It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use the district 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, race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/parental/familial status, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, creed or genetic information.  This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to 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 apply to students 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 the student’s misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

Approved: 1994-1995
Revised: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016, May 24, 2021

Reviewed: 02/24/17. May 24,2021

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

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:

        Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights

        U.S. Department of Education

        8930 Ward Parkway

        Suite 2037,

        Kansas City, MO, 64114

        (816) 268-0550

         -- or --

        Iowa Dept. of Education

        Grimes State Office Building

        Des Moines, IA 

        (515) 281-5294. 

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 district’s central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.

Approved: 1994-1995
Revised:, May 24, 2021

Reviewed: October 16, 2014,  May 24,2021

Children in the district community will be allowed to enroll in the district’s preschool program, provided such program exists and has open space, beginning at age four (4).  The child must be age four (4) on or prior to September 15 to participate in the district’s preschool program.

Children in the district community will be allowed to enroll in the district's regular education program beginning at age five (5). The child must be age five (5) on or prior to September 15 to participate in the district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six (6) on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

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

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with his/her 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.  An exception to this would be a homeless student.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016, May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Transfers Into District

The student’s parents or the student may transfer the student to the district.  Students who transfer into the district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the district.

The 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.

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

Transfers Out of District

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

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

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents will notify the superintendent or designee 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 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 or designee that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.

Approved:
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016, May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 district. The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the district under open enrollment.

The superintendent will approve timely filed applications by June 1; incoming kindergarten applications, good cause applications and continuation of an educational program applications filed by September 1.

The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five (5) 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 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.  The board shall determine insufficient classroom space on a case by case basis.  The 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, equipment and materials available, finances available, facilities either being planned or currently under consideration, sharing agreements in force, and District goals and objectives.

Open enrollment requests into the district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the 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 (9) through twelve (12) open enrolling into the district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety (90) days of open enrollment into the 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 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 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.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14 , 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 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 administration office. Request received after March 1 will be reviewed by the board in closed session.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1. Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 1 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 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 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 district until the final determination is made.

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

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: February 24, 2017

Parents/guardians within the district who have children over age four (4) and enrolled in the statewide preschool program, over age five (5) and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program or over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the 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 ninety seven percent (97%) of the school year (and/or shall be absent with unexcused absences for no more than three percent (3%) of the school year)  Preschool or kindergarten students will attend school a minimum of a proportionate amount of days based upon the preschool or kindergarten schedule.  Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or referred to the county attorney.

Students over age four (4) on September 15 and enrolled in the statewide preschool program and students over age five (5) on September 15 and enrolled in the district’s kindergarten program may be allowed to not attend the minimum days only if the student’s parent notifies the district in writing of the parent’s intent to remove the child from the preschool program and/or from enrollment in the district.

Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not be required to attend the minimum days only if the student falls into one of the following exemptions:

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

• is subject to an attendance cooperation process between the school district and the parents.

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

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

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

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016, May 24, 2021

Revised: 02/24/17

As part of the 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.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24, 2021

Revised: 02/24/17

The district is committed to ensuring that every reasonable attempt be made to secure the attendance in school of all children residing in the district, and particularly those of compulsory attendance age.  To that end, the superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, is directed to cooperate with the county attorney, officials of private schools in the district, and other relevant agencies, to enforce the state law of compulsory school attendance.

Children between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16), as of September 15, residing in the district are required to be enrolled in and attending an Iowa accredited public or private school, or receiving competent private instruction.

Children age four (4) and above who attend the statewide preschool program and age five (5) and above who attend the district’s kindergarten program shall attend school as required by the superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, taking into account absences excused under the terms of the district’s attendance policy.

Children of compulsory attendance age who are enrolled in the district, shall attend school as required by the superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, taking into account absences excused under the terms of the district’s attendance policy.

Truancy is the failure to attend school without reasonable excuse for the absence.  Legitimate reasons for absence will be developed by the superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, and will be provided to students and parents in the student handbook or other public publication each year.  It shall be within the discretion of the principal or Superintendent (or either’s designee) to determine in light of the circumstances whether a student may make up missed work due to truancy.  The truancy officer/building principal may refer to the county attorney’s office a student and his or her parent for violation of the compulsory attendance laws for excessive excused absences.  The district will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney.  The district’s designee shall represent the district in mediation.

If a child is truant from school, District officials shall make every reasonable attempt to secure the child’s attendance and document in writing all such efforts.  However, if a child of compulsory attendance age who is enrolled in the district is truant, as determined by the superintendent, in conjunction with building principals, and outlined in the student handbook, the truancy officer/building principal may notify the county attorney in writing of the apparent violation of the compulsory attendance law by the child and the child’s parent or guardian.  In addition, the building principal may impose discipline on the truant child in accordance with the district’s attendance policy. 

The superintendent or designee shall cooperate with officials of accredited nonpublic schools in the district in enforcing the compulsory attendance law as to students enrolled in those schools.  The superintendent or designee shall also notify the county attorney if a child between the age of six and sixteen who is said to be receiving competent private instruction fails to make adequate progress as defined by law.

The superintendent or designee shall notify the nearest office of the Department of Education at any time a student over the compulsory attendance age drops out of school without enrolling elsewhere.

Approved:
Reviewed:FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24, 2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Students will be allowed to leave the 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 or designee.

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

The residence of a student for the purpose of attendance in the district means the place, abode or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of their parents.

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

Approved:
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2014,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Non-resident students are defined as those children whose parents or guardians reside outside the district.  Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the district may be admitted into the district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per pupil cost of the district as computed by the board Secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.  Tuition is to be paid in advance for at least a month at a time.  Failure to pay tuition in advance will result in the exclusion of the child from classes until payment is received.

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

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the 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 district, for purposes of administration.

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

Approved:
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

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 as all other students.

Approved: July 2014

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

1. A child or youth who is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; is abandoned in a hospital; or is awaiting foster care placement;

2. A child or youth who has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

3. A child or youth who is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting; or

4. A migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because the child or youth is living in circumstances described in paragraphs “1” through “3” above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approved: July 2014

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approved: July 2014

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 1 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 administration office.

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

Approved: July 2014

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

Students shall 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 District owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in District activities; and while away from school grounds if their misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the district.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and other District policies, rules, and the administrative regulations supporting District policies 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 educational activities or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.  Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct.  The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline.  In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the district’s administration of discipline. The district reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student of the student for damage caused by the student.

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.

Students may be disciplined for conduct that violates commonly held notions of unacceptable, immoral or inappropriate behavior that includes, but is not limited to, the following: open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including extracurricular activities); assault or threatened assault on another person; extortion, intimidation or coercion; inciting others to violate the law or school rules; vandalism; gambling; theft or possession of stolen goods/property; sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia; possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia; possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation or look-a-like weapon or an explosive; possession, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages; use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco, imitation or look-a-like substances; profanity; possession of pornographic/obscene literature, items or materials; student dress which is suggestive, condones illegal activity or in some way disrupts the educational process; failure to abide by corrective measures for pervious acts of misconduct; harassment in any form of another person; conduct which discriminates against others based upon an individual’s sex, race, national origin, religion or disability; destruction, damage, unauthorized use, inappropriate use, and/or manipulation of hardware, software or any aspect or component of the school’s electronic information system, including the internet; inappropriate sexual conduct including harassment, indecent exposure, and visible displays of affection.

A student who commits an assault against an employee on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the district; while on District-owned or District-operated transportation or while attending or engaged in District activities shall be suspended by the principal. Notice of the suspension shall be sent to the board President. The board will review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student that may include expulsion.

Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as the following:

• any act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; 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 a violation of school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the district’s administration of discipline. The district reserves the right to seek restitution from the parent(s)/guardian(s) 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 or after school has been dismissed for the day. Whether a student will serve detention, when a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention shall be within the discretion of the employee disciplining the student or the building principal.

Suspension includes in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension. An in-school suspension means the student will attend school, but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten (10) 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 (10) days.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement shall take place.  The Individual Education Program (IEP) shall be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension.  If a special education student’s suspensions, either in or out of school, equal ten (10) days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.

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

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

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2017,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

A.     In-School Suspension
 

1.     In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision. In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which are serious, but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

2.     The building principal will conduct an informal investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension. The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. In-school suspension shall not be imposed for a period longer than ten (10) school days. Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension shall be sent to the student's parents.

B.     Out-of-School Suspension
 

1.     Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration. Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.

2.     A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten (10) school days by a building principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school. The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student the following options:
 

a.     Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student;

b.     The basis in fact for the charges; and
c.      The opportunity to respond to those charges.

3.     Written notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed within two (2) school days following the suspension to the student’s parents and the student.  Written notice of the out-of-school suspension shall also be given to the superintendent.  A reasonable effort shall be made to personally notify the student's parents of the out-of-school suspension and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact. Written notice shall include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

C.     Suspensions and Special Education Students

1.     Students who have been identified as special education students who are suspended may be referred for a review of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.

2.     If a special education student's suspensions, either in-school or out-of-school, equal ten days (10) on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the student's I.E.P. is appropriate.

3.     Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student’s suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education services.

D.     Probation

1.     Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

2.     The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Students may be expelled for conduct which violates Board policy, school rules or the law. The long-term removal of a student from the school environment, including classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.  It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only The board may take action to expel a student and to readmit a student who has been expelled.  A student may be expelled by the board for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to discipline a student through expulsion depending on the nature of the student's offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.  The building principal shall keep records of expulsions, in addition to the board's records.

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

1.     Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion written with sufficient specificity to enable the student to prepare a defense;

2.     Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student to obtain the assistance of counsel and to prepare a defense;

3.     Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;

4.     The names of the witnesses the superintendent will present, if available,[1] 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 administration; and to cross-examine adverse witnesses, if available (see footnote 1);

6.     Notice that the student has a right to be represented by counsel.

7.     Notice that the student has a right to the results and finding of the board in writing open to the student’s inspection.

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

After the board has heard the expulsion matter, it shall go into deliberations. No one who advocated a position at the hearing of the matter should be present during the board’s deliberations unless the other party or parties are also permitted to attend deliberations. The student has a right to a decision based solely on the evidence presented at hearing. There must be an adequate factual basis for the board’s decision. A preponderance of the evidence standard is sufficient to find the student violated the rule or policy at issue. Following the board’s deliberations, The board shall reconvene in open session and render its decision on the superintendent’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 the following additional procedures. A determination should be made of whether the student has participated in the misconduct. A staffing team shall determine whether the student's behavior is a manifestation of 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 found not to be a manifestation of the student’s disability, the student may be suspended or expelled following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the district’s expulsion hearing procedures.  If the student’s misconduct is found to be a manifestation of the student’s disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change shall 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.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees or visitors on the district’s premises or property within the jurisdiction of the district.  The board shall adopt a student search rule that is consistent with this policy and publish the student search rule in the school’s student handbook.

District property is held in public trust by the board.  District officials may conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots which may include the use of a drug sniffing animal.  District officials (meaning licensed school employees and unlicensed school employees employed for security or supervision purposes) may, without a search warrant, search students, student lockers, student personal effects, student desks, student work areas or student automobiles, based on reasonable suspicion that a District policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  District officials may use drug sniffing animals to conduct searches of student lockers, student personal effects, student desks, student work areas or student automobiles.

Student searches shall be conducted in a manner reasonable in scope.  The reasonableness of the scope of a search may be determined based upon the following: (a) the age of the student; (b) the gender of the student; (c) the safety of the students and/or others; (d) the nature of the violation; and (e) the objectives to be accomplished by the search.  Student searches shall be conducted in a manner that maintains order and discipline in the schools, promotes the educational environment, and protects the safety and welfare of students, employees, and visitors to the district’s facilities.

Notwithstanding the requirements stated above, District officials may conduct periodic inspections of all, or a randomly selected number of student lockers.  Prior to conducting these types of locker inspections, at the beginning of each school year, the district shall provide written notice to each student and the student’s parents, guardians or legal custodians that District officials may conduct periodic inspections of all school lockers without prior notice.  Any locker inspection conducted pursuant to this policy shall be done only in the presence of the student(s) whose lockers are being inspected or in the presence of at least one other person.  An inspection of the lockers may be accomplished using such methods including, but not limited to, a visual search of lockers by District officials or the use, by District officials or others hired at their direction, of a drug sniffing animal.

In conducting their searches and inspections, District officials may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband including, but are not limited to, non-prescription 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 buses or 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 law enforcement officials.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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/designee of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of lockers. Either students or another individual will be present during the inspection of lockers. Student lockers may also be searched, at any time and without advance notice, in compliance with Board policy regulating search and seizure.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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.  For purposes of this policy, the school juvenile court officer shall be considered a District employee.

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 determine whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

L

The district and the board recognize the following as serious violations of the school's disciplinary policy:

1.     Possessing, drinking or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or “look-alikes” (substances that appear to be alcoholic beverages) on District property, on property within the jurisdiction of the district, while in District-owned and/or operated District or chartered vehicles; while attending or engage in District activities; and while away from District grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the district;

2.     Possessing, distributing, dispensing, using or being under the influence of illegal drugs or “look-alikes” (substances that appear to be illegal drugs) on District property, on property within the jurisdiction of the district, while in District-owned and/or operated District or chartered vehicles; while attending or engage in District activities; and while away from District grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the district;

3.     Possessing, distributing, dispensing or using drug paraphernalia or “look-alikes” (substances that appear to be drug paraphernalia) on District property, on property within the jurisdiction of the district, while in District-owned and/or operated District or chartered vehicles; while attending or engage in District activities; and while away from District grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the district.

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

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

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

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

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

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 24, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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.

District facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects, look-a-likes, and 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, dangerous object, look-a-like, or any instrument used as a weapon onto school property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school may be suspended or expelled from school.

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

Students bringing a firearm to school will be expelled for not less than twelve months. The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes 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, 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 or other dangerous objects for educational purposes. Such a display will also be exempt from this policy.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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.  Extreme hairstyle and dress that is unduly immodest, distracting or inappropriate for a school environment will not be allowed.  Clothing or other apparel promoting or referring to products illegal for use by minors (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, drugs) and/or clothing displaying obscene material or profanity, in any language, or referencing to prohibited conduct are not allowed.  Low riding pants and low cut tops are not acceptable.  Bare midriffs will not be acceptable for boys or girls.  Clothes with holes or tears in inappropriate places are not acceptable.  Hats or any head coverings may not be worn in the building during school time.  Any accessories deemed unsafe (such as chains or jewelry/accessories with spikes) will not be allowed.

While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated. When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 access to the administration.

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

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 24, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

No student organization shall exist that is not approved by the superintendent, in consultation with the building principal.  The building principal shall determine qualifications and regulations for student groups and make recommendations to the superintendent for groups seeking approval.  Applications for organizing shall only be relayed to the superintendent through the principal.

Curriculum-Related Organizations

Extracurricular activities and student groups shall be related to the curriculum of the secondary schools in the district.  These secondary school curriculum-related student organizations may use the district’s facilities for meetings and other purposes before, after, and during the instructional school day.

It will be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether a student group is curriculum-related. One or more of the following questions has to be answered in the affirmative in order for a group to be defined as 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 curriculum-related student organizations, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use the district facilities for meetings and other purposes during non-instructional time.  Non-instructional time will mean any time before the first period of the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class. Meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other 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 will 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 are 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.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 district employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the district employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by District employees or officials except as provided by law. A faculty advisor shall supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. The production of official school publications shall be guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations 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 this policy manual. Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted will follow the grievance procedure outlined in this policy manual.

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

School groups and classes may hold social events using school facilities for their membership under the control and authorization of professional staff supervision.  Approval for an event shall be secured from the building principal before public announcement is made.  Proper chaperoning shall be provided under the direction of the building principal.  All social events shall be under the control and supervision of licensed school personnel.  Hours, behavior, and activities related to social events shall be reasonable and proper.  School-sponsored social events are open to the students enrolled in the district.  Others, such as alumni or out-of-district students, may attend as the date or escort of students enrolled in the district with the permission of the building principal.  Hours, behavior, and activities related to social events shall be reasonable and proper.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Student participation in public performances is a privilege.  When students have the opportunity to engage in public performances they act as ambassadors for the district.  Students engaged in public performances must conduct themselves in the same manner as required during 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.

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

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

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

•       Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

The board encourages the use of students for public performances when such performances contribute to the educational processes and objectives of the school.   Performances should not unduly interfere with the student program.

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

Approved: October 16, 2014

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Participation in District activities is a privilege.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the district for participation in the activity.  District activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

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

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

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

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

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

Approved 1994-95

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

The rules and regulations of the district and state associations shall be in effect for all events in which students participate, representing the district, during or after school hours, either on District premises or off District premises for events considered District sponsored or District approved activities.  This policy includes athletics, speech, drama, music, academic competitions, FFA competitions, FCCLA activities, cheerleading, dance, homecoming royalty and other royalty, speaker at graduation, and other school-related events, competitive conference activities or performing or participating in any activity as a representative of the district.   

Penalties for violations after school hours or at designated places for events will be the same as during regularly scheduled school hours or on District premises except where a special discipline policy has been specified.  This includes particular rules and regulations established by the Department of Education, director of the activity, special temporary restrictions imposed on the students prior to the scheduled event, and any other mandates determined by the administration.

Additionally, the executive Boards of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) may sanction member and associate member schools that permit or allow participation in any event by a person in violation of the eligibility rules or by a student who has been suspended from school and/or District activities in accordance with local rules.

General Co-curricular Activities Policies

1.     Students who participate in the above co-curricular activity programs are subject to the rules and policies governing activity eligibility participation and the training and conduct rules set down by the coach or sponsor, twenty-four hours per day, year round.  Students may be declared ineligible from activity participation by the athletic director, principal or the superintendent/designee for violation of any of these rules and policies.

2.     The principal/designee shall be responsible for informing coaches/sponsors of which students are not eligible for participation.

3.     A student with an unexcused absence during any part of the school day or who was not present the last half of the school day will not be eligible for activity participation on the day of the absence, unless approved by the principal/designee.

4.     A student will not be penalized for non-participation (practice or contests) during regularly scheduled vacation periods, if that student is excused from these by his/her parent or guardian.  Communication between the parent/guardian, athletic director, and coach is required prior to a participant’s absence that will occur during a scheduled vacation period.

5.     A student may not be dropped from practice or competition during the season or during tournament play unless he/she has violated the districts or coach’s good conduct rules or the Department of Education eligibility rules.  In the event that a student is to be removed for this cause, the athletic director/principal will be notified and will be a part of the decision and the appropriate action.  The parent/guardian shall be notified of the action taken.

6.     If a student drops one activity for good cause during the season, he/she will not be penalized for participation in any succeeding activity for which he/she is ineligible for the same good cause offense.

7.     Athletic directors, coaches, and sponsors have the prerogative to establish reasonable training and conduct rules, when not in conflict with District policy and regulations, for a particular co-curricular activity or competition, all of which must be followed by the participants, including but not limited to, the special rules below.  Those rules shall be sent to the students' parents/guardians before the activity commences.

Department of Education Co-curricular Activities Policies

A.     Eligibility Rules

1.     Eligibility may be compromised if any of the following are true:

a.     The student do not have a physician's certificate of fitness issued this school year.

b.     The student has attended high school for more than eight (8) semesters (twenty days of attendance or playing in one contest constitutes a semester).  Middle school students who have completed more than four (4) semesters in 7th or 8th grade may not be eligible to participate in middle school activities.

c.      The student was not enrolled in high school last semester or if the student entered school this semester later than the second week of school and were not enrolled in school immediately prior to enrolling at the high school.  (Not applicable to the middle school.)

d.     The student has changed schools this semester, except upon like change of residence of the student’s parents/guardians.  (Not applicable to the middle school.)

e.     The student has been declared ineligible under a prior District’s Good Conduct Rule, and then, without having completed the full period of ineligibility at that school, transfer to the high school. The student may not be eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school until the full period of ineligibility has been completed.  Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school as far as any Good Conduct Rule is concerned.

f.      The student has competed on an outside school team as a      team member or as an individual while out for a sport during that particular sport season without the previous written consent of the current coach, athletic director, and parent/guardian with the exception of dance.

g.     The student has have ever trained with a college squad or has participated in a college event.

h.     The student’s  habits and conduct both in and out of school are such as to make his/her unworthy to represent the ideals, principles, and standards of your school.

B.     Scholarship Rules for Athletics

        1.     Application of Scholarship Rules

a.     Scholarship Rules apply to all member and associate member schools that belong to the IHSAA and the IGHSAU.  Schools may not allow ineligible or suspended students to participate.  The IHSAA and the IGHSAU have the power to impose sanctions upon schools that do not enforce Scholarship rules.

b.     In addition, Scholarship Rules apply to all students who are members of any recognized District Activity.

        2.     Requirements

a.     All students must be enrolled and in good standing in a school that is a member or associate member in good standing of the organization sponsoring the event.  Each student shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given and shall be making adequate progress toward graduation requirements at the end of the first quarter, second quarter, first semester, third quarter, fourth quarter, and second semester.

b.     All students must be under twenty (20) years of age.

c.      All students shall be enrolled students of the district in good standing.  The student shall receive credit in at least four subjects, each of one period or hour, or the equivalent thereof. They shall receive credit in all courses for which a letter grade is given.  Grades will be checked at the end of each grading period as defined in (a) above.

i.      Coursework taken under postsecondary enrollment options, for which a District or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation, shall be used in determining eligibility.

ii.      Dual credit courses from community colleges will count toward the four-credit class requirement, and failure of such courses will result in violation of eligibility standards.

d.     A student who has had four or more successful non-failing (no “F”s) grading periods (quarters) after the grading period in which the student did not pass all coursework is eligible.

e.     If a student does not meet the Eligibility Standard, then s/he will not be allowed to represent the school for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days in all co-curricular activities and competitions as defined in paragraph (a) of this policy.  S/he is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next athletic contests and competitions in which the athlete is a contestant for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days. The thirty (30) Day Rule applies to all levels of high school athletics, and not just varsity competition.  The thirty (30) consecutive calendar days of ineligibility begin on the earliest date when the IGHSAU or the IHSAA allows games to begin for each sport.  If the sport is in mid-season, then the period of ineligibility begins at 3:40 P.M. the afternoon of the 3rd weekday following the end of the grading period.

f.      If at the time the student has a failure, and he/she is out for a sport and the season ends before the thirty (30) days are served, the days carry over to the next sport he/she participates in.

g.     Subject to the provision below regarding contestants in interscholastic baseball or softball, if at the end of any grading period a contestant is given a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the contestant is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next occurring interscholastic athletic contests and competitions in which the participant is a contestant for thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.  The thirty (30) calendar days begin at 3:40 the afternoon of the third (3rd) weekday following the end of the grading period.

h.     At the end of a grading period that is the final grading period in a school year, a contestant, in interscholastic baseball or softball who receives a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, is ineligible to dress for and compete in interscholastic baseball or softball for the thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.  The thirty (30) calendar days begin at 3:40 the afternoon of the third (3rd) weekday following the end of the grading period.  If the season expires prior to thirty (30) consecutive calendar days elapsing, the period of ineligibility will carry over to the beginning of the next sport in which the student participates.

i.      A student with a disability who has an Individualized Education Program shall not be denied eligibility on the basis of scholarship if the student is making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, towards the goals and objectives on the student’s Individualized Educational Program.

j.      All member schools shall provide appropriate interventions and necessary academic supports for students who fail or who are at risk to fail, and shall report to the department regarding those interventions on the comprehensive school improvement plan (CSIP).

k.     An incomplete (I) will be considered a failure.  At the time the incomplete (I) becomes a passing grade, eligibility will be reinstated.

l.      A student is academically eligible upon entering the ninth grade.

m.    No student shall be eligible to participate in any given interscholastic athletic sport if the student has engaged in that sport professionally.

n.     The superintendent or Superintendent’s designee, with the approval of the board, may give permission to a dropout student to participate in athletics upon return to school if the student is otherwise eligible under these rules.

C.     After-Hours, Off-Premises Special Rules

1.     Application- The following rules cover students in grades 5-12.  These after hours, off-premises special rules will be printed in the Student Handbook given to each student in grades 5-12 when school opens in the fall.  A Student Handbook will also be issued to each new student who registers after the school year begins.

2.     General Rule- The board, the administration, and other employees of the district, have no control or responsibility for any student when the student is in the custody and control of his/her parents, guardian, or other non-school related agency except as explained below.

3.     Exceptional Rules- The board and administration have determined the following specific policies as exceptions to the immediately preceding paragraph:

a.     Training and Conduct Rules- The sponsors and coaches must establish reasonable training and conduct rules for the activities for which they have been given responsibility.  These rules must be approved by the principal or athletic director. They must be distributed to each participant before the activity commences. A student who registers late will receive the rules when he/she starts.  Violation of any of these training and conduct rules may be cause for eliminating a student from the activity or restricting participation.

b.     Participation in Criminal or Unlawful Activity- Students who represent the district in extra-curricular activities are expected to characterize high standards of conduct.  Students who participate in any conduct which, in Iowa, is illegal, whether or not an arrest or conviction occurs, except simple misdemeanor traffic violation may be suspended from activity participation if an investigation by District officials determines the student has committed a violation of the rules.  Students may be penalized in the manner described in the following section on alcohol and controlled substances.  Upon each offense of criminal or otherwise unlawful activity, the student shall be referred to the administration team.

c.      Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances- Involvement with alcohol, tobacco, and/or other illegal substances classified as controlled substances is deemed a most serious offense.  The board and administration will impose severe penalties when it has been determined a participant has been involved in the use, sale, distribution or possession of the same.  Severe penalties will also be imposed on those who inhabit an environment or are in attendance where an illegal act(s) related to alcohol and/or controlled substances occur(s), including, but not limited to these:

(i)     alcohol being possessed, distributed or consumed by people not of legal age to do so and

(ii)    possession, sale, distribution or consumption of illegal substances.

Since rules for participation in activities carry over outside of school hours and school-sponsored events, parents and concerned agencies must cooperate with the school in eliminating alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substance use and abuse.

4.     Penalties – When it has been determined that a student has violated the rules regarding (b) or (c) in sub-section (3) above, the student shall be penalized as follows:

a.     Repeat offenses shall be calculated by counting backward from the date of the current violation.

b.     First Offense: Three-week (21 calendar days) suspension from scheduled cocurricular competition or performance.  This three week suspension will be shortened to two weeks (14 calendar days) if the student reports the incident to a coach, sponsor, activities/athletic director, or principal prior to their awareness of the incident.

c.      Second Offense: Seven weeks (49 calendar days) suspension from all cocurricular competition or performance.  A student suspended for a second time under this policy will be eligible to participate in cocurricular activities and competition after six weeks (42 days) if he/she reports the incident to a coach, sponsor, activities/athletic director, or principal prior to their awareness of it.

d.     Third Offense: A minimum of fifteen (15) weeks (105 calendar days) suspension from participation in all co-curricular competition and performance.

e.     The suspensions described above will commence at the time the student makes a District coach, sponsor, athletic director or principal aware of the infraction or at the time an investigation by the athletic director or the principal determines by the finding of fact that the student has violated this policy.  Prior to making a determination that there has been a violation, the athletic director or the principal shall (i) be informed of the allegations and (ii) perform an investigation; and the student shall (i) be notified, orally or in writing, of the allegations against the student and the basis of the allegations and (ii) be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

f.      The athletic director or the principal may determine that there has been a violation whether or not criminal charges have been filed, whether a student's trial is pending or whether or not the student is found guilty by a court of law as long as there is reasonable evidence to support the finding of a violation.

5.     Appeal –

1. A student may contest a determination of a violation and/or the penalty imposed for a violation of these rules.  All appeal hearings shall be informal and a student must be accompanied by his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).

1. The decision by the activities director regarding a violation may be appealed to the principal.  The appeal to the principal shall be in writing and delivered to the principal’s secretary within five (5) school days of receipt of the athletic director’s decision.  The appeal to the principal shall specify the reasons for the appeal and all supporting information and facts.  The principal shall review the results of the investigation conducted by the athletic director and the student’s objections within five (5) school days of receipt of the written request for appeal.  The principal shall provide a written decision to the activities director, the student and/or the student’s parents within five (5) days of considering the appeal.

1. When student behavior results in a first offense of the Good Conduct Code, the principal’s decision will be final and no further appeal will be allowed.

1. When student behavior results in a second violation of the Good Conduct Code, the decision of the principal may be appealed to the superintendent.  The appeal to the superintendent shall be in writing and delivered to the superintendent or the superintendent’s secretary within five (5) school days of receipt of the principal’s decision.  The appeal to the superintendent shall specify the reasons for the appeal and all supporting information and facts.  The superintendent shall review the results of the investigation conducted by the principal and the student’s objections within five (5) school days of receipt of the written request for appeal.  The superintendent shall provide a written decision to the principal, the student and/or the student’s parents within five (5) days of considering the appeal.

1. When student behavior results in a second offense of the Good Conduct Code, the superintendent’s decision will be final and no further appeal will be allowed.

1. When student behavior results in a third or fourth violation of the Good Conduct Code, the decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the board of Education or a committee appointed by the board.  The appeal to the board or Board committee shall be in writing and delivered to the board secretary within five (5) school days of receipt of the superintendent’s decision.  The appeal to the board or Board committee shall specify the reasons for the appeal and all supporting information and facts.  The decision of whether the appeal will be heard by the board or a committee of the board will be made at the sole discretion of the board.  The committee of the board shall be comprised of three board members appointed by the board.  A hearing then shall be held as soon as reasonably practical before the board or the committee.  The decision of the board or the committee shall be final.  During the appeal process, the student shall remain ineligible pending a decision of the student’s appeal, unless otherwise directed by the superintendent or Board.

1. A student may be represented by legal counsel in any hearing before the district’s Board of Educaiton or a committee appointed by the board.

D.     Scheduling of Events

1.     The board and administration realize that the amount of participation in co-curricular activities does limit the amount of time a student may spend on academic preparation and progress.  Therefore, the following are considered as appropriate limitations:

a.     Scheduled contests will conform at all times to the state association rulings and adhere to recommendations made by these agencies.

b.     The activities and/or athletic director will be responsible for the scheduling of all high school activities and the athletic director will be responsible for scheduling athletic events at the middle school.  All schedules must be approved by the middle or high school principal.

Approved: 1994-95

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Students are encouraged to become involved with Columbus activities, athletics, and clubs.  Columbus believes that involvement by students enriches their lives and has the residual benefit of making them better students.

Columbus also believes that the family, and family time should be valued and protected whenever possible.

Because many Columbus activities, athletics, and clubs share the same students, and family time is valued, the following policy is implemented:

Practices, games, activities, events, and club activities may occur on any day of the week.  Wednesday evenings and Sundays are to be avoided whenever possible.  If a school event must occur on a Wednesday evening or Sunday, permission must be secured from the Superintendent, and the coach or sponsor will sign an assurance that the event is voluntary and that the student will not any negative consequences for being with his/her family.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8 (2000).

Cross Reference:
901.2 Board of Directors and Community Relations

Approved 1994-95

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

Approved: 10/28/2024

Reviewed: 10/28/2024

Revised: 10/28/2024

The district’s health services shall be administered by the school nurses under the direction of the building principal.  Medical care and treatment are not within the scope of the district health services, but first aid and temporary emergency services are provided.

Any student must submit a certificate of health from a licensed physician upon request of the building principal.  Failure to provide this information may be grounds for denial of admittance and/or 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 certification and immunization requirements in this policy will be allowed only for medical, religious or undue burden 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.

No student shall participate in an athletic practice or contest without filing a doctor’s certificate of good health.

Approved: 10/16/14

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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.

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the district will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible.  If a parent cannot be reached, the ill or injured student shall be transported home, to the hospital or to a physician’s office by a member of the district’s staff.  Further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian or the person designated for emergencies.  In cases of extreme emergency, the student will be transported to a hospital or doctor’s office by ambulance or other suitable type of transportation and both the family and the family doctor contacted.  If the family physician is not available, the doctor on call at the hospital emergency room shall render necessary services.  Further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian or the person designated for emergencies.

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the school nurse within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.  Annually, parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating the procedures to be followed, if possible, in an emergency involving their child. The authorization form will also include the phone numbers of the parents and alternative numbers to call in case of an injury or illness.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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 successfully completed an administration of medication course reviewed by the board of Pharmacy Examiners and conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist.  A record of course completion will be maintained by the district.  Training and continued supervision shall be documented and kept on file at the district. 

Some students many need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program. These students shall receive medication concomitant with their educational program.  When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by the licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parent.

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

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; and 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 medication administration record shall be on file for each student 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.  Administration of medication records will 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 the building principal of the student's attendance center.  Students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon written approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.  Emergency protocol for medication-related reactions will be in place.  Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.

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.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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.

A student will be excluded from school when the student's condition has been determined to be injurious to the health of others or when the student is too ill to attend school.  The health risk to an immuno-depressed student attending school shall be determined by the student's personal physician. The health risk to others in the school environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's physician and a physician selected by the school district or public health officials.

Since there may be greater risks of transmission of a communicable disease for some persons with certain conditions than for other persons infected with the same disease, these special conditions shall be considered in assessing the student’s continued attendance at school:  the risk of transmission of the disease, the effect upon the educational program, the effect upon the student, and other factors deemed relevant by public health officials or the superintendent.  The superintendent may require medical evidence that students with a communicable disease are able to attend school.

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 will be reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.

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 is shall not be disclosed to third parties, except in cases of reportable communicable diseases.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

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

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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

School shall be in session in accordance with Iowa law.

Approved: 10/16/14

Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Fire drills and other emergency drills should be conducted in accordance with state and federal law.  Fire drills and other emergency drills will be arranged by the building principal.  At least one of each type of drill should be held as early in the school year as possible so that all students will be thoroughly familiar with emergency procedures.

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills.

Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

The emergency plan shall include these aspects:

• 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;
• an evaluation for each evacuation drill.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

In the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of all students and employees, it is necessary to treat all bomb threats seriously, as if there were in fact a bomb present.  Threats should never be considered merely pranks, and appropriate action should be taken at once.

The building principal or designee shall have the authority to evacuate the building if necessary.  All other decisions involving students, such as dismissal of school, shall be the responsibility of the superintendent.

Building principals shall work with local authorities in developing procedures for the proper evacuation of their school in the event of a bomb threat.

The superintendent shall cooperate fully with the police in the planning and carrying out of procedures for dealing with bomb threats.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2017,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

Students participating in extracurricular activities are required to be adequately insured against accidents and injuries and have adequate health insurance.  The student or parent/guardian will inform the district regarding whether the student has insurance coverage.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Driving and parking on school property are privileges granted by The board to persons who have reasons to be in the schools or on District property.  The assignment of parking areas to staff, students, and visitors to the district shall be the responsibility of the administration.

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 not use their vehicle school hours unless special permission is given by the parent, principal or designee.  Such permission may be withdrawn if the student fails to comply with state laws or rules and regulations as established by the principal/designee.

The administration shall develop a plan for accommodating the flow of traffic on District grounds in accordance with traffic regulations.  Rules concerning student driven vehicles in addition to state motor vehicle laws shall be established by the building principal.

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

Approved: 10/16/14
Revised: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Reviewed: 02/24/17

The Columbus Community School District promotes healthy schools by supporting wellness, fitness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity as a part of the learning environment. The district supports a healthy environment where students learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of students. Improved health optimizes student performance potential.

The district provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors. The entire school environment, not just the classroom, shall be aligned with healthy District goals to positively influence students’ understanding, beliefs, and habits as they relate to food nutrition and regular physical activity.

Wellness Goals

The district has the following goals that will encourage wellness in students and staff:

1. Encouraging physical activity, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Physical Activity policy.
2. Providing nutrition education and promotion, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Nutritional Guidelines policy.
3. Establishing other school-based activities that are designed to promote student and staff wellness, as outlined in the Student Wellness Plan – Other Activities to Promote Wellness policy.

Plan for Measuring Implementation of the Wellness Plan and Nutrition Guidelines

A.     Wellness Policy Committee.

1.     The district will establish a local wellness policy committee that may be comprised of any of the following: representatives of The board; representatives of the district, including administrators; representatives of the public; parents; students; representatives of the school food authority; and nutrition/wellness experts, including teachers of physical education and/or school health professionals.

2.     The local wellness policy committee will develop a plan to implement, monitor, review, evaluate, measure, and update the local wellness policy.  This committee will report annually to The board and to the community regarding these efforts.

3.     The district will designate one or more officials from the wellness policy committee to ensure that each school within the district and the district as a whole complies with the local wellness policy.

B.     Implementation

1.     The district, through the committee and/or a designated official, will inform and update the public, including parents, students, and the general community, about the content and implementation of the district’s wellness policy.

C.     Monitoring.

1.     The superintendent, the principal at each school, and the committee and/or designee will ensure compliance with established District-wide nutritional and physical activity wellness policies.

1. Additionally, the following actions will occur:

1. food service staff, at the school or District level, will ensure compliance with nutritional policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent or principal;
2. the district will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes;
3. the Food Service Director and/or the superintendent will develop a summary report on District-wide compliance with the district’s wellness policy, based on input from schools within the district; and
4. the report will be provided to The board and also distributed to the district.

D.     Policy Review

1.     To help with the initial development of the district’s wellness policy, each school in the district has conducted a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutritional and physical activity environments and practices.  The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the district level to identify and prioritize needs.

2.     Periodic assessments will be conducted to review implementation and compliance, to assess progress, and to determine areas in need of improvement.  As part of that review, the committee and/or the designated official will do the following:

a.     generally consider whether there exists an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity;

b.     review the nutritional and physical activity policies and practices to determine the extent to which the district and schools within the district are in compliance with the local wellness policy;

c.      consider the extent to which the district’s local wellness policy compares to the model local wellness policy;

d.     assess the progress the district has made in attaining the goals of its local wellness policy;

e.     provide to The board any recommended updates to the district’s wellness policy.

The committee and/or the designated official will make the assessment available to the general public.  The board will revise the wellness policies and develop plans to facilitate their implementation.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

llness Policy

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’s Secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

•       to District 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 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 conducting audits, evaluations, and/or studies to evaluate the effectiveness of education programs, provided the district has a written agreement with the organization conducting the audit, evaluation, and/or study;

•       to accrediting organizations;

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

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

• to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;
• to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records;

•       in connection with a health or safety emergency; or,
•       as directory information.

The superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a 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, or electronically kept for the documents that can be.

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, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC. 20202-5920.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: February 24, 2017

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.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

The board recognizes the importance of conducting student surveys and gathering information from students.  Surveys relating to and/or gathering certain information from students are subject to the parent’s consent and/or right to opt his/her student out of the survey.

The district shall require parental consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information surveys”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the United States Department of Education (ED):

(1)    Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;

(2)    Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;

(3)    Sex behaviors or attitudes;

(4)    Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

(5)    Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family relationships;

(6)    Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors or ministers;

(7)    Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the students or parents; or

(8)    Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

The district shall provide an opportunity for parents to opt their child out of any of the following surveys and/or information gathering processes:

(1)    A protected information survey, which concerns any of the protected areas outlined above, regardless of the source of funding of the survey;

(2)    Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision or scoliosis screenings or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under Iowa law; and

(3)    Activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

The district shall provide parents an opportunity to inspect upon request and before administration or use, any of the following information:

(1)    Protected information surveys of students;

(2)    Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales or other distribution purposes; and

(3)    Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum.

The district shall also directly notify, such as through United States Mail or e-mail, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys listed below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey.  The district will provide the Schedule of Activities outlining the activities to which this Policy applies, preferably at the same time as the district provides the Notice, if the district has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities and surveys at that time.  For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and/or planned activities and surveys that may arise during the school year that are not listed below, and will be provided an opportunity to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey.  Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right consent and/or opt-out of participation in surveys and/or activities.  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, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the district libraries and media centers. 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 teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records. Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the district. If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying may be charged.

Approved: 1994-95
Revised: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Reviewed: 02/24/17

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

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

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

3.     To give parents a better understanding of the school work completed/assigned.

        3.     To record students’ growth and achievement.

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

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

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

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

Parent/Guardian-Teacher conferences shall be scheduled in grades kindergarten through high school a minimum of twice a school year pursuant to the school calendar.  Parents/guardians, teachers or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade in addition to the scheduled conference time.  Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student’s progress or other matters with the student’s teacher(s) whenever appropriate.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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 upon 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 kindergarten through eighth grade may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed as soon as possible.  It is within the sole discretion of the superintendent, in consultation with the building principal, to retain students in their current grade level.

Students in ninth through twelfth grade 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 as soon as possible.  It is within the sole discretion of the board to deny privileges to students based on their accumulated credits.

Students in seventh through twelfth grade with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the building 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. 

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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 the following information concerning:
 
•       political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
•       mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
•       sexual behavior or attitudes;
•       illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
•       critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
•       legally recognized, privileged, and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
•       religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
•       income,(other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).
 
It is the responsibility of the board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.
 
Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021
Revised: 02/24/17

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

1.     The accumulation of a minimum of fifty two (52) semester The specific course requirements are outlined elsewhere in the Policy.

a.     English: Eight (8) credits.  Students must pass English 1, English 2 or its transferred equivalent.

b.     Mathematics: Six (6) credits.  Students must pass Core Algebra I.

c.      Physical Education: four (4) credits.  A total of six (6) credits may be accumulated.  Anything over this will be non-credit.

d.     Science: Six (6) credits.

e.     Social Studies:  Six (6) credits.  Students must have one (1) credit in Government and one (1) credit in U.S. History I and U.S. History II.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8.     Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as described in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Each student’s IEP will include a statement of the projected date of graduation at least eighteen (18) months in advance of the projected date and the criteria to be used in determining whether graduation will occur.  Prior to the special education student’s graduation, the IEP team will determine whether the graduation criteria have been met.

9.     If students transfer from another school district that does not require as many credits as the Columbus Community School District, and if those students would thereby be in danger of not graduating at the regular time, individual consideration will be given by prorating the number of credits needed for graduation according to the amount of time the student spent in the other school district(s).  The administration will make this determination.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of the twelfth grade. 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.  Students are required to give notice of their intent to graduate early at spring registration.  Application forms are available in the counselors’ offices and must be completed by December 1 for mid-term graduation and by April 1 for graduation at the end of the junior year.

Students who graduate early may attend the next graduation ceremony (e.g., if they graduate at the end of their junior year, they may attend that spring’s ceremony or if they graduate at the end of the first semester of their senior year, they may attend the following spring’s ceremony).  It will be the responsibility of the early graduates to check with the school, in advance of graduation, regarding:

1.     Picking up announcement package;

2.     Distribution of cap and gown;

3.     Graduation practice.

Approved 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement activities provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the 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.  The board, however, may exclude students from participation for violation of the district’s policies, rules, and regulations and/or the law.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Students may be assessed fines, charges or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities or for misuse of school property.  The superintendent will inform the board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges or fees annually.

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

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

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

Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent/guardian.  Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.

Collection of funds for school activities must have the recommendation of the building principal and the approval of the superintendent.  All such funds are under the financial control of the board.

Records and procedures relating to internal accounts shall be in accordance with state regulations and an audit of these accounts shall be made at the same time as the annual audit of school funds.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

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

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

Student groups may make expenditures for gifts to the district upon securing the recommendation of the building principal and the approval of the superintendent.  Gifts may be accepted and acknowledged by the superintendent or designated representative, acting for the board.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

General solicitations by students shall be restricted to drives and sales campaigns approved by the board.

Advertising of goods and services to students in the district is not permitted.  The board does not endorse nor does it support advertising to or solicitation of students in the schools.  Recognizing, however, that there may be instances when specific goods or services which have direct educational benefit to students should be brought to their attention, exceptions may be approved by the building principals, provided they inform the superintendent before the advertising occurs.

Approved: 10/16/14
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17

The district recognizes that parental involvement, referring to the involvement of any caregiver who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for children, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, stepparents, etc., is important to academic achievement. Studies demonstrate that when parents are involved in their children’s education, the attitudes, behaviors, and achievements of students are positively enhanced. To further the interests of student achievement, the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:

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

   • programs under this policy,

   • curriculum and assessment used for students,

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

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

   • achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards.

2. Accessibility: Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages. This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening, and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   • Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement

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

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

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

Approved: 03/25/2024
 

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 are 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.  However, District personnel shall remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

Approved: 1994-95
Reviewed: FY 2015-2016, March 14, 2016,  May 24,2021

Revised: 02/24/17