. Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to, personal illness, medical or legal appointments, attendance at a funeral, religious observations or instruction,  family emergencies, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day, and school-sponsored or approved activities.

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students.  However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school.  In these circumstances, the district may provide parents and students the option to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law.  The superintendent or designee will also have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person.  The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

Students whose absences are approved shall be permitted to make up all missed assignments outside of class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the appropriate teacher. An exception is that in participation-type classes, a student’s grade may be affected because of the student’s inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period. A student shall be allowed one make-up day for each day of absence. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

If a student is confined to home or hospital for an extended period, the school shall arrange for the accomplishment of assignments at the place of confinement whenever practical. If the student is unable to do his/her schoolwork, or if there are major requirements of a particular course which cannot be accomplished outside of class, the student may be required to take an incomplete or withdraw from the class without penalty.

Students participating in school activities must be present for each class of the school day, unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent. Students participating in school-sponsored activities (e.g., field trips, athletic events, school arranged college visits, job shadowing, activity events) will not be recorded as an absence on the student’s attendance record.

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence.

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. sec. 300
                                         28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
                                         Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
                                         281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:  501      Student Attendance
                                         503      Student Discipline
                                         504      Student Activities
                                         506      Student Records

Approved September 28, 2022             
Reviewed September 12, 2022                          
Revised September 26, 2022

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 defined as being absent without a reasonable excuse or any absence that occurs without notification from the student’s parent/guardian. Schools must be notified on or before the day of the absence in order for the absence not to be classified as truancy.

Verified Unexcused Absence is defined as any absence that is verified by the parent or guardian, but is not listed in the “Excused” category above would be considered a “Verified Unexcused Absence”.  Verified unexcused absences can occur because of personal reasons and may include, but are not limited to:

1. short notice family trips
2. birthday parties
3. non-school related competitions
4. prom dress shopping
5. graduations
6. trips to the airport
7. car problems
8.  planned family vacations in excess of 3 missed school days

Penalties & Procedures for Verified Unexcused Absences/Truancy

Truancy or Verified Unexcused Absences –

• 1^st  offense - 30 minute detention to be served within 24 hours
• 2^nd offense – 1 day ISS.
• Please note our newly fashioned ISS program will be committed to educational and community service purposes.  Half of the day our students will focus on academics, by completing missing or late work. The second half of the day will be community service based, by way of working with our custodial and maintenance staff on the upkeep of our facilities.
• If a student refuses to accept responsibility for their actions and is not present for the assigned consequence, appropriate administrative action will take place.
• 5^th offense – One day of ISS. Student will remain in ISS until parents meet with Guidance Counselor, Administrator, or Student Support Coordinator. 
• 10^th offenses – Subsequent violations - Please see loss of credit section. 

Students receiving special education services will be assigned appropriate consequences so that the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022       
Revised September 26, 2022

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.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student’s attendance center, employment or any  MOC and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify both the sending and receiving school district in accordance with district practice.  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 will file in the same manner set forth above may also request open enrollment to a neighboring, either before the year starts or during the kindergarten year. 

The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to their local board policy regarding capacity limitations. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request any time and return to the resident school district by notifying both the receiving and resident district.  The receiving district’s superintendent will notify both 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.

The board may approve a student’s request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.  Conditions for such transportation will be determined annually. Transportation assistance is available to students in families with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, with the mode of transportation assistance decided by the resident district.

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 necessary for open enrollment requests.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022        
Revised August 8, 2022

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

The superintendent will approve incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application for high school varsity athletic participation; or continuation of an educational program application filed by the third Thursday of the following September.  All other applications will be acted upon by the board.

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.  The superintendent will also forward a copy of the school district’s action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.

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.

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 not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the school district, unless the student meets one of the good cause exceptions identified in Policy 505.7 or both the sending and receiving district school boards agree to allow varsity athletic participation.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the board or superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement, unless the family’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level at which point, the sending school district determines which method of transportation assistance is appropriate.  The board will not approve transportation into the sending district without approval from the board of the sending district.

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 8, 2022

The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices.  The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is the superintendent of schools, with the designee as an alternate.

“Homeless child or youth” is defined as a child or youth from the age of 5 years through 21 years who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence and includes the following:

1. A child or youth who is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; is abandoned in a hospital; or is awaiting foster care placement;
2. A child or youth who has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
3. A child or youth who is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting; or
4. A migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because the child or youth is living in circumstances described in paragraphs “1” through “3” above.

School Records:  For students transferring out of the district, records may be provided directly to the student or the student’s parents.  In addition, students transferring into the school district may provide cumulative records directly to the district.  The school district will not require that such records be forwarded from another school district before that student may enroll.  The school will then request the official records from the previous school.

Immunization Requirements:  Homeless students will not be denied enrollment for lack of immunization records if:

1. They have a statement signed by a physician stating that immunization would be injurious to the student;
2. They provide an affidavit stating such immunization would conflict with their religious beliefs;
3. They are in the process of being immunized; or
4. They are a transfer student from another school.

The school district will make a reasonable effort to locate immunization records from the information provided or will arrange for the student to receive immunizations.

Waiver of Fees and Charges:  Fees and charges which may present a barrier to the enrollment or transfer of a homeless child or youth may be waived in the discretion of the superintendent.

Enrollment Requirements/Placement:   Enrollment requirements which may constitute a barrier to the education of a homeless child or youth may be waived at the discretion of the Superintendent.  If the district is unable to determine the grade level of the student because of missing or incomplete records, the district shall administer appropriate tests to determine the appropriate grade level for the child.

Residency:  For purpose of a homeless child or youth, residence for the purpose of attending school shall be where the child actually resides or the child’s district of origin.  A child’s district of origin is the district where the child was last enrolled.  The deciding factor shall be the welfare of the child. 

Transportation:  Policies or practices regarding transportation of students which might cause a barrier to the attendance of a homeless child or youth may be waived by the Superintendent.

Special Services:   All services which are available to resident students shall be made available to homeless children or youths enrolled in the district.  Services include special education, talented and gifted programs, vocational education, English as a second language programs, health services, and food and nutrition programs.

The contents of this policy shall supersede any and all conflicting provisions in district policies dealing with the seven policy areas discussed 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 School 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022        
Revised August 27, 2018

In the event a child of compulsory attendance age, over six and under age sixteen, does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school the child must receive competent private instruction.

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

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

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

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

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

Students receiving competent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another school district.  Prior to the request for open enrollment, the student shall request dual enrollment in the resident district.  The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements.  If the parent, guardian or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district.  The resident district shall then report the noncompliance to the county attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian or custodian.

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

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

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

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

Students will 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

Student expression, other than student expression in student-produced official school publications, made on the school district premises or under the jurisdiction of the school district or as part of a school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the school district; therefore, student expression must be responsible.  Student expression must be appropriate to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

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

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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 3 (three) days of the employee’s decision.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within 5 (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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

Student lockers are the property of the school district.  Students will 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 the responsibility of students to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.

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

Approved August 27, 2018    
Reviewed September 12, 2022  
Revised August 27, 2018

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 or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Weapons, including firearms, are not allowed on school property or at school activities, including hunting rifles or shotguns, even if they are unloaded and locked in vehicles.  Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled for not less than one year.  Students bringing to school or possessing dangerous weapons, including firearms, will be referred to law enforcement authorities.  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, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

Any student bringing a weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object, or any instrument used as a weapon onto district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the district may be suspended or expelled from school.

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

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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 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 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

School district property is held in public trust by the board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities.  School officials may also conduct periodic inspections of all, or a randomly selected number of, school lockers, desks, and other facilities or spaces owned by the district and provided as a courtesy to a student. 

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 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

A student may not be interviewed in school unless the building principal gives specific permission.  Generally, individuals other than parents and school district officials and employees may not interview students during the school day.  No interview shall be permitted unless the principal deems it essential to the welfare of the pupil as set forth in regulations, or he is directed to do so by court order.

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

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

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

The board recognizes the convenience to families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center.  Driving a motor vehicle to and parking it at the student’s attendance center is a privilege.

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center.  Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.  Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center.  Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal. 

Students who 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 a medically verified physical hardship.

Students who wish to drive to and park at their school attendance center shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the building principal.  Failure to comply with this policy or the school district rules shall be reason for revocation of school driving and parking privileges as well as other disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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:

• 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 pupil’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 pupil 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 are given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised January 11, 2021

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

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

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

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

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

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

Approved January 11, 2022
Reviewed September 12, 2022
Revised January 11, 2021

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 circumstances.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the 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.

Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct.  The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline.  In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the district’s administration of discipline.  The school reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.

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

1. Open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including extracurricular rules);
2. Assault or threatened assault on another person;
3. Extortion, intimidation or coercion;
4. Inciting others to violate the law or school rules;
5. Vandalism;
6. Gambling;
7. Theft or possession of stolen goods/property;
8. Sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia;
9. Possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.
10. Possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation weapon or an explosive;
11. Possession, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;
12. Use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco or imitation substances;
13. Profanity;
14. Possession of pornographic/obscene literature, items or materials;
15. Student dress which is suggestive, condones illegal activity or in some way disrupts the educational process;
16. Failure to abide by corrective measures for previous acts of misconduct;
17. Harassment in any form of another person;
18. Conduct which discriminates against others based upon an individual's sex, race, national origin, religion or disability;
19. Destruction, damage, unauthorized use, inappropriate use, and/or manipulation of hardware, software or any aspect or component of the school's electronic information system including the internet; or
20. Inappropriate sexual conduct including harassment, indecent exposure, and visible display of affection.

A student who commits an assault against an employee 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.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:

• an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
• any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
• intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.

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

A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school, classes, and practice, but will not participate in other school activities.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal’s office.  It shall be within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

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

Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility.  An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in 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. Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement will take place.  The Individual Education Program (IEP) is evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension..

If a special education student’s suspensions, either in or out of school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team will meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

Administrative 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 and the superintendent.  A reasonable effort is made to personally notify the student’s parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

D.    Suspensions and Special Education Students

1. 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 August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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 is provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion written with sufficient specificity to enable the student to prepare a defense;
2. Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student to obtain the assistance of counsel and to prepare a defense;
3. Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. The names of the witnesses¹ and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the Superintendent;
5. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student’s behalf;
6. The right to be represented by counsel; and,
7. The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student’s inspection

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

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

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

If the special education student’s conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district’s expulsion hearing procedures.  If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the school district.

[1] In some cases, information concerning a student's violation of the Code of Conduct will be gained from students who the district may want to remain anonymous.  The district believes that it is critically important, in certain circumstances, to protect the anonymity of students who report serious violations of the Code of Conduct to insure that violations are reported and those who report them will not be subjected to ostracism and physical reprisals.  If an expulsion is based upon evidence obtained from a student who the district believes needs to remain anonymous because they may be subjected to ostracism or physical reprisals, the administration shall undertake reasonable efforts to determine the veracity of the student's report and the student's credibility.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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 will 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

Harassment and bullying of students are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, school employees, and volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. If after an investigation, a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.  “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived protected trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances which create an objectively hostile school environment:

• Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment, bullying, hazing, or other victimization that have the purpose or effect of causing substantial injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;
• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature that have the purpose or effect of causing substantial injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;
• Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc. that have the purpose or effect of causing substantial injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;
• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student that have the purpose or effect of causing substantial injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim; and/or
• Unreasonable interference with a student's performance or creation of an objectively intimidating, offensive, or hostile learning environment.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or benefits;
• Submission to or rejection of the conduct by a school employee is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
• The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

• Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or

• Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The building counselor, or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The board secretary or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy.  The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies.

The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment. The superintendent shall report to the board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment.

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

• Inclusion in the student handbook,
• Inclusion in the employee handbook
• Inclusion in the registration materials
• Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site,
• Publication in the district newspaper, and
• A copy shall be made to any person at the Red Oak Community School District Central Office, 604 S Broadway, Red Oak, IA  51566.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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

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

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

Threats of Violence

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

Incident of Violence

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault.

Injury

Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981).

Property Damage

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

Assault

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

an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

Approved: November 29, 2023

Reviewed: October 18, 2023

Revised:

Levels of Behavior

The following levels are used to determine the district’s response to violent misconduct. Levels will be assigned based on the discretion of administrators. Administrators will consider the age level and maturity of students in determining the level of an offense and assigning appropriate consequences. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

Level 1—Behaviors that jeopardize the physical safety or emotional well-being of others; behaviors that may lead to property damage (e.g., rough play, spontaneous aggressive behaviors such as pushing and shoving, antagonism, verbal threats, fighting words, etc.)

Level 2—Aggressive behaviors that involve the intentional use of force or intimidation; behaviors that include vandalism or the destruction of property valued at less than $50; bringing a dangerous object to school; repeated or significant incidents of Level 1 infractions (e.g., simple assault/fighting/physical altercations, disorderly conduct, verbal abuse, substantial or severe threats, coercion, etc.)

Level 3—Aggressive behaviors involving extreme violence and/or the intentional use of force to inflict serious bodily harm or injury; behaviors that place others in substantial risk or significant fear; vandalism or destruction of property valued over $50; repeated or significant incidents of Level 2 infractions (e.g., serious or aggravated assault, possession or use of a weapon, menacing with a dangerous object, premeditated threats of violence, extortion, etc.)

Escalating Responses by Grade Band

Grades PK-2

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Grades 9-12

Definitions

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours (or during lunch or recess) 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.

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. 

Students at elementary or secondary level shall be required to pay a book rental fee which shall be established annually by the board.  No fixed activities fee may be required of all students, nor may class dues be exacted.

Students may be asked to pay a charge for materials or service related to optional activities and projects that are part of the regular school program.  Such charges shall be kept to a minimum and shall be approved annually by the building principal.

Certain items required by students, such as locks for lockers, will be purchased by the district and rented to the student.  When these items are no longer needed, they may be returned to the school, with refund of the rental fee dependent upon their condition.

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018 

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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

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

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It will 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 are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

Noncurriculum-Related Organizations

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

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

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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 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 214.1.  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.

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 board policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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.

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

• Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;
• All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and,
• Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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

District-sponsored student organizations may have no more than three fund raising projects per year.  Only one fund raising project may be a direct person-to-person sales campaign.

There is to be no duplication of direct person-to-person sales projects within the school year.  Two organizations may not sell the same project at different times during the same year.

Other fund-raising projects, such as dances, dinners, or car washes may be duplicated, but may not involve the solicitation of funds in any person-to-person manner.  For example, the FFA club could have a dance as could the student council, but neither group could solicit people individually to purchase tickets.

A request for authorization to engage in a fund raising project must be submitted well in advance on an appropriate form from the building principal’s office.  Such authorization must be obtained before any fund raising may take place.  The authorization of the building principal must be forwarded to the superintendent for final approval.  In general, no more than one fund raising project is to occur within the district at any given time, other than dances, dinners, car washes, or similar service types of projects.  Exceptions may be approved due to seasonal constraints or for other unusual circumstances.

All funds generated from district-sponsored student fundraising will be placed in the district’s student activity fund.

All monies are to be turned in to the principal on a daily basis and forwarded to the district central office.  The checks will be issued from the central office for the expenses incurred.  Monies collected in buildings on a daily basis are to be kept in a building vault.  If no vault exists in a building, the monies are to be forwarded to the district central office daily. Monies must never be kept overnight in desk drawers, file cabinets, or other classroom/office furnishings.

Any person or entity acting on behalf of the district and wishing to conduct any fundraising campaign for the benefit of the district shall begin the process by seeking prior approval from the Superintendent.  Any fundraising efforts conducted using the district's name, symbols, or imagery will be conducted in accordance with all policies, regulations and rules for fundraising within the district. 

A record of each organization’s projects will be maintained by the building principal, along with a calendar of all approved fund raising dates/activities.  The building principals shall coordinate their calendars to ensure compliance with this policy. The superintendent will appraise the Board of all scheduled fund-raising activities at least once per semester.

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

Approved August 23, 2021          
Reviewed October 24, 2022        
Revised November 7, 2022

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.  The purposes of the student activity program are (a) to provide an outlet for student interests; (b) to contribute to the physical, mental, social, emotional and civic development of students; (c) to allow students to participate in individual and group activities; and (d) to foster the development of leisure-time activities.

Every student shall be encouraged to participate in at least one school-sponsored activity or contest.  Any eligible student may elect to participate in the extra-curricular activities of the student’s choice.  No coercion shall be used to force a student to participate in an activity.  A student shall not be required to participate in one activity in order to be eligible to participate in another activity. 

Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered 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.

All student activities affiliated with the school must be under the direction of school personnel.

Student activity events must be approved by the superintendent unless they involve 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 with approval of the high school principal or of the athletic director.  Such outside participation will not conflict with the school sponsored athletic activity.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for school activities.  These regulations will 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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

A student who transfers school districts under open enrollment in grades 9 – 12 shall

not be eligible to participate in varsity interscholastic contests and competitions during the first

90 school days of the transfer.  This restriction also shall apply to transfers resulting from an

approved petition filed by a parent or guardian to transfer to an alternative receiving district and when the pupil returns to the district of residence.

This 90-school-day restriction does not prohibit the pupil from practicing with an athletic team

during the 90 school days of ineligibility. 

This 90-school-day restriction is not applicable to a pupil who:

• participates in an athletic activity in the receiving district that is not available in the district of residence.
• is a participant in an athletic activity for which the resident district and receiving district have a “cooperative student participation agreement” in place as provided by rule 281-36.20(280).
• is requesting open enrollment due to a change in circumstances that meet the definition of good cause exemption from the 90-day waiting period in Iowa Code 282.18, subsection 11, paragraph 1, subparagraph 8, including:

• change in child’s residence due to a change in family residence
• change in child’s residence from the residence of one parent or guardian to the residence of a different parent or guardian
• change in the state in which the family residence is located
• change in a child’s parents’ marital status, a guardianship or custody proceeding, placement in foster care, adoption, participation in a foreign exchange program
• participation in a substance abuse or mental health treatment program
• change in the status of a child’s resident district such as removal of accreditation by the state board, surrender of accreditation, or permanent closure of a nonpublic school, revocation of a charter school contract, the failure of negotiations for a whole grade sharing, reorganization agreement, or the rejection of a current whole grade sharing agreement or reorganization plan.

Approved: August 8, 2022

Reviewed: August 8, 2022

Revised: August 8, 2022

Students shall receive a progress report at the end of each nine-week grading period.  Students who are at risk of receiving a failing grade or whose achievement has declined, 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 to keep parents informed will be held in the fall and the spring of each school year.  Conferences in the elementary grades are scheduled individually with parents and/or guardians.  Conferences at the middle school and high school may be individually scheduled.

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.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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 retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the licensed employee and the principal.  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 board to retain students in their current grade level.

Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required course work 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 board to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

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.

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. 

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022         
Revised August 27, 2018

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 are made aware of honors and awards and the action necessary on the part of the student to achieve them.

Students transferring in from nonaccredited settings will only be eligible for honors and awards for the actual period of time they have been enrolled as regular students in the school district.  Students transferring into the high school from a nonaccredited setting will not be eligible for class ranking unless he/she has been enrolled for four (4) or more semesters.

Approved: August 27, 2018        
Reviewed: October 24, 2022   
Revised: August 27, 2018

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 parent:
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
• sex behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents 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).

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

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

Graduation Requirements

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

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

                                                    Tiered Graduation Pathways

*Students shall be excused by the principal of the school if their parent or guardian requests in writing they be excused from the physical education requirement. A student who wishes to be excused from the physical education requirement must:

1. be seeking to do so in order to enroll in academic courses not otherwise available to the student;
2. be enrolled in a work-based learning program or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student to leave the school premises for specified periods of time during the school day; or
3. participate in a school sponsored extracurricular activity which requires at least as much physical activity per week as one-eight unit of physical education.

To be granted a waiver, parents must indicate the activities students will participate in to complete at least 120 minutes of physical activity each week, as required by the Healthy Kids Act.

Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with state-required standards and the prescribed course of study as described in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP). In order to obtain a diploma, the student must meet current state-required standards including; four units (years) of English, three units (years) of math, three units (years) of social studies, and three units (years) of science (4-3-3-3). An IEP team cannot excuse or waive the state’s graduation requirements. An IEP team may waive local district graduation requirements based on the student’s needs and abilities. An IEP team must demonstrate reasonable cause for waiving local district graduation requirements.

An entitled student who is not able to meet the requirements for a regular high school diploma will be granted a certificate of completion if they fulfill the course requirements and expectations outlined in their IEP.

All students must complete a CPR course provided by the school.

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.

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

The Board shall have complete discretion to determine extraordinary circumstances that may permit variances from the above.

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the Board as needed.

Approved August 27, 2018    
Reviewed December 13, 2023
Revised January 24, 2024
 

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.

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.

In considering early graduation, the student and his/her parents need to consider seriously the advantages and disadvantages of this option.  There should be compelling reasons for pursuing such a course.  It is the viewpoint of the board and the administration that students should take advantage of the opportunity to grow and mature intellectually as well as socially through four years of high school attendance.  The benefits of interacting with one’s peer group and enrolling in courses/activities that offer opportunity for participation in varied activities need to be given serious consideration.  It is recognized, however, that a few students might better satisfy their particular needs by early completion of high school in order to pursue a career, enrollment in a post-secondary school, or to become involved in some other worthwhile endeavor.

The process to accomplish early graduation is as follows:

1. Application for early graduation shall be submitted to the principal no later than the last day of the fourth quarter of the junior year. No late requests will be considered except for transfer students entering after the start of the 4^th quarter.  In extreme circumstances exceptions to the above deadlines may be made upon the recommendation of the high school principal.  It is strongly recommended that all students complete four years of high school.
    

2. The student must earn the required number of credits for graduation from this school that are in effect at the time of application.  This includes specific required courses.  The eighth semester of required physical education will be waived.
    
3. Prior to the time an application is filed, the student and his/her parents or guardian are required to meet with a school counselor to discuss the feasibility of early graduation.  Such matters as the student’s past record of scholastic achievement, attendance, attitude toward school/teachers, reason(s) for early graduation, and subjects to be pursued in earning credits need to be considered. 
    
4. A request for early graduation is subject to the recommendation of the principal and the approval of the board.
    
5. A student approved for early graduation forfeits his/her eligibility to participate in all school sponsored or sanctioned activities during the eighth semester and the following summer.  This means you cannot participate in prom, class trip, or athletics.
    
6. Even though the student would earn a diploma before the other students in his or her graduating class, it would not be granted until graduation ceremonies at the end of the school year.  The student could elect to take part or not take part in graduation ceremonies but in either case the principal would have to be notified of the decision by January 15.
    
7. School records would show the student as having met the requirements for graduation effective the last day of their final semester.  Grade average and rank-in-class for the student would be determined and listed at the end of the seventh semester. A student graduating early will not be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian.   If needed, the principal will certify early graduation by letter to any college or post high school institution or prospective employer requiring proof of graduation.
    
8. Any student who has been approved for early graduation will be expected to achieve passing  marks in elected courses and to maintain regular school attendance.  Course schedule changes will not be made to suit the convenience of the student.  Course changes will not be made that will adversely affect the course/section balance.
    
9. Prior to his/her eighth semester, a student may reverse the decision of early graduation.  The student would then be required to remain in school and enroll as a full-time student during the final eighth semester.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022          
Revised August 27, 2018

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 is the responsibility of the principal to solicit input from each graduating class regarding the proceedings for their commencement.

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

The board may exclude a student from participating in commencement exercises for violation of school rules for orderly operation of the schools.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022        
Revised August 27, 2018

Parental involvement is an important component in a student’s success in school.  The board encourages parents to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success.  To this end, the board will address the following items:

1. 1. 1. 1. How the board will involve parents in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan and the process for improvement.  Parent advisory groups exist at all Title I attendance centers.  The Title I program is discussed at least annually in terms of what assistance is available to students, along with the opportunity for parental input into ways to improve the program.  In addition, parents are involved in the Student Assistance Team process, and that is the venue through which students are referred for Title I services.

1. 1. 1. 2. How the board will provide the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance.  Through the annual goal-setting process, the board will promote effective parental involvement in all school activities to improve student achievement for ALL students.

1. 1. 1. 3. Build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement.  Each Title I attendance center will have regular meetings of the parent advisory groups.  Annually, a Title I evening will be held during which parents, students, and teachers will have the opportunity to interact, with parents learning strategies that can be effectively implemented at home.  Parents are part of the Student Assistance Team process.  Title I teachers are responsible for updating parents and keeping them informed about the progress of their child(ren).

1. 1. 1. 4. Coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies under Title I with other programs such as Reading First, and other initiatives.  Title I teachers are part of the professional development activities for all teachers.  The recent focus has been on the implementation of Reading First instructional strategies, which has been a topic at the meetings of the parent advisory groups.

1. 1. 1. 5. Conduct with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, minorities, parents with disabilities and parents with low literacy) and use the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parental involvement policies.  An evaluation of the Title I program will be accomplished annually at the Title I evening for all parents of Title I students.

1. 1. 1. 6. Involve parents in Title I activities.  Each Title I attendance center will have regular meetings of the parent advisory groups.  Annually, a Title I evening will be held during which parents, students, and teachers will have the opportunity to interact, with parents learning strategies that can be effectively implemented at home.  Title I teachers are responsible for updating parents and keeping them informed about the progress of their child(ren).  The district Title I coordinator will present an annual report to the Board in June regarding parental involvement and parental evaluations of the Title I program.

The board will review this policy annually.  The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents of this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022        
Revised August 27, 2018

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

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 and eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have a right to access the student’s 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 records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

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

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

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

If the school district determines that amendment of the student’s record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the school district.  If the parents’ and the eligible student’s request to amend the student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the student record commenting on the school district’s decision or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the school district.  Additions to the student’s records will become a part of the student record and be maintained like other student records.  If the school district discloses the student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed.

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

• 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 student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;

• 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 financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

• to organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if the study does not release personally identifiable information 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 is 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;

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

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

• in connection with a health or safety emergency; or,

• as directory information.
• 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 records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student.  Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student’s written permission.  This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

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

Permanent student records, including a student’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation.  Permanent student records will be kept in a fire-safe vault.

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the school district to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified.  This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the school district.  If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the school district will destroy the 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.  In the absence of parents or an eligible student’s request to destroy the records, the school district must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

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

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 of their 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 Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC. 20202-4605.

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed October 24, 2022          
Revised November 7, 2022