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

Approved:  7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Truancy is the act of being absent without an approved excuse.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy.  It shall be within the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, or either’s designee, to determine, in the light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.

The truancy officer shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy.  If the truancy officer is unable to secure the truant student's attendance after three (3) documented occurrences per school year, the case shall be referred to the county attorney for mediation or prosecution.

The school will participate in mediation, if requested by the county attorney.  The District's superintendent/designee shall represent the District in mediation.  The District will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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, and/or classes outside the student's attendance center 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.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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 practices.  The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergaten 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 approval of the application. The receiving District’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school District by mail within five days of the school District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.

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

An open enrollment request out of the 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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   02/27/2023

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

The superintendent will approve within 30 days incoming kindergarten applications, good cause applications and continuation of an educational program applications.

The superintendent will notify the sending school District and parents within five (5) days of the school District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  The district will notify the Iowa Department of Education regarding open enrollment decisions as required by the Department.

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

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

Generally, students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) open enrolling into the school District will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, in accordance with applicable law.

Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the Board or superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school District without reimbursement.  The Board will not approve transportation into the sending District.

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.

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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   02/27/2023

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

Name:     Angela Nelson

Title:     Student Services Coordinator

Location:     Knoxville High School

Telephone:    641-842-2173 / 641-218-0238

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

As part of the school District's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records under the supervision of the Board secretary.  It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the Board secretary, who is the custodian of school records.

Approved:  7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The District and the Board believe 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 come to school looking clean and neat, dressed in a manner which is accepted as being in good taste, and consistent with an attitude and atmosphere that is conducive to study and learning.  Extreme hairstyle and dress that is unduly immodest, distracting or inappropriate for a school environment will not be allowed.  Clothing or other apparel promoting or referring products illegal for use by minors, (i.e. alcohol, nicotine, drugs) and/or clothing displaying obscene material or profanity or referring to inappropriate or prohibited conduct are not allowed.  Low riding pants and low cut tops are not acceptable.  Bare midriffs will not be acceptable for boys or girls.  Clothes with holes or tears in inappropriate places are not acceptable.  Hats or any head coverings may not be worn in the building during school time, except for medical reasons or in observance of religious practices.  Any accessories deemed unsafe (such as chains or jewelry/accessories with spikes) will not be allowed.

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

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

Rules and regulations concerning student-driven vehicles in addition to state motor vehicle laws shall be established by the building principal.  Motor vehicles should not be used during school hours unless special permission is given by the parent, principal or designee. The privilege of driving during school hours may be withdrawn by the building principal/designee from the student if the student fails to comply with state law or rules and regulations as established by the principal/designee.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

B. Expression in an Official School Publication
      1. No student will express, publish or distribute in an official school publication material which is:
                        a. obscene;
                        b. libelous;
                        c. slanderous; or
                        d. encourages students to:
                                    i. commit unlawful acts;
                                    ii. violate school rules;
    iii. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school or school activity;
                                    iv. disrupt or interfere with the education program;
                                    v. interrupt the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere; or
                                    vi. infringe on the rights of others.

    2. Official school publications are produced under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

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

D.  Responsibilities of Faculty Advisors
    1. Faculty advisors will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech.

E.  Liability
    1. 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.

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

G.  Time, Place and Manner of Restrictions on Official School Publications
    1. Official student publications may be distributed in a reasonable manner on or off school premises.
    2. Distribution in a reasonable manner will not encourage students to:
                        a. commit unlawful acts;
                        b. violate school rules;
                        c. cause the material and substantial disruption of the orderly and efficient operation of the school 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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

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

Student Publications

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

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

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

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication will follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 214.1.  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 563.

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

Approved: 11/28/2022.                    Review: 11/28/2022.                  Revised 11/28/2022

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

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within three (3) school 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) school 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.

Approved:     7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

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

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

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

Weapons, firearms or other dangerous objects under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons or other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes.  Such a display shall also be exempt from this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent/ designee, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

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

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

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

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

• Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol;
• A statement to students that the use of controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol is harmful to student well-being;
• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and/or alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;
• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
• A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
• Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;
• A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and,
• Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

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

Approved:   7/15/2019       Reviewed:                     Revised:  02/26/2024

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

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on 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 present 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.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   

I.          General Searches
    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 gender of the student;
3.   The nature of the infraction; and
4.   The existence of an 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. 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 gender as the student and with another adult witness of the same gender 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 gender as the student, with an adult of the same gender 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
1.  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.
2.  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
1.  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 articulatable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

Approved:  7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:  

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

Students should conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age 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 vehicles or chartered buses; 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.

Students who fail to abide by this and other school district policies, rules, and administrative regulations supporting the school district policies may be disciplined for any of the following:

1. Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the educational program;

2. Conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity;

3. Conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to obtain their education or participation in educational activities;

4. Conduct that is violent or destructive; or

5. Conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.

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

Impermissible Conduct

Students may be disciplined for conduct that violates commonly held notions of unacceptable, immoral or inappropriate behavior that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including extracurricular rules);

2. Assault or threatened assault on another person;

3. Extortion, intimidation or coercion;

4. Inciting others to violate the law or school rules;

5. Vandalism;

6. Gambling;

7. Theft or possession of stolen goods/property;

8. Sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia;

9. Possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.

10. Possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation weapon or an explosive;

11. Possession, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;

12. Use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco or imitation substances and/or devices;

13. Profanity;

14. Possession of pornographic/obscene literature, items or materials;

15. Student dress which is suggestive, condones illegal activity or in some way disrupts the educational process;

16. Failure to abide by corrective measures for previous acts of misconduct;

17. Harassment in any form of another person;

18. Conduct which discriminates against others based upon an individual's sex, race, national origin, religion or disability;

19. Destruction, damage, unauthorized use, inappropriate use, and/or manipulation of hardware, software or any aspect or component of the school's electronic information system including the internet; or

20. Inappropriate sexual conduct including harassment, indecent exposure, and visible display of affection.

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 transportation; while attending or engaged in school district activities may be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension shall be sent to the superintendent. Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:

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

2. 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

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

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

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

Sanctions for Student Misconduct

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office.  It shall be 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-instructional hours for disciplinary purposes.  The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day or after school has been dismissed for the day.  The imposition of a detention and the length of the detention shall be within the discretion of the employee disciplining the student or the building principal.

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

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

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

Students may be suspended for conduct that violates school rules.  Suspensions may take the form of probation, an in-school suspension or an out-of-school suspension.

Probation

Probation is the conditional suspension of the imposition of discipline for student misconduct for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

The building principal shall conduct an informal investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation shall 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 of probation and the reasons therefore shall be sent to the student and the student's parents.

In-School Suspension

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

The building principal shall conduct an informal investigation of the allegations against the student prior to the imposition of an in-school suspension which shall include notifying the student of the allegations against the student and the basis for the allegations and giving a student the opportunity to respond to the allegations.  An in-school suspension shall not be imposed for a period longer than ten school days. Written notice of the in-school suspension and the reasons therefore shall be sent to the student and the student's parents.

Out-of-School Suspension

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

A student may be suspended for up to ten school days by a building principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  The building principal may suspend a student after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student which shall include giving the student: (1) oral or written notice of the allegations against the student; (2) the basis in fact for the charges; and (3) the opportunity to respond to the charges.

Written notice of the suspension shall be mailed to the student and the student's parents no later than two school days following the imposition of the suspension.  Written notice of the suspension shall also be given to the superintendent. A reasonable effort shall be made to notify the student's parents of the suspension by telephone or in person and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice shall include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the Board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

Suspension of Special Education Students

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

Approved:  7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:  

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/designee shall inform the Board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for 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/guardian.

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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 (including receiving free or reduced price lunch), Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guidelines or transportation assistance under open enrollment.  Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.
                  2. Partial Waivers.  A student will be granted a partial waiver of fees charged by the 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.  (A partial waiver is based on the same percentage as the reduced price meals.)
                  3. Temporary Waivers.  A student may be eligible for a temporary waiver of fees charged by the District in the event the student's parents are facing financial difficulty.  Temporary waivers may be applied for at any time throughout the school year and will not extend beyond the end of the school year.
 

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.   Notice.  The school District will annually notify parents and students of the waiver.  The following information will be included in registration materials.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  School activities promote additional interests and advance abilities in the students during their school years and for a lifetime.

Students who participate in extracurricular/co-curricular 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 and co-curricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy.

The extra-curricular, co-curricular, school sponsored activities, elected and honorary positions are part of the total educational program which provide youth with unique opportunities to develop desirable qualities such as: principles of justice, fair play, good sportsmanship, respect for rules and authority, respect for others, respect for one's own health and physical well-being, development of leadership, group pride, teamwork, self-discipline, and values of self-sacrifice.  This school district recognizes that rules and regulations concerning the decorum and conduct of the student body will vary with the times and mores of the community. It is the policy of this school district that participation in any extracurricular or co-curricular activity is a privilege. Therefore, certain kinds of conduct shall be deemed inappropriate to the generally accepted standards acceptable to the school district.

All extracurricular and co-curricular activities are covered under Board Policy 550, including but not limited to:  athletics, cheerleading, drill team, instrumental and vocal music performances*, drama productions, speech contests, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Trapshooting, Camera Club, all co-curricular clubs (e.g. Art Club, Science Club), all honorary and elected offices (e.g. Homecoming Court members**, class officer, student government officer or representative), state contests and performances for cheerleading and drill team, or any other activity where the student represents the school district outside the classroom.

*If the student is required to perform as part of a grade (e.g. band or chorus), and that student violates the Code of Conduct, the student may either be allowed to participate or withheld from participation but without any impact on the student's grade for the course.

**To be eligible to be part of any honorary or elected office (Homecoming Court, class officer, student government officer, club officer) a student cannot be serving a Code of Conduct (550) suspension at the time of the election.  A student that is determined to have violated the Code of Conduct (550) after being selected as a member of the Homecoming Court will be removed immediately.

In view of the above statement, coaches or sponsor as employees of the Knoxville Community School District will enforce the following policies and procedures relative to standards for participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities through the calendar year both in and out of school.

DETERMINATION OF VIOLATION

A student violates this policy (550) when the student is:

1. Found to have committed a public offense by a court of law, or
2. Formally charged with a criminal offense or ticketed by law enforcement (excluding minor traffic violations),
3. Admits to violating one of the standards described in this policy, or
4. Observed by the coach, sponsor, or law enforcement personnel, engaging in a violation, or
5. When the administration receives credible information to support a determination that the student violated the Code of Conduct

STANDARDS AND SANCTIONS—ATHLETICS

ARTICLE I

Athletes or team personnel (managers, statisticians, video personnel as examples) who are found guilty of use, possession, or purchase of any controlled substance, drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapor products and look-alikes will be  subject to a Good Conduct violation; "use" includes having the odor of alcohol or tobacco on one's breath.  

Athletes or team personnel that engage in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenile court system, excluding minor traffic offenses, regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act(s) will be subject to a Good Conduct violation.  

Athletes or team personnel that are suspended (in or out) from school for a total of five or more days total during the school year will be subject to a Good Conduct violation.  Any additional incidents in a school year that results in a suspension (in or out) will be considered another violation of this Good Conduct policy. If in subsequent school years, a student again accumulates five days of suspension, the sanction will move to the next level.

*NOTE: Each act may be considered a separate violation even if a series of acts occur on a single occasion.  All aggravating and mitigating circumstances will be considered when making a determination.

A.    Upon the establishment of guilt, first offense of any of the above during their middle school/high school career, the student shall be suspended for 33% of the contests in his or her sport or activity.

B.    Upon a second offense during their middle school/high school career, a student shall be suspended for 66% of the contests in his or her sport or activity.

C.    Upon a third offense during their middle school/high school career, the student shall be suspended from all sports/activities for one calendar year.  

D.    Upon a fourth offense during their middle school/high school career, the student will be suspended from participating in athletics/activities for the rest of his/her middle school/high school career. A student may petition the activities director and/or the principal for reinstatement after serving a minimum of one calendar year of ineligibility.  If reinstatement is considered, the student will have to complete all stipulations before a final decision is reached.

In the event a student regains their eligibility for softball or baseball, that student may begin playing in contests immediately and will not need to wait until the end of all spring state tournaments. 

ARTICLE II

This policy is not to be construed as the only policy governing those involved in athletics.  The individual coach may have rules and regulations over and above these and may enforce them.  Also, students involved in both athletics and co-curricular activities (including elected and honorary offices) will have sanctions enforced in both areas with each violation.  When students are participating in multiple sports at the same time, the percentages of ineligibility for the 1st and 2nd offenses will be applied to each sport they are participating in.  

NOTE:  When a student athlete participates at more than one level of competition in a sport (e.g. junior varsity and varsity) the period of ineligibility is measured against the higher level of competition at which the student athlete participates.  The period of ineligibility will be served at that level of competition and will include all other games/meets in the interim at any level of competition. If the higher level of competition plays an abbreviated schedule (e.g. sometimes only a few games may be scheduled at the junior varsity level in a sport which generally schedules several more games) the period of ineligibility will be measured against the full schedule of the lower level competition.

STANDARDS AND SANCTIONS—STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN CO-CURRICULAR (NON ATHLETIC EXTRACURRICULAR) ACTIVITIES

ARTICLE I

Students who are found guilty of use, possession, or purchase of any controlled substance, drugs, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapor products and look-alikes will be subject to a Good Conduct violation; "use" may be established by having the odor of alcohol or tobacco on one's breath.

Students that engage in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenile court system, excluding minor traffic offenses, regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act(s) will be subject to a Good Conduct violation. 

A student that is suspended (in or out) from school for a total of five or more days during the school year will be subject to a Good Conduct violation.  Any additional incidents in a school year that results in a suspension (in or out) will be considered another violation of this Good Conduct policy. If in subsequent school years, a student again accumulates five days of suspension, the sanction will move to the next level.

Each act may be considered a separate violation even if a series of acts occur on a single occasion.  All aggravating and mitigating circumstances will be considered when making a determination.

A.    Upon the establishment of a violation, first offense of any of the above during their middle school/high school career, the student will have a period of three weeks of nonparticipation when the organization is active and include at least one performance.  The instructor/sponsor will decide if the student is to attend practice.

B.    Upon a second offense during their middle school/high school career, the student will have a period of nine weeks of nonparticipation when the organization is active and include at least two performances.  The instructor/sponsor will decide if the student is to attend practice.

C.    Upon a third offense during their middle school/high school career, the student will have a period of one calendar year of nonparticipation when the organization is active.  The instructor/sponsor will decide if the student is to attend practice.

D.  Upon a fourth offense during their middle school/high school career, the student will be suspended from participating in athletics/activities for the rest of his/her middle school/high school career. A student may petition the activities director and/or the principal for reinstatement after serving a minimum of one calendar year of ineligibility.  If reinstatement is considered, the student will have to complete all stipulations before a final decision is reached.

ARTICLE II

This policy is not to be construed as the only policy governing those involved in athletics or co-curricular activities.  The individual sponsor or coach may have rules and regulations over and above these and may enforce them. Also, students involved in both athletics and co-curricular activities (including elected and honorary offices) will have sanctions enforced in both areas with each violation.

PERIOD OF SUSPENSION--ATHLETICS

Suspension shall begin immediately if the activity is in season.  If the period of suspension is longer than the remaining season, it will carry on to the next season or the next activity in which the student participates.  The amount of remaining ineligibility will be based on the percentage of ineligibility completed during the current season. Periods of ineligibility will carry to the post season tournament series if the period of ineligibility has not been completed.  The student will be eligible again when the required number of playing dates has been satisfied.

If the violation occurs prior to the season, the suspension will begin on the first day of scheduled contests for his/her next immediate season.  Students must continue to practice during the period of suspension, but may not dress for games. Scrimmage dates against other schools will not count for ineligibility.  Students cannot participate in scrimmages against other schools, but scrimmage dates do not count towards ineligibility.  

The period of suspension will be determined on the basis of the number of regular season playing dates.  The number of playing dates will be divided by the length of the suspension and a date of eligibility will be established.  The term contest used in this Code will be interpreted as playing dates. Students that are serving ineligibility for the state’s No Pass-No Play academic rule and also have Good Conduct ineligibility will serve those punishments consecutively, not concurrently.  

*NOTE: Any athlete regaining his/her eligibility in a sport must complete the full season in that sport unless he or she is unable to do so because of an injury.  The student must finish the season in ‘good-standing’ with their coach for the ineligibility to fully go away.  

APPEALS PROCESS

Any student who is found by the Activities Director to have violated the Good Conduct Rule (550) may appeal to the Principal.  Written contact with the Principal asking for appeal must be within three (3) school days of the Activities Director’s decision.  A student may seek further review of the Principal decision by the school board by filing a written appeal with the board secretary within three (3) school days following the Principal’s decision or by 4:00 PM on the Friday before the next regularly scheduled board meeting, whichever is sooner.  The board will hear the appeal no later than the next regularly scheduled board meeting.  

*NOTE:  A student is still required to submit a written appeal request by 4:00 PM on the Friday before the next regularly scheduled board meeting even if the Principal’s decision is made on Thursday or Friday.  

The review by the board will be in closed session unless the student’s parent (or the student, if the student is eighteen or older ) requests an open session.  The grounds for review by the school board are limited to the following: the student did not violate the Good Conduct Rule (550) or the penalty is in violation of the Handbook Rule or Board Policy.  

The student shall be suspended from activities while his/her case is pending.

*NOTE: If the Principal is part of the initial ruling/determination that a Good Conduct violation occurred - the appeal should go to the Principal’s direct supervisor.  

OTHER PROVISIONS

EVALUATION AND TREATMENT

A student who has a second violation of the alcohol, drug or tobacco provision of the Code of Conduct Policy - if the 1st violation was also for violating the alcohol, drug or tobacco provision of the Code of Conduct Policy -  may elect to seek an evaluation and, if recommended, treatment from a recognized substance abuse care provider. All evaluations and treatments will be at the student's parent/guardian expense.  If the student seeks the evaluation and agrees to waive confidentiality to allow the care provider to report back to the superintendent or designee regarding recommendations for treatment or follow-up care, the student's athletic suspension for the second violation may be reduced from 66% of a season to one-third (33%)of a season.  This reduction is not available for first or third, or subsequent violations. The student's co-curricular suspension for the second violation may be reduced from nine weeks and at least two performances to five weeks and at least one performance.

ADMISSION PRIOR TO INVESTIGATION (SELF-REPORT)

If a student comes forward to a coach, administrator, or activity sponsor of Knoxville Community School District to admit (self-report) within 72 hours of violating the Code of Conduct and the admission is prior to being questioned by the administration, or prior to any other report being made to the administration regarding the alleged conduct, (the student’s athletic suspension may be reduced up to one half of the original penalty for a first offense).  

BEHAVIOR AGREEMENT FOR 3RD VIOLATION OFFENDERS

A student who has committed a 3rd violation of this Good Conduct policy may seek to reduce the penalty by entering into a Behavior Agreement.  The Agreement shall be in writing and shall include, but not be

limited to, an oral apology for the student's behavior to affected parties, restitution

where appropriate, and a presentation before students in the elementary and/or

middle schools regarding the inappropriateness of the student's behavior. Presentation materials must be approved by all administrative parties in advance of the presentation.  The degree of reduction of the penalty in such situations shall rest with the administrator, but in no event shall the reduction exceed one-third (4 months) of the penalty.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

If a student transfers in from another Iowa school or school district and the student has not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of the Code of Conduct in the previous school or school district, the student will be subject to the Knoxville Community School District Code of Conduct and its consequences and will be penalized based on the length of suspension already served in his/her previous district.

SCHOOL CONSEQUENCES

If a student commits a violation of the Code of Conduct while on school grounds or at a school event or activity off school grounds, that student may receive school consequences (e.g. detention, suspension) as outlined in the Behavior Expectations section of the student handbook in addition to the sanctions described in this policy.

In the event that a situation occurs which is not specifically covered in this code, the Principal or the designee will provide a ruling based upon the intentions of the code.  

If a student engages in conduct that would be considered a felony under the criminal code, the student may be suspended indefinitely from any extracurricular or co-curricular activities.

If a student commits a violation of the Code of Conduct policy while at a school dance, they will be subject to a Good Conduct violation and they will also have a 1 year ban on attending school dances.  

KNOXVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL/KNOXVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

This policy applies to both Knoxville Middle School and Knoxville High School activities.  Once a student’s 8th grade year is done, their Good Conduct record resets and they start their high school career with a clean slate.  Students that just completed 8th grade are considered high school students for Good Conduct policy tracking purposes the minute their 8th grade school year ends.  Eighth grade students that are participating in high school baseball or softball are considered high school students when those seasons begin.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:  

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

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

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

Approved:  08/14/2023                    Reviewed:                       Revised:

Code No. 503.7E1

REPORT OF STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY

Dear (Parent/Guardian) _________________, This letter is to inform you that your student (student’s name listed on registration) ________________ has made a request of a licensed employee to (check all that apply):

(__) make an accommodation that is intended to affirm the student’s gender identity as follows: ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

(__) use a name, pronoun or gender identity that is different from the name, pronoun and/or gender identity listed on the student’s school registration forms. The name, pronoun, or gender identity requested is __________________________________________________.

If you would like to amend the student’s registration paperwork to permit the student’s requested accommodation and/or include the use of the above-referenced name/pronoun/gender identity, please complete the attached form and return it to the district administration office.

Sincerely,

_____________________________                                            ____________________________
Administrator                                                                                 Date

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

Code No. 503.7E2

REQUEST TO UPDATE STUDENT IDENTITY

__________________________________________________                                   __________________
(Student’s current name on registration)                                                                       (Student ID)

Please update my student’s names, pronouns, and/or gender identities on my student’s registration paperwork to include all of the following:

__________________________________________________________________________________
(Names)

__________________________________________________________________________________
(Pronouns)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Gender identities) 

___________________________________                                         ___________________________
Parent/Guardian                                                                                     Date

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

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

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The student senate 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 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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:  

Secondary and/or student-initiated curriculum-related organizations and secondary and/or student-initiated non-curriculum-related organizations are encouraged.

Curriculum-Related Organizations

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

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

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

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

• Is participation in the group required for a particular course?

• Does participation in the group result in academic credit?

Secondary and/or student-initiated curriculum-related student organizations, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use the school District facilities for meetings and other purposes during non-instructional time.

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

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

Non-Curriculum-Related Organizations

Secondary and/or student-initiated non-curriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and school District facilities.  Only students may attend and participate in meetings of non-curriculum-related organizations. Such attendance is strictly voluntary and student-initiated.  As a means of determining whether a student's attendance is voluntary, the principal may require parental consent for the student to attend the meetings.

Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings.  Employees will not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance.

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Students may raise funds for school-sponsored events with the permission of the school board. Collection boxes for school fund raising must have prior approval from the school board before being placed on school property.

All funds generated from district-sponsored student fundraising will be placed in the district’s student activity fund.

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

504.5R1 - Student Fund Raising Regulation

Approved:   02/27/2023    Reviewed:          Revised:  

Student fundraising can enhance a student’s educational experience but it must not be at the expense of the safety and education of the district’s students. The following are additional regulations to assist the administration in developing procedures necessary for successful fundraising efforts.

Safety:

• Students will not be asked to solicit door to door.
• Students who do not wish to engage in fundraising efforts will be provided an alternative community service option to apply toward credit of funds raised. The alternative option will not be unduly burdensome or onerous when compared to the fundraising activity.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• All funds generated due to a student fund raising activity will be deposited into the district’s student activity funds, pursuant to applicable laws and board policies.
• Funds raised for a participatory student activity will be equally applied to all students regardless of their participation in fundraising efforts.
• All funds generated from district sponsored student fundraising efforts will be deposited in the student activity fund.
• All funds generated from non-district sponsored student fundraising efforts will be deposited into an agency fund designated by the board for such purpose.
• No school district employee or other individual affiliated with the district may deposit student fund raising funds into any other account.
• All funds received from student fundraising are the property of the district.

Advertising/Promotion:

• Any student fundraising activity which utilizes the district name, likeness and/or logo will be subject to board approval, and all other conditions of this policy and accompanying regulations.

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 administration 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.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent/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.

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school District; while in school owned and/or operated, 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.

The Board will annually approve a District Student Handbook that contains board policies, rules and regulations that affect students.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                 Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

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

3. To record for students their growth or achievement.

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

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

Reporting shall be done at nine-week intervals for elementary and middle school students.  High School students and parents will have access updated to grades on a three week interval.  Conferences between parent/guardian and teachers will be held at the request of parent/guardian or as the teacher or principal/designee deem advisable.

Parent/guardian(s) of students doing unsatisfactory work will receive timely notification.  All parent/guardian(s) of students who have received an unsatisfactory report must be informed of the possibility of failure in a course not later than two (2) weeks before the close of the semester.  The teacher shall notify the student and the parent/guardian.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher conferences shall be scheduled in grades kindergarten through high school a minimum of twice a school year, at the end of the first quarter and during the second semester.  

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The District recognizes that not all students grow and develop at the same rate and that some students may need more time at a particular level.  Whenever a student at any grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade is not achieving up to expectation, the professional staff and parent/guardian shall consider retention.

Generally, retention is more appropriate at lower grade levels; however, retention in any grade through grade five (5) is acceptable if done in the best interest of the student.  In all cases, parent/guardian(s) and staff should work together in reaching a decision.

In rare instances, it may be in a student’s best interest to promote or “skip” the student over a grade.  This should only be done after extensive evaluation and consultation with all concerned.

Retention and promotion shall be carried out according to rules and regulations set forth in this policy.

Approved:    7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The following are rules and regulations that shall govern the procedures under which administrators, teachers and any other staff personnel concerned with retention and promotion shall operate:

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

A.   Criteria to be Considered

1. Academic Achievement;

2. Intellectual Ability;

3. Social Maturity;

4. Emotional Maturity;

5. Physical Development;

6. Chronological Age;

7. Language Development; and

8. Attendance.

B.  Procedures

1. The classroom teacher will inform the principal/designee of his/her intent to discuss retention/promotion with parents/guardians before the parents/guardians are approached.

2. The classroom teacher will hold a face-to-face conference with the parents/ guardians to initiate the possibility of retention/promotion.

3. If possible, initial discussions with parents/guardians regarding retention/promotion should take place during the first semester.

4. The parents/guardians and teacher should consider the student’s attitude regarding retention/promotion before the final decision is made.

5. Parents/guardians and staff should strive to make a final decision by the end of the third quarter, but in no case later than the last school day of the year.

6. The classroom teacher, parents/guardians, and principal/designee shall reach a joint decision regarding retention/promotion of the student.  However, in the event of a disagreement, the parents/guardians shall have the final decision regarding retention since they have ultimate responsibility for their student’s education.

7. The classroom teacher’s recommendation to retain a student shall be placed in writing in the student’s cumulative record regardless of the final decision.  This written record shall list the reasons for the recommendation. This written recommendation will remain a part of the cumulative record but will not be a part of the permanent record.  The parents/guardians’ signature to indicate they have seen the written recommendation shall be incorporated into the record.

Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

A.  Criteria to be Considered

1. Academic Achievement

2. Intellectual Ability

3. Social Maturity

4. Emotional Maturity

5. Physical Development

6. Chronological Age

7. Language Development

8. Attendance

9. Failure to successfully complete the academic requirements.

B.  Procedures

1. The Study Skills Program will be the first step in the retention procedure.  Students who fail to complete the Success Program will be required to take the courses failed during the next school year.

2. If more than two (2) courses are failed after completing the Summer Success Program, a meeting to discuss full-grade retention will be held between the parent/guardians and the building principal.

3. The parent/guardians and the building principal will reach a joint decision regarding retention of the student.  However, in the event of a disagreement, the parent/guardians shall have the final decision regarding the grade level placement of the students.  Students will be required to repeat course work failed in the previous school year prior to being promoted to course work at the next grade level. 

4. All eighth (8th) grade course work must be completed at a passing level before students can enroll in that subject area at the Knoxville Community School District High School.

5. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, along with the middle school and high school principals, to develop the Success Program.

Approved:    7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent or guardian;

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

• sexual behavior or attitudes;

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

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

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

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

• 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.

Prior to an employee or contractor of the district providing information on a student enrolled in the district on any survey related to the social or emotional abilities, competencies or characteristics of the student; the district will provide the parent/guardian of the student detailed information related to the survey and obtain written consent of the parent/guardian of the student. This includes the person who created the survey, the person who sponsors the survey, how the information generated by the survey is used and how information generated by the survey is stored. This requirement will not prohibit a district employee from answering questions related to a student enrolled in the district as part of developing or implementing an individualized education program for the student.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  It is the responsibility of the Board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

Approved:     7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   08/14/2023

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 49 credits prior to graduation. Credits will be required for graduation in accordance with state law. See the KCSD Course Catalog for specific credit requirements.

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed: 08/08/2023                     Revised:   02/27/2023

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve (12).  Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in the Board Policy. A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the District. These students will be permitted to participate in Prom, Senior Picnic and all graduation activities prior to the official graduation ceremony.

Students are required to give notice of their intent to graduate early.  Application forms are available in the counselors’ offices and must be completed and approved by the building principal.

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

1. Picking up announcement package;

2. Distribution of cap and gown;

3. Graduation practice.

Approved:   7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Parent and family engagement is an important component in a student’s success in school. The board encourages
parents and families to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success. In order to
facilitate parent and family involvement, it is the goal of the district to conduct outreach and implement programs,
activities and procedures to further involve parents and families with the academic success of their students. The
board will:
(In each of the following six items, the board must describe within this policy how it will accomplish each of the items. This
mandatory policy is not complete without providing specific information for each of these six categories.)

(1) Involve parents and families in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan, and the process for improvement by inviting all parents, including Title 1 parents, to participate in the School Improvement Advisory Committee to review and discuss plans and processes for district improvement. The Title I plan is available on the district website for review at all times.                                                                                                                           

(2) Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance by partnering with parents, committees, and organizations as a means to engage families more creatively and successfully in order to positively impact learning.                                                                                                                                                                                           

(3) To the extent feasible, coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with parent and family engagement strategies outlined in other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs by working with other local programs such as the Panther Pantry, a partner of the Food Bank of Iowa, as well as other agencies, to offer support to students that are food insecure.                                                                                                                                                       

(4) Conduct with the involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying: barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, parents of any racial or ethnic minority, parents with disabilities and parents with limited literacy); needs of parents and family to assist their children’s learning; and strategies to support successful school and family interactions by providing flexible scheduling of parent-teacher conferences each semester. Title 1 parents/families and teachers will be invited to complete an annual survey at the end of the school year. The district may use focus groups and open discussion for evaluation.  Parents and families have a voice and frequent opportunities scheduled and unscheduled, to observe, evaluate and share feedback.  Personal conversations with educators and administration on a regular basis provides opportunities to share specific family needs and collaborate on appropriate supports.                                                                                                                                             

(5) Use the findings of the annual evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent and family involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parent and family involvement policies by identifying the best practices that are working through the annual evaluation and frequent communication. Sharing these ideas and best practices in regular groups such as SIAC and during Professional Development provides an opportunity to close the feedback loop and ensure district and individual needs are being met.                                                                                                                                                   

(6) Involve parents and families in Title I activities by inviting all parents, including those in Title 1, to participate in the annual meeting, annual survey, and in the district SIAC committee which is comprised of a representative group of parents and family members to adequately represent the needs to the population.

The district shall involve parents in determining how to allocate reserved Title I funds in accordance with applicable
laws.
The board will review this policy annually. The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents and families of
this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year. The
superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised: 02/26/2024  

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

1. Policy Involvement:  The district will host an annual meeting and invite all parents to attend; and inform parents of their rights and the district’s requirements under Title I.  This meeting will also invite parents to become involved in the planning, review and improvement of a building policy and in developing the district plan.  The district will inform parents of:  
   
   • programs under this policy, 
   • curriculum and assessment used for students, 
   • the opportunity to meet with administration to participate in decisions related to their children’s education, 
   • a description and explanation of curriculum used in the school forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and 
   • achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards.  
      
2. Accessibility:  Provide opportunities for informed participation of parents and family members in understandable formats and languages.  This includes participation by parents and family members who may have disabilities, limited English proficiency, and migratory children. Offer a flexible number of meetings during the day, evening and weekends to facilitate parent involvement.  The superintendent has discretion to allow schools to provide childcare for families of students during these meetings through Title I funds.
    
3. High Student Academic Achievement:  Each school in the district will jointly develop with parents and family members a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, staff and students share responsibility for improving student academic achievement; and how a partnership will be built to achieve this.  The compact will describe the responsibility of the school to provide high quality curriculum and instruction, and the parents’ responsibility to support their children’s learning.  This will also address the importance of communication between schools and parents through parent teacher conferences, regular reports to parents on their children’s progress, and ensuring regular meaningful communication between family and school staff.  
    
4. Building Capacity for Involvement: Each school within the district will include in their plan ways to achieve the following:
   
   • Assist parents and families to understand topics including academic standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress; 
   • Provide materials and training to help parents work with students to improve achievement; 
   • Educate teachers and staff in how to communicate with parents and build ties to foster academic success; 
   • Coordinate and integrate other federal, state and local programs to support parents in more fully participating in students’ education; 
   • Ensure information related to programs is sent to parents and families in understandable formats; and 
   • Provide other reasonable support to encourage parental involvement 
     ​​​​​​​
5. Schools Operating a Schoolwide Program:  Each school operating a schoolwide program under this policy shall:
   
   • Involve parents on a timely and ongoing basis in the planning, review and improvement of programs, including the parent and family engagement school policy drafting and review, and the joint development of the schoolwide program.  
   • If the schoolwide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, parent comments will be requested and submitted with the plan to the district.

Approved: 02/26/2024               Reviewed:                  Revised: 

The board recognizes the importance of maintaining education records and preserving their confidentiality as provided by law.  Education records are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages. The board secretary is the custodian of education records.  Education records may be maintained in the 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;
• Consistent with an interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies
• In connection with a health or safety emergency; 
• As directory information; or
• In additional instances as provided by law. 

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

The superintendent/designee will also keep a list of individuals, agencies and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's education records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The superintendent/designee, 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 (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.

Approved: 11/28/2022.           Reviewed: 11/28/2022             Revised: 11/28/2022

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Knoxville Community School District's official student records of:

______________________________________        _______________________

(Legal Name of Student)            (Date of Birth)

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned (check one):

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

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

(  ) An authorized representative of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education or U.S. Attorney General.

(  ) An administrative head of an education agency as defined in Section 408 of the Education Amendments of 1974. 

(  ) An official of the Iowa Department of Education.

(  ) A person connected with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid. (specify details below): 

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned agrees that the information obtained will only be re-disclosed 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.

 The undersigned (check one):

(  ) does want copies of the above-stated student records.  I understand that the District may charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

(  ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                    (Signature)            (Printed name)

_______________________           _______________________ 

                                     (Date)              (Agency)

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                       (Address)            (City/State/Zip)

_______________________          ______________________________________

(Phone)              (Email address )

       Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Knoxville Community School District's official student records of:

______________________________________        _______________________

(Legal Name of Student)            (Date of Birth)

______________________________________        _______________________

(Name of Last School Attended)        (Dates of Attendance)

The undersigned specifically authorizes the release of the following official student records of the above student: (If no records are specified, the undersigned authorized the release of all student records of the above student.)

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

The reason for the authorization:________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Copies of the records shall be furnished to the following (check all that apply):

(  ) the undersigned

(  ) the student

(  ) other (please specify): ________________________________________________________________

The undersigned has the following relationship to the student: __________________________

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                   (Signature)            (Printed name)

_______________________         

(Date)              

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                       (Address)            (City/State/Zip)

_______________________          ______________________________________

(Phone)              (Email address )       

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

To: __________________________________                    Date: ________________________

      Board Secretary, Custodian of Records

      Knoxville Community School District

I, the undersigned, believe certain student records of a student, _______________________ (full legal name of student), a student at _________________________ Community School District to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law.

The student records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

The reason(s) I believe these student records to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

I have the following relationship to the student: ____________________________________________

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                    (Signature)            (Printed name)

_______________________                          _________________________________________________    

                                         (Date)              ( address, city/state/zip)   

_______________________          ______________________________________

(Phone)              (Email address )       

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Knoxville Community School District's official student records of:

______________________________________        _______________________

(Legal Name of Student)            (Date of Birth)

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:

The undersigned certifies that they are the parent and/or legal guardian or of the above student or that they are the above student.

The undersigned (check one):

(  ) does want copies of the above-stated student records.  I understand that the District may charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

(  ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                      (Signature)            (Printed name)

_______________________

(Date)

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                          (Address)            (City/State/Zip)

_______________________          ______________________________________

(Phone)              (Email address )

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:          

To: __________________________________                    Date: ________________________

      Parent/Legal Guardian

      __________________________________

      Address

      __________________________________

      City, State, Zip Code

Please be notified that we have received a written statement that a student, ____________________ (full legal name of student), who previously attended Knoxville Community School District, intends to enroll in  ________________________ Community School District.

Please be further notified that the official student records of a student, __________________ (full legal name of student), which were previously held by Knoxville Community School District, have been transferred to ________________________ Community School District.

The records may now be accessed by contacting the records custodian at  ________________ Community School District.

If you desire a copy of such records furnished, please check here _____, and return this form to the undersigned at ________________________ Community School District.  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.

______________________________________          ______________________________________  

                    (Signature)            (Printed name)

_______________________         

(Date)              

_______________________          ______________________________________

(Phone)              (Email address )       

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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.

   1. 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 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.

   1. Parents or eligible students may ask the school District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading.  They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

   2. 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.

   1. 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 person or company with whom the 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 a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

   2. 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.

   3. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school District in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  (Note: FERPA requires a school District to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request).

4. The right to inform the school District that the parent does not want directory information to be released.  Directory information can be released without prior parental consent. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make object in writing by October 1st, to the principal.  The objection needs to be renewed annually.

   1. “Directory information” includes: name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

   2. Even though student addresses and telephone numbers are not considered directory information in every instance, military recruiters and post-secondary educational institutions may legally access this information without prior parental consent.  Parents not wanting military recruiters or post-secondary institutions to access the information must ask the District to withhold the information. Also, Districts that provide post-secondary institutions and potential employers access to students must provide the same right of access to military recruiters.

5. 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, 20202-5920.

The District may share any information with the Parties contained in the student’s permanent record which is directly related to the juvenile justice systems’ 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 a court order. Information contained in a student’s permanent record may be disclosed by the School District to the parties after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order.  Information shared pursuant to the agreement shall be 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.  Information obtained from others shall not be used for the basis of disciplinary action of the student. This agreement only governs a school district’s ability to share information and the purposes for which that information can be used.

The purpose for the sharing of information prior to a student’s adjudication is 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 designated to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The party requesting the information will contact the principal of the building in which the student is currently enrolled or was enrolled.  The principal will forward the records within ten (10) business days of the request.

Confidential information shared between the Parties and the District shall remain confidential and shall 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 nor can it be used as the basis for disciplinary action of the student.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Student records are all official records, files, and data directly related to students, including all material incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system specifically including, but 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.

The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from parents for access to their child's records, use of the data, and procedures for its transmittal within forty-five (45) calendar days.

A. Access to Records

1. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to these records upon written request to the Board secretary and/or building administrator.  The parent or legal guardian will have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of the records, have the right to question the data, and, if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in the cumulative folder stating the dissenting person's position.  If further challenge is made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by school policy will be followed.

2. A student, eighteen (18) years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records.  Parents of students who are eighteen (18) years or older, but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.

3. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest.  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 person or company with whom the 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 to External Parties

1. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parent, legal guardian or eligible student must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released unless the District annually notifies parents that the records will be sent automatically.

2. Student records may be released to official education and other government agencies only if allowed by state or federal law.

3. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent and/or authorization shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or a student of majority age. This consent and/or authorization form will state which records are released, to whom they are released, and the reason for the release.  A copy of the specific records being released will be made available to the person signing the release form if requested.

4. Before furnishing student records in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, the District will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parents, legal guardian or eligible student are notified in advance.

5. Student records may be shared with juvenile justice agencies with which the District has an interagency agreement.  This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.

C.        Hearing Procedures

1. Upon parental request, the District will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student's records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy rights of students.

2. 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.

3. The hearing officer may be an employee of the District so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.

4. 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 of their choice at their own expense.

5. 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.

6. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within five (5) calendar days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.

7. 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 five (5) calendar days.  It is within the discretion of the Board to hear the appeal.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The Knoxville 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 electronically.

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
• School electronic mail address
• Photograph
• 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

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 the student's first day of the school year. If you desire to make such a refusal, please indicate as such in your registration materials.

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

Approved: 4/10/2023   Reviewed:                   Revised:  

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

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

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, including those open enrolled out of the school district and parents of children homeschooled 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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:   4/10/23                  Revised:  

The student handbook or similar publication given to each student which contains general information about the school shall contain the following statement, which shall be published at least annually in a prominent place or in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district:

The following information may be released to the public as follows in regard to any individual student of the school district as needed.  Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by October 1st of this school year to the principal.  The objection needs to be renewed annually.

Name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

Dated ______________________________, 20___.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:   4/10/23                  Revised:   

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Knoxville Dommunity School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, Knoxville CSD 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 Knoxville CSD 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.1

If you do not want the Knoxville CSD to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by the student's first day of school.  Knoxville CSD has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name
• School electronic mail address
• Photograph
• 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 Board will permit student "portrait" photographs to be taken on school premises by a commercial photographer as a service to the students and their families.

Parents will be notified prior to the taking of pictures by a commercial photographer for student "portraits."  In no case will students be required to have their picture taken or be pressured to purchase pictures.

Students or commercial photographers may take pictures of students upon consent for such things as the yearbook or student newspaper.

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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 is charged.

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

Dental Screening Requirement - All children enrolled are required to have a dental screening pursuant to IDPH 641 Chapter 51. The school nurse collaborates with regional public health designee, I-Smile Coordinators, whom audit the admitting school official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 51. There is no school exclusion with this mandated health screening. A school nurse may complete the Kindergarten Dental Screening. The link includes the certificate of dental screening form, exemption form, dental screening flyer, and link to find your community’s regional I smile Coordinator. (source: https://educateiowa.gov/student-health-requirements)
Kindergarten Vision Screening Requirements - Each public or accredited nonpublic school shall forward to the Iowa Department of Public Health evidence of each Kindergartner’s valid vision screening performed no earlier than 1 year prior to enrollment and no more than 6 months after the date of the child’s enrollment. The school nurse can collaborate with community providers or conduct the screening themselves. School nurses may enter the screening results into the IRIS to provide proof that school officials are in compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 52 or by mail/fax.

Third Grade Vision Screening Requirements - Each public or accredited nonpublic school shall forward to the Iowa Department of Public Health evidence of each Third Grader’s valid vision screening performed no earlier than 1 year prior to enrollment and no more than 6 months after the date of the child’s enrollment. The school nurse can collaborate with community providers or conduct the screening themselves. School nurses may enter the screening results into the IRIS to provide proof that school officials are in compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 52 or by mail/fax. 

The superintendent shall ensure the district works with the Iowa Department of Public Health by notifying the IDPH of kindergarten enrollees and transfer students as required by IDPH, comparing the list from IDPH of students not yet blood lead tested, and sharing required communications and any necessary referral information with parents of students who have not yet complied with the blood lead testing requirement in Iowa law. 

Iowa Immunization Requirements - An immunization record is required to enroll pursuant to Iowa Department of Public Health [IDPH] 641 Chapter 7. The school nurse collaborates with local public health, whom audits admitting official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 7. The link includes administrative rules, the certificate of immunization form, provision form, and exemption forms. (source: https://educateiowa.gov/student-health-requirements) 

Iowa Code, Chapter 139a.8(6) and Iowa Administrative Code, 641-7.7(139) outline the immunization requirement for students attending licensed child care centers and elementary or secondary schools. Students shall have received the required immunizations and submit the Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization or have a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption, or Provisional Certificate of Immunization. (source: http://idph.iowa.gov/immtb/immunization/laws) 

Students enrolling in the school district will submit a certificate of immunization meeting immunization requirements for the student’s specific grade before the start of the school year or at the time of enrolling. 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. There are specific requirements and updates for Pre-School, Kindergarten, 7th grade and 12th grade. (http://idph.iowa.gov/immtb/immunization/laws) 

Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion or denial, or admission. Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the District for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission. The District may conduct TB tests of current students.

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:  08/14/2023

Code No. 507.2E2

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF MEDICATION OR SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES TO STUDENTS

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                       ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                     Date

School medications and special health services are administered following these guidelines:

• Parent has provided a signed, dated authorization to administer prescription medication and/or provide special health services listed. Electronic signatures meet the requirement of written signatures.
• The prescribed medication is in the original, labeled container as dispensed.
• The prescription medication label contains the student’s name, name of the medication, the medication dosage, time(s) to administer, route to administer, and date.
• Authorization is renewed annually and as soon as practical when the parent notifies the school that changes are necessary.

_______________________________       _____________                  ______________                   ________________
Prescribed Medication                                   Dosage                               Route                                     Time at School

Special Health Services and instructions, in indicated:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________/______ /_________
Discontinue/Re-Evaluate/Follow-up Date for Prescribed Medication or Special Health Services Listed

___________________________              _____/___ /_____
Prescriber’s Signature                                 Date
And credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)

Parent/Guardian Signature  _______________________________________ Date ___________________

_________________________________________________                         __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                  Home Phone

Additional Information                                                                                       Business Phone

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorization Form

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   08/14/2023

Code No. 507.2E3

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR INDEPENDENT SELF CARRY AND
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION OR INDEPENDENT DELIVERY OF HEALTH
SERVICES BY THE STUDENT

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                   ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                  Date

I request the above-named student (Parent/Guardian initial all that apply)

______ Carry and complete co-administration of prescribed medication, when competency has been demonstrated to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. In accordance with applicable laws, 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. The information provided by the parent for medication administration is confidential as provided by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to provide safe delivery of the medication to and from school and to pick up remaining medication at the end of the school year or when medication is expired. If the students abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student’s parent.

_______________________________       _____________                  ______________                   ________________
Prescribed Medication                                   Dosage                               Route                                     Time at School

______ Co-administer, participate in planning, management and implementation of special health services at school and school activities after demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school. The information provided by the parent for health service delivery is confidential as provide by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and any other applicable laws. I agree to coordinate and work with school personnel and the prescriber (if indicated) when questions arise. I agree to provide safe delivery of the student’s equipment necessary for health service delivery to and from school and to pick up remaining equipment at the end of the school year. 

Special Health Services Delivery:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedures for abandoned medication disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws.

___________________________              _____/___ /_____
Prescriber’s Signature                                 Date
And credentials (when indicated for health service delivery)

Parent/Guardian Signature  _______________________________________ Date ___________________

_________________________________________________                         __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                  Home Phone

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

Code No. 507.2E4
 

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOL STOCK OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

____________________________________                ___/___/___                     _____________________                       ___/___/___
Student's Name (Last), (First), (Middle)                           Birthday                            School                                                     Date

The district supplies the following nonprescription, over-the-counter medications that are listed below. Generic brands may be substituted, (select all that apply):

•  Acetaminophen administered per manufacturer label
•  Throat Lozenges administered per manufacturer label
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)
•  Other: ____________________ administered per manufacturer label (Please Specify)

Voluntary school stock of nonprescription, over-the-counter medications are administered following these guidelines:

•  Parent has provided a signed, dated annual authorization to administer of the nonprescription, over-the-counter medication(s) listed according to the manufacturer instructions. Electronic signature meets the requirement of written signature.
•  The nonprescription, over-the-counter medication is in the original, labeled container and dispensed per the manufacturing label.
•  All other nonprescription, over-the-counter medication not listed will require a written parent authorization and supply for the over-the counter medication.
•  Supplements are not nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration and are NOT applicable.
•  Nonprescription, over-the-counter medications approved by the Federal Drug Administration that require emergency medical service (EMS) notification after administration are NOT applicable.
•  Persons administering nonprescription, over-the-counter medication include licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school and individuals, whom licensed health personnel have delegated the administration of medication with valid certification who have successfully completed a medication administration course approved by the department and annual medication administration procedural skills check.
  • Districts stocking the administration of a voluntary stock of nonprescription, overthe-counter medications, collaborate with licensed health personnel to develop and adopt a protocol shared with the parent to define at a minimum:
    • when to contact the parent when a nonprescription medication, over the counter medication is administered;
    • documentation of the administration of the nonprescription, over-thecounter medication and parent contact;
    • a limit to the administration of a school’s stock nonprescription, over-thecounter medications that would require a prescriber signature for further administration of a school’s nonprescription, over-the-counter medications for the remaining school year;
    • the development of an individual health plan for ongoing medication administration or health service delivery at school.

I request that the above-named student receive the voluntary stock nonprescription, over-thecounter medications supplied by the school in accordance with the district guidelines and protocol.

________________________________________________                                    ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                                          Date

_________________________________________________                                   __________________     
Parent/Guardian Address                                                                                             Home Phone

Approved:  08/14/2023                              Reviewed:                                    Revised: 

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 to file an accident report with the board secretary 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.

The superintendent is 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.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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.  A crisis drill is conducted a minimum of once per year.

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

The emergency plan shall include:

• assignment of employees to specific tasks and responsibilities;

• instructions relating to the use of alarm systems and signals.  If combination visual and auditory warning devices do not exist, the plan shall include specific provisions for warning individuals with hearing impairments;

• information concerning methods of fire containment;

• systems for notification of appropriate persons and agencies;

• information concerning the location and use of fire fighting equipment;

• specification of evacuation routes and procedures;

• posting of plans and procedures at suitable locations throughout the facility;

• evacuation drills which include the actual evacuation of individuals to safe areas;

• an evaluation for each evacuation drill.

Approved:  7/15/19                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Students participating in 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. 

Approved:    7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the school District.  The school District will not take the "side" of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody or parental rights.  Court orders that have been issued 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 to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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 education program.

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

Approved:      7/15/2019                       Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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.

Prescribe - 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; or

• 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:

1.      Participate as a member of the education team;

2.      Provide the health assessment;

3.      Plan, implement, and evaluate the written individual health plan;

4.      Plan, implement, and evaluate special emergency health services;

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

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

7.      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;

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

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

10.    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:

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

2.     Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health services;

3.     Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team; and

4.     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:

1.     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;

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

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

4.     Review of the designated person's competency; and

5.     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.

Approved:    7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The Knoxville Community School 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 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 (e.g. vending machines, score boards)

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.  

Approved:  02-09-2015                               Reviewed:                     Revised:  7/15/2019

Student groups may make expenditures for gifts to the District upon securing the recommendation of the building principal/designee and the approval of the superintendent/ designee.  Gifts may be accepted and acknowledged by the superintendent/designee acting for the Board.

Approved:   7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Attendance is required of all students in all regularly scheduled classes and instructional time.  Attendance for continuous remote learning is required as included in the District's Return-to-Learn Plan, in consideration of age and content area, understanding that some work is done without synchronous computer connection.  The superintendent shall, in cooperation with the school administration, staff, parents/guardians, and students, prepare rules and regulations to implement this policy.

Elementary School Attendance

The Board and faculty of the Knoxville Community School District consider regular attendance highly important and have established the following policy to deal with student absence and tardiness in the elementary school(s).

I.  Absences

1. The following absences will be excused, providing the excuse has been provided by the parent or guardian in advance of the absence, or at the time of personal illness or by the next school day:
   1. Personal illness;
   2. Family death or emergency;
   3. Quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 or immediate family member quarantine due to such exposure. However, if participation in continuous remote learning is appropriate during the quarantine, attendance will be in compliance with the district's Return-to-Learn Plan and will not be counted as an absence.
   4. Medical appointments that must be made during school time;
   5. Court appearance if validated by the assigned time on the ticket, and the appearance is validated by the Clerk of the Magistrate Court and/or District Court.
   6. Family trips and other extended absences which can be justified from an educational standpoint.  These must be approved by the principal well in advance and arrangements made with each teacher involved for the make-up of work to be missed.
   7. School initiated absence (no parent excuse required).
2. The following absences will be treated as unexcused:
   1. Any absence not properly excused before the occurrence, or at the time in the case of personal illness.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school if a student is to be absent and the absence is to be excused.  However, to satisfy a mutual concern of parents/guardians and the school for the welfare of unaccounted-for students, the office will contact parent/guardian should a student be found absent for whom no parent/guardian excuse has been received.  This call will be to confirm the whereabouts of the student but will be considered after the fact for attendance purposes and will not be considered excused if the school has to call to find a student;
   2. Leaving the building during the day without parental excuse and authorization of the principal's office;

II.  Tardiness

1. Tardies are unexcused absences that are thirty (30) minutes or less in nature.  Up to three (3) tardies will be given without penalty per school year.  After the third (3) tardy, parents/guardians will be notified and a meeting will be held between the principal and the parent/guardian.  An attempt to resolve the tardy issue will be made. 
2. Unexcused tardies beyond four (4) will be considered truant.  Those children who are truant and have accumulated fifteen (15) unexcused absences during a three-year period will be considered in violation of the state's mandatory attendance laws.  These cases will be referred to the County Attorney for mediation or prosecution.

Middle School and High School Attendance

The Board and faculty of the Knoxville Community School District consider regular attendance highly important and have established the following policy to deal with student absence and tardiness in the middle school and the high school.

I. General Attendance Policies Applicable to Both Middle School and High School

1. The following absences will be excused, providing the excuse has been provided by the parent or guardian in advance of the absence, or at the time of personal illness:
   1. Personal illness;
   2. Family death or emergency;
   3. Quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 or immediate family member quarantine due to such exposure. However, if participation in continuous remote learning is appropriate during the quarantine, attendance will be in compliance with the district's Return-to-Learn Plan and will not be counted as an absence.
   4. Medical appointments that must be made during school time;
   5. Court appearance if validated by the assigned time on the ticket, and the appearance is validated by the Clerk of the Magistrate Court and/or District Court;
   6. College visits with the recommendation of the counselor.  Parent-teacher conference days and semester break days should be used when possible for these visits;
   7. Family trips and other extended absences that can be justified from an educational standpoint.  These must be approved by the principal well in advance and arrangements made with each teacher involved for the make-up of work to be missed; and
   8. School initiated absence (no parent excuse required).
2. Either prior to an excused absence if possible, or following an excused absence, the student will be responsible for contacting teachers to complete all work not previously made-up.  Make-up work timeline is outlined in the Student Handbook.  After ten (10) consecutive excused absences, a parent conference will be held to discuss educational planning.
3. The following absences will be treated as unexcused:
   1. Any absence not properly excused before the occurrence, or at the time in the case of personal illness.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school if a student is to be absent and the absence is to be excused.  However, to satisfy a mutual concern of parents/guardians and the school for the welfare of unaccounted-for students, the office will contact parent/guardian should a student be found absent for whom no parent/guardian excuse has been received.  This call will be to confirm the whereabouts of the student but will be considered after the fact for attendance purposes and will not be considered excused if the school has to call to find a student;
   2. Leaving the building during the day without parental excuse and authorization of the principal's office;
   3. Leaving the building during the day or failing to attend class for tournament games not approved by the school principal or his/her designee;
   4. Work for parent/guardian or an employer;
   5. Haircut appointments;
   6. Oversleeping;
   7. Car trouble;
   8. Shopping trips;
   9. Senior pictures; or
   10. Obtaining drivers’ license or permit.

II.  Attendance Policies Applicable Only to Middle School

1. Following an unexcused absence:
   1. All work must be made-up the day the student returns to school.  Credit will be granted for work made-up.
   2. Following the first unexcused absence the student will be assigned a 90 minute detention (45 minutes if only one period is missed).
   3. Following the second unexcused absence greater than 90 minutes, a student will be placed on in-school suspension for 1/2 day.
   4. A third unexcused absence will result in a one-day in-school suspension. Parents/guardians will be required to meet with the principal and truant officer to develop an attendance plan before the student returns to class.
   5. Parents/guardians will be notified by mail or phone or email of any unexcused absence from school.
2. Tardiness
   1. The only tardiness that will be excused will be that from being detained by another teacher (in which case the detaining teacher will issue a late pass) or because of a late bus.  Being over 30 minutes late will be considered the same as an unexcused absence.
   2. To provide for those cases where being late is unavoidable, there will be no penalty assessed for the first three (3) instances of tardiness each semester.  Following the fourth (4) tardy and each succeeding tardy up to six in a semester, a student will have to make up 45 minutes of detention.  Following the sixth (6) tardy in a semester, a parent conference may be held to develop a behavior modification plan that will encourage more prompt attendance.
3. Detention
   1. Detention may be assigned to students by any school employee for conduct, which is inappropriate, disruptive, uncooperative, or for refusal to follow the accepted rules of the school.
   2. All detention assignments will be in multiples of 45 minutes.
   3. he detention slip is completed in triplicate and signed by the student.  This signature is to confirm that the student has received the assignment, not an indication that the student agrees or disagrees with the assignment.
   4. Students will be expected to call their parents/guardians and inform them of the assigned detention.
   5. Detention is to be completed after school on the school day it is assigned.  The principal may excuse a student from serving a detention the same day it is assigned only if parents/guardians have provided an acceptable excuse and have made arrangements for their student to serve the detention the following day.

III.  Attendance Policies Applicable Only to High School

1. Following the first unexcused absence from a class(es) during a calendar year:
   1. The student will be assigned a 45-minute detention for one period, 90- minute detention for two periods and Saturday School for anything beyond two periods.  This may be waived if there is a parent/guardian contact for the absence in advance and, though unexcused, it is for something that cannot be done outside of school time.
   2. The student and his/her parent/guardian will be contacted to review school policy and procedure.
   3. Truant students will not be given credit for work in the class during the unexcused absence, but may be required by the teacher to complete it as part of the class requirements.
2. Following the second unexcused absence from class(es):
   1. The student will be assigned a 90-minute detention for one period, and Saturday school for more than one period missed.  This will not be waived.
   2. A conference between the student, the student's parent/guardian, and an administrator or counselor will be held.      
   3. Truant students will not be given credit for work missed in the class during the unexcused absence, but may be required to complete it as part of the requirements.
3. Following the third unexcused absence from class(es):
   1.  If the absence results in the third unexcused period from any class the student will be removed from the class with loss of credit and assigned to study hall.  The parent/guardian shall be given proper notification that all credit for the class(es) has been lost.
4. Missing a class while being elsewhere in the building without the authorization of a teacher or skipping a study hall will result in the assignment of 90 minutes of detention.  
5. If a student accumulates a total of ten (10) absences (excused or unexcused) per semester from any class, a conference with parents/guardians, student, teachers, and principal may be requested by the principal to determine if the student is progressing well enough to justify continuation in the class.
6. Tardiness
   1. The only tardiness that will be excused will be that from being detained by another teacher (in which case the detaining teacher will issue a late pass) or because of a late bus.
   2. To provide for those cases where being late is unavoidable there will be no penalty assessed for the first instance of tardiness each semester.
   3. On the second, third and fourth tardies, the student will be assigned 45 minutes of detention.
   4. For the fifth, sixth and seventh tardies, the student will be assigned 90 minutes of detention, and the parents/guardians will be contacted.
   5. For each tardy beyond seven, the student will be assigned Saturday school for each succeeding tardy.
   6. Parents/guardians will be notified by mail of any detention assigned.
7.  Detention
   1. The detention room will be open Tuesday through Friday mornings from 7:25 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and Monday through Thursday afternoons from 3:15 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.
   2. Students must arrive during the first five (5) minutes.  After that time, the door will close and there will be no admittance.
   3. All detentions will be assigned and made up in forty-five (45) minute segments.         
   4. Students will have four (4) scheduled detention sessions to make up assigned detention after it has been issued.
   5. A student who fails to make up an assigned detention will be assigned Saturday School.

Approved:  7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   8/24/2020

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

School shall be in session in accordance with Iowa law.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The following are the registration and course load requirements for students of Knoxville Community School District High School:

1. Students may be given a proficiency and/or achievement test to determine eligibility for any class.  A standard of proficiency may also be required for a student to attend a regular program of studies.

2. For all students enrolled in a regular high school program of studies the following requirements must be met:

   1. All students must be registered for a minimum of eight (8) class periods per week.  This is referred to as the student’s “course load.” Seniors are able to have one (1) open class period.

   2. No student may perform in any school sponsored activities unless successfully passing all subjects.  Eligibility is determined at the end of each semester. A student may participate in any activity during the school day without having to meet this standard; however, he/she would not be eligible to participate in any performance or activity other than during the school hours.

   3. No student may participate in any activity if the student has an unexcused absence on the day of the event.  The student must be present within thirty minutes of the beginning of the school day and present all day in order to be eligible to participate in any activity on the day of an activity.

3. Student classification:  A student will be classified by the year he/she is in school rather than by credits earned.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                 Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Health services are an integral part of comprehensive school improvement, assisting all students to increase learning, achievement, and performance.  Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental, and social well-being.  Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home, and community service providers. The District’s comprehensive school improvement plan, needs, and resources determine the linkages.

The superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, health advisory committee, public health nurse, school health team, etc. will develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.  The superintendent or designee will provide a written report on the role of health services in the education program to the Board annually.

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

The undersigned(s) are the parent(s), guardian(s), or person(s) in charge of ____________________________________ (student’s full legal name), who is in the ______ grade at the _____________________________ building in the ______________________ Community School District.

I am requesting that the above student should not be exposed to or should be minimally exposed to the following irritant(s) and/or allergen(s) because such irritant(s) and/or allergen(s) pose a risk to the student’s health and safety during the school day:  (Attach additional sheets if necessary):

 (a) Irritant and/or Allergen: _______________________________________________________                                                                                                                            

  Why Requesting Limited Exposure (i.e., identified allergy, doctor’s request, other reason):  

      _________________________________________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________________

Possible Exposure Symptom(s):_______________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Plan for Limiting Exposure: ___________________________________________

      _________________________________________________________________________

 Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student:

_____ I have completed a Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student so that the Knoxville Community School District, or its authorized representative, may administer medicine to the above-named student in the case of exposure to an irritant or an allergic reaction.

-OR-

_____ I have NOT completed a Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Medication to Student, and do not intend to do such.

Meeting with District Regarding Limiting Student Exposure to Irritant(s) and/or Allergen(s):

_____ I wish to request a meeting with the District to discuss the above 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).

-OR-

_____ I DO NOT wish to request a meeting with the District to discuss the above student’s exposure to irritant(s) and/or allergen(s).

___________________________________                                                  _________________

(Signature of Parent/Guardian)                                                                      (Date)

Approved:   7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:   

When violations of statutes, regulations or school rules require the disciplining of a student, the following elements of procedural due process will be present:

1. The student will be provided with accurate information regarding rules and regulations, either in written form or through verbal instruction by teachers or administrators;

2. The student will be made aware of the specific behaviors giving rise to any proposed penalty or disciplinary action; AND

3. The student will be offered an opportunity to express their views to the decision-making authority regarding the incident.

Approved:    7/15/2019                           Reviewed:                     Revised:  

The rules and regulations of the District and state associations shall be in effect for all events in which students participate, representing the District, during or after school hours, either on school premises or off school premises for events considered school sponsored or school approved activities.  This policy includes but is not limited to athletics, speech, drama, music, academic competitions and all other education-based related events, competitive conference activities or performing or participating in any activity as a representative of the District.   

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

Additionally, the executive Boards of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) may sanction member and associate member schools that permit or allow participation in any event by a person in violation of the eligibility rules. 

General Education-based Activities Policies

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Education education-based Activities Policies

A.  Eligibility Rules

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

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

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

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

d.   You have changed schools this semester, except upon like change of residence of your parents/guardians.  (Not applicable to the middle school.)

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

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

g. You have ever trained with a college squad or have participated in a college event.

h.  Your habits and conduct both in and out of school are such as to make you unworthy to represent the ideals, principles, and standards of your school.

B.  Scholarship Rules for Athletics

      1.  Application of Scholarship Rules

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

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

        2.  Requirements

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

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

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

i. Coursework taken under the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 261C, postsecondary enrollment options, for which a school District or accredited nonpublic school grants academic credit toward high school graduation shall be used in determining eligibility.  No student shall be denied eligibility if the student’s school program deviates from the traditional two-semester school year.

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

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

e.  For block scheduling classes, the grading period may be the end of nine (9) weeks if that is when the grade is recorded on the transcript.  Each block scheduled course is the equivalent of two traditional courses. Thus, at a minimum, students must receive credit in at least two block courses during any grading period

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

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

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

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

 j. A student with a disability who has an individualized education program shall not be denied eligibility on the basis of scholarship if the student is making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, towards the goals and objectives on the student’s individualized educational program.

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

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

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

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

o. The local superintendent/designee of schools, with the approval of the local Board of education, may give permission to a dropout student to participate in athletics upon return to school if the student is otherwise eligible under these rules.

C.   After-Hours, Off-Premises Special Rules

Application- The following rules cover students in grades 7-12.  These after hours, off-premises special rules will be printed in the Student Handbook given to each student in grades 7-12 when school opens in the fall.  A Student Handbook will also be issued to each new student who registers after the school year begins.

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

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

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

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

c.  Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances- Involvement with alcohol, tobacco and/or other illegal substances classified as controlled substances is deemed a most serious offense.  The Board and administration will impose severe penalties when it has been determined a participant has been involved in the use, sale, distribution or possession of the same. Since rules for participation in activities carry over outside of school hours and school-sponsored events, parents and concerned agencies must cooperate with the school in eliminating alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substance use and abuse.

d.  Penalties- When it has been determined that a student has violated the rules regarding Good Conduct and extra and/or co-curricular activities, the student shall be penalized as follows:

a.  See attached Good Conduct Policy (550)

D.    Scheduling of Events

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

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

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

2.  The Superintendent shall consult with appropriate entities regarding protections for staff and students in activities, including appropriate social distancing measures during a pandemic or other health emergency, and whether the district's participation in the activity should be suspended for a period of time.

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   8/24/2020

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

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

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

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                Reviewed:                     Revised:   

All social events shall be under the control and supervision of licensed school personnel.  Approval for an event shall be secured from the principal/activities director or designee of the building involved and placed on the school calendar before any public announcement is made.  Hours, behavior, and activities related to social events shall be reasonable and proper.

Approved:     7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

Approved:     7/15/2019                         Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Parent/guardians within the school District who have children over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school District at the attendance center designated by the Board.  If the student's classroom or attendance center transitions to required continuous learning opportunities including in the district's approved Return-to-Learn Plan, the student's participation is required. The superintendent may include in the district's approved Return-to-Learn Plan, an option for parents or guardians who prefer to have students participate in required continuous learning. An enrolled student who does not participate in compulsory remote-learning opportunities offered by the school district during a period of school closure implemented any time during the school year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shall be considered truant.

Students will attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 180 days 1080 hours. Students of compulsory attendance age, students over age six (6) and under age sixteen (16) on September 15, may not attend the minimum days only if the student falls into one of the following exemptions:

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

2. is attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;

3. is attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;

4. is attending an accredited nonpublic school;

5. is receiving competent private instruction; or

6. is subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process.

Students not attending the minimum days or 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/guardian of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.

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

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:  8/24/2020

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

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

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate, as well as verification of a recent dental screening.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student. An exception to this would be a homeless student.

Students enrolling in the district after the first day of regular classes will have one day for orientation, testing and/or scheduling purposes prior to beginning work in the classroom unless circumstances prohibit such.  The classroom teacher will have this one school day to make preparation for the new student(s) prior to admittance to class. The building administrator/ designee will be responsible for the orientation, testing and/or scheduling.

Approved:  7/15/2019                               Reviewed:                     Revised:   

School District officials and employees may interview students during the school day.  Generally, persons other than parents and school District officials and employees may not interview students during the school day.  For purposes of this policy, the school juvenile court officer shall be considered a school employee. 

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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 immunodepressed 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.

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

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: https://idph.iowa.gov/CADE/reportable-diseases. 

Approved: 7/15/2019                                  Reviewed:                     Revised:   8/24/2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

Resident Students
Children who are residents of the District will attend the school District without paying tuition.

Residence, for purposes of attendance in the school district means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the 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 their parents.

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

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

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

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the Board.  Students who plan to open enroll to the 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 (11) or twelve (12) 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, 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.

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

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

Before being able to participate in athletics, the student must have on file an approved physical examination.  The examination form provided by the IHSAA and IGHSAU must be used.

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

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

Approved: 7/15/2019                                 Reviewed: 05/26/2023                    Revised:   06/26/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approved:   7/15/2019                             Reviewed:                     Revised:   

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.  The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

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

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
2. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be released at the discretion of the superintendent;
3. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;
4. The right to be represented by counsel; and
5. The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

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

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

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

Adopted:                 Reviewed:          Revised:

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

Adopted:             Reviewed:            Revised:

CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXCLUSION OF CASES FROM SCHOOL

While the school district is not responsible for reporting, the following infectious diseases are required to be reported to the state and local public health offices:

Any other disease which is unusual in incidence, occurs in unusual numbers of circumstances, or appears to be of public health concern, e.g., epidemic diarrhea, food or waterborne outbreaks, acute respiratory illness.