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

Students shall conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with mutual respect and consideration for the rights of others while in school, on school property, in school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; attending or engaged in school events, acting as a representative of the school district, or 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 will be informed of the building regulations which they must follow.  Students who fail to abide by this policy and the building regulations supporting it, or whose conduct disrupts or interferes with the education program or the efficient operation of the school district or activity, or whose conduct disrupts the rights of other students to obtain their education or participation, or whose conduct is violent or destructive, or whose conduct interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere shall be subject to disciplinary measures. 

Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct.  The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline.  In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the district’s administration of discipline.  The school reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.

Discipline may include, but is not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, restriction from activities, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, probation, and expulsion.  These disciplinary measures are defined as follows:

• Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal’s office.  It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.
• Detention means the student’s presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes.  The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day.  Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee disciplining the student or the building principal.
• Suspension means either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities, or loss of eligibility.  An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision.  An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days.  A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.
• Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.
• Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

The school district may issue discipline beyond what is outlined above.  Additionally, the school district and the student and/or the student’s parent/guardian may mutually agree to alternative discipline beyond what is outlined above.  The Board authorizes the superintendent to consider and approve any discipline that does not rise to the level of a student expulsion, as defined above and under Iowa law.

A student who commits an assault against an employee or against school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district, while on school-owned or school-operated chartered buses, or while attending or engaged in school district activities shall be suspended by the principal and/or activities director.  Notice of the suspension shall be sent to the Superintendent. The superintendent shall inform the Board, and the Board shall review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:

• 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
• the intentional pointing of any firearm toward another or displaying 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.

If a special education student’s suspension(s), either in or out of school, equals ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the Individual Education Plan (IEP) is appropriate.  Alternative educational setting may be made for up to forty-five (45) days if a special education child carries a weapon to school or knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while in school or attending a school function.  Further, if a student is deemed to be dangerous, a hearing officer may order a change in placement for up to forty-five (45) days. During an alternative setting, or suspension, or expulsion, a student is to continue to participate in instruction and receive special services and modifications to meet the goals set out in the IEP.  This will also occur prior to decisions regarding the expulsion of a special education student.  When a special education student is suspended for reasons related to an assault upon a school employee, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement shall take place and the IEP shall be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension. 

Approved: April 6, 198

Reviewed: January 16, 1989; June 15, 1992; September 19, 1994; November 17, 1997, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019

Revised: January 16, 2023

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

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

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  Students disciplined under the conduct rule shall receive appropriate due process in concert with the nature of the misconduct.  It shall be the responsibility of the principal to maintain a record of violations for the good conduct policy and supporting administrative regulations.

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding conduct for each school activity.  (See Student Handbook and Activities Handbook). 

(April 17, 1989; July 19, 1993. March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The board prohibits students from bringing to school, possessing, and/or using a weapon, dangerous object, or look-a-like in a school building or on school premises or property.  Students bringing to school, possessing, and/or using weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-a-likes in school district facilities and on school district property causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or presents 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. 

Any student bringing to school, possessing, and/or using a weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object, or any instrument used as a weapon onto school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school. 

In accordance with federal and state law, students bringing or knowingly possessing a “firearm” to school shall be expelled for not less than twelve months.  The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for a student on a case-by-case basis. 

For purposes of this policy, the term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.  Look-alike objects which resemble firearms or weapons may be treated as a firearm or weapon if school personnel consider them to be a threat to an orderly school environment.  Factors to be considered in determining whether an object is to be treated as a look-alike firearm or weapon include, but are not limited to, how the object was represented, appearance of the object, use of the object, and climate or context in which the object was found.

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

Any student bringing to school, possessing, and/or using a “dangerous weapon,” as defined in the law, on school grounds is violation of school policy that must be reported to local law enforcement agencies.  Additionally, the weapon, look-a-like, other dangerous object, or any instrument used as a weapon may be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement agencies, as necessary and/or appropriate. 

Weapons, including firearms; other dangerous objects; and look-alikes, including hunting rifles or shotguns, are not allowed on school property or at school activities even if they are unloaded and locked in vehicles.  Weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-alikes will be taken from any person 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.

The following are specifically excluded from this policy:

• Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials,
• Starter pistols under the control of officials hired by the school for this purpose, and/or under the control of the Activity Director or STC Administrators,
• Weapons under the control of recognized military groups to perform honor guard ceremonies,
• Weapons or other dangerous objects or look-alikes used by authorized persons for educational purposes, and
• Weapons (firearms must be look-alike only) under the control of the school employee and used as part of a dramatic production and performance.

Except for weapons under the control of law enforcement, approval for the above exceptions must be sought, IN ADVANCE, from the building principal.

(December 19, 1994; May 15, 1995; November 20, 1995; November 17, 1997; May 17, 1999; May 21, 2001, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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 beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, 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. 

Students distributing, dispensing, manufacturing, possessing, using, or being under the influence of such illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or presents 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.

Any student violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school.  Use of, purchase of, 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.  Use of, purchase of, being in possession of, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol and/or 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 board.  If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school.

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.

(April 6, 1981; April 17, 1989; November 17, 1997; January 18, 1999; March 15, 2010; April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Students are prohibited from engaging in any conduct of a sexual or indecent nature while on school district property; while on school owned and/or operated buses; while attending or engaging in school sponsored trips or extra and co-curricular activities; and while away from school grounds if the conduct will directly affect the good order and general welfare of the school district.

The development of student self-discipline shall be encouraged, but all employees of the district shall have the authority and responsibility for seeing that student behavior is in compliance with this policy’s standards at all times.  Students who fail to abide by this policy may be disciplined for their conduct.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, a denial of bus transportation services, removal from participation in school trips or extra and co-curricular activities, detention, suspension and expulsion. 

(March 20, 2000, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.  Therefore, to ensure an orderly learning environment, students and parents are responsible for the student wearing clean and appropriate clothing in attendance at school and school activities.

It is inappropriate and a violation of school policy for students to wear apparel promoting products that are illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or with references to prohibited conduct.  Dress that is a threat to health or safety or is disruptive to the learning environment will not be acceptable.  Further, certain written or spoken words or symbols on clothing or on the person may be prohibited, without being demonstrably disruptive, if the expression conflicts with the schools’ basic educational mission.  The STC educational mission includes, but is not limited to, the goal of establishing a common core of values which support human dignity, self-respect, and responsibility towards self and others.

The presence of gang activity in the school and community has been detected by local law enforcement, school, and consultant personnel.  Such activity has included the selling of controlled substances, violence, and intimidation. 

The term “gang” in this policy is defined as a “criminal street gang’ as defined in Iowa law 723.A.  A criminal street gang means any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more criminal acts, which has an identifiable name or identifying sign or symbol, and whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.  “Pattern of criminal gang activity” means commission, attempt to commit, conspiring to commit, or solicitation of two or more criminal acts, provided the criminal acts were committed on separate dates or by two or more persons who are members of, or belong to, the same criminal street gang.

To ensure an orderly learning environment, gang related behavior such as signs, symbols, and gestures are prohibited on school property, buses, and school sponsored events.  Prohibited behavior may include apparel, jewelry, accessory, book, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang and creates a danger of the commission of unlawful acts or violation of school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.  Similarly, behavior is prohibited which is identified as involving gang recruitment, initiation, hazing, wearing of colors with gang affiliations, intimidation, fighting, assault, or establishment of turf on school property or at school functions and school-related activities.  Such behavior is likely to cause physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace which is harmful to self or to others and disruptive of the learning atmosphere of a school. 

School personnel are authorized to cause the removal of gang signs and symbols appearing on personal items as well as those that are on public property.  Persons who refuse to remove signs and symbols, which have gang implications or who behave in a manner which is gang related are subject to discipline up to and including removal from activities, detention, suspension or expulsion from school. 

(November 18, 1996; June 16, 1997; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The board generally prohibits the possession and/or use by students of pagers, beepers, cellular phones, laser pointers, other electronic communication devices for receiving and/or transmitting messages, and “look alike” substances that appear to be said devices while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; and while attending or engaged in school activities.  A school administrative may grant individual students specific permission to possess and/or use such devices.  Electronic equipment may be brought on school district property during the school day only with administrative approval, so long as it does not cause disruption.

The principal and/or designee will confiscate all such unauthorized devices.  Only a parent or legal guardian of the student may reclaim them from the principal and/or designee.  If unclaimed, the devices will be forfeited at the end of each school year.  In addition to confiscation of the device, any student violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school.

(October 20, 1997: March 15, 2010; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

School district property is held in public trust by the Board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students, protected student areas, and/or student vehicles based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation, or law has been violated.  The search shall be 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. 

School district authorities may also conduct periodic inspections of all, or a randomly selected number of, school lockers, desks, and other facilities or spaces owned by the district and provided as a courtesy to a student.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, shall not create a protected student area and shall not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect 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, non-prescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons, stolen property, and any other item of which the possession or use of may violate Board policy or the law.  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 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, but not limited to, 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.

(April 6, 1981; June 15, 1992; November 20, 1995; May 18, 1998, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

To ensure students are properly maintaining their assigned lockers, the principal of the building may periodically inspect all or a random selection of lockers.  Either the student 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.  Either the student or another individual will be present during the search of lockers.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

A student may not be interviewed in school unless the building principal gives specific permission.  Generally, individuals other than parents and school district officials and employees may not interview students during the school day.  No interview shall be permitted unless the principal deems it essential to the welfare of the pupil as set forth in regulations, or he is directed to do so by court order.

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.

No student may be taken from the school without consent of the building principal, except by court order accompanied by a peace officer or a peace officer acting in the line of duty. 

(April 6, 1981; June 15, 1992; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The South Tama County Community School District prohibits the use of corporal punishment as a form of student discipline.  An employee shall not inflict, or cause to be inflicted, corporal punishment upon a student.  For purposes of this section, “corporal punishment” means the intentional physical punishment of a student.  An employee’s physical contact with the body of a student shall not be considered corporal punishment if it is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances and is not designed or intended to cause pain or as otherwise supported by law. 

There are occasions when an employee needs to use physical restraint of a student to protect the student, others, or property from harm.  An employee is permitted to:

• Use 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 at that threatens physical harm to any person.
  • To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a student’s control
  • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa law.
  • For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa law.
  • 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.
• Use incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Reasonable physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force of a student as outlined in this policy:

• The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
• The nature of the student’s behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;
• The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;
• The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any;
• The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student’s parents are provided the explanation of the reasons and documentation related to the use of physical force.

(January 16, 1989; May 17, 1999, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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.

As part of the school district’s records, the daily attendance of each student is electronically recorded on the district’s student information system and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.  It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that the student information system is accurate and such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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, medical or legal appointments, attendance at a funeral, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.

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

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school full 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.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It 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 only be assigned appropriate consequences so that the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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.

Open campus will be permissible for students at the high school who meet eligibility criteria.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Student organizations or student government may be formed within any building of the District by working with the building principal.  The purpose of such student groups is to enhance communication between the students and professional staff, enhance school spirit and expand opportunities for enrichment experiences for students.

The board shall approve any student organizations and student government.  The superintendent shall determine qualifications and regulations for student groups and make recommendations to the board for groups seeking approval.  Regulations and policies for student groups shall always remain the province of the board and administration.

Each student group shall be directed or guided by a certified school employee.  Funds collected by any student group shall be deposited in the student activity fund at the earliest opportunity, and shall be controlled similarly to other school funds. 

(April 6, 1981, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

Any expression made by students, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy.  The 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 may follow the student complaint process.  Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted may follow the student complaint process.

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

(August 19, 2019)

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

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

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

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The Board believes school activities promote additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetime.  School activities may also contribute to the students’ mental and physical growth as well as provide interaction in group activities.  Participation in school activities is a privilege, and students should have an opportunity to participate in and reap the benefits of them.

All student activities affiliated with the school must be under the direction of school personnel.  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.

Every student shall be encouraged to participate in at least one school-sponsored activity or contest.  Any eligible student may elect to participate in the extra-curricular activities of the student’s choice.  No coercion shall be used to force a student to participate in an activity.  A student shall not be required to participate in one activity in order to be eligible to participate in another activity. 

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, including behavioral and academic ineligibility.  All students will have a comparable opportunity to participate in student activities.  However, comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other’s athletic teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities.

Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.  No student shall participate in an athletic practice or contest without filing a doctor’s certificate of good health.

A student participating in interscholastic athletics shall provide evidence of suitable accident insurance, with medical and hospital benefits, before he/she begins practice.  The school will make available to each student an insurance program via an insurance company licensed to provide insurance coverage in Iowa.  Student participation in this program is voluntary.  However, a student who participates in interscholastic athletics shall be adequately insured.  Failure of an athlete to carry school insurance will require a written statement signed by guardian or parent relieving the school district of any and all responsibility due to an injury or death as a direct consequence of interscholastic athletics.  Athlete, as defined here, means all students who participate in interscholastic athletics. 

(December 21, 1987, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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.

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

• Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;
• All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and,
• Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.

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

(August 19, 2019)

Students may participate in social events approved by the superintendent that will be of benefit to the student and the education program.  Attendance at such events is a privilege.

All social events shall be under the control and supervision of school personnel.  Approval for an event shall be secured from the principal of the building involved before making any public announcement.  Hours, behavior, and activities related to social events shall be reasonable and proper as determined by the administration.  Only those persons who can be expected to recognize the authority and responsibility of the school personnel shall be permitted to attend social functions.  The school retains the right to require anyone to leave for inappropriate or unacceptable behavior.

(April 6, 1981, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The Board’s belief is that students need a night during the week that is set aside as family night.  During the school year, September 1^st to June 1^st, Wednesday night shall be set aside as family night. 

School district employees shall not plan, organize or sponsor activities that involve students after 6:00 P.M. on family night.  Exceptions to this practice are limited to the following:

1. Varsity football practice will be extended to 6:30.  If any varsity football player needs to ride the bus, he will be excused by 6:00 p.m.
2. Activities that are planned or organized by a control board such as the Girls or Boys Athletic Union are exempt from this restriction.  The policy is also waived when students are on an overnight activity approved by the Board of Education.

(March 20, 1989; December 16, 1991, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

While trips of an educational nature are desirable, it is suggested that trips involving the loss of school time be avoided, unless equal results cannot be achieved by scheduling the trip during vacation or summer.

Excursion trips should be defined as a trip by a school club, class or organization that is educationally justified.  Excursion trips that extend beyond the normal school day, but would not involve overnight lodging, shall be authorized at the discretion of the principal.  Overnight trips involving students of the South Tama County Community Schools are subject to the following procedures and guidelines:

1. Except in unusual circumstances, each overnight trip must be approved through channels by the Board of Education in advance.  For routine (as defined below) overnight trips in cases where time is a factor approval may be granted by the Superintendent and must be presented to the Board at the next regular board meeting.  To assure timely approval, the approval process should be initiated well in advance so that all channels can be approached and the regular Board meeting pattern is observed.  Insufficient time to process requests may cause otherwise meritorious requests to be turned down.  Requests for approval are to be channeled as follows:
   • Complete a formal request and gain approval from the Building Principal (forms may be developed for trips that are not part of the perennial state series of competitions).  Requests should identify the grade, class, or club organization which must appropriately identify the group.  The number of students should be specified and the trip itinerary shall be completed.
   • Following Principal approval, submit the request to the Activity Director (reminder that fund raising activities for trips and other purposes are to have advanced Activity Director approval).
   • The Activity Director will submit formal request to the Board for approval or may authorize the sponsor/coach to submit the request.  Such requests are to be made through the Superintendent.
   • Board action on perennial requests such as state series competition will normally be acted upon in the meeting in which presented.  Other requests will usually be discussed at one Board meeting and voted for approval at the next regular meeting.

2. All trips known or reasonably anticipated for the school year should be submitted to the Board during the September or October Board meetings.  This includes all the possible state competitions that might involve over-night stays during the year.

3. Federal law requires that any trip involving school transportation out-of-state must have an identifiable educational purpose.

4. Use of school vehicles requires an adult, non-student, driver subject to administrative approval.  Strong preference is that the driver(s) be regular school employees.

5. A partial listing of criteria for approval of overnight trips includes:

• Trips which are in-state have priority over out-of-state trips.
• Routine Activities are Activities sanctioned by the state activities organizations or regents or mainstream collegiate organizations, and have a preference over other activities when part of the state series.
• A Non-Routine Activities request should include a written statement of:
  • Educational purpose(s) or goals, benefits, an/or expectations.
  • School equipment or transportation requested (out of pocket expenses will be an activity cost).
  • Preparatory or follow-up activities that are planned.
  • Method of financing the trip.
  • Method of selecting participants.
  • Number and tentative identification of adult sponsors.
  • Itinerary.
• Activities which significantly provide monetary or other rewards for the coach/sponsor(s) will be discouraged.
• Trips which are inclusive for all members of an identifiable group (team, club, band, etc.) are favored over those which exclude members.
• Equitable access based upon clearly publicized criteria for exclusion is desired.
• High cost activities and activities for which lack of financing is a reason for exclusion are discouraged.
• Regular trips in the “field trip” category are discouraged as overnight trips.
• Normally Non-Routine trips are not to cause students to miss school for more than one day.

(June, 1986; November 17, 1997; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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.

Any regularly enrolled student may be considered for honors or awards awarded by the school.  Qualifications for such awards shall be established by professional school personnel who have been delegated the responsibility by the superintendent or the building principal.  The superintendent or the building principal shall publish the systems by which awards are determined.

(April 6, 1981, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Students who have successfully completed high school shall be granted diplomas.  If a student desires to be excused from graduation activities, he/she may make application to the high school principal stating the reasons.  Students may be prohibited from attending graduation ceremonies as a matter of discipline or failure to comply with school rules. 

(April 6, 1981; June 15, 1992, March 15, 2010; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

(April 6, 1981; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages.  The board secretary is the custodian of student records.  Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the students’ attendance center.

Parents and eligible students will have access to the student’s records during the regular business hours of the school district.  An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education at the post high school level.  Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code.  In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student.  A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a student’s, including a special education student’s, records.  Parents 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 may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• To school officials within the 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 student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;

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

• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

• To organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if the study does not release personally identifiable information and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted;

• To accrediting organizations;

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

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

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

• To authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;

• To an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records;

• In connection with a health or safety emergency; or,

• As directory information.

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

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

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

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the school district to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified.  The 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.  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.  In the absence of parents or an eligible student’s request to destroy the records, the school district must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

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

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 of their right to inspect and review the student records.  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, D.C. 20202-4605.

(January 17, 2005; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school district.  Directory information shall be defined in the annual notice.  It may include the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

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

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

(New Edition December 15, 1997; May, 2002; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of the school district libraries and media centers.  As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent.  Individuals who may access such records include a student’s parents, the student, authorized licensed employees, authorized government officials from the 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.

 (March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

A.      Waivers -

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

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

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

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

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

D.      Appeals - Denials of a waiver may be appealed to the superintendent of schools.

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.

Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), or 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 district central office for a waiver form.  This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

(August 19, 2019)

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

(November 15, 1993; October 16, 2000; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

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

Students enrolling 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.

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

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.

(June 15, 1992; November 17, 1997; April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

Medication, including over-the-counter medication, shall be administered only when the student’s parent or guardian (hereinafter “parent”) provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original container which is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the child, name of the medication, the time of the day which it is to be given, the dosage, and the duration.  Written authorization will also be secured when the parent requests student co-administration of medication when competency is demonstrated.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the medication is current; that all information regarding the medication is current; and that the information provided to the district, including, but not limited to the written authorization, is current.

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

Persons administering medication shall include a parent, the physician, the licensed registered nurse (school nurse), and persons 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 kept on file at the school district.

A written medication administration record shall be on file including:

• date;
• student’s name;
• prescriber or person authorizing administration;
• medication;
• medication dosage;
• administration time;
• administration method;
• signature and title of the person administering medication; and
• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  The school nurse, or in the nurse’s absence, the nurse’s designee shall have access to the medication which will be kept in a secure area.  Students may carry medication only with the approval of the parents and building principal of the student’s attendance center.  By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon written approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency. Students do not have to prove competency to the school district.  Emergency protocols for medication-related reactions shall be posted.  Medication information shall be confidential information.

 (January 17, 2005; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

General Communicable Diseases Procedures

Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school as long as they are physically able to perform the tasks assigned to them and as long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of transmission of the illness or other harm to the students or the employees.  The term “communicable disease” shall mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person or animal to person or as defined by law.

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

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

Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the 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.

A student who is at school and who has a communicable disease which may create a substantial risk of harm to other students, employees, or others at school shall report the condition to the superintendent any time the student is aware that the disease actively creates such risk.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent or school nurse when the superintendent or school nurse has knowledge that a communicable disease is present, to notify the State Department of Health.  Rumor and hearsay shall be insufficient evidence for the superintendent to act.

Health data of a student is confidential, and it shall not be disseminated.  The superintendent may request that the Iowa Department of Health provide a review of the case and recommend regarding the permissibility of continued attendance of the student in the regular classroom, with or without restrictions.  If the student is to be excluded from school, it is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the parents, to make arrangements for the student’s alternate educational program.

The Board realizes it is important for others to know which students in the district have a communicable disease. However, this must be weighed against the privacy and confidentiality rights of the student.  Health data is regarded as private data, and it is not to be disseminated to the public, to students, or to employees without strict observance of data privacy rights.  Knowledge of a communicable disease will be limited to the Board, superintendent, school nurse, and whomever else the superintendent determines has a need to know in order to properly and safely discharge their duties.

Bloodborne Pathogens Precautions

With or without the known presence of communicable disease, prudent precautions should become routine.  Blood or any other body fluids, including vomit and fecal or urinary incontinence, in ANY child should be treated appropriately.

It is recommended that gloves be used when cleaning up any body fluids.  Spills should be cleaned and the effected area washed with soap and water and disinfected with bleach (one part bleach to ten parts water) or other disinfectant and the mop or other cleaning material should be treated with the same bleach or disinfectant.  All disposable materials including gloves and diapers, should be discarded into a plastic bag before placing in a conventional trash system.  Hypodermic needles require special disposal procedures.  Toys and other personal non-disposable items should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected before passing to another person.  A normal laundry cycle is adequate for other non-disposable items.  All persons involved in the clean-up should wash their hands thoroughly afterward.

School personnel shall have the responsibility to periodically monitor and check students for head lice.

(April 6, 1981; April 17, 1989; June 15, 1992; May 17, 1999; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The school district and the board assume no responsibility for medical treatment of students.  The building principal shall direct the immediate care of ill or injured persons who come within his/her area of responsibility.  At each school, procedures for the proper handling of such emergencies shall be developed and made known to the staff.

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.  If a parent cannot be reached, the ill or injured child shall be transported home, to the hospital, or to a physician’s office as appropriate and necessary.  Further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, or the person designated for emergencies.

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

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

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

(April 6, 1981; December 21, 1987; June 15, 1992; April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

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

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

(August 19, 2019)

Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency.  Emergency drills for fire, weather, other disasters, and school safety issues are conducted each school year.  At least one of each type of drill should be held as early in the school year as possible so that all children will be thoroughly familiar with emergency procedures.

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

(August 19, 2019)

The school district may offer the parents of students in the district a health and accident insurance plan covering students.  The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the superintendent and the administrative staff, shall select an insurance company to issue such policies for all schools in the district.

The purchase of student insurance shall be voluntary with the entire cost being paid by the student or their parents or guardian.  Participation in the insurance health and accident plan is not a contract with the school district, but rather, a contract between the insurance company and the student.

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

(April 6, 1981; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

The Board recognizes the convenience of families and students of having students drive to and park at their school attendance center.  Driving a motor vehicle to and parking at the school attendance center is a privilege rather than a right.

Students that drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center.  Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle nor leave the school grounds in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal of their designated attendance center.  Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center. 

Student vehicles may be parked at the high school in the northeast or northwest parking lot.  Students may not park in the drives, along the curb around the school, in the visitors parking area, in the area west of the two portable buildings, or in the loading dock or the shop entrance areas.

Driving to school and parking at school are privileges and will be revoked any time the student willfully violates driving laws, parking regulations, board policy, or any of the governing driving as set forth by the school.  Additionally, a student may be subject to discipline including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion for any violations.

(April 6, 1981; December 21, 1987; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Students within easy walking distance of school are encouraged to walk to school rather than ride bicycles to school.  Compliance will eliminate hazards around the school grounds during very congested times.

Although the Board recommends students walk to school, those students who desire to ride bicycles may do so unless there is concern regarding student safety and welfare.  Bicycle parking racks are provided for bicycle parking.  Students may lock or chain their bicycles to the parking racks if they so desire.  The school is not responsible for lost or damaged bicycles.

The principal of each building shall make regulations concerning the riding of bicycles to and from school.  The privilege of riding a bicycle to school may be withdrawn from a student for failure to observe these regulations.

 (April 6, 1981; March 21, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

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

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within five calendar 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 calendar days after speaking with the principal.

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

(August 19, 2019)