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

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. 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 the parents.

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

 

Legal Reference:    Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

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

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

    33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).

    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (1999).

    1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.

    1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.

    1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.

    1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

Approved   1/22/01             Reviewed    7/15/2020             Reviewed   7/18/12     

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate shall be 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, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition.  These students must have an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

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

 

Legal Reference:    Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

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

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

    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (1999).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

Approved   1/22/01             Reviewed    7/15/2020               

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students shall attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 175 days. Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the county attorney or, for students in grades K-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

• have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
• are attending an accredited nonpublic school;
• are receiving independent private instruction; or,
• are receiving competent private instruction.

• It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

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

  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.

    

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A (1999).

    441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).

    1978 Op. Att'y. Gen. 379.

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    601.1    School Calendar

    604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved     6/25/79                  Reviewed    7/15/2020    Revised    6/17/2020     

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

The board shall 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 shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (1999).

    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved   5/17/71             Reviewed    2/17/2021             Revised   7/18/12       

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

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student.  In making the recommendation, the superintendent shall consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation difficulties, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

Approved   6/25/79             Reviewed    2/17/2021             Revised    7/17/24

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 shall 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 shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

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

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

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).

    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A (1999).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    505.3    Student Honors and Awards

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

    604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved   11/20/95         Reviewed    2/17/2021             Reviewed    7/18/12     

 

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

The notice shall state the student's final day of attendance.  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 parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents shall notify the superintendent 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 will 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.

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 that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

 

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).

    Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (1999).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    506    Student Records

    604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved    9/15/97           Reviewed    2/17/2021    Reviewed   7/18/12       

It shall be the duty of each building principal to assure the keeping of adequate attendance records and to make required reports to the central administrative office of the Emmetsburg Community School District.

As part of the Emmetsburg Community School District records of students, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    506    Student Records

Approved   5/17/71             Reviewed    2/17/2021             Reviewed   7/18/12    

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

Student absences approved by the principal shall be excused absences.  Excused absences shall count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.

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

Students whose absences are approved shall make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the 1/2 day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

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

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    503    Student Discipline

    504    Student Activities

    506    Student Records

Approved     9/15/97           Reviewed    2/17/2021                       

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

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

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to supervised study hall, in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

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

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1999). 281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference: 206.3 Secretary

410.3 Truancy Officer

501 Student Attendance

503 Student Discipline

504 Student Activities

506 Student Records

Approved 11/20/95      Reviewed 2/17/2021    

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 shall include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 294.4 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    503    Student Discipline

    504    Student Activities

    506    Student Records

Approved   1/22/01             Reviewed    2/17/2021    Reviewed    7/18/12         

The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so.  The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes.  If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (1999).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    604.2    Individualized Instruction

Approved   1/22/01             Reviewed    2/17/2021             Reviewed   7/18/12        

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

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

 

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).

    Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    506    Student Records

Approved    1/22/01           Reviewed    3/17/2021             Reviewed   7/18/12  __

Policy 501.14 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A SENDING DISTRICT

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

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district in accordance with district practice.  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 and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above.

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 board’s approval of the application. 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 may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.

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

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

  

NOTE:  This policy reflects Iowa's open enrollment law.  The option addresses the issue of transportation of open enrolled students.  The board needs to establish by policy whether it will or will not allow a receiving district to enter the district to pick up open enrolled students.  This option is on the bottom of the first page of this policy.  For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, June 24, 2005.

 

NOTE: Because open enrollment requests can now occur throughout the year, there is no established date by which districts must make or communicate a decision. Receiving districts should make the decision whether to approve or deny the request as timely as is practical. Receiving districts should in turn make and communicate any determinations as soon as is practical. 

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference:

501 Student Attendance

506 Student Records

 

Approved   7/17/89         Reviewed    3/17/2021            Revised   8/17/2022

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

The superintendent will approve within 30 days incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

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

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

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance.  Upon a parent's request, the board may approve transportation into the sending district.  (The transportation is limited to within 1-2 miles of the district boundary/current bus route, depending on the district.)  The board's approval is subject to the sending district's approval.

An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.  For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.

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

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

   

NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa's open enrollment law. The board needs to determine whether it will delegate authority to the superintendent to approve timely filed open enrollment requests. The 30 days for approval by the superintendent is a recommended practice intended to align with the general time frame boards have to place a request on the next regular school board meeting agenda, and not a legal requirement. These applications should be timely handled as appropriate for the needs of the families and the district. This option is the first set of options on page one of the policy. There are three options available to the board:

• board retains all approval authority over requests.

• board delegates all approval authority over requests.

• board delegates only some approval authority over requests.

 

After the board makes its decision, the policy needs to be edited to reflect the board's decision.

The second option on page two addresses the issue of transportation of the receiving district to pick up open enrolled students. The board needs to establish by policy whether it will go into the sending district to pick up open enrolled students. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 18 #3 - June 24, 2005.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.

281 I.A.C. 17.

Cross Reference:

501.6 Student Transfers In

501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

506 Student Records

507 Student Health and Well-Being

606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space

 

Approved     1/17/94     Reviewed     3/17/2021          Revised    08/17/2022        

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

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

• Children and youth who are: 

  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”); 
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; 
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • Abandoned in hospitals. 

• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; 

• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and 

• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above. 

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

• Designate the guidance counselor as the local homeless children and youth liaison; 

• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth; 

• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth; 

• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers; 

• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements; 

• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests; 

• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation; 

• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and 

• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district. 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy. 

 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy. 

NOTE: The United States Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Education have additional information about implementation of the policy. For additional information, please visit: 

• The “Education Department Releases Guidance on Homeless Children and Youth” section of the United States Department of Education’s website, located at: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-releases-guidance-homeless-children-and-youth. 

The “Homeless Education” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/title-programs/title-x-part-c-homeless-education

Legal Reference:

20 U.S.C. § 6301.

42 U.S.C. § 11302.

42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.

281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference:

501 Student Attendance

503.3 Fines - Fees - Charges

506 Student Records

507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates

603.3 Special Education

711.1 Student School Transportation Eligibility

 

Approved     9/15/97         Reviewed      3/17/2021          Revised    12/21/16     

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization.  Students entering or reentering school from foreign countries will be required to receive the Mantoux tuberculin test before school entry.  Foreign students must be approved by the board. The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted. Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:

 

• The student resides with his/her parent(s) or legal guardian;

• The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form I-2o) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or

• The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and

• The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

 

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:    501     Student Attendance

1. Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved    6/25/79            Reviewed     3/17/2021           Revised     7/18/12       

The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment.  The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place and occasion.  Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct, including hidden or double meanings are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated. When, in the judgment of a principal, or teacher/staff member, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Turley v. Adel Community School District, 322 F.Supp. 402 (S.D. Iowa 1971).

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

    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    500    Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students

    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

Approved    10/17/95            Reviewed     11/21/23            Revised   12/15/21  

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

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

Students who live within one mile of school, and would not otherwise be eligible for a student driving permit, may be eligible for a student driving permit, for driving to and from school and school activities and practices after June 1, if the student has completed 8th grade and has completed a driver's education program. 

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

   

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

 

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321.

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

   

Approved: _____

Reviewed: _____

Revised: 8/23/23

Policy 502.2 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/VANDALISM

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

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

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16.

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

802.1 Maintenance Schedule

  

Approved: 1/15/00

Reviewed: 4/21/21

Revised: 7/18/12

Policy 502.3 STUDENT EXPRESSION

It is the goal of the district to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights.  Student expression should be appropriate to ensure that the students learn and meet the goals of the school activity and that the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity.

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

The superintendent may develop procedures for safely addressing qualifying types of mass protests by students, including walk-ins and walk-outs.  Walk-ins occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs.  Walk-outs occur when students leave their learning environments during school hours and gather in a group or groups off district property with the purpose of promoting a belief or beliefs. 

The superintendent is encouraged to obtain feedback from community stakeholders in the development of these procedures.  The goal of the procedures shall be to address student safety, maintain the education environment and promote communication during demonstrations while remaining viewpoint neutral.

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

Student Publications  

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

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are

not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by employees or officials except as provided by law.  A faculty advisor will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.  The production of official school publications is guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 213.1.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 502.4.

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:

U.S. Const. amend. I.

Iowa Const. art. I (sec. 7)

Morse v. Frederick, 551 U.S. 393 (2007)

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

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

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

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

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

Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .73; 280.22

Cross Reference:

102 Equal Educational Opportunity

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

504 Student Activities

603.9 Academic Freedom

903.5 Distribution of Materials

   

          

Approved: _____

Reviewed: 9/15/21

Revised: 8/23/21

Policy 502.4 STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their concerns in a meaningful manner is vital to the learning process.  It is the goal of the board to resolve student complaints at the lowest organizational level.  Student complaints and grievances regarding board policy or administrative regulations, or other matters should first be addressed to the student's teacher or another licensed employee, other than the administration, for resolution of the complaint. 

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a student’s teacher or other licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within 10 days of the employee's decision.  If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within 10 days after speaking with the principal.

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

  

NOTE:  There should be reasonable limits on the number of days a student has to pursue a complaint.  Cross reference with the number of days listed in policy 401.4 for consistency.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code § 279.8

Cross Reference:

210.8 Board Meeting Agenda

213 Public Participation in Board Meetings

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

504.3 Student Publications

 

Approved    1/17/94            Reviewed     4/21/21            Revised    12/15/21       

Policy 502.5 STUDENT LOCKERS

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

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

  

NOTE: Iowa law requires students or another individual to be present during the inspection of lockers. For locker searches, see Policy 502.8, Search and Seizure.

 

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A.

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

  

Approved: _____

Reviewed: 4/21/2021

Revised: 3/17/2021

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Policy 502.6 WEAPONS

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

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

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

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

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials or other individuals specifically authorized by the board are exempt from this policy. The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy.

   

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.

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

 

Legal Reference:

18 U.S.C. § 921

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724

281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

507 Student Health and Well-Being

  

Approved: _____

Reviewed: _5-19-2021____

Revised: _____

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

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, other controlled substances, or "look alike" substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol or controlled substances by students while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. "Controlled substances" in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs. 

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

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

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

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

NOTE: This policy is mandatory and complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools Act but is expanded to also include tobacco products. This policy reflects Iowa law regarding tobacco products and minors.

 

Legal Reference:

34 C.F.R. Pt. 86.

Iowa Code §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8, .9; 453A.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); .5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e).

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

507 Student Health and Well-Being

   

Approved: _____

Reviewed: 5-19-2021

Revised: 4/17/24

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, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco/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 presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

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

 

NOTE:  This policy reflects the law regarding school district authority for searching students, their possessions and their lockers.  Substantive changes were made to 502.8R1.

Legal Reference:

U.S. Const. amend. IV.

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

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

Iowa Code ch. 808A.

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

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

905.2 Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment

           

Approved: _____

Reviewed: 5-19-2021

Revised: _____

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

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

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

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

   

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

 

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 232; 280.17.

281 I.A.C. 102.

441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

Cross Reference:

402.2 Child Abuse Reporting

502.8 Search and Seizure

503 Student Discipline

902.4 Students and the News Media

  

Approved: _____

Reviewed: 5-19-2021

Revised: _____

Policy 503.1 STUDENT CONDUCT

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

 

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

 

Students who fail to abide by this policy, and the administrative regulations supporting it, may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

 

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

 

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

 

 In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  

 

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

 

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.

 

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy and outlines the school district's basic student conduct.  Details of how this policy will be implemented should be included in the student handbook.  

 

Legal Reference:

Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975). Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987). Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970). Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972). Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147        N.W.2d 854 (1967). Iowa Code §§ 279.8;282.3, 282.4, 282.5; 708.1. 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)   Adopted: 12/20/23                      Reviewed:                                Revised:

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

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school rules or the law.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student. The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student shall be provided with:

    1.    Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

    2.    The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the superintendent;

    3.    An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;

    4.    The right to be represented by counsel; and,

    5.    The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    503    Student Discipline

Approved    6/25/79            Reviewed     6/16/2021            Revised     4/17/24       

The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others. Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities, or for misuse of school property.

The superintendent will inform the board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually. Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

   

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.

  

Legal Reference:

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

281 I.A.C. 18.2.

Cross Reference:

501.16 Homeless Children & Youth

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

    

Approved    8/19/96            Reviewed     6/16/2021            Revised     7/18/12       

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

 

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

 

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

 

It shall be 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.

 

Transfer Students:

Any student declared ineligible under a prior school district’s Good Conduct Rule, and then without having completed the full period of ineligibility at that school transfers to Emmetsburg High School, will not be eligible for interscholastic competition at Emmetsburg High School until the full period of ineligibility has been completed.  Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible for interscholastic competition at Emmetsburg High School as far as any Good Conduct Rule is concerned.

 

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.  The detail outlining specific conduct expected and penalties for violation should be in the student handbook, and students involved in extracurricular activities must be notified of its contents.

 

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

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

    Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A (2013).

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8); 36.15(1).

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    503    Student Discipline

    504    Student Activities

Approved    6/25/76            Reviewed     8/18/21            Revised     1/18/17       

Policy 503.5 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, MECHANICAL RESTRAINT AND PRONE RESTRAINT

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

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

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

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

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

-- For the protection of property as provided for in IOWA CODE section 704.4 or 704.5.

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

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

-- To protect the safety of others.

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

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

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

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

1. The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
2. The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;
3. The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;
4. The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;
5. The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

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

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

Legal Reference:

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

Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).

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

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 103.

Cross Reference:

402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

503.6 Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students

         

Approved                    Reviewed 4/21/2021  Revised 3/17/2021

Policy 503.6 PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION OF STUDENTS

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

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

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

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

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

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

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

   

NOTE:  This policy is not mandatory.  However, there are specific requirements for school districts to fulfill before and after using physical restraint and seclusion with students.  Administrators should thoroughly read and understand the requirements listed in Chapter 103 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

  

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.

281 I.A.C. 103.

Cross Reference:

402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

503 Student Discipline

503.5  Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint

  

Approved                    Reviewed 4/21/21   Revised                   

  

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

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

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

Original Adopted Date: 8/23/23                   Reviewed Date:                     Revised Date:

     

This is the model policy published by the Iowa Department of Education, which all districts are required to adopt as a result of HF 604 passed in 2023. 

 

Adopted: 11/21/23                    Reviewed:                               Revised: 

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

The Board of Directors in the Emmetsburg Community School District has no control or responsibility for any school child when the child is in the custody and control of his/her parents or other agencies.

 

Approved 6/25/79       Reviewed     5-19-2021       Revised   7/18/12

 

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:      Iowa Code § 279.8 

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    504    Student Activities

Approved    6/25/79            Reviewed     8/18/21            Revised   7/18/12         

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

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

Curriculum-Related Organizations

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

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

Secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use the school district facilities for meetings and other purposes before, during and after the instructional school day.  Employees are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

Noncurriculum-Related Organizations

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

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

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

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

  

NOTE:  This policy reflects the protection given nonschool-sponsored student groups in the federal Equal Access Act.  Option I should be used by school districts that have noncurricular, school-sponsored organizations.

Option II should be used by school districts that do not have noncurricular, school-sponsored organizations.

Legal Reference:

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

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

20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074.

Iowa Code §§ 287; 297.9.

Cross Reference:

502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

504 Student Activities

            

Approved    5/17/71            Reviewed     8/18/21          Revised     8/18/21    

504.3 STUDENT PUBLICATONS

Rescinded: 9/15/21

Approved    5/25/79            Reviewed     8/18/21            Revised      8/18/21   

Students, as part of the education program, may participate in contests or other public and private events approved by the superintendent that will be of benefit to the student and the education program.  Performance at such events is a privilege.

 

Students, who perform at such events, serve as ambassadors of the school district and must conduct themselves in the same manner as required in the regular school day.  Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  

 

Students will be allowed to perform in these events only with proper permission and supervision and when the events do not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.  The events must be approved by the superintendent, unless it involves unusual travel and expense, in which case the board must approve of the performance.

 

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

            Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;

            All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and,

            Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

 

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

 

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

    Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.6.

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    503.4    Good Conduct Rule

    504    Student Activities

    904    Community Activities Involving Students

Approved    1/22/01          Reviewed     8/18/21            Reviewed  7/18/12     

 

Collection of any funds in the Emmetsburg Community School District for school affiliated activities must have the approval of the Superintendent and the Athletic Director. All such funds shall be under the financial control of the Board.

Collection boxes for school affiliated fundraisers must have prior approval from the principal before being placed on school property.

Records and procedures relating to internal accounts shall be in accordance with those found in Uniform Financial Accounting for Iowa Schools published by the Department of Public Instruction.  An audit of these accounts shall be made at the same time as the annual audit of school funds.

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

    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    503    Student Discipline

    504    Student Activities

    704.5    Student Activities Fund

    904.2    Advertising and Promotion

Approved    5/17/71            Reviewed     8/18/21            Revised    8/18/21    

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

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

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

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season.

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

 

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686 (1994).

    34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41 (1993).

    Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.6., 36.15.

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    503    Student Discipline

    504    Student Activities

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved    9/15/97            Reviewed     8/18/21            Revised      8/18/21   

Revenue raised by students or from student activities shall be deposited and accounted for in the student activities fund.  This revenue is the property of and shall be under the financial control of the board. Students may use this revenue for purposes approved by the (superintendent or building principal).

Whether such revenue is collected from student contributions, club dues, and special activities or result from admissions to special events or from other fundraising activities, all funds will be under the jurisdiction of the board and under the specific control of (superintendent or building principal).  They will be deposited in a designated depository and will be disbursed and accounted for in accordance with instructions issued by the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the board secretary to keep student activity accounts up-to-date and complete.

Any unencumbered class or activity account balances will automatically revert to the general fund activity fund of the school when a class graduates or an activity is discontinued.

Records and procedures relating to internal accounts shall be in accordance with those found inn Uniform Financial Accounting for Iowa Schools published by the Department of Public Instruction. An audit of these accounts shall be made at the same time as the annual audit of school funds.

Approved    1/18/99            Reviewed    8/18/21            Reviewed   8/18/21            

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

Parent-teacher conferences will be held twice per year on an individual basis at the elementary to keep the parents informed.  The conferences at the middle school and the high school are not individually scheduled, but are held twice per year.

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 256.11, 41; 280, 284.12

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), 12.3(6), .5(16).

Cross Reference:    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

    506       Student Records

Approved    9/15/97            Reviewed     12/19/18            Revised      12/19/18   

Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

 

The district shall adhere to the following:

• Retention/Promotion in Kindergarten-Eighth Grade: The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgement of the district’s professional staff. When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

• Retention/Promotion in ninth-twelfth grade: Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required coursework necessary to be promoted each year. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents will be informed.  It shall be within the sole discretion of the board to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.

• Acceleration in kindergarten-twelfth grade: Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level.  Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements.

• Retention or Acceleration in kindergarten-twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law.

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 279.8.

    281 I.A.C. 12.5(16).

Cross Reference:    501    Student Attendance

    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

    603.2    Summer School Instruction

Approved    1/22/01            Reviewed     1/16/19           Revised 1/16/19

The school district shall provide a program that establishes honors and awards including, but not limited to, academic letters, scholarships and good citizenship awards for students to assist students in setting goals.  Students shall be made aware of honors and awards and the action necessary on the part of the student to achieve them. Students who have not attended the school district for their entire high school education or have not attended an accredited public or private school will not be eligible for honors and awards.  

 

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

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    501.6    Student Transfers In

    504    Student Activities

    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved    9/15/97            Reviewed     3/15/17            Revised   _______    

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, funded by the United State Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

    ∙    political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent:

    ∙    mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;

    ∙    sex behavior or attitudes;

    ∙    illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

    ∙    critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;

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

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

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. § 1232h 

    Iowa Code §§ 280.3

 Cross Reference:    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

    506    Student Records

    607.2    Student Health Services

Approved    9/15/97            Reviewed     3/15/17          Revised         

Policy 505.5 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete  50  credits prior to graduation.  The following credits will be required for graduation:

English/Language Arts Science Mathematics Social Studies Physical Education United State Government American History Financial Literacy

8    credits    6    credits    4    credits    3    credits    0    semesters    1    credits    2    credits    1    credits

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

Beginning with the class of 2022, graduation requirements for special education students will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science.

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

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

Students taking Algebra 1 for a full year as an 8th Grader (or earlier) will receive high school Math credit, but must take and pass 3 years (6 semesters) of Math at EHS. The recommended track would be Geometry (9th), Algebra 2 (10th). Pre-Calculus (11th) and Calculus (12th).  

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.

 

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11, .41; 279.8; 280.3, .14.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12.5.

Cross Reference:

505 Student Scholastic Achievement

603.3 Special Education

 

Approved: 6/25/79    Reviewed: 1/16/19, 7/17/19    Revised: 7/17/24

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12(5)

Cross Reference:    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved    1/20/94            Reviewed    6/19/19, 9/15/21           Revised     2/19/01, 9/15/21

 

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

 

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

District Reference: Number updated from 505.8 to 505.7 on 8/18/21.

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .14 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.2; .3(7); .5.

Cross Reference:    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

Approved    6/25/79            Reviewed     9/15/21    Revised    2/19/01__

505.8 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

It is the policy of Emmetsburg Community Schools that parents and family members of participating children shall have the opportunity to be involved jointly in the development of the district plan and in the district's review process for the purpose of school improvement. Recognizing that parental involvement is the key to academic achievement, we seek to involve parents in an effective home-school partnership that will provide the best possible education for our students. The district provides coordination, technical assistance and other supports necessary to aid in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities. The district encourages parent involvement and supports this partnership through providing information about standards and assessments; providing training and materials for parents to help their children; educating school personnel about involving parents and the value of parent contributions; and developing roles for community organizations and businesses to work with parents and schools. 

 

1. This jointly developed and agreed upon written policy is distributed to parents and family members of participating Title I children through the Parent Handbook which is distributed to every family at the time of registration. In schoolwide buildings, this will include all parents. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2))

 

2. The district will provide technical assistance and support to schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance through professional development regarding parent and family engagement. The district will partner with community groups as a means to engage families more creatively and successfully. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(B)) 

 

3. The district will work to find ways to work cooperatively with other Federal, state, and local programs. The Title I program will work with local public preschool programs, Headstart programs, local library programs, and special education programs (IDEA). Our homeless education program coordinates with the local backpack program to offer support to students that are food insecure, especially over the weekends. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(C)) 

 

4. The district conducts an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness for the Parent and Family Engagement Policy. The evaluation includes parents in a meaningful manner. In addition to surveys, the district uses focus groups and open discussion groups for this evaluation. Parents and families have a voice. The evaluation tools and methods identify the type and frequency of school-home interactions and the needs of parents and families have to better support and assist their children in learning. The evaluations will target at least three key areas: barriers, ability to assist learning, and successful interactions. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(D)(i-iii)) 

5. The district uses the findings for the annual evaluation to design evidenced-based strategies for more effective parent and family engagement. The evaluation results will help uncover best practices that are working and adapt those ideas to the district and individual school needs. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(E)) 

 

6. The district involves parents and family members in activities of the school. The district has established a parent advisory committee comprised of a sufficient number and representative group of parents or family members to adequately represent the needs to the population, revised, and reviewed the Parent and Family Engagement Policy. (ESSA Section 1116(a)(2)(F)) 

 

7. At least one annual meeting will be held to inform parents and family members of the school's participation in the Title I program and to explain the requirements of the program and their right to be involved. The meeting shall be for parents of both public and private school.  West Elementary Building will hold an annual meeting in the fall. Notification will be sent in the district website and student management system. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(1)) 

 

8. Parent and family meetings, including parent conferences, will be held at different times during the day and Title I funds may be used to pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parent and family engagement activities, including transportation, childcare, or home visit expenses to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(2)) 

 

9. The district will involve parents in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title I program through participation in stakeholder groups and in-person meetings where parents give input and feedback. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(3))

 

10. In a schoolwide program plan, parents are asked to be involved in the joint development of the building’s schoolwide plan through in-person meetings, surveys and electric feedback as appropriate. Applies only to Title I schools operating a Schoolwide Program. (ESSA Sections 1116(c)(3) and 1114)) 

 

11. Parents and family members of participating children are given assistance in understanding the Title I program, with timely information about the Title I program. Through annual meetings and parent teacher conferences, the school will provide parents and family members of participating children with a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet. Parents and family members receive an explanation of the school's performance profile, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the expected proficiency levels in the annual progress report distributed to all stockholders in the spring of the year, through individual reports given to parents at conference time, and through report cards. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(4)(A) & (B)) 

 

12. If requested by parents, the school will provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(4)(C)) 

 

13. If the schoolwide plan under Section 1114(b) is not satisfactory, parents of participating students may comment. Comments may be made in writing to the school principal. (ESSA Section 1116(c)(5)) 

 

14. A jointly developed school/parent compact outlines how parents and family members, the entire school staff, and students all share responsibility for improved student achievement. The compact also describes the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve our local high standards. It is distributed in the parent handbook and is reviewed at the annual meetings. (ESSA Section 1116(d)) 

 

15. Parents will be notified of this policy in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, provided in a language the parents can understand. The policy will be provided in English and Spanish and will be free of educational jargon. (ESSA Section 1116(b)(1)) 

 

16. In order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement, each school and local educational agency shall: 

a. Provide assistance to parents in understanding challenging State academic standards, State and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children; 

b. Provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology (including education about the harms of copyright piracy), as appropriate, to foster parental involvement; 

c. Educate teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals, and other school leaders, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school; 

d. Coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs, including public preschool programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children; 

e. Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to the parents of participating children in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand; and 

f. Provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under this section as parents may request. (ESSA Section 1116(e)(1-14)) 

 

17. The school, to the extent practicable, will provide opportunities for the informed participation of parents and family members (including parents and family members who have limited English proficiency, parents and family members with disabilities, and parents and family members of migratory children) by providing information and school reports required under Section 1111 in a format and language the parties can understand. (ESSA Section 11116(f))

Approved:   9/17/2007               Reviewed: 7/17/24                            Revised:  8/23/21

A student in the Emmetsburg Community School District who does not meet the requirements for graduation and who plans to terminate his/her formal academic education at the end of the regular four-year period will receive a certificate of attendance, “attendance certificate”.  To meet the requirements for attendance certificate, the students must have observed the following:

1. The student and his/her parents must submit to the principal no later than the end of the fifth semester in high school an application to be considered only for a certificate of attendance.

2. The student must have been enrolled for four consecutive years and have conscientiously worked toward meeting the requirements for graduation with a diploma as outlined in section 505.5.

3. The applicant’s attendance record must be satisfactory following his/her application to be considered for a certificate of attendance.

 

Approved    6/25/79            Reviewed     9/15/21    Revised     8/23/21 

Regulation 505.8R1 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT BUILDING-LEVEL REGULATION

To further the interests of student achievement, the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:

1.   

Policy Involvement:  The district will host an annual meeting and invite all parents to attend; and inform parents of their rights and the district’s requirements under Title I.  This meeting will also invite parents to become involved in the planning, review and improvement of a building policy and in developing the district plan.  The district will inform parents of: 

·        

programs under this policy,

·        

curriculum and assessment used for students,

·        

the opportunity to meet with administration to participate in decisions related to their children’s education,

·        

a description and explanation of curriculum used in the school forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and

·        

achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards. 

1.   

Accessibility:  Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages.  This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.  The superintendent has discretion to allow schools to provide childcare for families of students during these meetings through Title I funds.

2.   

High Student Academic Achievement:  Each school in the district will jointly develop with parents and family members a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, staff and students share responsibility for improving student academic achievement; and how a partnership will be built to achieve this.  The compact will describe the responsibility of the school to provide high quality curriculum and instruction, and the parents’ responsibility to support their children’s learning.  This will also address the importance of communication between schools and parents through parent teacher conferences, regular reports to parents on their children’s progress, and ensuring regular meaningful communication between family and school staff. 

3.   

Building Capacity for Involvement: Each school within the district will include in their plan ways to achieve the following:

·        

Assist parents and families to understand topics including academic standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress;

·        

Provide materials and training to help parents work with students to improve achievement;

·        

Educate teachers and staff in how to communicate with parents and build ties to foster academic success;

·        

Coordinate and integrate other federal, state and local programs to support parents in more fully participating in students’ education;

·        

Ensure information related to programs is sent to parents and families in understandable formats; and

·        

Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement

1.   

Schools Operating a Schoolwide Program:  Each school operating a schoolwide program under this policy shall:

·        

Involve parents on a timely and ongoing basis in the planning, review and improvement of programs, including the parent and family engagement school policy drafting and review, and the joint development of the schoolwide program. 

·        

If the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, parent comments will be requested and submitted with the plan to the district.

          

Approved: 8/18/21

Reviewed:

Revised:

Regulation 505.8R1 PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT BUILDING-LEVEL REGULATION

To further the interests of student achievement, the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:

1. Policy Involvement:  The district will host an annual meeting and invite all parents to attend; and inform parents of their rights and the district’s requirements under Title I.  This meeting will also invite parents to become involved in the planning, review and improvement of a building policy and in developing the district plan.  The district will inform parents of: 

• programs under this policy,
• curriculum and assessment used for students,
• the opportunity to meet with administration to participate in decisions related to their children’s education,
• a description and explanation of curriculum used in the school forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and
• achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards. 

1. Accessibility:  Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages.  This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.  The superintendent has discretion to allow schools to provide childcare for families of students during these meetings through Title I funds.
2. High Student Academic Achievement:  Each school in the district will jointly develop with parents and family members a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, staff and students share responsibility for improving student academic achievement; and how a partnership will be built to achieve this.  The compact will describe the responsibility of the school to provide high quality curriculum and instruction, and the parents’ responsibility to support their children’s learning.  This will also address the importance of communication between schools and parents through parent teacher conferences, regular reports to parents on their children’s progress, and ensuring regular meaningful communication between family and school staff. 
3. Building Capacity for Involvement: Each school within the district will include in their plan ways to achieve the following:

• Assist parents and families to understand topics including academic standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress;
• Provide materials and training to help parents work with students to improve achievement;
• Educate teachers and staff in how to communicate with parents and build ties to foster academic success;
• Coordinate and integrate other federal, state and local programs to support parents in more fully participating in students’ education;
• Ensure information related to programs is sent to parents and families in understandable formats; and
• Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement

1. Schools Operating a Schoolwide Program:  Each school operating a schoolwide program under this policy shall:

• Involve parents on a timely and ongoing basis in the planning, review and improvement of programs, including the parent and family engagement school policy drafting and review, and the joint development of the schoolwide program. 
• If the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, parent comments will be requested and submitted with the plan to the district.

          

Approved: 9/15/21

Reviewed: _____

Revised: _____

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

 

Definitions

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

• “Education Record” means those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 

• “Eligible Student” means a student who has reached eighteen years or attends a postsecondary institution. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to education records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student.  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

• To school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;

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

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

• In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid; 

• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was conducted; 

• To accrediting organizations;

• To parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

• To comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;

• [Consistent with an interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies]

• In connection with a health or safety emergency; 

• As directory information; or

• In additional instances as provided by law. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1. Inspect and review the student’s education records;

2. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights; 

3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and

4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the law. 

 

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

 

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the school district failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwards to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washing, DC. 20202-8520.

 

Note: This is a mandatory policy.

 

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

 

Legal Reference:     20 U.S.C. & 1232g; 1415.

            34 C.F.R. && 99; 300.610 et seq.

            Iowa Code && 22; 279.9B; 280.24; 280.25; 622.10.

            281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41.

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

Cross Reference:     501    Student Attendance

            505    Student Scholastic Achievement

            506     Student Records

            507    Student Health and Well-Being

            603.3    Special Education

            708    Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records

            901    Public Examination of School District Records

Approved ____5/17/17_______        Reviewed _____5/17/17________    Revised ____________

 

Directory information is information contained in the education records of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The district may disclose “directory information” to third parties without consent if it has given public notice of the types of information which it has designated as “directory information,” the parent’s or eligible student’s right to restrict the disclosure of such information, and the period of time within which a parent or eligible student has to notify the school in writing that he or she does not want any or all of those types of information designated as “directory information.” The district has designated the following as “directory information”:

• Student’s name

• Address

• Telephone

• Electronic mail address

• Photograph

• Date and place of birth

• Major field of study

• Dates of attendance

• Grade level

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Weight and height of member of athletic teams

• Degrees, honors, and awards received

• The most recent educational agency or institution attended

• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSNm in whole or part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

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

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

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

 

Legal Reference:     20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).

    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99, 300.560 - .574 (1999).

    Iowa Code § 22; 622.10 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 41.20.

    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 720.

Cross Reference:    504    Student Activities

    506    Student Records

    901    Public Examination of School District Records

Approved    1/20/94            Reviewed    5/17/17             Reviewed   7/18/12    

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

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1999).

    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 114.

Cross Reference:    506    Student Records

Approved    1/22/01            Reviewed    12/19/05             Reviewed   7/18/12     

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the school district libraries and media center.  As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent. Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, authorized licensed employees, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.  Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents. Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

 

It shall be the school 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 shall be charged.

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).

    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 (1999).

    Iowa Code §§ 22; 622.10 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 720, 825.

Cross Reference:    506    Student Records

Approved     9/15/97            Reviewed    12/19/05             Reviewed   7/18/12      

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

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 280.13 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 33.5.

    641 I.A.C. 7.

Cross Reference:    402.2    Child Abuse Reporting

    501    Student Attendance

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     6/25/79            Reviewed    7-19-17             Reviewed    7/18/12     

The Emmetsburg Community School District seeks to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors who are at risk of severe allergic reactions. Therefore, it is the policy of the district to annually obtain a prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors from a licensed health care professional, in the name of the school district, for administration by a school nurse or personnel trained and authorized to a student or individual who may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. 

 

Procurement and maintenance of supply: The district shall stock a minimum of one pediatric dose and one adult dose epinephrine auto-injector for each school building. The supply of such auto-injectors shall be maintained in a secure, dark, temperature-controlled location in each school building. 

 

The School Nurse shall routinely check stock epinephrine auto-injectors and document in a log monthly: 

• The expiration date; 

• Any visualized particles; or 

• Color change. 

 

The employee shall be responsible for ensuring the district replaces, as soon as reasonably possible, any logged epinephrine auto-injector that is used, close to expiration, or discolored or has particles visible in the liquid. 

 

Training: A school nurse or personnel trained and authorized may provide or administer an epinephrine auto-injector from a school supply to a student or individual if the authorized personnel or school nurse reasonably and in good faith believes the student or individual is having an anaphylactic reaction. Training to obtain a signed certificate to become personnel authorized to administer an epinephrine auto-injector shall consist of the requirements established by law. 

 

Authorized personnel will be required to provide a procedural skills demonstration to the school nurse demonstrating competency in the administration of stock epinephrine auto-injectors to retain authorization to administer stock epinephrine auto-injectors if the following occur: 

• Failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a student or individual by proper route, failure to administer the correct dosage, or failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector according to generally accepted standards of practice  (“medication error”); or 

• Accidental injection of an epinephrine auto-injector into a digit of the authorized personnel administering the medication (“medication incident”).  

 

Reporting: The district will contact emergency medical services (911) immediately after a stock epinephrine auto-injector is administered to a student or individual. The school nurse or authorized personnel will remain with the student or individual until emergency medical services arrive. 

 

Within 48 hours, the district will report to the Iowa Department of Education: 

• Each medication incident with the administration of stock epinephrine; 

• Each medication error with the administration of stock epinephrine; or 

• The administration of a stock epinephrine auto-injector. 

As provided by law, the district, board, authorized personnel or school nurse, and the prescriber shall not be liable for any injury arising from the provision, administration, failure to administer, or assistance in the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector provided they acted reasonably and in good faith. 

 

The superintendent may develop an administrative process to implement this policy. 

 

NOTE: Districts are not required by law to stock and maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors. However, if a district decides to stock and maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors, the board is required to establish a policy. 

 

NOTE: For additional information and resources regarding epinephrine auto-injectors, please visit the “School Nurse Administrative Resources” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at https://www.educateiowa.gov/administrative-resources-school-nurses. 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 135.185; 279.8. 

    281 I.A.C. 14.3. 

Cross Reference:    507.2     Administration of Medication 

Approved   3/16/16                    Reviewed       7-19-17                 Revised                   

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

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

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

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

A written medication administration record shall be on file including: 

• date; 

• student’s name; 

• prescriber or person authorizing administration; 

• medication; 

• medication dosage;

• administration time; 

• administration method; 

• signature and title of the person administering medication; and 

• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

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

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

 

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy. 

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

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

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

Approved 3/16/16                Reviewed      8/23/23            Revised 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

    29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq. (1994).

    45 C.F.R. Pt. 84.3 (1990).

    Iowa Code ch. 139 (1999).

    641 I.A.C. 1.2-.5, 7.

Cross Reference:    403.3    Communicable Diseases - Employees

    506    Student Records

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     5/17/71            Reviewed    7-19-17             Revised   1/17/94  ___

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 613.17 (1999).

Cross Reference:    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     6/25/79            Reviewed    7-19-17             Revised   12/20/93   __

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

 

Employees shall participate in emergency drills.  Licensed employees shall be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 100.31 (1999).

    281 I.A.C. 41.25(3).

Cross Reference:    507    Student Health and Well-Being

    711.7    School Bus Safety Instruction

    804    Safety Program

Approved     9/15/97            Reviewed    7-19-17             Revised             

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

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1999).

Cross Reference:    504    Student Activities

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved     1/22/01               Reviewed    7-19-17             Revised            

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

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6 (1999).

    441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

Cross Reference:    506    Student Records

    507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved      9/15/97              Reviewed    7-19-17             Reviewed                

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

    20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq. (1994).

    34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1996).

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

    281 I.A.C. 12.3(7), 41.96

Cross Reference:    502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

    506    Student Records

    603.3    Special Education

Approved      9/15/97             Reviewed   3/25/2020           Revised _________ 

The Emmetsburg Board of Education is committed to the optimal development of every student. The board believes for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, there needs to be a safe and health-promoting learning environment at every level, in every setting.

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

 The school district will identify at least one goal in each of the following areas:

• Nutrition Education & Promotion: Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that helps students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors.

• Physical Activity: Schools will provide students with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet the Healthy Kids Act.

• Other School Based Activities that Promote Wellness: As appropriate, schools will support students, staff and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

 The following nutritional guidelines for food available on school campuses will be adhered to:

• Meals served through the National School Lunch & School Breakfast Program will be appealing and meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law;

• Schools providing access to healthy foods outside the reimbursable meals programs before school, during school and 30 minutes after school shall meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards, at a minimum. This includes such items as those sold through ala carte lines, vending machines, student run stores and fundraising activities;

• Snacks provided to students during the school day without charge (ie class parties) will meet standards set by the district in accordance with law. The district will provide parents a list of foods and beverages that meet nutrition standards for classroom snacks and celebrations; and

• Schools will only allow marketing and advertising of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks in school nutrition standards on campus during the school day.

 The superintendent or superintendent’s designee shall implement and ensure compliance with the policy by:

• Reviewing the policy at least every three years and recommending updates as appropriate for board approval;

• Implementing a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation and periodic review and update of the policy;

• Making the policy and updated assessment of the implementation available to the public (e.g. posting on the website, newsletters, etc). This information shall include the extent to which the schools are in compliance with policy and a description of progress being made in attaining the goals of the policy.

NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.

NOTE: The Iowa Department of Education has tools and resources available to help districts with progress reports and other aspects of policy implementation and review on the School Wellness Policy webpage.

NOTE: School districts are required by federal law to have at least one wellness goal in each of the goal areas identified in paragraph three of the sample policy. These goal areas include the following: nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and other school based activities that promote student wellness. School district should select goals to include in the regulation (507.9R) from the options provided in the sample regulation (507.9R1) or identify a district specific goal. Districts must remember the sample policy and sample regulation cannot be adopted in the current format. School boards and administration must make a choice for all text in italicized brackets.

 

Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.

42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 et seq.

Iowa Code §§ 256.7 (29); 256.11(6)

281 I.A.C. 12.5; 58.11

Cross Reference: 504.5  Student Fund Raising

504.6  Student Activity Program

710     School Food Services

 

Approved 6/19/2006              Reviewed  10/20/2021              Revised  03/20/2023

The board welcomes gifts to the school district from a class or student group. While class gifts to the school district do not require the approval of the superintendent, the board encourages students to consult with the superintendent or other licensed employees prior to selecting a gift for the school district.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 68B; 722.1, .2.

Cross Reference:

704.4 Gifts - Grants - Bequests

 

Approved      6/25/79             Reviewed    7-18-12           Revised      12/15/21

Policy 508.2 OPEN NIGHT

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6 p.m. whenever possible. It is the responsibility of the principal to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code § 279.8.

Cross Reference:

900 Board of Directors and Community Relations

Approved      1/22/01             Reviewed    7-18-12            Revised   12/15/21    

Rescinded 12/15/21 

Approved      5/17/71             Reviewed    7-18-12           Reviewed               

The Superintendent of Emmetsburg Community Schools shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the emergency exists.  He/she shall make provisions to publicly announce such closing via available mass communication media as soon as possible after the decision to close.

Approved      6/25/79             Reviewed    7-18-12             Revised   2/19/01