500 Students
501.1 Resident Students
501.10 Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence
Discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully
participate in their educational and social environments. The school district discipline policy for
students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help
students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all
students, staff, and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023
Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1).
Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and
with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on
property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school district owned and/or
operated school district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district
activities; and while away from school district grounds if misconduct will directly affect the
good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Consequences for the
misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level, and maturity of the student.
Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability,
including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and
expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but
not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79,
subsection 3).
501.10R1 Trauncy-Unexcused Absences Regulation
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking student attendance records. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and school.
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction. Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation. Supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction will be assigned on a two-for-one basis.
A student who is unexcused for one or more classes for less than a whole school day, will be assigned to supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction for the next days during the class period(s) missed. If a student is unexcused for a whole day of classes, he or she will spend the next two days in supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction. Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.
School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed 10 days. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time. Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.
501.11 Student Release During School Hours
Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.
Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy
506 Student Records
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19 Revised
501.12 Pregnant Students
The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused, and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19 Revised
501.13 Students of Legal Age
501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers-Procedures as a Sending District
281 I.A.C. 17.
Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance
506 Student Records
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19, 9-15-21 Revised 9-15-2021
501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers-Procedures as a Receiving District
The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district. The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.
The superintendent will approve (select those appropriate –all timely filed applications by June 1; incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application filed by September 1).
The superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.
Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists. Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.
Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority. The 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.
Students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the school district will be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level only, in accordance with applicable laws.
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. For children requiring special education, the receiving district will complete and provide to the resident district the documentation needed to seek Medicaid reimbursement for eligible services.
The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
NOTE: This policy reflects Iowa's open enrollment law. The board needs to determine whether it will delegate authority to the superintendent to approve timely filed open enrollment requests. This option is the first set of options on page one of the policy. There are three options available to the board:
· board retains all approval authority over timely filed requests.
· board delegates all approval authority over timely filed requests.
· board delegates only some approval authority over timely filed requests.
After the board makes its decision, the policy needs to be edited to reflect the board's decision.
The second option on page two addresses the issue of transportation of the receiving district to pick up open enrolled students. The board needs to establish by policy whether it will go into the sending district to pick up open enrolled students. For more detailed discussion of this issue, see IASB's Policy Primer, Vol. 18 #3 – June 24, 2005.
501.16 Homeless Children and Youth
501.2 Nonresident Students
Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.
Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board. Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board. These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal.
Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students must have an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.
Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19 Revised 03-12-18
501.3 Compulsory Attendance
Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, will have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students will attend school the number of days or hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar. Students of compulsory attendance age will attend school a minimum of 180 days or 1080 hours. 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 of a child to provide evidence of the child's mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child's qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above.
The principal will investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student's attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the school board. If after school board action, the student is still truant, principal will refer the matter over to the county attorney.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent will represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.
Note: This is a mandatory policy. The compulsory attendance law does not require school districts to have a truancy officer.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; ch. 299; 299A.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
601.1 School Calendar
604.1 Competent Private Instruction
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 2-21-19 2-21-19, 1/21/21 Revised 2-21-19, 1/21/21
501.4 Entrance-Admissions
Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.
Before the student may enroll in the district’s education program, the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.
Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.
NOTE: This policy reflects current Iowa law. Only the state registrar has authority to make a copy of a birth certificate. Districts who utilize online registration platforms should be aware that birth certificates should not be uploaded on the online platform as proof of age, as that creates a copy of the birth certificate. Districts can either view a birth certificate in person then return it to the child’s guardian; or utilize a variety of documents including but not limited to a certified statement from a treating medical provider, or an immunization record from the child’s treating provider that lists the child’s date of birth as sufficient proof of age.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19, 1/21/21 Revised 1/21/21
501.5 Attendance Center Assignment
501.6 Student Transfer In
Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.
The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination. The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.
The superintendent will determine the 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.
NOTE: School districts do not need parental permission to request student records from previous school districts. The school district sending the records must notify the parents that the student's records have been sent.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 4-21-08 2-21-19 Revised
501.7 Student Transfer Out or Withdrawals
501.8 Student Attendance Records
501.9 Student Absences-Excused
Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences. Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.
The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school one-half day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
- 34 C.F.R.sec. 300
- 28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
- Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
- 281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference:
- 501 Student Attendance
- 503 Student Discipline
- 504 Student Activities
- 506 Student Records
502.1 Student Appearance
502.10 Use of Motor Vehicles
502.2 Care of School Property/Vandalism
502.3 Student Expression and Student Publications
502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances
502.5 Student Lockers
502.6 Weapons
The board believes weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, dangerous objects and look-a-likes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes will be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district.
Parents of students found to possess weapons, dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property are notified of the incident. Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school will be expelled for not less than one year. The superintendent has the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.
Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials are exempt from this policy. The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects or look-a-likes for educational purposes. Such a display will also be exempt from this policy. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 03-12-18 2-21-19 Revised
502.7 Smoking-Drinking-Drugs
502.8 Search and Seizure
School district property is held in public trust by the board. School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities. The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.
School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco/nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
NOTE: This policy reflects the law regarding school district authority for searching students, their possessions and their lockers. Substantive changes were made to 502.8R1.
Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. IV.
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Cason v. Cook, 810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930 (1987).
Iowa Code ch. 808A
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
905.2 Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment
502.8E1 Search and Seizure checklist
502.8R1 Search and Seizure Regulation
502.9 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
503.1 Student Conduct
- an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
- any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
- intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.
503.1R1 Student Suspension
503.2 Expulsion
503.3 Fines-Fees-Charges
The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others. Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities, or for misuse of school property.
The superintendent will inform the board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually. Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1. 281 I.A.C. 18. 1994 Op. Att'y Gen. 23. 1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79. 1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 227. 1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 532.
Cross Reference:
501.16 Homeless Children & Youth
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
Approved 2-16-04 Reviewed 03-12-18, 2-21-19,10-22-20, 9-15-21 Revised
503.3R1 Student Fee Waiver and Reduction Procedures
503.4 Good Conduct Rule
503.5 Corporal Punishment
503.6 Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students
It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others. On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students. The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community. With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation.
Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely. Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed. Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.
Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion. Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.
Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:
- To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
- To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
- When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
- When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
- When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.
Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law. Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.
When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.
NOTE: This policy is not mandatory. However, there are specific requirements for school districts to fulfill before and after using physical restraint and seclusion with students. Administrators should thoroughly read and understand the requirements listed in Chapter 103 of the Iowa Administrative Code.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.
281 I.A.C. 103.
Cross Reference: 402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
503.5 Corporal Punishment
Approved: 1/21/21 Reviewed: 1/21/21 Revised: 1/21/21
504.1 Student Governement
The student council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearinghouse for student activities, seeks to interest students in school district affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the council are student representatives who have direct access to the administration.
The principal, in conjunction with the students and licensed employees, will set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 03-12-18 2-21-19 Revised
504.2 Student Organizations
Secondary school student-initiated, noncurriculum-related groups and student curriculum-related groups, upon receiving permission from the principal, may use school facilities for group meetings during non-instructional time.
Non-instructional time will mean any time before the first period of the day and after the last period of the day in which any student attends class. Meetings will not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. It is within the discretion of 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 and part of the education program will have priority over the activities of another organization.
Curriculum-Related Organizations
It will also be the responsibility of 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 school curriculum-related student organizations may use the school district facilities for meetings and other purposes before and after the instructional school day. Employees are assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.
Noncurriculum-Related Organizations
Student-initiated, noncurriculum-related organizations are provided access to meeting space and school district facilities.
Only students may attend and participate in meetings of noncurriculum-related groups. Such attendance is strictly voluntary and student-initiated. As a means of determining whether a student's attendance is voluntary, the principal may require parental consent for the student to attend the meetings.
Employees will be assigned to monitor approved meetings. Employees will not participate in the meeting or assist in planning, criticizing, or encouraging attendance. Only students may be involved in and attend the noncurriculum group's meetings.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
Westside Community Board of Education v Mergens, 496 U.S. 226 (1990).
Bender v. Williamsport Area Community School District, 741 F.2d 538 (3d Cir. 1984), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 475 U.S. 534 (1986).
20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074.
Iowa Code §§ 287; 297.9.
Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities
Approved 3-12-18 Reviewed 2-21-19 Revised
504.4 - Student Performances
Students, as part of the education program, may participate in contests or other public and private events approved by the superintendent that will be of benefit to the student and the education program. Performance at such events is a privilege.
Students, who perform at such events, serve as ambassadors of the school district and must conduct themselves in the same manner as required in the regular school day. Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.
Students will be allowed to perform in these events only with proper permission and supervision and when the events do not disrupt the education program or other school district operations. The events must be approved by the superintendent, unless it involves unusual travel and expense, in which case the board must approve of the performance.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. In developing the administrative regulations, these guidelines should be followed:
· Performances by student groups below the high school level should be allowed on a very limited basis;
· All groups of students should have an opportunity to participate; and
· Extensive travel by one group of students should be discouraged.
It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the event will benefit the education program and the participating students. Contests or other performances by students unapproved by the superintendent are the responsibility of the parent and the student.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14.
281 I.A.C. 12.6.
Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503.4 Good Conduct Rule
504 Student Activities
904 Community Activities Involving Students
Approved 3-12-18 Reviewed 2-21-19 Revised
504.5 - Student Fund Raising
Students may raise funds for school-sponsored events with the permission of the principal. Fund raising by students for events other than school-sponsored events is not allowed. Collection boxes for school fund raising must have prior approval from the principal before being placed on school property.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross Reference:
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
704.5 Student Activities Fund
905.2 Advertising and Promotion
Approved 3-12-18 Reviewed 2-21-19 Revised
504.6 Student Activity Program
Participation in school activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and ability in the students during their school years and for their lifetime.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in a school activity unless the activity is not offered, or the student cannot participate for disciplinary reasons. If the activity is an intramural or interscholastic athletic activity, students of the opposite sex will have a comparable opportunity for participation. Comparable opportunity does not guarantee boys and girls will be allowed to play on each other's teams when there are athletic activities available that will allow both boys and girls to reap the benefits of school activities, which are the promotion of additional interests and abilities in the students.
Student activity events must be approved by the superintendent unless they involve unusual travel expense, in which case the board will take action. The events must not disrupt the education program or other school district operations.
A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a nonschool sponsored sport during the same season with approval of the principal.
Such outside participation will not conflict with the school sponsored athletic activity.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent 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.
Approved 2-16-04 Reviewed 03-12-18 2-21-19 Revised
505.1 Student Progress Reports and Conferences
505.2 Student Promotion-Retention-Acceleration
505.2R1 Acceleration Policy
505.3 Students Honors and Awards
505.5 Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and the 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 50 credits prior to graduation. The following credits will be required:
English/Language Arts 8 credits
- English I - 2
- English II - 2
- English III - 2
- English IV – 2
Science 6 credits
- Earth and Space – 2
- Biology – 2
- Science Elective – 1
- Health - 1
Mathematics 6 credits
- Algebra I – 2
- Algebra II – 2
- Geometry – 2
Social Studies 8 credits
- Geography/Econ – 2
- World History – 2
- American History – 2
- US Government – 1
- Financial Literacy – 1
Physical Education 1 credit
Service Learning 1 credit
Fine Arts 1 credits
- Choir – 1
Computer Science .5 credit
Electives 18.5 credits
Fifty 50 credits (25 units) are required for a student to be awarded a diploma. With the requirement of 50 credits, 31.5 are specific course and 18.5 may be electives.
The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.
Beginning with the class of 2022, graduation requirements for special education students will 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.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.
Approved 5-19-03 Reviewed 4-21-08, 2-21-19,10-22-20, 9-15-21 Revised 5-16-05, 05-09-18, 9-15-21
505.6 Early Graduation
Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve. Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in board policy.
A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the school district. However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.
Approved 5-19-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
505.7 Commencement
Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement proceedings provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school district. It is the responsibility of the 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 11-15-04 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
505.8 Parental Involvement
- The board will involve parents in the development of the Title I plan school review twice each year. One meeting to take place at the first of each new school year and a second meeting to take place at the end of each school year to receive community comments on the plan for improvement.
- The board will allow for a district advisory committee to review all data on student performance and information on the CSIP to allow for community participation. The district advisory committee will suggest improvement to the board and will meet two or more times as a committee or as a community meeting. The superintendent will conduct community meetings each year to inform the community of the student performance scores found in the CSIP. The district advisory committee is appointed each year by the board to ensure parent involvement.
- The board will encourage community meetings and encourage additional information to be placed in the Diagonal Progress and Diagonal School website. The district will also use a radio station and other support groups such as the PTO, etc.
- The board will receive reports on Title I, Reading First and Early Intervention Programs to support each effort and consider teacher in-service to support Reading and Math based data collected on each subgroup of Title I students.
- Parents with low SES & LEP will be identified and invited to attend all meetings on Title I. Meetings will gather information for evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise as necessary the parental involvement policies.
- Title I program will encourage volunteers from both parents and students and will encourage parents to attend all Title I meetings.
506.1 Student Records Access
The board recognizes the importance of maintaining student records and preserving their confidentiality. Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages. The board secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center. Student is defined as an enrolled individual, PK-12 including children in school district sponsored child-care programs.
Parents and eligible students will have access to the student's records during the regular business hours of the school district. An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education at the post high school level. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a special education student's records. 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 may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.
A student record may contain information on more than one student. Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information. Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves or be informed of the information.
Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.
Copies of student records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the student records. Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or student from accessing the records. A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from student records.
Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the school district will provide an explanation and interpretation of the student records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or used by the school district.
If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the student records is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the student records. The school district will decide whether to amend the student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request. If the school district determines an amendment is made to the student record, the school district will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.
If the school district determines that amendment of the student's record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the school district.
If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the student record commenting on the school district's decision or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the school district. Additions to the student's records will become a part of the student record and be maintained like other student records. If the school district discloses the student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed.
Student records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission. This disclosure is made on the condition that the student record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be made to the following individuals or under the following circumstances:
to school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
to officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
to the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;
to organizations conducting educational studies and the study does not release personally
identifiable information;
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;
pursuant to any interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies;
in connection with a health or safety emergency; or,
as directory information.
The superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student's records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student. Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student's written permission. This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.
The superintendent will also keep a list of individuals, agencies and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The superintendent, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the school district who have accessed the student’s records. This list for a student record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student and the custodian of student records.
Permanent student records, including a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. Permanent student records will be kept in a fire-safe vault.
When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the school district to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified. 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. 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.
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.
Confidential information shared between the school district and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.
Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian. The school district may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the school district determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement.
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 10 business days 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 of their right to inspect and review the student's records. The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language. Should the 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. 20202-4605.
Approved Reviewed 5-09-18, 2-21-19,10-22-20, 9-15-21 Revised 2-21-19
506.1E2 Request on Non-parent for Examination or copies of Student Records
Request form attached.
506.1E3 Authorization for Release of Student Records
Request form attached.
506.1E4 Request for Hearing on Correction of Student Records
Request form attached.
506.1E5 Request for Examination of Student Records
Request form attached.
506.1E6 Notification of Transfer of Students Records
Request form attached.
506.1E7 Letter to Parents Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena
Copy of letter attached.
506.1E8 Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement
Sharring Agreement attached.
506.1E9 Annual Notice
506.1R1 Use of Student Records Regulation
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 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.
The parent or legal guardian will, upon written request to the board secretary, 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, is 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.
A student, eighteen years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records. Parents of students who are 18 years or older but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
2. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
B. Release of Information Outside the School
1. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parents, legal guardian, or eligible student must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released unless the school 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 is given by the parent, legal guardian, or a student of majority age. This consent 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 school 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 school district has an interagency agreement. This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.
Hearing Procedures
1. Upon parental request, the school 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 school 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 at 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 officers decision to the superintendent within 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 officers decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the board within days. It is within the discretion of the board to hear the appeal.
506.2 Student Directory Information
506.2E1 Authorization for Releasing Student Directory Information
Authorization attached.
506.2R1 Use of Directory Information
506.3 Student Photographs
The board will permit student "portrait" photographs to be taken on school premises by a commercial photographer as a service to the students and their families.
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 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
506.4 Student Library Circulation Records
552.1 Student Publications Code
507 Student Enrollment in District
507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
Students desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the school district will have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the school district. A physical examination and proof of such an examination may be required by the administration for students in other grades enrolling for the first time in the school district.
A certificate of health stating the results of a physical examination and signed by the physician is on file at the attendance center. Each student will submit an up-to-date certificate of health upon the request of the superintendent. Failure to provide this information may be grounds for disciplinary action.
Students enrolling for the first time in the school district will also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, and other immunizations required by law. The student may be admitted conditionally to the attendance center if the student has not yet completed the immunization process but is in the process of doing so. Failure to meet the immunization requirement will be grounds for suspension, expulsion or denial of admission. Upon recommendation of the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Department of Public Health, students entering the district for the first time may be required to pass a TB test prior to admission. The district may conduct TB tests of current students.
Exemptions from the immunization requirement in this policy will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons recognized under the law. The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
507.2 Administration of Medication to Students
Disposing on Behalf of Ultimate Users, 79 Fed. Reg. 53520, 53546 (Sept. 9, 2014).
Iowa Code §§124.101(1); 147.107; 152.1; 155A.4(2); 280.16; 280.23.
281 IAC 14.1
655 IAC §6.2(152).
507.3 Communicable Diseases-Students
Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees. The term "communicable disease" will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.
Prevention and control of communicable diseases is included in the school district's bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan. The procedures will include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees and record keeping. This plan is reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.
The health risk to immunosuppressed 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 who is a school and who has a communicable disease which creates a substantial risk of harm to other students, employees, or others at school will report the condition to the Superintendent any time the student is aware that the disease actively creates such risk.
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.
Approved 2-19-03 Reviewed 05-09-18, 2-21-19,10-22-20, 9-15-21 Revised 2-16-09
507.4 Student Illness or Injury at School
Students who become ill or are injured at school will be given first aid if possible The school district will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible. Instructions will be requested as to the disposal of the case. When the parent has no telephone or cannot be reached, the ill or injured child may be transported home, to the hospital, or to a doctor’s office by a member of the school staff.
In cases of emergency, the pupil shall be transported to a hospital or a doctor’s office by ambulance or another convenient type of transportation. If possible, the family physician listed on the office records shall be contacted.
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.
It is the responsibility of the supervising teacher to file an accident report with the principal within twenty-four hours after the student is injured.
The Board assumes no responsibility for medical treatment of students. If a student must take prescribed medication during school hours, written authorization and instructions must be provided by the parents or legal guardian of the student, with such instruction being on file in the appropriate school office.
Approved 2-19-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised 2-16-09
507.5 Emergency Plans and Drills
Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency. Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters are conducted each school year. Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before December 31 and two after January 1.
Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
507.6 Student Insurance
507.7 Custody and Parental Rights
Disagreements between family members are not the responsibility of the school district. The school district will not take the "side" of one family member over another in a disagreement about custody or parental rights. Court orders that have been issued are followed by the school district. It is the responsibility of the person requesting an action by the school district to inform and provide the school district the court order allowing such action.
This policy does not prohibit an employee from listening to a student's problems and concerns.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
507.8 Student Special Health Services
The board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day. These students will receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized health plan.
The superintendent, in conjunction with licensed health personnel, will establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.
Legal Reference: Board of Education v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982).
Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).
Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.
34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8.
281 I.A.C. 14.2
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
603.3 Special Education
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19, 1/21/21 Revised 1/21/21
507.8R1 Special Health Services Regulataion
Some students who require special education need special health services in order to participate in the educational program. These students will receive special health services in accordance with their individualized educational program.
A. Definitions
"Assignment and delegation" - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services. Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel. Each designation considers the student's special health service. The rationale for the designation is documented. If the designation decision of the team differs from the licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion.
"Co-administration" - the eligible student's participation in the planning, management and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.
"Educational program" - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.
"Education team" - may include the eligible student, the student's parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program.
"Health assessment" - health data collection, observation, analysis, and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.
"Health instruction" - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan. Documentation of education and periodic updates are on file at school.
"Individual health plan" - the confidential, written, preplanned and ongoing special health service in the educational program. It includes assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, evaluation and a plan for emergencies. The plan is updated as needed and at least annually. Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with the education team.
"Licensed health personnel" - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications.
"Prescriber" - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications.
"Qualified designated personnel" - persons instructed, supervised and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.
“Special health services" - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:
"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:
B. Licensed health personnel will provide special health services under the auspices of the school.
Duties of the licensed personnel include the duty to:
C. Prior to the provision of special health services the following will be on file:
• Written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated.
• Written statement by the student's parent requesting the provision of the special health service.
• Written report of the preplanning staffing or meeting of the education team.
• Written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or IFSP.
D. Licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, will determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the special health services. The documented rationale will include the following:
• Analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome and risk of improperly performed service.
• Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person's job description.
• Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the student's needs.
• Review of the designated person's competency.
• Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision required to ensure quality services.
E. Licensed health personnel will supervise the special health services, define the level of supervision and document the supervision.
F. Licensed health personnel will instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible individual health plan. Documentation of instruction and periodic updates are on file at school.
G. Parents will provide the usual equipment, supplies and necessary maintenance for such. The equipment is stored in a secure area. The personnel responsible for the equipment are designated in the individual health plan. The individual health plan will designate the role of the school, parents, and others in the provision, supply, storage and maintenance of necessary equipment.
507.9 Diagonal Wellness Policy
The Diagonal 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.
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.
NOTE: This is a mandatory policy.
NOTE: The Iowa Department of Education has tools and resources available to help districts with progress reports and other aspects of policy implementation and review. Please visit the "School Wellness Policy" section of the Iowa Department of Education's website, located at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/nutrition-programs/school-wellness.
NOTE: School districts are required by federal law to have at least one wellness goal in each of the goal areas identified in paragraph three of the sample policy. These goal areas include the following: nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. School districts should select goals to include in the regulation (507.9R1 ) from the options provided in the sample regulation (507.9R1 ) or identify a district specific goal. Districts must remember the sample policy and sample regulation cannot be adopted in the current format. School boards and administration must make a choice for all text in italicized brackets.
Legal Reference:
42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 et seq.
Iowa Code §§ 256.7(29); 256.11(6).
281 I.A.C. 12.5; 58.11.
Cross Reference:
504.5 Student Fund Raising
504.6 Student Activity Program
710 School Food Services
Approved 1-24-24 Reviewed 2-21-19, 10-22-20, 9-15-21, 1-24-24 Revised 1-24-24
507.9 Appendix C
Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness
Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Settings
For students to receive the nationally recommended amount of daily physical activity and for students to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond the physical education class. Toward that end, the school district will:
offer classroom health education that complements physical education by reinforcing the knowledge and self-management skills needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to reduce time spent on sedentary activities; discourage sedentary activities, such as watching television, playing computer games, etc.; provide opportunities for physical activity to be incorporated into other subject lessons; and, encourage classroom teachers to provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, as appropriate.
Optional Issues
Communication with Parents
The school district will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children. The school district will:
offer healthy eating seminars for parents, send home nutrition information, post nutrition tips on school web sites and provide nutrient analyses of school menus; encourage parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the established nutrition standards for individual foods and beverages; provide parents a list of foods that meet the school district’s snack standards and ideas for healthy celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities; provide opportunities for parents to share their healthy food practices with others in the school community; provide information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities before, during and after the school day; support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school; and, include sharing information about physical activity and physical education through a web site, newsletter, other take-home materials, special events or physical education homework.
Food Marketing in Schools
School-based marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion. The school district will:
limit food and beverage marketing to the promotion of foods and beverages that meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually; prohibit school-based marketing of brands promoting predominantly low-nutrition foods and beverages; promote healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products; and market activities that promote healthful behaviors (and are therefore allowable) including: vending machine covers promoting water; pricing structures that promote healthy options in a la carte lines or vending machines; sales of fruit for fundraisers; and coupons for discount gym memberships.
Examples: Marketing techniques include the following: logos and brand names on/in vending machines, books or curricula, textbook covers, school supplies, scoreboards, school structures, and sports equipment; educational incentive programs that provide food as a reward; programs that provide schools with supplies when families buy low-nutrition food products; in-school television, such as Channel One; free samples or coupons; and food sales through fundraising activities.
Staff Wellness
The school district values the health and well-being of every staff member and will plan and implement activities and policies that support personal efforts by staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each school should:
establish and maintain a staff wellness committee composed of at least one staff member, local hospital representative, dietitian or other health professional, recreation program representative, union representative and employee benefits specialist; develop, promote and oversee a multifaceted plan to promote staff health and wellness developed by the staff wellness committee; base the plan on input solicited from employees and outline ways to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and other elements of a healthy lifestyle among employees.
507.9 Appendix A
Nutrition Education and Promotion
The school district will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:
is offered at each grade level as part of a sequential, comprehensive, standards-based program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health; is part of not only health education classes, but also classroom instruction in subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences and elective subjects; includes enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste-testing, farm visits and school gardens; promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods and health-enhancing nutrition practices; emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and physical activity; links with meal programs, other foods and nutrition-related community services; and, includes training for teachers and other staff.
507.9 Appendix B
Physical Activity
Daily Physical Education
The school district will provide physical education that:
is for all students in grades K-12 for the entire school year; is taught by a certified physical education teacher; includes students with disabilities, students with special health-care needs may be provided in alternative educational settings; and, engages students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50 percent of physical education class time.
(The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes a week for elementary students and 225 minutes a week for middle and high school students);
Daily Recess
Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
is at least 20 minutes a day; is preferably outdoors; encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity verbally and through the provision of space and equipment; and, discourages extended periods (i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity.
When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.
Physical Activity and Punishment
Employees should not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g., recess, physical education) as punishment.
Optional Issues
Physical Activity Opportunities after School
After-school child care and enrichment programs will provide and encourage—verbally, and through the provision of space, equipment and activities—daily periods of moderate to vigorous physical activity for all participants.
507.9 Appendix D
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Available on Campus
School Meals
Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
be appealing and attractive to children; be served in clean and pleasant settings; meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law: offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains; serve only low-fat (1%) and fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy alternatives (as defined by the USDA);
Schools should:
engage students and parents, through taste-tests of new entrees and surveys, in selecting foods offered through the meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices; and, share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students. (The information could be made available on menus, a web site, on cafeteria menu boards, placards or other point-of purchase materials.)
Breakfast
To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will:
operate the breakfast program, to the extent possible; arrange bus schedules and utilize methods to serve breakfasts that encourage participation, including serving breakfast in the classroom, “grab-and-go” breakfasts or breakfast during morning break or recess, to the extent possible; notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, where available; and, encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take home materials or other means.
Free and Reduced-Priced Meals
The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Toward this end, the school district may:
utilize electronic identification and payment systems; provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; and, promote the availability of meals to all students.
Meal Times and Scheduling
The school district:
will provide students with at least 10 minutes to eat after sitting down for breakfast and 20 minutes after sitting down for lunch; should schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g., lunch should be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities; will schedule lunch periods to follow recess periods (in elementary schools); will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and, should take reasonable steps to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimens of students with special oral health needs (e.g., orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).
Qualification of Food Service Staff
Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the meal programs. As part of the school district’s responsibility to operate a food service program, the school district will: provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals; and, provide staff development programs that include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, nutrition managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility.
Sharing of Foods
The school district discourages students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.
Foods Sold Outside the Meal (e.g. vending, a la carte, sales)
All foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable meal programs (including those sold through a la carte snack lines, vending machines, student stores or fundraising activities) during the school day, or through programs for students after the school day will meet nutrition standards as required by state or federal law.
Fundraising Activities
There are two types of fundraising – regulated and other. Regulated fundraisers are those that offer the sale of foods or beverages on school property and that are targeted primarily to PK-12 students by or through other PK-12 students, student groups, school organizations, or through on-campus school stores. Regulated fundraising activities must comply with the state nutrition guidelines. All other fundraising activities are encouraged, but not required, to comply with the state nutrition guidelines if the activities involve foods and beverages.
The school district encourages fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The school district will make available a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities.
Snacks
Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive
contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. Schools will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations. The school district will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to teachers, after-school program personnel and parents.
If eligible, schools that provide snacks through after-school programs will pursue receiving reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program.
Rewards
The school district will not use foods or beverages, especially those that do not meet the nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic performance or good behavior, and will not withhold food or beverages (including food served through meals) as a punishment.
Celebrations
Schools should evaluate their celebrations practices that involve food during the school day. The school district will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.
School-Sponsored Events
Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day are encouraged to meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually.
Food Safety
All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines.
All foods made available on campus comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation
regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are
implemented to prevent food illness in schools. http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/
servingsafe_chapter6.pdf
For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the food service operations are limited to child nutrition staff and authorized personnel.
Summer Meals
Schools in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic school year and the first day of the following school year, and, preferably, throughout the entire summer vacation.
507.9 Appendix D
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods Available on Campus
School Meals
Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
be appealing and attractive to children; be served in clean and pleasant settings; meet, at a minimum, nutrition requirements established by state and federal law: offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains; serve only low-fat (1%) and fat-free milk and nutritionally equivalent non-dairy alternatives (as defined by the USDA);
Schools should:
engage students and parents, through taste-tests of new entrees and surveys, in selecting foods offered through the meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices; and, share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students. (The information could be made available on menus, a web site, on cafeteria menu boards, placards or other point-of purchase materials.)
Breakfast
To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will:
operate the breakfast program, to the extent possible; arrange bus schedules and utilize methods to serve breakfasts that encourage participation, including serving breakfast in the classroom, “grab-and-go” breakfasts or breakfast during morning break or recess, to the extent possible; notify parents and students of the availability of the School Breakfast Program, where available; and, encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take home materials or other means.
Free and Reduced-Priced Meals
The school district will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Toward this end, the school district may:
utilize electronic identification and payment systems; provide meals at no charge to all children, regardless of income; and, promote the availability of meals to all students.
Meal Times and Scheduling
The school district:
will provide students with at least 10 minutes to eat after sitting down for breakfast and 20 minutes after sitting down for lunch; should schedule meal periods at appropriate times, e.g., lunch should be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities; will schedule lunch periods to follow recess periods (in elementary schools); will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and, should take reasonable steps to accommodate the tooth-brushing regimens of students with special oral health needs (e.g., orthodontia or high tooth decay risk).
Qualification of Food Service Staff
Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the meal programs. As part of the school district’s responsibility to operate a food service program, the school district will: provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals; and, provide staff development programs that include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, nutrition managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility.
Sharing of Foods
The school district discourages students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.
Foods Sold Outside the Meal (e.g. vending, a la carte, sales)
All foods and beverages sold individually outside the reimbursable meal programs (including those sold through a la carte snack lines, vending machines, student stores or fundraising activities) during the school day, or through programs for students after the school day will meet nutrition standards as required by state or federal law.
Fundraising Activities
There are two types of fundraising – regulated and other. Regulated fundraisers are those that offer the sale of foods or beverages on school property and that are targeted primarily to PK-12 students by or through other PK-12 students, student groups, school organizations, or through on-campus school stores. Regulated fundraising activities must comply with the state nutrition guidelines. All other fundraising activities are encouraged, but not required, to comply with the state nutrition guidelines if the activities involve foods and beverages.
The school district encourages fundraising activities that promote physical activity. The school district will make available a list of ideas for acceptable fundraising activities.
Snacks
Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive
contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. Schools will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations. The school district will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to teachers, after-school program personnel and parents.
If eligible, schools that provide snacks through after-school programs will pursue receiving reimbursements through the National School Lunch Program.
Rewards
The school district will not use foods or beverages, especially those that do not meet the nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold individually, as rewards for academic performance or good behavior, and will not withhold food or beverages (including food served through meals) as a punishment.
Celebrations
Schools should evaluate their celebrations practices that involve food during the school day. The school district will disseminate a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers.
School-Sponsored Events
Foods and beverages offered or sold at school-sponsored events outside the school day are encouraged to meet the nutrition standards for meals or for foods and beverages sold individually.
Food Safety
All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines.
All foods made available on campus comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation
regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are
implemented to prevent food illness in schools. http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/
servingsafe_chapter6.pdf
For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the food service operations are limited to child nutrition staff and authorized personnel.
Summer Meals
Schools in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic school year and the first day of the following school year, and, preferably, throughout the entire summer vacation.
507.9 Appendix E
Plan for Measuring Implementation
Monitoring
The superintendent will ensure compliance with established school district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness policies.
In each school:
the principal will ensure compliance with those policies in the school and will report on the school’s compliance to the superintendent; and, food service staff, at the school or school district level, will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent or principal.
In the school district:
the school district will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes. If the school district has not received a SMI review from the state agency within the past five years, the school district will request from the state agency that a SMI review be scheduled as soon as possible; the superintendent will develop a summary report every three years on school district-wide compliance with the school district’s established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies, based on input from schools within the school district; and, the report will be provided to the school board and also distributed to all school wellness committees, parent/teacher organizations, principals and health services personnel in the school district.
Policy Review
To help with the initial development of the school district’s wellness policies, each school in the school district will conduct a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutrition and physical activity environments and practices. The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the school district level to identify and prioritize needs.
Assessments will be repeated every 5 years to help review policy compliance, assess progress and determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that review, the school district will review the nutrition and physical activity policies and practices and the provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity. The school district, and individual schools within the school district will, revise the wellness policies and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.
507.9R1 Wellness Regulation
To implement the Wellness Policy, the following district specific goals have been established:
Goal 1 – Nutrition Education and Promotion: Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that help students develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors. The goal(s) for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following:
- Providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health.
Goal 2 – Physical Activity: Schools will provide students and staff with age and grade appropriate opportunities to engage in physical activity that meet federal and state guidelines, including the Iowa Healthy Kids Act. The goal(s) for addressing physical activity include the following:
- Promoting the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits.
- Engage students in moderate to vigorous activity during at least 50% of physical education class.
- Encourage teachers to provide short physical activity breaks (3-5 min.) as appropriate.
- Afford elementary students with recess according to the following:
- At least 20 min a day.
- Outdoors as weather and time permits.
- Encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity.
- Scheduled to avoid extended periods of inactivity.
Goal 3 – Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness: Schools will support student, staff, and parents’ efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as appropriate. The goal(s) for addressing other school-based activities that promote student wellness include the following:
- Provide parents with a list of foods and beverages that meet nutrition standards for classroom snacks and celebrations.
- Develop a plan to promote staff health and wellness.
- Share information about the nutritional content of meals with parents and students as requested.
- Permit students to bring and carry water bottles throughout the day.
Public Involvement: There is a process for permitting parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the school board, administrators and the public to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy:
- The district has a local wellness policy committee to advise the district on the development, implementation, and improvement of the school wellness policy.
NOTE: School districts are required by federal law to have at least one specific wellness goal in each of the goal areas identified above. These goal areas include the following: nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. Options have been provided, but districts must remember the sample policy and sample regulation cannot be adopted in the current format. School boards and administration must make a choice for all text in italicized brackets.
NOTE: The Iowa Department of Education has tools and resources available to help districts with progress reports and other aspects of policy implementation and review. Please visit the "School Wellness Policy" section of the Iowa Department of Education's website, located at:
https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/nutrition-programs/school-wellness.
508.1 Class or Student Group Gifts
The board welcomes gifts to the school district from a class or student group. While class gifts to the school district do not require the approval of the superintendent, the board encourages students to consult with the superintendent or other licensed employees prior to selecting a gift for the school district.
Approved 2-18-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised
508.2 Open Night
In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6:00 p.m. whenever possible. It is the responsibility of the principal to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.
Approved 5-19-03 Reviewed 05-09-18 2-21-19 Revised