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

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

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

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while 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.

Board policy refers to the term "parents" in many of the policies.  The term parents for purposes of this policy manual means the legal parents, the legal guardian or custodian of a student, and students who have reached the age of majority or are otherwise considered an adult by law.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, shall be directed to the Affirmative Action/Equity Coordinator by writing to the Superintendent, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Community School District, 222 Walnut St., Eddyville, Iowa 52553, 641-969-4226.  Inquiries by students related to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, pursuant to Title IX should be directed to Mary McCrea, Title IX Coordinator, 222 Walnut St, Eddyville, Iowa 52553, 641-969-4226, mary.mccrea@rocketsk12.org.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights Chicago Office, United States Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, Illinois 60661-4544 or Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines Iowa 50319.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/08/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 06/20/2022

 

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.

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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/18/2022

Non-Resident Students

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

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

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

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

 

International Students in Student Foreign Exchange Programs

Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school without charge for tuition if they are part of an approved Student Foreign Exchange Program.  The principal must give final approval before any such student can enroll.  Before being able to participate in athletics, the student must have on file an approved physical examination.  The examination form provided by the IHSAA and IGHSAU must be used.

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/18/2022

 

 

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

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

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

The principal will investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the Superintendent.  If after intervention on the part of the principal and Superintendent, the student is still truant, the principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/18/2022

 

When it is determined that a student in grades K-6 is in violation of the District’s Attendance Policy and Procedures, the principal will check the Department of Human Services records to determine whether the student’s family is receiving Family Investment Program (FIP) benefits.  If the student’s family is receiving FIP benefits, the principal will notify DHS.  DHS is then responsible for the Attendance Cooperation Process (ACP).

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

The purpose of the ACP is to determine the cause of the student’s nonattendance, arrive at an agreement between the parties to solutions addressing the nonattendance and initiate referrals to any other services that may be necessary.  Any agreement reached will be reduced to writing.  The agreement is to include all terms agreed to and future responsibilities of all parties.  All parties must sign the agreement and failure to sign by the parents is considered a violation of the process and initiates the next level.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/18/2022

 

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

The Board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the District's education program.  It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the Superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.  Homeless students may be exempted from this requirement.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED:08/15/2022

 

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the Superintendent will make the grade level determination.  The Superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.  Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the Board.

The Superintendent will determine the number 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.  A student not attending grades nine through eleven at an accredited school shall be unranked for class ranking purposes.

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

Any student declared ineligible under the prior school district’s good conduct rule, and then without having served the full period of eligibility at that school transfers to the school district, will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities until the full period of ineligibility has been completed.  Once the period of ineligibility has been completed, the student will be immediately eligible to participate in extracurricular activities in the school district.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED:08/15/2022

 

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they will 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 will state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents will notify the Superintendent in writing.  This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent.  If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED:08/15/2022

 

 

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the Board Secretary.

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the Board Secretary, the custodian of school records.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED:08/15/2022

 

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

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences.  Excused absences will 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.

Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It is 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 full day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 09/19/2022

 

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

Truancy is 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.  Truancy will not be tolerated by the Board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.

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

The principal shall 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 Superintendent.  If after action by the principal, the student is still truant, the principal shall refer the matter over to the County Attorney.

The school district 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. 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 09/19/2022

 

 

Students in grades K-11 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.

Students in grade 12 may be allowed to leave the school district facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class.  Students in grade 12 who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 09/19/2022

 

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 physical condition, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence.  The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 09/19/2022

 

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

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

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

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

An open enrollment request out of the 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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/17/2022

 

The 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 all timely filed applications by June 1 and incoming kindergarten applications or continuation of an educational program application filed by September 1.  The Board will take action on open enrolment applications for good cause.

The Superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  The Superintendent will also forward a copy of the District’s action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.

Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists.  Insufficient classroom space exists when conditions adversely affect the implementation of the educational philosophy and program of the Board.  Criteria to be used by the Board in its determination may include, but not be limited to, available personnel, grade level, educational program, instructional method, physical space, available equipment and materials, available finances, facilities either being planned or currently under consideration, sharing agreements in force, and District goals and objectives.

Open enrollment requests into the District will 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 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 District are considered in the order received by the District with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.

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

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the Board or Superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance.  The Board will not approve transportation into the sending district.

An open enrollment request into the 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 District is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed.  The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/17/2022

 

 

The Board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the District, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in District policies or practices.  The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is the high school counselor.

A homeless child or youth is defined as a child or youth from the age of 3 years through 21 years who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and includes the following:

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/17/2022

 

 

In the event a child of compulsory attendance age does not attend public school or an accredited non-public school, the child must receive competent private instruction or independent private instruction.

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

A parent choosing competent private instruction for a student by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner shall notify the District prior to the first day of school on forms provided by the District.  The forms are available in the District office.  One copy of the completed forms will be kept by the District and another copy will be forwarded to the appropriate area education agency.

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

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

The Superintendent or designee will determine whether the completed form or report is in compliance with the law.  The District shall report non-compliance with the reporting, immunization, attendance, instructor qualifications, and assessment requirements of the compulsory attendance law to the County Attorney of the county of residence of the student's parent, guardian or custodian.

Students receiving competent private instruction or independent private instruction are eligible to request open enrollment to another school district.  The receiving district shall not bill the resident district unless the receiving district complies with the reporting requirements.  If the parent, guardian or custodian fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements, the receiving district shall notify the resident district.  The resident district shall then report the non-compliance to the County Attorney of the county of residence of the parent, guardian or custodian.

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

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

Students receiving competent private instruction by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner and students receiving competent private instruction from a non-licensed individual may dual enroll with the District.  Students receiving individual private instruction may not dual enroll with the District for academics (including special education) or extracurricular activities, but may access Senior Year Plus and concurrent enrollment in community colleges under Iowa law.  No other Senior Year Plus options are available to students receiving independent private instruction.

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

Driver’s Education shall be offered or made available by the District to students served in either competent private instruction or independent private instruction.  Dual enrollment is not required to participate in Driver’s Education.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/17/2022

 

 

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

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

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 11/21/2022

 

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 11/21/2022

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 11/21/2022

 

 

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 11/21/2022

 

 

Students will treat 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 District.  They may be subject to discipline under Board policy and the District rules and regulations.  They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 12/19/2022

 

Students utilizing school transportation will conduct themselves in an orderly manner fitting to their age level and maturity with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of the school vehicle driver and the other passengers.  Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will be subject to disciplinary measures.

The driver will have the authority to maintain order on the school vehicle.  It is the responsibility of the driver to report misconduct to the building administrator.

The Board supports the use of video cameras on school buses used for transportation to and from school as well as for field trips, curricular or extracurricular events.  The video cameras will be used to monitor student behavior and may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.

After three warnings for disorderly conduct, the building principal will have the authority to suspend transportation privileges of the student or impose other appropriate discipline.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 12/19/2022

 

Student lockers are the property of the District.  Students will use the lockers assigned to them by the 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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 12/19/2022

 

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

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

Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes or any instrument used as a weapon on District property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes or any instrument used as a weapon will be reported to law enforcement officials, and the student 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 twelve months and will be referred to law enforcement authorities.  The Superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis.  For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.

For purposes of this policy, the term “dangerous object” includes any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed.  The term “dangerous object” also includes any instrument or device or any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the individual intends to inflict death or injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being.

In addition, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon in the school includes any object used to intimidate, coerce, scare or threaten a student, school district employee or visitor.  Dangerous objects therefore include, but are not limited to, clubs, nunchakus, brass knuckles, knives regardless of blade length, stun guns, BB and pellet guns, toy guns used or displayed as real guns, and unloaded guns.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 12/19/2022

 

As an educational institution, the District seeks to educate students in the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs.  The Board believes such materials and substances generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees or visitors.  Hence, the following shall be regarded as serious violations of the school's disciplinary policy:

1.   Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of tobacco, nicotine or devices that can be used to deliver nicotine, including, but not limited to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
2. Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of alcohol on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
3. Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or the unauthorized sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of otherwise lawful drugs on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
4. Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of a hazardous substance on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.

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

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

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

The Board believes the substance abuse prevention program will include:

• Age-appropriate, developmentally-based nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of the use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances;
• A statement to students that the use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances is wrong and harmful;
• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances by students on District premises or as part of any of its activities;
• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
• A statement that students may be required to successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
• Information about substance abuse 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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 01/16/2023

 

School district property is held in public trust by the Board.  The Board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees or visitors on District premises or property within the jurisdiction of the District.

District authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable suspicion that a 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 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 the locker, desk or other facility.

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons, and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the 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 District.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 01/16/2023

 

 

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

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, 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.

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 01/16/2023

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The District will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy.  The Superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The Superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the District. The Superintendent shall report to the Board on the progress of reducing bullying and harassment in the District.

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

• Inclusion in the student handbook;
• Inclusion in the employee handbook;
• Inclusion in the registration materials; and/or
• Inclusion on the District’s web site,

A copy shall be made for any person at the District office.

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 01/16/2023

 

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

·   Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so.  If the individual wants
     assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.

·   If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:

                              --   tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

                              --   write down exactly what happened, keep a copy, and give another copy to the teacher, counsellor, principal or another appropriate
                                    school employee including:

                                    -           what, when, and where it happened;

                                    -           who was involved;

                                    -           exactly what was said or what the harasser did;

                                    -           witnesses to the harassment;

                                    -           what the student said or did, either at the time or later;

                                    -           how the student felt; and

                                    -           how the harasser responded.

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the building principal who will be the designated investigator.  The alternate investigator is a Level I Investigator.  The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, audio or video recordings, electronic communications and/or pictures.  The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form.   Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.  The investigator has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint.  The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The alleged harasser may file a written statement in response to the complaint.  The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and conclusions to the Superintendent.  The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the Superintendent.

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the Superintendent may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps which may include discipline.

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the Superintendent may, at the Superintendent’s discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser.  The Superintendent will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint.  The complainant, the alleged harasser, and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation.  The Superintendent will maintain a log of information necessary to comply with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

·   Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.

·   Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.

·   No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation   process.

·   Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.

If the principal is a witness to the incident or is the subject of the complaint, the alternate investigator shall investigate.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 02/20/2023

 

 

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

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

Cars will remain parked from the time the student arrives at school until school is dismissed for the day, unless the student has specific permission from the principal or superintendent to drive.  There is to be no eating of lunches or loitering in parked vehicles.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 02/20/2023

 

 

Inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, and/or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises.  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 District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the 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 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 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.

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

A student who commits an assault against an employee on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles or while attending or engaged in District activities will be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension is sent to the Board President.  The Board will review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:

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

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

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

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 disciplining the student or the building principal.

Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility.  An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

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

Expulsion means an action by the Board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the Board but no longer than one calendar year.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student's placement will take place.  The Individual Education Program (IEP) is evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 02/20/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/20/2023 – APPROVED: 12/18/2023

 

Students may be expelled for violations of Board policy, school rules or the law.  The long term removal of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.  It is within the discretion of the Board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to recommend to the Board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the Board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the Board, the student is provided with:

1. notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
2. notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student to obtain the assistance of counsel and to prepare a defense;
3. notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. the names of the witnesses the Superintendent will present, if available, and a statement of the facts to which each witness will testify;
5. notice that the student will be given an opportunity to present a defense against the charges, to provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses, to present documents, to be given copies of documents which will be introduced by the Superintendent, and to cross-examine adverse witnesses if available;
6. notice that the student has the right to be represented by counsel; and,
7. Notice that the student has the right to the results and finding of the Board to be in writing and open to the student's inspection.

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

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

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures.  A determination should be made of whether the student is actually participated in 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 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 District.  If a change in placement is not recommended, a determination shall be made within the student’s IEP and the law as to how to manage the student’s behavior to prevent the student’s possible future misconduct.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 02/20/2023

 

 

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 03/20/2023

 

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

1. Waivers –
   1. Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the District if the student or student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition program, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income guidelines or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.
   2. Partial Waivers - a student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the District if the student or the student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program.  A partial waiver is based on the same percentage as the reduced price meals.
   3. Temporary Waivers - a student may be eligible for a temporary waiver of fees charged by the District in the event the student's parents are facing financial difficulty.  Temporary waivers may be applied for at any time throughout the school year and will not extend beyond the end of the school year.
2. Application - Parents or students eligible for a fee waiver will make an application on the form provided by the District.  Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.
3. Confidentiality - The District will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.
4. Appeals - Denials of a waiver may be appealed to the Superintendent.
5. Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.
6. Notice - the District will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 03/20/2023

 

 

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

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

Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the District for participation in the activity.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 03/20/2023

 

 

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 District affairs and helps solve problems that may arise.  Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 03/20/2023

 

 

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

 

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 and/or student-initiated curriculum-related student organizations, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use the District facilities for meetings and other purposes before and after the instructional school day.

Non-instructional time will mean any time before the first period of the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class.  Meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other 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 District operations.  Activities relating to any part of the education program will have priority over the activities of another organization.

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

 

Non-Curriculum-Related Organizations

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 04/17/2023

 

 

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

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The 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 Chapter 2.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in Chapter 5.

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.

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 04/17/2023

 

 

A.        Official school publications defined.

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

 

B.        Expression in an official school publication.

1. No student will express, publish or distribute in an official school publication material which is:
   
   1.  obscene;
   2. libellous;
   3. slanderous; or
   4. encourages students to:
      1. commit unlawful acts;
      2. violate school rules;
      3. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school or school activity;
      4. disrupt or interfere with the education program;
      5. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or
      6. infringe on the rights of others.
2. ​​​​​​​The official school publication is produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

 

C.        Responsibilities of students.

1. Students writing or editing official school publications will assign and edit the news, editorial, and feature contents of the official school publications subject to the limitations of the student publications code and the law.
2. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and thoroughness in each and every aspect of official school publications.
3. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling for clarity and accuracy of official school publications.

 

D.        Responsibilities of faculty advisors.

Faculty advisors 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.

 

E.         Liability.

Student expression in an official school publication will not be deemed to be an expression of the District.  The District, the Board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

 

F.         Appeal procedure.

1. Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in their exercise of expression in an official student publication will seek review of the decision through the student grievance procedure in Chapter 5.
2. Persons who believe they have been aggrieved by a student-produced official student publication will file their complaint through the citizen grievance procedure in Chapter 2.

 

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

1. Official student publications may be distributed in a reasonable manner on or off school premises.
2. Distribution in a reasonable manner will not encourage students to:
   
   1. ​​​​​​​commit unlawful acts;
   2. violate school rules;
   3. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the District or school activity;
   4. disrupt or interfere with the education program;
   5. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or
   6. infringe on the rights of others.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 04/17/2023

 

​​​​​​​

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 04/17/2023

 

 

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 05/15/2023

 

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

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

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 District operations.

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season with written approval of the Superintendent, high school principal, and athletic director.  This allowance is with the understanding that the school-sponsored team participation takes precedence over the non-school team participation.  Such outside participation will not conflict with the school sponsored athletic activity. The determination of whether a non-school sponsored sport conflicts with a school sponsored athletic activity shall be determined by the supervising coach. 

If a student misses a school practice or competition due to the non-school athletic participation, the student is subject to disciplinary action by the coach/sponsor in charge of that sport.

Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 05/15/2023

 

The District recognizes that not all students grow and develop at the same rate and that some students may need more time at a particular level.  Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student’s achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.

The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the licensed employee and the principal.  When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed.  It shall be within the sole discretion of the Board to retain students in their current grade level.

Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required course work necessary to maintain adequate progress toward graduation.  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.

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 District may be allowed when they do not conflict with the District’s graduation requirements.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 05/15/2023

 

 

The District will provide a program that establishes honors and awards including, but not limited to, academic letters, scholarships, and good citizenship awards for students to assist students in setting goals.  Students are made aware of honors and awards and the action necessary on the part of the student to achieve them.  Students who have not attended the school district for one (1) year or have not attended an accredited public or private school will not be eligible for honors and awards. 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 05/15/2023

 

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

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

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent:
• mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
• sex behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• legally recognized, privileged, and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
• income, (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

APPROVED: 06/19/2023

 

 

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

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete the listed credits prior to graduation, in no case less than that required by law.  The following basic credits are required:

COURSES	Standard Credits	Core Credits
Science	6	6
Math	6	6
English	8	8
Social Studies	6	6
Financial Literacy	1	1
Fine Arts/Vocational/CPU	4	4
Electives	17	10
Physical Education	4	4
TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION	52	45

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

Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Beginning with the class of 2022, requirements for students in special education to earn a regular high school diploma will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of science, three years of social studies, and the completion of the district’s physical education requirements.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019          

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVISED: 06/21/2021 – APPROVED 07/19/2021

APPROVED: 06/19/2023

 

 

There are qualifications for an EBF HSAP student transferring to Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School (EBF) wanting to receive an EBF High School Diploma.  Specifics will be created by the HSAP staff and school administration.  The state of Iowa has very specific requirements for students earning high school diplomas presented by public schools.  Chapter 12 Graduation Requirements

Attendance Requirements for HSAP students to earn an EBF High School Diploma:

• Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School operates using 2 semesters each year.
• The student MUST attend EBF High School the entirety of their junior and senior years
  
  • Students who are a junior in the 2021-2022 academic year must enroll full-time second semester of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Students will submit a written verification of high school course work completion, with titles, to the designated EBF High School officials to determine credits awarded. Course work acceptance is based upon criteria that is determined by the designated EBF High School official and EBF HSAP Director. 

HSAP will maintain a transcript of HSAP students beginning their freshman year if the student anticipates entering the high school for an EBF High School Diploma.

EBF administration and EBF HSAP Director will create and maintain a set of protocols for HSAP students to earn an EBF public school diploma meeting Iowa Code 281 Chapter 12 requirements and local Board of Directors requirements. (Currently, 52 credits are required to graduate with an EBF High School diploma)

 

REVIEWED: 10/18/2021 – APPROVED 11/22/2021

APPROVED: 06/19/2023

 

 

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 and the student has the approval of the Board and a recommendation by the Superintendent and building principal.

A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the District.  Therefore, the student who graduates early can no longer participate in any District activities.  However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

APPROVED: 06/19/2023

 

 

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

Attendance at commencement exercises is optional.  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.  A student may be excluded from participation in commencement for violation of District policy, rules or the law.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/17/2023

 

 

It is the policy of the District that parents of all participating children have the opportunity to be involved in the joint development of the District plan and in the District’s review process for the purpose of school improvement.  The District provides coordination, technical assistance, and other necessary support in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities.  The District encourages parent involvement and supports the partnership between home/school/community by providing understandable information about standards and assessment; providing training and materials for parents to help their children and to involve other parents; educating school personnel about involving parents and the value of parent contributions; and developing meaningful roles for community organizations and businesses to work with parents and schools.

It is the policy of the District that:

• This jointly developed, written policy is distributed to parents of participating Title I children and is available to all the patrons of the District.  This policy will be given to parents of participating Title I children at the annual fall meeting or at parent-teacher conferences.  Copies are available in each office.  A copy will be sent home to the parents of children who enter the Title I program during the course of the year.
• An annual meeting is held for all parents of participating children.  Additional flexible parent meeting times shall be held throughout the year as determined by parent interest and suggestions.   These meetings will include parent-teacher conferences and meetings requested by parents and/or teachers.  Notification of these meetings will be made through United States mail, e-mail, phone calls, written notes via students, and/or through the District newsletter.
• Parents are given assistance in understanding the requirements of the Title I law, local improvement goals, content standards, performance standards, and assessments at the annual meeting each fall.  Such information may also be printed in the District newsletter, the annual progress report, and may be communicated at parent-teacher conferences and at open house.
• Parents receive an explanation of the school’s performance profile in the annual progress report published once a year.  Teachers communicate expected proficiency levels and assessment results twice a year at parent-teacher conferences.
• Parents are informed of reasons for their children’s participation, the curriculum, and the instructional objectives and methods of the program at the fall annual parent meeting.
• Parents receive timely responses to all parent recommendations.  As much as feasible, they are sent to parents in the language used in the home.  Full opportunities are provided for all parents to participate in Title I activities through a verbal and/or written invitation.  Childcare is provided at the annual parent meeting and during parent-teacher conferences.
• A jointly developed school/parent compact outlines how parents, school personnel, and students share the responsibility for improved student achievement and the means by which the District and parents continue to build and develop partnerships to help children achieve the local high standards.  This compact was developed by a joint committee of parents, teachers, and administration.  It is reviewed annually and distributed to parents as their child enters the program and again each fall.
• The Title I or District-wide program provides opportunities for parents to become partners with the District by promoting the education of their children at home and school.  Parents are given help monitoring their student’s progress.  The District provides assistance to parents on how they can participate in decisions related to their student’s education.  The District provides reasonable support for parental involvement activities as requested by parents.  Such information is communicated at parent-teacher conferences and other parent meetings including the annual fall parent meeting.  Articles regarding reading improvement will be published in the District at least once per year.  Teachers will attend workshops to improve their knowledge of teaching reading skills and strategies.
• The District coordinates and integrates parent involvement programs and activities with other programs as appropriate.  All teachers will have the opportunity to attend training sessions/workshops in reading.  Title I parents will have representation on the District advisory committee
• An annual evaluation of this parental involvement policy shall be conducted to determine the effectiveness of this policy and the barriers of this policy for increasing parent involvement.  Policy evaluation findings shall be used in designing strategies for school improvement and revising parent policies.  This evaluation will be conducted annually at the fall annual parent meeting.  Revisions will be made and the revised Parent Involvement Policy will be distributed to all Title I parents via United States Mail, e-mail or through Title I students.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/17/2023

 

 

The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining student records and preserving their confidentiality.  For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student records, student is defined as an enrolled individual in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in District-sponsored child care programs.

Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages.  The Board Secretary is the custodian of student records.  Student records may be maintained in the District office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• to school officials within the District and AEA personnel whom the Superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, Board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
• to officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
• to authorized representatives of the United States Comptroller General, the United States Attorney General, the United States Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
• in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;
• to organizations and/or their authorized representatives, on or 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 is conducted;
• to accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions;
• 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 District and juvenile justice agencies;
• in connection with a health or safety emergency;
• to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;
• to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records;  or,
• as directory information.

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

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

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

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

The District will cooperate with the juvenile justice system in sharing information contained in permanent student records regarding students who have become involved with the juvenile justice system.  The District will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice agencies involved.  The purpose of the agreement is to allow for the sharing of information prior to a student's adjudication in order to promote and collaborate between the District and the agencies to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/17/2023

 

 

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the District.  For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in District-sponsored child care programs.  Directory information is defined in the annual notice.  It may include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

The District may designate that certain directory information is available to specific parties and/or for a specific purpose.

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 07/17/2023

 

 

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.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 08/21/2023

 

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the 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 United States Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

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

It is the 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 District.  If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 08/21/2023

 

 

Students desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the District will have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the 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 District.

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

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 08/21/2023

 

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

Some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.  These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program.  When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parent.  Herbal remedies, natural supplements, or essential oils not approved by the Federal Drug Administration will NOT be administered by school personnel.

Students may be required to take medication during the school day.  Medication is administered by the parent, physician, school nurse or in the nurse's absence, by a person who has successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy Examiners.  The course is conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist.  A record of course completion will be maintained by the District.

Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication as long as all other relevant portions of this policy have been complied with by the student and the student’s parent or guardian.  A written statement by the student's parent/guardian shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.  By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.

Medication will not be administered without written authorization that is signed and dated from the parent and the medication must be in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of the day which it is to be given, the dosage, and the duration.  Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated.  When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan will be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parents.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the medication is current; that all information regarding the medication is current; and that the information provided to the District, including, but not limited to the written authorization, is current.

A written record of the administration of medication procedure must be kept for each child receiving medication including the date; student's name; prescriber or person authorizing the administration; the medication and its dosage; the name, signature, and title of the person administering the medication; and the time and method of administration and any unusual circumstances, actions or omissions.  Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information shall be kept confidential.

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVISED: 06/21/2021 – APPROVED 07/19/2021

REVIEWED: 08/21/2023

 

 

555A

NALOXONE SUPPLY AND ADMINISTRATION FOR OPIOID OVERDOSE

 

I. PURPOSE

To help address the issue of opioid misuse and to provide a safe environment for all students and staff, Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont Community School District seeks to annually obtain a prescription for and stock in school buildings the opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone. This medication will be obtained from a licensed healthcare professional, in the name of the school district, for administration by school nurse or personnel trained and authorized to administer to a student or individual who may be experiencing an acute opioid overdose.

 

II. PROCUREMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF SUPPLY

The superintendent, principal, and/or school nurse will be responsible for the procurement of naloxone. The medication will be acquired through an annual signed standing order of naloxone to students, staff members, or other individuals believed or suspected to be experiencing an opioid overdose on school grounds. The standing order shall include at least the following information: type of naloxone (intranasal and auto-injector), date of issuance, dosage, signature of the prescriber. The supply of such medication shall be maintained in a secure, dark, temperature-controlled location in each school building desired. The school nurse appointed will be responsible for ensuring stock of medication including: expiration date, any visual defects. The school nurse will be responsible for ensuring the district replaces, as soon as reasonably possible, any used, expired, or defective medication.

 

III. TRAINING

A school nurse or trained personnel may provide or administer the medication if they reasonably and in good faith believe the student or individual is experiencing an opioid overdose. Authorized personnel will be required to provide a procedural skills demonstration to the school nurse demonstrating competency.
 

IV. INFORMATION/GUIDELINES
Opioid overdose occurs when the amount of opioid in the body is so great the individual becomes unresponsive to stimuli and breathing becomes inadequate. Lack of oxygen affects vital organs, including the heart and brain, leading to unconsciousness, coma, and eventually death. Naloxone is indicated for the reversal of opioid overdose in the presence of respiratory depression or unresponsiveness.

The following may be signs and symptoms of an individual experiencing an opioid-related overdose:

• A history of current narcotic or opioid use or fentanyl patches on skin or needle in the body
• Unresponsive or unconscious individuals
• Not breathing or slow/shallow respirations        
• Snoring or gurgling sounds (due to partial upper airway obstruction)
• Blue lips and/or nail beds
• Pinpoint pupils
• Clammy skin
• Vomiting

Note that individuals in cardiac arrest from all causes share many symptoms with someone with a narcotic overdose (unresponsiveness, not breathing, snoring/gurgling sounds, and blue skin/nail beds). If there is no pulse, these individuals are in cardiac arrest and require CPR.

 

V. EQUIPMENT
Naloxone Hydrochloride and Intranasal Mucosal Atomization Device OR NARCAN® Nasal Spray one-piece pre-assembled nasal device.

 

VI. PROCEDURE

1. Attempt to rouse and stimulate the student/ patient (rub your knuckles firmly up and down the breastbone).

2. Call 911, get an AED.  Have someone call the school nurse and parent(s).

3. If possible, monitor and record respirations, heart rate and blood pressure. Note suspected opiate overdose (as evidenced by pinpoint pupils, depressed mental status, etc.).

4. If available, administer naloxone/ NARCAN®

NALOXONE

a. Remove yellow cap from needleless syringe. Attach the nasal atomizer (applicator) onto the top of the needleless syringe. Remove purple cap from prefilled vial of naloxone. Thread vial into needleless syringe by gently twisting naloxone until you feel it “catch”. DO NOT PUSH VIAL INTO SYRINGE. Expel air.

b. Tilt the person’s head back and spray half of naloxone up one nostril and the other half of naloxone up the other nostril.

IMPORTANT: In an emergency, if you do not have the atomizer, you can squirt the naloxone into the person’s nose as directed without the atomizer.

 NARCAN®

c. Peel back the package to remove the device. Hold the device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle. Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the patient’s nose. Tilt head back. Press the plunger firmly to release the dose into the patient’s nose.

d. Continue to perform rescue breathing/ CPR as necessary.

5. Start rescue breathing if not breathing or CPR if there is no pulse.

6. Allow 1-3 minutes for medication to work. If no change to the person’s condition after 2-3 minutes, give another dose of naloxone/NARCAN® as in Step 4 above and continue rescue breathing as necessary.

7. Administer CPR if indicated.

8. Stay with the person until medical help arrives. Notify EMS of naloxone administration.

9. Reported administration should be sent to the State Opioid Response (SOR2) helpdesk at sor@idph.iowa.gov as an email and only include the date of administration and the outcome (was the individual able to be revived).

 

Notes:

• Iowa’s Good Samaritan Law, found under Iowa Code Section 613.17, states “a person, who in good faith renders emergency care or assistance without compensation, shall not be liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions occurring at the place of an emergency or accident or while the person is in transit to or from the emergency or accident or while the person is at or being moved to or from an emergency shelter unless such acts or omissions constitute recklessness or willful and wanton misconduct.”  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 the opioid antagonist, provided they acted reasonably and in good faith.
• Districts are not required by law to stock and maintain a supply of opioid antagonists. However, if a district wishes to stock and maintain a supply of this medication, the board is required to establish a policy.
• For additional information and resources regarding opioid antagonists, visit https://www.naloxoneiowa.org/

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/21/2022   APPROVED: 12/19/2022 

REVIEWED: 09/18/2023

 

 

555B

STOCK EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR SUPPLY FOR ANAPHYLAXIS
 

I. DEFINITION

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated. This allergic emergency can be caused by stinging and biting insects, allergy injections, foods, medicines, exercise, or unknown causes. Some people are at an increased risk for anaphylaxis because of known allergens. Some people with unknown allergies may experience their first reaction while at school. Symptoms generally appear quickly and progress rapidly. Early recognition of symptoms and immediate treatment can save a life! Symptoms may include:

• LUNGS: shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough
• HEART: pale, blue, faint, weak pulse, dizzy
• THROAT: tight, hoarse, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
• MOUTH: swelling of the tongue and/or lips
• SKIN: hives, widespread redness
• GUT: vomiting, diarrhea, discomfort
• OTHER: feeling of “impending doom,” anxiety, confusion

II. INFORMATION/ GUIDELINES
The district will implement a protocol to respond to life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The school will maintain the medication necessary to apply the protocol in each school building.  This protocol would apply to any individual present in the facility while school is in session. This protocol does NOT extend to activities off school grounds (including transportation to and from school, field trips, etc.) or outside the academic day (sporting events, extra-curricular activities, etc.).

The district school nurse or other trained and authorized personnel may administer an epinephrine auto-injector from the school’s supply to a student or other individual if reasonably and in good faith believe the student or individual is having an anaphylactic reaction. Individuals authorized to administer the epinephrine will complete the appropriate medication training and be signed off by the school nurse.

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

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

III. EQUIPMENT

• Epinephrine 0.15mg IM (intramuscular) for 55 pounds or less. 
• Epinephrine 0.30mg IM (intramuscular) for 55 pounds or greater.

 

IV. PROCEDURE
Epinephrine injection is the treatment for anaphylaxis. Everyone with a known history of anaphylaxis or any severe allergies should have a specific emergency action plan on file and their own auto-injector of epinephrine at school.  For these individuals with known allergies, follow their personalized emergency action plan.
For individuals without a known allergy:           

• Rapidly assess airway, breathing, and circulation and begin CPR as necessary. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
• Inject Epinephrine IMMEDIATELY. Do not leave the individual alone.
• Lay the person flat, elevate legs, and keep warm.
• If symptoms do not improve, or if symptoms return, an additional dose of epinephrine can be given 5 minutes or more after the last dose.
• Appoint someone to notify emergency contacts.
• Transport the individual to the emergency room, even if symptoms resolve.
• Send used Epinephrine auto-injector with emergency personnel.

 

V. REPORTING
If a stock epinephrine auto-injector is utilized, the administration will be documented and reported to the state using the Iowa Department of Education’s “Report of Stock Epinephrine Administration” form.

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. 

 

REVIEWED: 06/17/2024 – APPROVED: 07/15/2024

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 09/18/2023

 

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

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

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the Superintendent within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.  Reports will be kept in the administrative office for that year and then filed in the student’s cumulative folder.

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

 

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 09/18/2023

 

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 09/18/2023

 

 

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

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures.  The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees.  The emergency plan will include:

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

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

Bus evacuation drills shall be conducted at least once per semester.  The principals of the attendance centers, in consultation with the Transportation Director, shall plan these drills.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/16/2023

 

 

Students participating in intramural or extracurricular athletics shall be required to have health and accident insurance.  Students, whether they are or are not participating in intramural or extracurricular athletics, will have the opportunity to participate in the health and accident insurance plan selected by the school district.

The Superintendent, in consultation with the business manager, shall select the insurance plan after receiving quotes from competing companies. 

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

Whenever a student is injured while under the supervision of a member of the school district staff, the faculty member will file an accident report with the school nurse and the principal's office.

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/16/2023

 

Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the District. The 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 will be followed by the District.  It is the responsibility of the person requesting an action by the District to inform and provide the District the court order allowing such action.

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/16/2023

 

 

Some students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program.  These students will receive special health services in accordance with their Individualized Educational Program.

 

A.        Definitions

Assignment and delegation - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services.  Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel.  Each designation considers the student's special health service.  The rationale for the designation is documented.  If the designation decision of the team differs from the licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion.

Co-administration - the eligible student's participation in the planning, management, and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.

Educational program - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.

Education team - may include the eligible student, the student's parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program.

Health assessment - health data collection, observation, analysis, and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.

Health instruction - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan.  Documentation of education and periodic updates are on file in the District.

Individual health plan - the confidential, written, pre-planned and ongoing special health service in the educational program.  It includes assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, evaluation, and a plan for emergencies.  The plan is updated as needed and at least annually.  Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with the education team.

Licensed health personnel - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications.

Prescriber - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications.

Qualified designated personnel - persons instructed, supervised and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.

Special health services - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:

• Interpretation or intervention;
• Administration of health procedures and health care; or
• Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.

Supervision - the assessment, delegation, evaluation, and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel.  Levels of supervision include situations in which licensed health personnel are:

• physically present
• available at the same site
• available on call

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019

REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021

REVIEWED: 10/16/2023