500 Student Policies Goals and Guiding Principles

501 Student Attendance

501.1 Resident Students

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

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

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

                                    33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (2013).

                                    1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.

                                    1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.

                                    1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.

            1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

501.10 Truancy Unexcused Absences

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

 

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse approved by school administration. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2013).

  281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

501.11 Student Release During School Hours

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 294.4 (2013).

  281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers as a Sending District

Code No. 501.14

 

OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A SENDING DISTRICT

 

 

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

 

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district in accordance with district practice.  The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education.  The forms are available at the district administration office.

 

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment will file in the same manner set forth above. 

 

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

 

The administration may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.                  

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 9/19/2022

 

Legal Reference:

Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.

                     1990 Op.  Att'y Gen. 75.

501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers Procedures as a Receiving District

Code No.  501.15

 

 

OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT

 

 

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

 

The superintendent will act on the open enrollment request in a timely manner.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, only, in accordance with applicable laws.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed:  9/19/2022

 

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

                                    281 I.A.C. 17.

 

 

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

                                    281 I.A.C. 17.

501.16 Homeless Children and Youth

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

 

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

  • Children and youth who are:

⎯     Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”);

⎯     Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

⎯     Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or

⎯     Abandoned in hospitals.

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

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

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

 

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

•    Designate the District Equity Coordinator as the local homeless children and youth liaison;

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

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

•    Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;

•    Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 6/18/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          20 U.S.C. § 6301.

                                    42 U.S.C. § 11302.

                                    42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.      

                                    281 I.A.C. 33.

The Denison Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth. The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes: • Children and youth who are: ⎯ Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”); ⎯ Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; ⎯ Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or ⎯ Abandoned in hospitals. • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above. To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall: • Designate the equity coordinator as the local homeless children and youth liaison; • Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth; • Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth; • Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers; • Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements; • Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests; • Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation; • Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and • Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district. Date Board Adopted 6/18/2009 Date Board Reviewed 12/19/2016 Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 6301. 42 U.S.C. § 11302. 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq. 281 I.A.C. 33.  

501.2 Nonresident Students

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

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

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

Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (2013).

501.3 Compulsory Attendance

Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students will attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 1080 hours.  Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the county attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

 

      have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma;

      are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;

      are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;

      are attending an accredited nonpublic school;

      are receiving independent private instruction; or,

      are receiving competent private instruction.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A.

501.4 Entrance Admissions

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .6 (2013).

            1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.

501.5 Attendance Center Assignment

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

501.6 Student Transfer In

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

 

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, administration will make the grade level determination.  The school administration may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. 

 

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

 

School administration may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the district with the necessary information. 

 

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

Legal Reference:          20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2012).

Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A (2013).

501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

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

 

The notice should state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

 

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

 

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

                                         

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11..

501.8 Student Attendance Records

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

 

It is the responsibility of the school administration to ensure that the records are filed and maintained in accordance with the law.

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2013).

                                          281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).            

501.9 Student Absences Excused

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:           34 C.F.R. sec. 300

                                    28 C.F.R. Pt. 35

                                    Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.

   281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

 

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

502 Anti-Bullying / Anti-Harassment Policy

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board.  The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.  To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.  
 
The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.  Harassment against employees based upon the employee’s race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.
 
This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.
 
If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include suspension or expulsion.  If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include, termination.  If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include, exclusion from school grounds.  “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.
 
When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions: 

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

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

  • • Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
  • • Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc.; 
  • • Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or,
  • • Unreasonable interference with a student's performance.

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

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

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

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

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report.  Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
 
Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.  Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.  
 
The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The superintendent or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging harassment.
 
It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school district. 
 
The board will annually publish this policy.  The policy may be publicized by the following means:

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

and a copy shall be made to any person at the central administrative office at 819 North 16th Street, Denison, Iowa.
 
 
Legal References: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (2012).
29 U.S.C. § 794 (2012).
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (2012).
42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 2et. seq. (2012).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.28;  280.3 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Morse v. Frederick, 127 S.Ct. 2618 (2007)
 
 
Cross References: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
506 Student Records

 

502.1 Anti-Bullying / Anti-Harassment Complaint Form

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

 

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

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

--tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

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

>what, when and where it happened;

>who was involved;

>exactly what was said or what the harasser did;

>witnesses to the harassment;

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

>how the student felt; and

>how the harasser responded.

 

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the building counselor(s), the designated investigator.  The alternate investigator is the Level I investigator.   The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint Form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures.  The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form.  Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

 

The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

 

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

 

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

 

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

 

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

 

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

 

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

 

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

 

*Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.

*Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.

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

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

 

CONFLICTS

 

If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate.

 

Date Adopted 11/19/2007

Date Reviewed 3/21/2022

502.2 Anti-Bullying / Anti-Harassment Witness Form

Name of Witness:

 

Position of Witness:

 

Date of Testimony, Interview:

 

Description of Incident Witnessed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any Other Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

 

Signature:

 

Date:

 

Date Adopted 11/19/2007

Date Reviewed 3/21/2022

502.3 Anti-Bullying / Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures

502.1 Student Appearance

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

502.10 Use of Motor Vehicles

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321 (2013).

502.2 Care of School Property/Vandalism

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16 (2013).

502.3 Student Expression and Student Publications

Student Expression

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Student Publications

 

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

 

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The school district, the board, and the employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students unless the employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression.  The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

 

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

 

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

 

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee 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 or superintendent’s designee will also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:           U.S. Const. amend. I.

            Iowa Const. art. I (sec. 7)

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

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

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

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

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

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

            Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .73; 280.22

502.3R1 Student Expression and Student Publications Code

Code No. 502.3R1

 

 

Student Expression and Student Publications Code

 

 

A. Student Expression defined: Student Expression is speech, action or other forms of expression which convey a student’s beliefs, views or opinions.

 

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

 

C. Limitations to Student Expression.

            1. No student will express, publish or distribute material which is:

                        a. obscene;

                        b. libelous;

                        c. slanderous; or 

                        d. encourages students to:

                                    1) commit unlawful acts;

                                    2) violate lawful school regulations;

                                    3) cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient                                   operation of the school or school activity;

                                    4) disrupt or interfere with the education program;

                                    5) interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or

                                    6) infringe on the rights of others.          

 

D. Responsibilities of students for official school publications.

 

            1. Students writing or editing official school publications will assign and edit the news, editorial   and feature contents of the official school publications subject to the limitations of the student   publications code and the law.

 

            2. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and        thoroughness in each and every aspect of official school publications.

 

            3. Students will strive to achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation and         spelling for clarity and accuracy of official school publications.

 

E. Responsibilities of faculty advisors for official school publications.

 

Faculty advisors will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. Official school publications are produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.  Faculty advisors to students producing official school publications shall supervise the production of the student staff in order to maintain professional standards of English journalism.  District employees acting within the scope of their professional ethics will not suffer adverse employment action or retaliated against for acting to protect a student for engaging in authorized student expression or for refusing to infringe on protected student expression.

 

F. District employee rights

 

Any District employee or official, acting within the scope of that person’s professional ethics, if any, shall not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, subject to termination or  

nonrenewal of a teaching contract or extracurricular contract, or otherwise retaliated against for acting to protect a student for engaging in expression protected by law, or refusing to infringe upon student expression that is protected by law. 

 

G. Liability

 

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

 

H. Appeal procedure.

 

            1. Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in their exercise of expression      in an official student publication will seek review of the decision through the student grievance   procedure, under board policy 502.4.

 

            2. Persons who believe they have been aggrieved by a student-produced official student   publication will file their complaint through the citizen grievance procedure, under board policy    213.1.

 

I. Time, place and manner of restrictions on student expression.

 

            1. Student expression may be conveyed and official student publications may be distributed in a   reasonable manner on or off school premises.

 

            2. Student expression and distribution of official school publications in a reasonable manner         will not encourage students to:

 

                        a. commit unlawful acts;

                        b. violate school rules;

                        c. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of                 the school district or school activity;

                        d. disrupt or interfere with the education program;

                        e. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or

                        f. infringe on the rights of others.

502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances

 

STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

 

 

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

 

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

 

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student, within three (3) days of the superintendent’s final decision, may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retrains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/16/2006

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code § 279.8

502.5 Student Lockers

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

 

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, school administration 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.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/16/2006

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A (2013).

502.6 Weapons

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:                      18 U.S.C. § 921 

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

                        281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

502.7 Smoking-Drinking-Drugs

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The board believes the substance abuse prevention program will include:

 

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

      A statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;

      Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;

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

      A statement that students may be required to successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          34 C.F.R. Pt. 86 (2012).

            Iowa Code §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8, .9; 453A (2013).

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

502.8 Search and Seizure

School district property is held in public trust by the board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.

 

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.  The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:           U.S. Const. amend. IV.

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

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

            Iowa Code ch. 808A.

            281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

502.8E1 Search and Seizure Checklist

SEARCH AND SEIZURE CHECKLIST

I. What factors caused you to have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search of this student or the student’s effects, locker or automobile would turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, school policy, rules or regulations affecting school order?

A. Eyewitness account

1. By whom:

2. Date/Time:

3. Place:

4. What was seen?

B. Information from a reliable source.

1. From whom:

2. Time received:

3. How information was received:

4. Who received the information:

5. Describe information:

C. Suspicious behavior?  Explain.

D. Time of search:

E. Location of search:

F. Student told purpose of search:

G. Consent of student requested:

 

II. Was the search you conducted reasonable in terms of scope and intrusiveness?

A. What were you searching for:

B. Where did you search:

C. Sex of students:

D. Age of the student:

E. Exigency emergency of the situation:

F. What type of search was being conducted:

G. Who conducted the search:

Position:                                                                              Sex:

H. Witness(s):

 

III. Explanation of Search.

A. Describe the time and location of the search:

B. Describe exactly what was searched:

C. What did the search yield:

D. What was seized:

E. Were any materials turned over to law enforcement officials?

F. Were parents notified of the search including the reason for it and the scope?

502.8R1 Search and Seizure Regulation

I.          Searches, in general.

 

              A.       Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion:  A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school district policy, rules, or regulations affecting school order.

 

                        Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:

 

                                (1)       eyewitness observations by employees;

                                (2)       information received from reliable sources;

                                (3)       suspicious behavior by the student; or,

                                (4)       the student's past history and school record although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.

 

              B.       Reasonable Scope:  A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search.  Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:

 

                        (1)       the age of the student;

                        (2)       the sex of the student;

                        (3)       the nature of the infraction; and

                        (4)       the emergency requiring the search without delay.

 

II.        Types of Searches

 

            A.        Personal Searches

 

                        1.         A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated school district policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order.

                        2.         Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.

 

                                                (a)        Pat-Down Search:  If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student and with another adult witness of the same sex present, when feasible.

 

                                                (b)        A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors are threatened.  Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student, with an adult of the same sex present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.

 

 

B.            Locker and Desk Inspections 

 

                        Although school lockers and desks are temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the school district at all times.  The school district has a reasonable and valid interest in insuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained.  For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk.  Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual.  Any contraband discovered during such searches will be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.

 

                        The contents of a student's locker or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the contents contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or school policy or rule.  Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.

 

            C.         Automobile Searches

 

                        Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right.  The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots.  The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

502.9 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 232; 280.17 (2013).

            281 I.A.C. 102.

            441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

            1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

503.1 Student Conduct

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

 

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

 

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

 

A student who commits an assault against an employee on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; or while attending or engaged in school district activities will be suspended by school administration.  School administration will review the suspension and determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include recommendation for expulsion.  In making its decision, school administration shall consider the best interests of the school district, which shall include what is best to protect and ensure the safety of the school employees and students from the student committing the assault.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as, when, without justification, a student does any of the following:

 

    an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or

    any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or

    intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/21/2022

 

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

            Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).

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

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

                       Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147   

                         N.W.2d 854 (1967).

            Iowa Code §§ 279.8;282.3, 282.4, 282.5; 708.1.

            281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

503.1R1 Student Suspension

Administrative Action

 

A.        Probation

 

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

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

 

B.   In-School Suspension

 

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

           2.          School administration will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than ten school days.  Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student's parents.

 

C.   Out-of-School Suspension

 

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

      2.          A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten school days by a school administrator 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 school administrator may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:

                        a.         Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student, and

                        b.         The opportunity to respond to those charges.

            At the school administrator's discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or present witnesses on behalf of the student.

           3.          Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed no later than the end of the school day following the suspension to the student's parents. A reasonable effort is made to personally notify the student's parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

 

D.        Suspensions and Special Education Students

 

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

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

503.2 Expulsion

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment.  The removal of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.

 

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

 

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  School administration will keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

 

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

 

         1.            Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

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

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

         4.            The right to be represented by counsel; and

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

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

            Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 

              N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).

            Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5 (2013).

            281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

503.3 Fees, Fines and Charges

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/16/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1 (2013).

            281 I.A.C. 18.2.

            1994 Op. Att'y Gen. 23.

            1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.

            1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 227.

            1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 532.

503.3E1 Standard Fee Waiver Application

Standard Fee Waiver Application

Date: School Year:

 

All information provided in connection with this application will be kept confidential.

 

Name of Student: Grade in School:

 

Name of Student: Grade in School:

 

Name of Student: Grade in School:

 

Attendance Center/School:

 

Name of Parent, Guardian or Legal or Actual Custodian:

 

Please check type of waiver desired:

 

Full Waiver                    Partial Waiver                Temporary Waiver

 

Please check if the student or the student’s family meets the financial eligibility criteria or is involved in one of the following programs:

 

Full Waiver:

Free meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program (CNP)

The Family Investment Program (FIP)

Transportation assistance under open enrollment

Foster care

 

Partial Waiver:

Reduced priced meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program (CNP)

 

Temporary Waiver

If none of the above apply, but you wish to apply for a temporary waiver of school fees because of serious financial problems, please state the reason for the request:

 

 

Signature of Parent, Guardian or Legal or Actual Custodian:

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

503.3R1 Student Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures

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

A. Waivers

Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of fees charged by the school district if the student or student’s parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition Program, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income guidelines, or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.

Partial Waivers - a student will be granted a partial waiver of fees of 50% charged by the school district if the student or the student’s parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced price meals offered under the Child Nutrition program.  

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

B. Application

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

C. Confidentiality 

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

D. Appeals

Denials of a waiver may be appealed, in writing, to the Business Manager, Denison Community School, 819 North 16th Street, Denison, Iowa 51442.

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

F. Notice - the school district will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials and printed in the (parent handbook, student handbook):

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

See Application for Waiver of Standard Fees, Denison Community School District.

 

Date Board Approved: 9/16/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

503.4 Good Conduct Rule

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

 

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

 

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

 

It is the responsibility of school administration to develop rules and regulations for school activities.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

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

            Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A (2013).

            281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 36.15(1).

503.5 Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint

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

 

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

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

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

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

                     --     For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.

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

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

                     --     To protect the safety of others.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

            1.   The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;

            2.   The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;

            3.   The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;

            4.   The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any, including mental and psychological injury;

            5.   The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 103.

Date Board Approved: 9/18/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

504.1 Student Government

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

504.2 Student Organizations

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

 

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

 

Curriculum-Related Organizations

 

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

 

            Is the subject matter of the group actually taught in a regularly offered course?

            Will the subject matter of the group soon be taught in a regularly offered course?

            Does the subject matter of the group concern the body of courses as a whole?

            Is participation in the group required for a particular course?

            Does participation in the group result in academic credit?

 

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

 

Non-curriculum-Related Organizations

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

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

                                    20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074.

Iowa Code §§ 287.; 297.9.

504.4 Student Performances

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

      Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

                                    Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14 (2013).

  281 I.A.C. 12.6.

504.5 Student Fundraising

The Denison Board of Education believes fundraising campaigns, including crowdfunding campaigns, may further the interests of the district. Students and/or employees may raise funds for school-sponsored events with the permission of the superintendent or designee. Any person or entity acting on behalf of the district and wishing to conduct a fundraising campaign for the benefit of the district shall begin the process by seeking prior approval from the superintendent or designee. Money or items raised by a fundraising campaign of any sort will be the property of the district, and will be used only in accordance with the terms for which they were given. Approval of requests shall depend on factors including, but not limited to:

 

• Compatibility with the district’s educational program, mission, vision, core values, and beliefs;

• Congruence with the district and school goals that positively impact student performance;

• The district’s instructional priorities;

• The manner in which donations are collected and distributed;

• Equity in funding; and

• Other factors deemed relevant or appropriate by the district.

 

If approved, the requestor shall be responsible for preparing all materials and information related to the fundraising campaign and keeping district administration apprised of the status of the campaign. The requestor is responsible for compliance with all state and federal laws and other relevant district policies and procedures. All items and money generated are subject to the same controls and regulations as other district property and shall be deposited or inventoried accordingly. No money raised or items purchased shall be distributed to individual employees. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with school administration, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

504.6 Student Activity Program

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

 

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

 

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

 

A high school student who participates in school-sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season with approval of school administration. Such outside participation will not conflict with the school sponsored athletic activity.

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686 (2012).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41 (2012).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14 (2013).

  281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.6., 36.15(7).

 

505.1 Student Progress Reports and Conferences

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

 

Parent-teacher conferences shall be scheduled at least once each academic year in all schools of the district.  Such conferences shall supplement the student progress reports.  Report cards will be issued at the close of each grading period.  If parents so request, evening conferences may be arranged.

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:         

Iowa Code §§ 256.11, 41; .280, 284.12.

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

505.2 Student Promotion-Retention-Acceleration

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

 

The district shall adhere to the following:

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 256.11, 279.8.

  281 I.A.C. 12.5(16).

505.3 Student Honors and Awards

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 7/13/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

505.4 Testing Program

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

 

No student is required, as part of any applicable program, funded by the Unites State Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

 

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

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

            sex behavior or attitudes;

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

            Iowa Code §§ 280.3

505.5 Graduation Requirements

Code No.  505.5

 

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

 

 

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

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 46 credits prior to graduation.  The following credits will be required:

 

                  English/Language Arts            8 credits

                  Science                                   6 credits

                  Mathematics                           6 credits

                  Social Studies                         3 credits

                  Physical Education                  2 credits

                  United States Government       1 credits

                  American History                    1 credits

                  Financial Literacy                   1 credits

                  Electives                                 18 credits

 

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board on a regular basis.

 

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

 

Graduation requirements for special education students include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science. 

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 10/12/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 9/19/2022

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14.

                                    281 I.A.C. 12, .3(5); 12.(5).

 

 

 

 

 

505.6 Early Graduation

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3.

                  281 I.A.C. 12; ..3(5); 12.(5)

505.7 Commencement

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3 (2013).

  281 I.A.C. 12.5.

506.1 Education Records Access

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

 

Definitions

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

  • “Education Record” means those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution.
  • “Eligible Student” means a student who has reached eighteen years or attends a postsecondary institution. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to education records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  • To school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
  • To officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the education records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
  • To the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
  • In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid;
  • To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was conducted;
  • To accrediting organizations;
  • To parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;
  • To comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;
  • An interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies;
  • In connection with a health or safety emergency;
  • As directory information; or
  • In additional instances as provided by law.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent education records, is no longer needed to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified.  This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the school district.  If the parents or

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students that they have the right to:

(1) Inspect and review the student's education records;

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 10/12/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          20 U.S.C. § 1232g, 1415.

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99, 300, .610 et seq.

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 279.9B, 280.24, .25, 622.10.

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41

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

506.1E1 Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records

REQUEST OF NONPARENT FOR EXAMINATION OR COPIES OF EDUCATION RECORDS

 

 

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine the Denison Community School District's official education records of:

 

 

(Legal Name of Student)

 

 

(Date of Birth)

 

The undersigned requests copies of the following official education records of the above student:

 

The undersigned certifies that they are (check one):

 

(a) An official of another school system in which the student intends to enroll.  (  )

 

(b) An authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the United States.  (  )

 

(c) An authorized representative of the Secretary of

the U.S. Department of Education or U.S. Attorney General (  )

 

(d) A state or local official to whom such is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed. (  )

 

(e) A person connected with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid (SPECIFY DETAILS ABOVE.)  (  )

 

(f) A representative of a juvenile justice agency with which the school district has an

 interagency agreement. (  )

 

 

The undersigned agrees that the information obtained will only be redisclosed consistent with state or federal law without the written permission of the parents of the student, or the student if the student is of majority age.

 

 

(Signature)

 

 

(Title)

 

 

(Agengy)

 

 

APPROVED:

Date:

Address:

 

Signature:

 

City:

 

Title:

 

State:

 

ZIP:

 

Dated:

 

Phone Number:

 

Date Board Approved: 10/12/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

506.1E2 Authorization for Release of Education Records

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF EDUCATION RECORDS

 

The undersigned hereby authorizes the Denison Community School District to release copies of the following student records:

 

                                                                                                                                                        

 

                                                                                                                                                        

 

concerning:

 

Full Legal Name of Student:                             Date of Birth:

 

 

                                                                                                      from                     to      

            (Name of Last School Attended) (Yr.(s) of Attendance)

 

The reason for this request is:                                                                                                       

 

                                                                                                                                                        

 

My relationship to the child is:                                                                                                      

 

Copies of the records to be released are to be furnished to:

 

(     ) to the undersigned

(     ) to the student

(     ) other (please specify)                                                                                        

 

A parent or eligible student has the right to review their child's/own records, and are encouraged to do so.

 

                                                                                        

(Signature)

 

Date:                                                                                

Address:                                                                           

City:                                                                                 

State:                                           Zip:                              

Phone Number:                                                                

 

 

 

 

Date Board Adopted 10/12/1992

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E3 Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records

REQUEST FOR HEARING ON CORRECTION OF EDUCATION RECORDS

 

To:                                                                  Address:                                                     

       Building Principal                                                      

 

I believe certain official student records of my child,                                                                                    ,                                                                                            (Full Legal Name of Student)                                    (School Name)

 

are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of privacy or other rights of my child.

 

The official education records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy or other rights of my child are:

 

                                                                                                                                                           

 

                                                                                                                                                           

 

                                                                                                                                                          

 

The reason I believe such records are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy or other rights of my child is:

 

                                                                                                                                                          

 

                                                                                                                                                          

 

My relationship to the child is:                                                                                                        

 

 I understand that I will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing; that I will be notified in writing of the decision; and I have the right to appeal the decision by so notifying the hearing officer in writing within ten days after my receipt of the decision or a right to place a statement in my child’s record stating I disagree with the decision and why.

 

                                                                                      

(Signature)

 

Date:                                         Phone #                                        

Address:                                                                         

City:                                                                               

State:                                           Zip:                            

 

 

Date Board Adopted 10/12/1992

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E4 Request for Examination of Education Records

REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION OF EDUCATION RECORDS

 

To:                                                                         Address:                                                      

        Building Principal                                                                                                                 

 

The undersigned desires to examine the following official education records.

 

                                                                                                                                                       

 

                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                       

 

of:                                                                                                                                                                                                             

        

Full Legal Name of Student:                                     

 

Date of Birth:                          Grade:

                                                                                          

Name of School:

 

My relationship to the child is:                                                                                                      

 

(check one)                     I do                    I do not

 

desire a copy of such records.  I understand that a reasonable charge will be made for the copies.

 

                                                                                     

Signature:

                                                                                        

Title:

 

Date:                                                                              Phone #                                        

Address:                                                                         

City:                                                                               

State:                                           Zip:

 

APPROVED:

 

Signature:                                                                       

Title:                                                                               

Dated:  

 

Date Board Adopted 10/12/1992

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E5 Notification of Transfer of Education Records

NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER OF EDUCATION RECORDS

 

To:                                                                                                            Date:                             

                   Parent/or Guardian                                                                           

 

Street Address:  

                                                                                                                              

City/State:   Zip:                                       

 

Please be notified that copies of the Denison Community School District official student records concerning

                                                                                                                                                                                 Full Legal Name of Student:

 

have been transferred to:

 

School District Name:

 

                                                                                           

Address:

 

upon the written statement that the student intends to enroll in said school system.

 

If you desire a copy of such records furnished, please check here          and return this form to the undersigned.  A reasonable charge will be made for the copies.

 

If you believe such records transferred are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, you have the right to a hearing to challenge the contents of such records.

 

                                                                                                    

(Name)

                                                                                                 

(Title)

Date Board Adopted 10/12/1992

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E6 Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of Subpoena

LETTER TO PARENT REGARDING RECEIPT OF SUBPOENA

 

Date

 

 

Dear   (Parent):

 

This letter is to notify you that the Denison Community School District has received a (subpoena or court order) requesting copies of your child’s permanent records.  The specific records requested are:

 

 

The school district has until  (date on subpoena or court order) to deliver the documents to (requesting party on subpoena or court order).  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at   (phone #).

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

(Principal or Superintendent)

 

Date Board Adopted 10/12/1992

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E7 Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement

JUVENILE JUSTICE AGENCY INFORMATION SHARING AGREEMENT

 

 

Statement of Purpose:  The purpose of this Agreement is to allow for the sharing of information among the School District and the Agencies prior to a student's adjudication in order to promote and collaborate 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.

 

Identification of Agencies:  This agreement is between Denison Community School District (hereinafter "School District") and [insert agency] (hereinafter "Agencies")   .

 

Statutory Authority:  This agreement implements Iowa Code § 280.25 and is consistent with 34 C.F.R. 99.38 (2012).

 

Parameters of Information Exchange:

 

        1.       The School District may share any information with the Agencies contained in a student's permanent record which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student.

        2.       Prior to adjudication information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the school district to the Agencies without parental consent or court order.

        3.       Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the School District to the Agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order.

        4.       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.

6.       Information obtained by the school from other juvenile justice agencies may not be used as the basis for disciplinary action of the student.

        7.       This agreement only governs a school district's ability to share information and the purposes for which that information can be used.  Other agencies are bound by their own respective confidentiality policies.

 

Records' Transmission:  The individual requesting the information should contact the principal of the building in which the student is currently enrolled or was enrolled.  The principal will forward the records within a reasonable time following receipt of the request.

 

Confidentiality:  Confidential information shared between the Agencies and the school district 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.  Agencies or individuals violating the terms of this agreement subject their entity represented and themselves personally to legal action pursuant to federal and state law. 

 

 

JUVENILE JUSTICE AGENCY INFORMATION SHARING AGREEMENT

 

 

Amendments:  This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the agencies with respect to information sharing.  Agencies may be added to this agreement at the discretion of the school district.

 

Term:  This agreement is effective from [insert date].

 

Termination:  The School District may discontinue information sharing with an Agency if the School District determines that the Agency has violated the intent or letter of this Agreement.

 

APPROVED:

 

Signature:

Address:

Title:

City:

Agency:

State:

ZIP

Dated:

Phone Number:

 

 

Signature:

Address:

Title:

City:

Agency:

State:

ZIP

Dated:

Phone Number:

 

 

Date Board Adopted 12/18/2017

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1E8 Annual Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records.  They are:

(1)    The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The principal (or appropriate school official) will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2)    The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask school district to amend a record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed.

If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3)    The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist, a or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

(4)    The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Date Board Adopted 1/20/2003

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

506.1R1 Use of Education Records Regulation

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access a student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from eligible students and parents to access a student’s education records. 

Education records mean those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. These may include, but are not necessarily limited to: dates of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized test scores); attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observations; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.

A.  Access to Records

1. Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have access to the student's education records during the regular business hours of the school district. Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. An eligible student or parent, upon written request to the board secretary, shall receive an explanation and interpretation of the education records. A student, eighteen years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records.  Parents of students who are 18 years or older but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.

2. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 

B.   Release of Information Outside the School – Information from education records may be disclosed to outside parties as outlined in board policy and otherwise provided by law.

C.  Procedures for Requesting a Record Amendment

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

2. The school district will decide whether to amend the education student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request.

3. If the school district determines an amendment is made to the education student record, the school district will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

4. If the school district determines that amendment of the student's education record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the school district. The hearing officer may be an employee of the school district, so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.

 

5. Upon parental request, the school district will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student’s education records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy rights of students.

6. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the parent or eligible student’s request. The parent or eligible student will receive reasonable advance notice of date, time and place of the hearing.

7. The parents or eligible student will be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues. The parent or eligible student may be represented by an individual at their choice at their own expense.

8. The hearing officer will render a written decision within a reasonable period after the hearing.  The decision will be based upon evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.

9. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within ten days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.

10. The parents may appeal the superintendent’s decision or the hearing officer’s decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the board within twenty days.  It is within the discretion of the board to hear the appeal.

11. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the education 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 education student record commenting on the school district's decision or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the school district. Additions to the student's education records will become a part of the education student record and be maintained like other education student records. If the school district discloses the education student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2013

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/21/2022

506.2 Student Directory Information

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

•     Student’s name

•     Address

•     Telephone listing

•     Electronic mail address

•     Photograph

•     Date and place of birth

•     Major field of study

•     Dates of attendance

•     Grade level

•     Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

•     Weight and height of members of athletic teams

•     Degrees, honors, and awards received

•     The most recent educational agency or institution attended

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 10/12/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

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

                                    34 C.F.R. § 99.

                                    Iowa Code § 22; 622.10.

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(4); 41.

            1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 720.

506.2E1 Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Information

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASING STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

 

 

The Denison Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  A copy of the school district's policy is available for review at all building offices and on the District’s website.

 

This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the public.

 

The school district has designated the following information as directory information:

•     Student’s name

•     Address

•     Telephone listing

•     Electronic mail address

•     Photograph

•     Date and place of birth

•     Major field of study

•     Dates of attendance

•     Grade level

•     Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

•     Weight and height of members of athletic teams

•     Degrees, honors, and awards received

•     The most recent educational agency or institution attended

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

 

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the school district in writing not later than September 15th of this school year.  If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice.

 

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASING STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETURN THIS FORM

 

 

 

 

 

Community School District Parental Directions to

Withhold Student/Directory Information for Education Purposes, for 20     - 20      school year.

 

 

 

Student Name:

 

 

Date of Birth

 

 

 

 

School:

 

 

Grade:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child)

 

(Date)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This form must be returned to your child's school no later than September 15th of the school year being requested.

Additional forms are available at your child's school.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

506.2R1 Use of Directory Information

USE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Denison Community School with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, Denison Community School may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Denison Community School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

 

•    A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;

•    The annual yearbook;

•    Honor roll or other recognition lists;

•    Graduation programs; and,

•    Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

 

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.  

 

If you do not want the Denison Community School to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 15.  Denison Community School designated the following information as directory information: 

•     Student’s name

•     Address

•     Telephone listing

•     Electronic mail address

•     Photograph

•     Date and place of birth

•     Major field of study

•     Dates of attendance

•     Grade level

•     Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

•     Weight and height of members of athletic teams

•     Degrees, honors, and awards received

•     The most recent educational agency or institution attended

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

 

Date Board Approved: 10/12/1992

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

506.3 Student Photographs

The board will permit student "portrait" photographs to be taken on school premises by a commercial photographer as a service to the students and their families.  There is no guarantee this will be done on an annual or regular basis.

 

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.

 

 

Date Board Approved: 12/18/2017

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 114.

506.4 Student Library Circulation Records

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2012).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 (2012).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22 (2013).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), (12).

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

507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 280.13 (2013).

                                    281 I.A.C. 33.5.

            641 I.A.C. 7.

507.2 Administration of Medication to Students

Code No. 507.2

 

 

Administration of Medication to Students

 

 

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

 

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.5-Stock Prescription Medication Supply. 

 

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by an authorized practitioner with the student and the student's parent.  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.   By law, students with asthma airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.   

 

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physician, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course).  A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course completion shall be maintained by the school. 

 

A written medication administration record shall be on file including: 

 

•     date; 

•     student’s name; 

•     prescriber or person authorizing administration; 

•     medication; 

•     medication dosage;

•     administration time; 

•     administration method; 

•     signature and title of the person administering medication; and 

•     any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

 

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 7/16/2006

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 9/19/2022

 

Legal Reference:           Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014). 

Iowa Code §§124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23. 

281 IAC 14.1

                                    655 IAC §6.2(152). 

                                    655 IAC §6.2(152). 

507.2E1 Authorization Asthma or Airway Constricting Disease Medication Self Administration Consent Form

Authorization Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication

Self-Administration Consent Form

 

_____________________________  ___/___/___    _________________  ___/___/___

Student's Name (Last), (First)  (Middle)                Birthday                   School                    Date

 

 

In order for a student to self-administer medication for asthma or any airway constricting disease:

 

•    Parent/guardian provides signed, dated authorization for student medication self-administration.

•    Physician (person licensed under chapter 148, 150, or 150A, physician, physician's assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or other person licensed or registered to distribute or dispense a prescription drug or device in the course of professional practice in Iowa in accordance with section 147.107, or a person licensed by another state in a health field in which, under Iowa law, licensees in this state may legally prescribe drugs) provides written authorization containing:

o  purpose of the medication,

o  prescribed dosage,

o  times or;

o  special circumstances under which the medication is to be administered.

•    The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer's labeled container containing the student name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.

•    Authorization is renewed annually.  If any changes occur in the medication, dosage or time of administration, the parent is to notify school officials immediately. The authorization shall be reviewed as soon as practical.

 

Provided the above requirements are fulfilled, a student with asthma or other airway constricting disease may possess and use the student's medication while in school, at school-sponsored activities, under the supervision of school personnel, and before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed.

 

Pursuant to state law, the school district or accredited nonpublic school and its employees are to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication by the student. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school district or nonpublic school is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication by the student as established by Iowa Code § 280.16.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

Medication                   Dosage             Route                                                   Time

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

Purpose of Medication & Administration /Instructions

 

 

Authorization-Asthma or Airway Constricting Medication

Self-Administration Consent Form

 

 

                                                                                                            /           /          

Special Circumstances                                                              Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/

Follow-up Date

 

                                                                                                            /     /      

Prescriber’s Signature                                                               Date

 

                                                                                                                                               

Prescriber’s Address                                                                 Emergency Phone

 

•    I request the above named student possess and self-administer asthma or other airway constricting disease medication(s) at school and in school activities according to the authorization and instructions.

•    I understand the school district and its employees acting reasonably and in good faith shall incur no liability for any improper use of medication or for supervising, monitoring, or interfering with a student's self-administration of medication

•    I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and notify them when questions arise or relevant conditions change.

•    I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment.

•    I agree the information is shared with school personnel in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

•    I agree to provide the school with back-up medication approved in this form.

 

 

 

                                                                                                            /           /          

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                        Date

(agreed to above statement)                            

 

                                                                                                                                               

Parent/Guardian Address                                                           Home Phone

 

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                Business Phone

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                                               

Self-Administration Authorization Additional Information    

 

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

507.2E2 Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students

Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration

of Prescription Medication to Students

 

 

_________________________________      ___/___/___    _________________  ___/___/___

Student's Name (Last), (First),  (Middle)                          Birthday                    School                    Date

 

School medications and health services are administered following these guidelines:

 

•    Parent has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer medication and/or provide the health service.

•    The medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed or the manufacturer's labeled container.

•    The medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, directions for use, and date.

•    Authorization is renewed annually and immediately when the parent notifies the school that changes are necessary.

 

                                                                                                                                                             

Medication/Health Care                       Dosage                         Route                           Time at School

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                                               

Administration instructions

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                                               

Special Directives, Signs to Observe and Side Effects

 

            /           /          

Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date

 

                                                                                                /           /          

Prescriber’s Signature                                                   Date

 

                                                                                                                                   

Prescriber's Address                                                      Emergency Phone

 

I request the above named student carry medication at school and school activities, according to the prescription, instructions, and a written record kept. Special considerations are noted above. The information is confidential except as provided to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and prescriber when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of medication and equipment to and from school and to pick up remaining medication and equipment.

 

 

 

 

Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration

of Prescription Medication to Students

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                            /           /          

Parent's Signature                                                                     Date

 

                                                                                                                                   

Parent's Address                                                                       Home Phone

 

                                                                                                                                   

Additional Information                                                                        Business Phone

                                                                                                                                               

                       

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                                                               

Authorization Form

 

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

507.3 Communicable Diseases Students

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For more information on communicable disease charts, and reporting forms, go to the Iowa Department of Public Health Web site:  http://www.idph.state.ia.us/CADE/Default.aspx

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1996

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

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

                                    29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq. (2012).

                                    45 C.F.R. Pt. 84.3 (2012).

                                    Iowa Code ch. 139A.8 (2013).

                                    641 I.A.C. 1.2-.5, 7.

 

507.4 Student Illness or Injury at School

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

 

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

 

It is the responsibility of the principal or principal’s designee to file an accident report with the district office 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.

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 9/15/1986

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 613.17 (2013).

507.5 Emergency Plans and Drills

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

 

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.

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code § 100.31.

507.6 Student Insurance

An all-pupil insurance program may be offered to the parents of students in the district.  The board of directors strongly recommends that a student participating in interscholastic athletics be adequately insured.  If a parent wishes their child to participate without insurance, the parent must submit a written statement accepting full responsibility for all accidents and related costs for injuries.

 

The purchase of pupil insurance shall be voluntary with the cost being paid by the student or parent(s)/guardian(s).  Participation in the insurance health and accident plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.

 

Date Board Approved: 2/16/2009

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

507.7 Custody and Parental Rights

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6 (2013).

                  441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

507.8 Student Special Health Services

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

 

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

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

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

                                    20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq. (2012).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (2012).

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

281 I.A.C. 14.2

507.8R1 Special Health Services Regulation

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

 

A.    Definitions

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Interpretation or intervention,

      Administration of health procedures and health care, or

•    Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.

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

      available at the same site.

      available on call.

 

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

•    Participate as a member of the education team.

•    Provide the health assessment.

•    Plan, implement and evaluate the written individual health plan.

•    Plan, implement and evaluate special emergency health services.

•    Serve as liaison and encourage participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care.

•    Provide health consultation, counseling and instruction with the eligible student, the student's parent and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber.

•    Maintain a record of special health services.  The documentation includes the eligible student's name, special health service, prescriber or person authorizing, date and time, signature and title of the person providing the special health service and any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services.

•    Report unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber.

•    Assign and delegate to, instruct, provide technical assistance and supervise qualified designated personnel.

•    Update knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.

 

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

•    Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated.

•    Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health service.

•    Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team.

•    Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or IFSP.

 

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

•    Analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome and risk of improperly performed service.

•    Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person's job description.

•    Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student's needs.

•    Review of the designated person's competency.

•    Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision required to ensure quality services.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Date Board Approved: 1/20/2003

Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 3/21/2022

507.9 Wellness Policy

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

• Implementing a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy; • Making the policy and updated assessment of the implementation available to the public (e.g., posting on the website, newsletters, etc). This information shall include the extent to which the schools are in compliance with policy and a description of the progress being made in attaining the goals of the policy; and

• Developing administrative regulations, which shall include specific wellness goals and indicators for measurement of progress consistent with law and district policy.

 

To implement the Wellness Policy, the following district specific goals have been established:

 

Goal 1 – Nutrition Education and Promotion: Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that help students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors. The goal(s) for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health;

• Promote fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, and healthy foods;

• Emphasize caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (promotes physical activity/exercise).

 

Goal 2 – Physical Activity: Schools will provide students and staff with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet federal and state guidelines, including the Iowa Healthy Kids Act. The goal(s) for addressing physical activity include the following:

• Promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits;

• Encourage classroom teachers to provide short physical activity breaks (3-5 minutes), as appropriate;

• Ensure physical activity is not used for or withheld as a punishment;

• Afford elementary students with recess according to the following: o At least 20 minutes a day; o Outdoors as weather and time permits.

 

Goal 3 – Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness: Schools will support student, staff, and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as appropriate. The goal(s) for addressing other school-based activities that promote student wellness include the following:

• Share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students;

• Support the consumption of breakfast at school by implementing alternative breakfast options to the extent possible (e.g., grab n’ go, breakfast in the classroom, breakfast after 1st period, etc.);

• Permit students to bring and carry water bottles filled with water throughout the day;

• Make drinking water available where school meals are served during mealtimes;

 

Public Involvement: There is a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy. The superintendent or superintendent’s designee invites suggestions or comments concerning the development, implementation, and improvement of the school wellness policy. As such, interested persons are encouraged to contact the superintendent or superintendent’s designee.

 

Date Board Adopted 7/17/2006

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq. 42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 et seq. Iowa Code §§ 256.7(29); 256.11(6). 281 I.A.C. 12.5; 58.11.

508.1 Class or Student Group Gifts

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

 

Date Board Adopted 9/15/1996

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 68B; 722.1, .2 (2013).

508.2 Open Night

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6:30 p.m. whenever possible.  It is the responsibility of the principal or principal’s designee to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

 

Date Board Adopted 1/20/2003

Date Board Reviewed 3/21/2022

 

 

Legal Reference:          Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).