STUDENT POLICIES GOALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Board of Director’s goal is to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school District.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use the District’s education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunity.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, and/or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises.

Students should conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age 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 buses; 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.

Students who fail to abide by this and other school district policies, rules, and administrative regulations supporting the school district policies may be disciplined for any of the following:

1.         Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the educational program;

2.         Conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity;

3.         Conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to obtain their education or participation in educational activities;

4.         Conduct that is violent or destructive; or

5.         Conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.

Teachers and/or others who are in charge of a classroom must be the administrators of classroom discipline.  Therefore, minor disciplinary offenses are the responsibility and obligation of the classroom teacher.  When a situation arises wherein the educational process is substantially interfered with, it then becomes the responsibility of the administration to assist in the disposition of the discipline problem.

Impermissible Conduct

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

1. Open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including extracurricular rules);
2. Assault or threatened assault on another person;
3. Extortion, intimidation or coercion;
4. Inciting others to violate the law or school rules;
5. Vandalism;
6. Gambling;
7. Theft or possession of stolen goods/property;
8. Sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia;
9. Possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.                                            
10. Possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation weapon or an explosive;
11. Possession, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;
12. Use, possession, and/or transmission of nicotine 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 transportation; while attending or engaged in school district activities shall be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension shall be sent to the board president.  The board shall 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:

1.         Any 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;

2.         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

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

Sanctions for Student Misconduct

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 or after school has been dismissed for the day.  The imposition of a detention and the length of the detention shall be within the discretion of the employee disciplining the student or the building principal.

Suspension means either an in-school suspension or an out-of-school suspension.  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 school days.

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 shall 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 shall 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 but no longer than one school year.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student's placement shall take place.  The student's Individual Education Program (I.E.P.) shall be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension.  If a special education student's suspensions, either in-school or out-of-school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the student's I.E.P. is appropriate.

ANTI-BULLYING / ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

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

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

This policy is in effect while students or employees 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.

Harassment and bullying includes any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

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

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

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

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

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

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

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

• Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or
• Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

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

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.  Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and 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 principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment.  The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging bullying or harassment.

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 in the school.  The superintendent shall report to the Board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment in the school.

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

• Inclusion in the student handbook;
• Inclusion in the employee handbook;
• Inclusion in the registration materials; or
• Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site.

Furthermore, a copy shall be made to any person at the District’s central administrative office.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

The District shall provide equal opportunity to all students for quality education in accordance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM

The District supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of age (except for students), race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, creed, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the District, the Board and the employees in making decisions relating to school District facilities, employment, and selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.

In the delivery of the education program, students will treat the employees with respect and students will receive the same in return.  Employees have the best interests of the students in mind and may assist them in school-related or personal matters if they are able to do so.  Students should feel free to discuss problems, whether school-related or personal, with the guidance counselor or other employees.

APPLICATION OF STUDENT POLICY MANUAL

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school District; while in school owned and/or operated, 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.

STUDENT RESIDENT STATUS

Resident Students

Children who are residents of the District will attend the school District without paying tuition.

Residence, for purposes of attendance in the school district means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents.  However, 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 their parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Non-Resident Students

Children 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 (11) or twelve (12) 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, 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.

International Students in Student Foreign Exchange Programs

Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school without charge for tuition if they are part of an approved Student Foreign Exchange Program.  The principal must give final approval before any such student can enroll.

Upon enrollment, the following items are provided at no cost to the student, natural parent or host parent: Class Dues and Student Activity Pass.  The student must pay for his/her own class ring, hot lunch, and cap and gown.

Before being able to participate in athletics, the student must have on file an approved physical examination.  The examination form provided by the IHSAA and IGHSAU must be used.

Programs or activities for which foreign exchange students are not eligible are: Driver Education and National Honor Society.

For those items not specifically mentioned above, a foreign exchange student has the same rights and responsibilities of all other students.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN DISTRICT

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 (5) on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school District's kindergarten program.  The child must be age six (6) 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, as well as verification of a recent dental screening.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.  An exception to this would be a homeless student.

Students enrolling in the District after the first day of regular classes will have one day for orientation, testing and/or scheduling purposes prior to beginning work in the classroom unless circumstances prohibit such.  The classroom teacher will have this one school day to make preparation for the new student(s) prior to admittance to class.  The building administrator/ designee will be responsible for the orientation, testing and/or scheduling.

HOMELESS YOUTH ENROLLMENT

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:

Title:                            Guidance Counselor

Location:                     High School

Telephone Number:      641-446-4816

FOREIGN STUDENTS ENROLLMENT

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence, and immunization.  Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents of the school District if the student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian(s) and the student is in the United States with appropriate documentation. 

In addition they must meet one (1) of the following requirements:

1. The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; or
2. The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school District with such proof, including a current TB test.

The principal must approve foreign students for enrollment.  The Board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted for enrollment. 

STUDENT TRANSFER INTO AND OUT OF DISTRICT

Transfers Into District

The 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 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.

Transfers Out of District

The student's parents or the student may withdraw or transfer the student from school district prior to completing and graduating from the education program.  The student or parent shall notify the superintendent or designee in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The notice shall state the student's final day of attendance.  The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, and locker equipment, etc.

If the student is not enrolling in another school District, the school District shall maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school District.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school District or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents shall notify the superintendent or designee that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school District, the parents shall notify the superintendent or designee in writing.  This notice shall 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 shall forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice shall inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT

The school District will participate in open enrollment as a receiving District.  As a receiving District, the Board will allow non-resident students, who meet the legal requirements, 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 timely filed applications by June 1; and will take action on incoming kindergarten applications, good cause applications and continuation of an educational program applications filed by the date required under Iowa law.

The superintendent will notify the sending school District and parents within five (5) 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 provided the required timelines are met.

Open enrollment requests into the school District that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school Districts, will be given highest priority.  The Board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school Districts.  Other open enrollment requests into the school District are considered in the order received by the school District with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

Generally, students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) open enrolling into the school District will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety (90) days of open enrollment into the school District.

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.  The Board will not approve transportation into 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.

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.

OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES AS A SENDING DISTRICT

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

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

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school District are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline.  Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1.  Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 30 unless another deadline applies.

The receiving District will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year.  The receiving District’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school District by mail within five days of the school District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

The Board will not approve a student's request to allow the receiving District to enter the school District for the purposes of transportation.

An open enrollment request out of the school District from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school District is appropriate for the student's needs.  The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving District will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the school District until the final determination is made.

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

COMPULSORY ATTENDENCE

Parent/guardians within the school District who have children over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school District at the attendance center designated by the Board. If the student’s classroom or attendance center transitions to required continuous learning opportunities included in the district’s approved Return to Learn Plan, the student’s participation is required. The superintendent may include in the district’s approved Return to Learn Plan an option for parents or guardians who prefer to have students participate in required continuous learning. An enrolled student who does not participate in compulsory remote-learning opportunities offered by the school district during a period of school closure implemented any time during the school year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic shall be considered truant.

Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 1,080 hours (180) days.  Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not attend the minimum days only if the student falls into one of the following exemptions:

1. has completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
2. is attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
3. is attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
4. is attending an accredited nonpublic school;
5. is receiving competent private instruction; or
6. is subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian 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 truancy officer, principal or other school official will investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the truancy officer, principal or other school official is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the truancy officer, principal or other school official should discuss the next step with the school Board.  If after school Board action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer, principal or other school official will refer the matter over to the county attorney for students of compulsory attendance age. Truant students who have not yet completed sixth grade will be subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process outlined in the supporting administrative regulation.

The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney.  The superintendent 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.

INDEPENDENT AND COMPETENT PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

In the event a child of compulsory attendance age does not attend public school or an accredited non-public school, the child must receive competent private instruction or independent 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 by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall 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 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 or report is in compliance with the law.  The district shall report non-compliance 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 or independent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another 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 non-compliance 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 appropriate Area Education Agency, Division of Special Education, for evaluation.

DUAL ENROLLMENT

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.

ATTENDANCE COOPERATION PROCESS

Any student under age sixteen (16) on September 15 is subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process.

When it is determined that a student in grades kindergarten through sixth grade is in violation of the school District attendance policy and procedures, the truancy officer or principal will check the Department of Human Services records to determine whether the student’s family is receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits. 

If the student’s family is receiving FIP benefits, the truancy officer or principal will notify DHS.  DHS is then responsible for the Attendance Cooperation Process (ACP).  If the student’s family is not receiving FIP benefits, the truancy officer or principal will initiate the ACP.  The parent/guardian will be contacted to participate in the ACP.  The truancy officer or principal may also invite juvenile court officers, the county attorney, other school officials and others deemed appropriate.  If others are invited who do not have access to the student’s records either by law or a Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement, parental/guardian consent is needed for them to participate in the ACP.

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

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

ATTENDANCE OF CLASSES AND INSTRUCTIONAL TIME

The philosophy of Central Decatur Community is that consistent and punctual attendance is of vital importance and is a prerequisite for completing an education. Attendance is a shared responsibility and requires cooperation and communication among students, parents, and school. Attendance at school on a regular basis is an extremely important ingredient for success in school. Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the education program. Participation in class discussion, developing an appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives. Excessive absence has been labeled one of the major factors leading to school failure. Learning lost, due to an absence can never be replaced. Regular attendance and being well prepared for class helps students in school as well as prepares students for adulthood. However, in the event of a long-term illness, we wish to be of assistance to you and to help provide services to keep your child from falling behind.

Students will be expected to attend school regularly and be on time to receive maximum benefit from the instructional program, to develop habits of punctuality, respect, self-discipline, and responsibility, and to assist in keeping disruption of the educational environment to a minimum. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only impedes their own studies but also interferes with the progress and attitudes of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance.  Missed work will need to be completed in a timely fashion.  Teachers will allow 2 days for every day missed, up to a maximum of 6 days for full credit.

Students who have good attendance are more likely to achieve higher grades, enjoy school to a greater degree, and have more employment opportunities after leaving school. Prospective employers expect promptness and regular attendance from employees and are reluctant to hire persons who have not established good habits of responsibility and self-discipline.

Attendance is required of all students in all regularly scheduled classes and instructional time. The superintendent shall, in cooperation with the school administration, staff, parents/guardians, and students, prepare rules and regulations to implement this policy.

Elementary, Middle and High School Attendance Procedures

The Board and faculty of the Central Decatur Community School District consider regular attendance highly important and have established the following policy to deal with student absence and tardiness in the elementary school(s).

I. Absences

A. The following absences may be excused, providing the excuse has been provided by the parent or guardian in advance of the absence, or at the time of personal illness or by the next school day:

• Personal illness;
• Family death or emergency;
• Medical appointments that must be made during school time;
• Court appearance if validated by the assigned time on the ticket, and the appearance is validated by the Clerk of the Magistrate Court and/or District Court.
• Family trips and other extended absences, which can be justified from an educational standpoint. These must be approved by the principal well in advance and arrangements made with each teacher involved for the make-up of work to be missed.
• School initiated absence (no parent excuse required).

B. The following absences may be treated as unexcused:

• Any absence not properly excused before the occurrence, or at the time in the case of personal illness. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school if a student is to be absent and the absence is to be excused. However, to satisfy a mutual concern of parents/guardians and the school for the welfare of unaccounted-for students, the office will contact parent/guardian should a student be found absent for whom no parent/guardian excuse has been received. This call will be to confirm the whereabouts of the student but will be considered after the fact for attendance purposes and will not be considered excused if the school has to call to find a student;
• Leaving the building during the day without parental excuse and authorization of the principal's office.

C.  Final determination for classification of an absence (excused or unexcused) will be made by the building principal.

D.  Chronic Absenteeism

• Chronic Absenteeism is closely monitored and tracked by Central Decatur School District and the Iowa Department of Education.  Students will be considered attendance at-risk if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Missing 8 or more days of previous school year
• 5 or more tardies in previous school year
• 2 absences in first 2 weeks of school
• 2-3 absences in first 4 weeks of school
• 4 absences in first 8 weeks of school

If a student meets one of the above criteria, the parents may be contacted by the school office, by mail or phone.  The school administration may then request a meeting in order to identify and remove barriers to consistent attendance.  This may include the development of an attendance contract.  After 8 missed days- school administration may involve juvenile court authorities, Decatur County attorney and/or other officials as appropriate. 

II. Tardiness

A. Tardies are unexcused absences that are thirty (30) minutes or less in nature. Up to four (4) tardies will be given without penalty per school year. After the fourth (4) tardy, parents/guardians will be notified and a meeting will be held between the principal and the parent/guardian. An attempt to resolve the tardy issue will be made.    

B. Unexcused tardies beyond four (4) will be considered truant. Those children who are truant and have accumulated fifteen (15) unexcused absences during a three-year period MAY be considered in violation of the state's mandatory attendance laws. These cases will be referred to the County Attorney for mediation or prosecution.

Students are expected to be in class on time. A student spending a half-day (or more) in the nurse’s office will be counted absent from the classroom for that half day. Students arriving at school after 9:00 a.m. or leaving before 2:30 p.m. will be marked absent for that half day. Students arriving to school late, between the time of the tardy bell and 9:00 am will be counted tardy.

A student who is absent from school, for any part of or all the class day, of an evening event/activity (i.e.: concerts, sports events) shall be ineligible to participate unless the cause of his/her absence is of the type for which it is authorized by the principal. Examples may include: funeral or serious family emergency.

Attendance Notice:

1) The school will notify the parents by letter when a child’s absences meet or exceed 10% of days enrolled.  This includes excused or unexcused absences.  Absences will be calculated every 20 days and notices sent directly afterwards.

2) If the attendance problem continues, a home visit and/or conference will be arranged with the parents. The purpose of the visit/conference will be to develop a plan to remedy the problem.

3) If the attendance problem persists (ten (10) days of school per semester) the principal will arrange a conference with the parents, and one or all of the following alternatives, but not limited to, may be utilized: make up time missed from school, require summer school attendance, if available, and legal authorities may be notified.

4) Students who have 10% unexcused absences in a class, may have their overall quarter grade dropped by 1 letter grade (A to B, A- to B-, etc).

TRUANCY

Truancy is the act of being absent without an approved excuse.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy.  It shall be within the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, or either’s designee, to determine, in the light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.

The truancy officer shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the truancy officer is unable to secure the truant student's attendance after three (3) documented occurrences per school year, the case shall be referred to the county attorney for mediation or prosecution.

The school will participate in mediation, if requested by the county attorney.  The District's superintendent/designee shall represent the District in mediation.  The District will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.

STUDENT RELEASE DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Students will be allowed to leave the school District facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours or with the permission of the principal.

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, and/or classes outside the student's attendance center and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS                                           

The superintendent/designee shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the emergency exists.  The superintendent/designee shall make provisions to publicly announce such closings via local media as soon as possible after the decision to close.

School shall be in session in accordance with Iowa law.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS

As part of the school District's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the Board secretary.  It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the Board secretary, who is the custodian of school records.

STUDENT RECORDS

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

Parents and eligible students will have access to the student's records during the regular business hours of the District.  An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education at the post high school level.  Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code.  In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student.  A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a special education student's records.  Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the District has a court order stating such or when the District has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records.  Parents may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.

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

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five (45) calendar days after the request is made.  Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

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

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

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

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

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

1.         to school officials within the District and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, Board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving official school committees;

2.         to officials of another school District in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school District notifies the parents the student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school Districts;

3.         to the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;

4.         in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

5.         to organizations conducting educational studies and the study does not release personally identifiable information;

6.         to accrediting organizations;

7.         to parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

8.         to comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena consistent with an interagency agreement between the District and juvenile justice agencies;

9.         in connection with a health or safety emergency; or

10.       as directory information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The District may share any information with the agencies contained in a student's permanent record which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student.  Prior to adjudication, information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the parties without parental consent or court order.  Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order.  Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student's family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student's family.  Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian.

Confidential information shared between the District and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.  Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian.  The District may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the District determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement.

Agencies will contact the principal of the attendance center where the student is currently or was enrolled.  The principal will then forward copies of the records within 10 business days of the request.

The District will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy.  Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right to inspect and review the student's records.  The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language.  Should the District collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the District will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the District failed to comply with this policy.  Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.

STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school District.  Directory information is defined in the annual notice.  It may include the student's name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child's information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS

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

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

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

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

STUDENT LIBRARY CIRCULATION RECORDS

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the school District libraries.  As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent.  Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, authorized licensed employees, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents.  Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

It is the teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records.  Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the school District.  If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

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

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are the requirements for graduation for students to earn a Central Decatur Community School District High School diploma:

1.         The accumulation of a minimum of fifty (50) credits.  The specific course requirements are outlined elsewhere in the Policy.

2.         All students must successfully pass one (1) semester of physical education (1 credit) per year.

3.         A student may be eligible for graduation when the number of credits have been obtained, but not before the end of the third year of high school.

4.         The high school principal/designee shall submit a list of persons eligible for diplomas or certificates of attendance to the Board for approval in the month of May each year.

5.         The Home School Assistance Program Coordinator shall submit a list of persons eligible for certificates of completion to the Board of Directors for approval in the month of May each year.

6.         Students must have successfully completed the District and state requirements for graduation to be eligible for participation in graduation exercises.  The only exception will be for extenuating circumstances involving unforeseen and unavoidable situations.  Such exceptions may be made at the discretion of the high school principal/designee.

7.         Any student may, after four (4) years of attendance, make-up their failed classes through correspondence work or by returning to school.  When these failed classes have been made-up, the student may receive a regular diploma.

8.         Required courses taken at a post-secondary institution, which are duplicates of courses offered at the Central Decatur Community School District High School, will not count toward graduation requirements unless a course has been previously failed at Central Decatur Community School District High School.

9.         A maximum of four (4) elective courses taken at a post-secondary institution may be counted toward meeting the graduation requirements.  These courses must be approved in advance by the principal/designee.

10.       Any post-secondary courses that are duplicates of courses offered at Central Decatur Community School District High School will not qualify for funding under the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act.

11.       Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with this policy, unless an individual student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires some other arrangement. This may include additional services or courses, if those additional services or courses are determined by an individual student’s IEP Team to be necessary for a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

The IEP Team may waive particular graduation requirements in this policy, based on a particular child’s disability-related needs. However, beginning with the graduating class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts, and three years each of mathematics, science, and social studies (known as 4-3-3-3), with support and accommodations as described in their IEPs for graduation with a regular high school diploma. An IEP Team may  determine, based on a particular child’s educational needs, how the 4-3-3-3 requirements are met;   however, an IEP Team may not waive this requirement.

According to the Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education: “Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, and updated annually, thereafter, the IEP must   include: a. Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and b. The transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.”

Prior to the special education student’s graduation, the IEP team will determine whether the graduation criteria have been met. The superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete 4-3-3-3 based on their IEP.  Students who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach maximum age of twenty-one.

EARLY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve (12).  Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in the Board Policy.  A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the District. 

As a general practice, a student must formally apply to the school board for permission to graduate early/before their class at least (1) semester in advance of the student’s desired final year.

Students should receive written approval from the secondary school guidance counselor, high school principal, and superintendent before making written application to the school board.  The board may require the student and his/her parent/guardians to meet with them before the board acts on the request.

Students and his/her parents/guardians who do choose early graduation must also agree to the following:

1. You must complete or show evidence of completing all graduation requirements as prescribed by the board before being recommended for early graduation.
2. You must have the counselor approve your credits and then present written documentation to the administration that you have successfully completed the credits required.
3. With your early graduation, you will lose the right to participate in all school/class activities.
4. Early graduates may elect to return and participate in the graduation exercises, complete with cap and gown, and presentation of diploma.  Although the individual’s records will show the actual date of graduation, the diploma will not be awarded until the graduation of the entire class

COMMENCEMENT

Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement activities provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school District.  It is the responsibility of the principal to solicit input from each graduating class regarding the proceedings for their commencement.

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

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are the course requirements for students to graduate from Central Decatur Community School District High School:

1. Science:  Six (6) credits.  All freshmen must enroll for a full year laboratory science course, which meets half of this requirement.
2. Mathematics:  Six (6) credits of mathematics.  All freshmen must enroll for a full year mathematics course.
3. Social Studies:  Six (6) credits of social studies, including two (2) credits of world history, two (2) credits of American history, and one (1) credit each of government and economics.
4. Language Arts:  Eight (8) credits.  Four (4) credits must be earned in the area of basic English mechanics and composition.  One (1) credit must be earned in either American Literature or World Literature.  One (1) credit must be earned in another literature course.  Two (2) credits may be earned in any of the courses listed under language arts.
5. Technology Education:  At least one (1) credit in computer-related class work.
6. Vocational:  Two (2) elective credits.
7. Fine Arts:  Two (2) elective credits.  Foreign language may be used to meet this requirement.
8. Physical Education:  One (1) semester of physical education (1 credit) per year.
9. Financial Literacy: One-half (1/2) credit of financial literacy, which may but is not required to fulfill either one-half (1/2) credit of mathematics, one-half (1/2) credit of social studies or one-half (1/2) credit of Career and Technical Education content.*
10. Special Education Classes:  Special education students must attend classes pursuant to Board Policy.
11. Elective requirements may be waived by the building principal for those students who have been enrolled in Band and Chorus for four (4) years and have scheduled a full course load for four (4) years.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are the registration and course load requirements for students of Central Decatur Community School District High School:

1.         Students may be given a proficiency and/or achievement test to determine eligibility for any class.  A standard of proficiency may also be required for a student to attend a regular program of studies.

2.         For all students enrolled in a regular high school program of studies the following requirements must be met:

a.         All students must be registered for a minimum of five (5) class periods per week.  This is referred to as the student’s “course load.”

b.         No student may perform in any outside activities unless successfully passing all subjects.  Eligibility is determined at the end of each quarter.  A student may participate in any activity during the school day without having to meet this standard; however, he/she would not be eligible to participate in any performance or activity other than during the school hours, designated as being from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

c.         No student may participate in any activity if the student has an unexcused absence on the day of the event.  The student must be present the last half of the day in order to be eligible to participate in any activity.

3.         Student classification:  A student will be classified by the year he/she is in school rather than by credits earned.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Health services are an integral part of comprehensive school improvement, assisting all students to increase learning, achievement, and performance.  Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental, and social well-being.  Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home, and community service providers.  The District’s comprehensive school improvement plan, needs, and resources determine the linkages.

The superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, health advisory committee, public health nurse, school health team, etc. will develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.  The superintendent will provide a written report on the role of health services in the education program to the Board annually.

STUDENT HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATES

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

A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the physician is on file at the attendance center.  Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the superintendent.  Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Students enrolling in kindergarten or any grade in elementary school in the District will have, at a minimum, a dental screening performed by a licensed medical professional (physician, nurse, physician assistant, dentist, dental hygienist) sometime between the student turning three (3) years of age and four (4) months following the student’s enrolling in the District, and will provide proof of such a screening to the District. Students enrolling in any grade in high school in the District will have, at minimum, a dental screening performed by a licensed dentist or dental hygienist sometime between one (1) year prior to the student’s enrollment in the District and four (4) months following the student’s enrollment in the District, and will provide proof of such a screening to the District.

Parents or guardians of students enrolling in kindergarten in the District shall be provided a student vision card provided by the Iowa optometric association and as approved by the department of education. The goal of the District is that every child receives an eye examination by age seven, as needed.

The superintendent shall ensure the district collaborates with the Iowa Department of Public Health to ensure that applicants and transfer students comply with the blood lead testing requirements under Iowa law.

Students enrolling for the first time in the school District will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law.  The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so.  Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion or denial of admission.  Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the District for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission.  The District may conduct TB tests of current students.

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

ADMINSTRATION OF MEDICATION TO STUDENT

Students may be required to take medication during the school day.  Medication shall be administered only by the school nurse or a qualified designee.  A qualified designee is a person who has been trained under the State Department of Health guidelines.  Training and continued supervision shall be documented and kept on file at school.

Some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.  These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parent.  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication as long as all other relevant portions of this policy have been complied with by the student and the student’s parent or guardian.  A written statement by the student's parent/guardian shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.

Students may be required to take medication during the school day.  Medication is administered by the school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, by a person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners.  The course is conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist.  A record of course completion will be maintained by the school District.  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medication may self-administer their medication as long as all other relevant portions of this policy have been complied with by the student and the student’s parent or guardian.

Medication will not be administered without written authorization that is signed and dated from the parent and the medication must be in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of the day which it is to be given, the dosage, and the duration.  Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated.  When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parents.  A written record of the administration of medication procedure must be kept for each child receiving medication including the date; student's name; prescriber or person authorizing the administration; the medication and its dosage; the name, signature, and title of the person administering the medication; and the time and method of administration and any unusual circumstances, actions or omissions.  Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information shall be kept confidential.

The school nurse, or in the nurse's absence, the person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners will have access to the medication which will be kept in a secured area.  Students may carry medication only with the approval of the parents and building principal of the student's attendance center.  Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.

The superintendent is responsible, in conjunction with the school nurse, for developing rules and regulations governing the administration of medication, prescription and nonprescription, including emergency protocols, to students and for ensuring persons administering medication have taken the prescribed course and periodically review the prescribed course.  Annually, each student is provided with the requirements for administration of medication at school.

STUDENT EXPOSURE TO IRRITANTS AND ALLERGENS

Students may be exposed to irritants that pose a risk to the student’s health and safety during the school day.  Parents and students shall take all precautions to ensure that they are not exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.

If the parent(s) requests a meeting, the District will meet with the parent(s) and/or student to discuss the student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s), and, if appropriate, develop a plan based on the student’s physician’s recommendation to limit the above student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s).  Every such plan to avoid exposure shall include a completed Parental Identification of Student Irritant and/or Allergen Form and a completed Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student.

The District cannot guarantee that the student will never be exposed to such irritants and/or allergens.  If a student is exposed to such an irritant and/or allergen and/or suffers from an allergic reaction, the District may administer medication to the student as necessary according to its policies and procedures.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees.  The term "communicable disease" will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the school District's bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan.  The procedures will include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees and record keeping.  This plan is reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.

The health risk to immunodepressed students is determined by their personal physician.  The health risk to others in the school District environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease is determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's personal physician, a physician chosen by the school District or public health officials.

A student's parent or guardian shall notify the superintendent or the school nurse when the student learns the student has a communicable disease.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, when the superintendent or school nurse, upon investigation, has knowledge that a reportable communicable disease is present, to notify the Iowa Department of Public Health.  Health data of a student is confidential and it shall not be disclosed to third parties, except in cases of reportable communicable diseases.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease.

STUDENT ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school District will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible.

The school District, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have employees present administer emergency or minor first aid if possible.  An ill or injured child will be turned over to the care of the parents or qualified medical employees as quickly as possible.

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the superintendent within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.

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

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

STUDENT SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day.  These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized education program.

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

STUDENT INSURANCE

Students will have the opportunity to participate in the health and accident insurance plan selected by the school district.  The cost of the health and accident insurance program is borne by the student.  Participation in the insurance health and accident plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.

Students participating in extracurricular athletics are required to have health and accident insurance.  The student will bring written proof of insurance or participate in the health and accident insurance program selected by the school district.

EMERGENCY PLANS AND DRILLS

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

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures.  The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees.  Employees will participate in emergency drills.  Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

The emergency plan shall include:

• assignment of employees to specific tasks and responsibilities;
• instructions relating to the use of alarm systems and signals.  If combination visual and auditory warning devices do not exist, the plan shall include specific provisions for warning individuals with hearing impairments;
• information concerning methods of fire containment;
• systems for notification of appropriate persons and agencies;
• information concerning the location and use of fire fighting equipment;
• specification of evacuation routes and procedures;
• posting of plans and procedures at suitable locations throughout the facility;
• evacuation drills which include the actual evacuation of individuals to safe areas;
• an evaluation for each evacuation drill.

STUDENT APPEARANCE

The District and the Board believe 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 come to school looking clean and neat, dressed in a manner which is accepted as being in good taste, and consistent with an attitude and atmosphere that is conducive to study and learning.  Extreme hairstyle and dress that is unduly immodest, distracting or inappropriate for a school environment will not be allowed.  Clothing or other apparel promoting or referring products illegal for use by minors, (i.e. alcohol, nicotine, drugs) and/or clothing displaying obscene material or profanity or referring to inappropriate or prohibited conduct are not allowed.  Low riding pants and low cut tops are not acceptable.  Bare midriffs will not be acceptable for boys or girls.  Clothes with holes or tears in inappropriate places are not acceptable.  Hats or any head coverings may not be worn in the building during school time, except for medical reasons or in observance of religious practices.  Any accessories deemed unsafe (such as chains or jewelry/accessories with spikes) will not be allowed.

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

While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the educational 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.

STUDENT LOCKERS

Student lockers are the property of the District.  Students shall use the lockers assigned to them by the District for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school.  It shall be the responsibility of students to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal/designee 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.

POSSESSION OF WEAPONS

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

District facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, look-a-likes, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon.  Weapons, look-a-likes, other dangerous objects, and any instrument used as a weapon shall be taken from students and others who bring them onto District property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the District or from students who are within the control of the District.  Students bringing a weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object or any instrument used as a weapon onto school property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school may be suspended or expelled from school.

Parents/guardians of students found to possess a weapon, look-a-like, dangerous object or any instrument used as a weapon on school property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons, look-a-likes, dangerous objects or any instruments used as a weapon shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and students shall be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school shall be expelled for not less than one year.  The superintendent/designee shall have 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.

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

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

POSSESSION OR USE OF ILLEGAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

The District and the Board recognize the following as serious violations of the school's disciplinary policy:

1.         Possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools;

2.         Possessing, distributing, using, or being under the influence of illegal drugs on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools;

3.         Possessing, distributing, or using drug paraphernalia on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.

Each violation of this policy shall be reviewed by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time after the alleged violation.  Both the student and their parents shall have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the administrator before the administrator makes a decision.

The penalty for such violations may include suspension or expulsion.  Participation in activities, including practices, shall also be prohibited during any period of suspension or expulsion.  A student suspended or expelled under this policy will be allowed to return to classes upon completion of the suspension/expulsion period and enrollment in a program of substance abuse evaluation with an agency approved by the District.  It shall be the responsibility of the student and/or their parent to enroll in the program of substance abuse evaluation.

School officials will notify law enforcement when a student is suspected of possessing, using, distributing or selling any illegal controlled substance on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools, unless reporting would jeopardize the District's at-risk or student assistance program.  Such reports must be made before the incident becomes part of the student's record, i.e., before it is written down.

This policy does not affect nor rescind policies in effect for students who may also be disciplined through the activity policies of the athletic department or other departments.

USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Rules and regulations concerning student-driven vehicles in addition to state motor vehicle laws shall be established by the building principal.  Motor vehicles should not be used during school hours unless special permission is given by the parent, principal or designee.  The privilege of driving during school hours may be withdrawn by the building principal/designee from the student if the student fails to comply with state law or rules and regulations as established by the principal/designee.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

School District property is held in public trust by the Board.  School District authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student 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.  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, shall not create a protected student area and shall 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, nicotine, 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 present 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.

QUESTIONING OF STUDENTS

School District officials and employees may interview students during the school day.  Generally, persons other than parents and school District officials and employees may not interview students during the school day.  For purposes of this policy, the school juvenile court officer shall be considered a school employee.

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 determine 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.

DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

When violations of statutes, regulations or school rules require the disciplining of a student, the following elements of procedural due process will be present:

1.         The student will be provided with accurate information regarding rules and regulations, either in written form or through verbal instruction by teachers or administrators;

2.         The student will be made aware of the specific behaviors giving rise to any proposed penalty or disciplinary action; AND

3.         The student will be offered an opportunity to express their views to the decision-making authority regarding the incident.

STUDENT FEES, FINES AND CHARGES

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/designee shall inform the Board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for charges or fees annually.  Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent/guardian. 

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

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

FEE WAIVER PROCEDURES

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

A.       Waivers

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

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

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

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

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

D.        Notice.  The school District will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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

Students may participate in interscholastic athletics, music, speech, and other contests or events approved by the administration subject to the rules and regulations which govern participation in general for each event or contest.  Any such events must be supervised by licensed school personnel.

The District is affiliated and pays dues as a member of the Iowa FFA Association, Iowa State Music Association, Iowa State Speech Association, Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High School Girls' Athletic Union, and the Iowa Association of Student Councils.  Therefore, the school is subject to all the rules and regulations of these associations and the Department of Education.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school District throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with Board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  The principal will keep records of violations of this policy.

Furthermore, a student may not violate the rules and regulations of the state associations and/or the discipline policy of the District or any rules and regulations pertaining to eligibility for extra-curricular activity, without jeopardizing the student's continued participation as it may apply.

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.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

The student council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school District affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.

The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed employees, will set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

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

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

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

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

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Secondary and/or student-initiated curriculum-related organizations and secondary and/or student-initiated non-curriculum-related organizations are encouraged.

Curriculum-Related Organizations

It will be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum-related.  One or more of the following questions will be answered affirmatively if the group is curriculum-related:

•  Is the subject matter of the group actually taught in a regularly offered course?
•  Will the subject matter of the group soon be taught in a regularly offered course?
•  Does the subject matter of the group concern the body of courses as a whole?
•  Is participation in the group required for a particular course?
•  Does participation in the group result in academic credit?

Secondary and/or student-initiated curriculum-related student organizations, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use the school District facilities for meetings and other purposes 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 any part of the education program will have priority over the activities of another organization.

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

Non-Curriculum-Related Organizations

Secondary and/or student-initiated non-curriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and school District facilities.  Only students may attend and participate in meetings of non-curriculum-related organizations.  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.

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

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

Students may produce official school publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal.  Official school publications include material produced in the journalism, newspaper, yearbook or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expressions made by students in the exercise of free speech, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The District, the Board, and the District employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students, unless the District 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 District employees or officials except as provided by law.  A faculty advisor shall supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.  The production of official school publications shall be guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations of 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 this policy manual.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in this policy manual.

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

SOCIAL EVENTS

All social events shall be under the control and supervision of licensed school personnel.  Approval for an event shall be secured from the principal/activities director or designee of the building involved and placed on the school calendar before any public announcement is made.  Hours, behavior, and activities related to social events shall be reasonable and proper.

ATTENDANCE OF EVENTS OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT

Events in which students participate during school hours or as representatives of the District, but at places outside of the school District must be sponsored and supervised by licensed school personnel.  Rules of behavior shall be the same as at any in-school activity or event.

The District has no control or responsibility for any school child when the child is in the custody and control of his parents/guardians or other agencies.

PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT

The District recognizes that parental involvement, referring to the involvement of any caregiver who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for children, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, stepparents, etc., is important to academic achievement.  Studies demonstrate that when parents are involved in their children’s education, the attitudes, behaviors and achievements of students are positively enhanced.

Parents and families provide the primary educational environment for children; consequently, parents are vital and necessary partners with the educational communities throughout their children’s school career.  Although parents come to the schools with diverse cultural backgrounds, primary languages and needs, universally all parents want what is best for their children.  School Districts and schools, in collaboration with parents, teachers, students, and administrators, must establish and develop efforts that enhance parental involvement and reflect the needs of students, parents, and families in the communities which they serve.

In order to enhance parental involvement, the District will promote six essential elements:

1.         Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful:  Effective communication requires school-initiated contact with the parent and parent-initiated contact with the school where both parties provide vital information about a child’s strengths, challenges, and accomplishments.  Open communication is encouraged any time.  Other communications are done each quarter of the school year. When Title I placement is made parents are notified and additional conferences are held and continue until a student’s services are discontinued. To effectively communicate, both parties must be aware of issues such as cultural diversity and language differences and appropriate steps must be taken to allow clear communication for all participants.  Transitions/ orientations from grade to grade are provided for all students K-12.

2.         Responsible parenting is promoted and supported:  The family plays a primary role in a child’s education, and schools must respect and honor traditions and activities unique to a community’s cultural practices and beliefs.  Parents are linked to programs and resources within the community that provide support services to families.  A jointly developed school/parent compact on how parents, the staff, and students share responsibility for improved achievement is distributed through K-3 elementary children in the fall of the year for parents to review and sign and return.  The compact is also in the elementary handbook and reviewed at annual meetings. At the time of placement of a student in Title I, parents are given the Title I requirements, standards, and assessments through parent-teacher meetings and conferences.

3.        Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning:  Educators recognize and acknowledge parents’ roles as the integral and primary facilitator of their children’s education.  Research demonstrates that student achievement increases when parents are actively involved in the learning process. Parents are encouraged to participate as volunteers in the school setting.

 4.         Schools are open and inviting to parents and families and are actively seeking parental support and assistance for school programs:  Parents are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought.  Capitalizing on the expertise and skills of the parents strengthens the family, school, and community partnership.

5.         Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families:  Parents and educators have a joint responsibility to make informed decisions related to all aspects of the education provided to the community’s youth.  The role of parents in shared decision-making should be continually evaluated, refined, and expanded. Title I teachers continue their involvement with parents through newsletters, surveys, and conferences while their children remain in the program.

6.         Community resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family practices and student learning:  Schools and parents will cultivate relationships with additional members of the community in order to promote and effectively increase educational opportunities for children.  Together, parents, educators and community members will join efforts toward identifying and promoting community resources and innovative programs for strengthening schools, families and student learning.  Annual Title I meetings are held and parents of all Title I students in public and private schools are notified.

Providing all children in the community with equal access to quality education is a primary goal.  It is vital that all partners (parents, educators, communities, etc.) have the opportunity to provide input and offer resources to meet this goal.  These partnerships are mutually beneficial.  Developing cooperative efforts and linking access to resources will ensure improved academic achievement for all students, as well as quality schools.

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

CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS

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

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

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

PARENT/GUARDIAN – TEACHER CONFERENCES AND STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS

The Board recognizes the following objectives or purposes of a system of reporting to parents and/or guardians regarding the status of the student:

1.         To inform parents/guardians of the progress made by their students.

2.         To bring parents/guardians into closer understanding of the expectations of the school.

3.         To record for students their growth or achievement.

4.         To assist students in evaluating their growth or achievement.

5.         To assist the student, parent/guardian, and the school in working cooperatively for the welfare of the student.

Reporting shall be done at nine-week intervals.  At the end of each nine weeks the parent/guardian shall be sent a report card.  Conferences between parent/guardian and teachers will be held at the request of parent/guardian or as the teacher or principal/designee deem advisable.

Parent/guardian(s) of all students doing unsatisfactory work will receive a progress report at the mid-point of each nine-week period.  All parent/guardian(s) of students who have received an unsatisfactory mid-term must be informed of the possibility of failure in a course not later than two (2) weeks before the close of the semester.  The teacher shall notify the student and the parent/guardian.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher conferences shall be scheduled in grades kindergarten through high school a minimum of twice a school year, at the end of the first quarter and during the second semester.  At the end of the other two nine-week periods a report card shall be sent to the parent/guardian, and a conference will not normally be required.

RETENTION AND PROMOTION

The District recognizes that not all students grow and develop at the same rate and that some students may need more time at a particular level.  Whenever a student at any grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade is not achieving up to expectation, the professional staff and parent/guardian shall consider retention.

Generally, retention is more appropriate at lower grade levels; however, retention in any grade through grade five (5) is acceptable if done in the best interest of the student.  In all cases, parent/guardian(s) and staff should work together in reaching a decision.

In rare instances, it may be in a student’s best interest to promote or “skip” the student over a grade.  This should only be done after extensive evaluation and consultation with all concerned.

Retention and promotion shall be carried out according to rules and regulations set forth in this policy.

TESTING, EVALUATION AND SURVEY PROGRAM

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

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

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
• sexual 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 superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  It is the responsibility of the Board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

STUDENT HONORS AND AWARDS

Any regularly enrolled student may be considered for honors or awards awarded by the school.  Qualifications for such awards shall be established by licensed school personnel who have been delegated the responsibility by the superintendent or the building principal.

CLASS OR GROUP GIFTS TO SCHOOL

Student groups may make expenditures for gifts to the District upon securing the recommendation of the building principal/designee and the approval of the superintendent/ designee.  Gifts may be accepted and acknowledged by the superintendent/designee acting for the Board.

STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Student complaints and grievances regarding Board policy or administrative regulations and other matters should be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint.  It is the goal of the Board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within three (3) days of the employee's decision.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within five (5) days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the Board agenda of a regularly scheduled Board meeting in compliance with Board policy.