501.1 RESIDENT STUDENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. Schools, 334

N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

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

Oshel v. Creston Community School District, DPI Admin. Doc. 570

(1981).

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

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (1993).

                                    1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.

                                    1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.

                                    1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.

                                    1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.

 

 

Cross Reference:           501  Student Attendance

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

 

 

 

 

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the Wapello Community School District may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate shall be the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the Board Secretary and 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 their former resident school district will be permitted to attend. Students who plan to open enroll to their former nonresident district for the next school year may do so without approval of the board.

 

Students in grades 11 or 12 who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. The 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 that 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:       Lakota Consolidated Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School,

334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

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

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

                                    Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       501  Student Attendance

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  5/10/23

Parents within the Wapello Community School District who have children over age 6 and under age 16 by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board. Students shall attend school the number of hours school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.

 

 

Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 1080 hours. Students not attending the minimum hours must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, referred to the County Attorney.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:

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

• are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;

• are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;

• are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;

• has an individualized education program that affects the child’s attendance;

• has a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 794, that affects the child’s attendance;

• 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 exemptions listed above.

 

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; 299.1-.1A; 299A (1993).                  

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    601.1   School Calendar

                                    604.1   Competent Private Instruction

 

Approved:     8/17/95

Reviewed:     1/11/01; 12/08/05; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 7/19/22

Revised:     10/11/17; 12/9/20; 7/11/24

501.4 ENTRANCE - ADMISSIONS

 

Children in the Wapello School District community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age 5. The child must be age 5 on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age 6 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 shall require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age  It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent 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 shall be reason for suspension, expulsion, or denying admission to the student.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .6 (1993).

                                   

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  12/9/2020

501.5 ATTENDANCE CENTER ASSIGNMENT

 

The Wapello Board of Directors shall have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center and to assign students to the attendance center.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 279.11; 282.7-.8

 

 

Cross Reference:       501--Student Attendance

 

 

Approved: 4/17/1995

Reviewed: 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

501.6 STUDENT TRANSFERS IN

 

Students who transfer into the Wapello Community School District must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district. The school district reserves the right to deny admission to any non-resident student unless the student is complying with open enrollment procedures.

 

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

 

The principal shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the principal’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.

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3; 299A (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    505.3  Student Honors and Awards

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1  Competent Private Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 12/08/2005

501.7 STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

Cross Reference:       501 Student Attendance

506  Student Record

604.1 Competent Private Instruction

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:

As part of the Wapello Community School District's records, the daily attendance of each student shall be recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the Board Secretary.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary or their designee as the custodian of district records.

 

 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.3    Compulsory Attendance

                                    506      Student Records

 

 

 

Approved:       8/17/95

Reviewed:       1/11/01; 12/08/05; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 10/11/17; 7/19/22

Revised:          4/9/25

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students.  Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes.  For this reason, it6 is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.  Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days in the semester established by the district.  Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the semester.  Chronic abensteeism and truancy do not apply to the following students who:

 

• Have completed requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma;
• Are excused for sufficient reasons by any court of record or judge;
• Are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
• Are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
• Are excused under Iowa Code 200.22; and
• Are exempt under Iowa Code 299.24.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

                                    505      Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 1/11/01; 12/08/05; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised:  7/8/20; 8/14/24

501.11 STUDENT RELEASED DURING SCHOOL HOURS

 

Students in grades eleven (11) or twelve (12) may be allowed to leave the Wapello School District facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class. Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code § 294.4 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).

 

 

Cross Reference:        501  Student Attendance

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                    504  Student Activities

                                    506  Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/1996; 10/11/2017

The Wapello Board of Directors encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student is encouraged to notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy in order for the district to facilitate the student’s equal access to the district’s education programs and activities. 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 physical condition, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student shall resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:    Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2013).

            34 C.F.R. 106.4

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        501          Student Attendance

                                    604.2   Individualized Instruction

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 1/11/01; 12/08/05; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/96; 7/11/24

501.13 STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE

 

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

 

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes. In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

 

 

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

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2013).

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

 

 

Cross Reference:        501      Student Attendance

                                    506      Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/121; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22

Revised: 9/19/1996

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

  

Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student shall notify the sending and receiving school districts  no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice shall be made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the central administration office.

 

Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline.  Parents of children who will begin kindergarten and prekindergarten children enrolled in special education programs and included in the district’s basic enrollment shall file in the same manner set forth above by September 1.  Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 1 unless another deadline applies..

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Cross Reference:            501    Student Attendance

                                       506    Student Records

 

 

 

Approved:    8/17/95

Reviewed:    11/13/03; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 10/11/17

Revised:    11/13/03; 12/08/05; 7/14/21; 7/19/22; 7/11/24

The Wapello Community 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 shall have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.

 

The superintendent will approve 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 shall 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.  The district reserves the right to deny continued open enrollment to any students who meet the definition of truant.  The district will notify the truant student’s parent or guardian and district of residence of the decision to deny enrollment in the future in accordance with applicable laws.

 

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 superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.  

 

If an open enrolled student’s primary residence is closer to the receiving district’s attendance center than the distance from the student’s primary residence to the sending attendance center, the sending district will allow the student’s receiving district to send school vehicles no more than two miles into the sending district’s boundaries to pick up the student.

 

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 shall remain in the sending district until a 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 shall apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.

 

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

 

 

 

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

                                   281 I.A.C. 17.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.6    Student Transfers In

                                   501.7    Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

                                   501.14     Open Enrollment Transfers--Procedures as a Sending District

                                   507        Student Health and Well-Being

                                   606.6    Insufficient Classroom Space

 

 

 

Approved:    8/17/95

Reviewed:         11/13/03; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 10/11/17

Revised:            11/13/03; 12/08/05; 7/14/21;7/19/22; 7/11/24

501.16 HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

 

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

 

The term "homeless children and youth: means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residents.  The term includes:

• Children and youth who are:
  
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reasons (sometimes referred to as "doubled up:);
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternate adequate accommodations;
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
  • Abandoned in hospitals
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

 

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

• Designate the elementary principal as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child's best interests;
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youths' living situation.
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

 

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

 

Legal Reference:       No Child Left Behind, Title X, Sec. 772 P.L. 107-110 (2002)

                                    42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq. (1988).

                                    281 I.A.C. 33. (2005)

 

 

Cross Reference:        501    Student Attendance

                                    503.3  Fines - Fees - Charges

                                    506.1  Student Records Access

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

                                    603.3  Special Education

                                    711.1  Student School Transportation Eligibility

 

 

Approved:  8/17/1995

Reviewed:  1/9/2003;2/14/2008; 1/12/2012; 7/19/22

Revised:  1/9/2003; 12/8/2005; 10/11/2017

 

502.1 STUDENT APPEARANCE

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

                                    Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

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

Bystrom v. Fridley High School, Independent School District No. 14, 822

F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).

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

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

1971).

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

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised: 9/19/1996; 9/21/2006

502.2 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/VANDALISM

 

Students shall treat Wapello Community School District property with care and respect. Students found to have destroyed or otherwise harmed school district property may be required to reimburse the school district. They may be subject to discipline under board policy and the school district’s rules and regulations. They may also be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8; 282.4, .5; 613.16 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised: 9/19/1996

502.3 STUDENT EXPRESSION AND STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

 

Student Expression

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Student Publications

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

                                   Iowa Const. art. I (sec 7)

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                   Iowa Code 279.8, .73; 280.22

 

Cross Reference:        102    Equal Educational Opportunity

                                 502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                 504    Student Activities

                                 603.9    Academic Freedom

                                 903.5    Distribution of Materials

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

 Revised: 9/19/1996; 9/1/21

502.4 STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

 

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

 

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

 

If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved by the superintendent, the student may ask to have the matter placed on the board agenda of a regularly scheduled board meeting in compliance with board policy.  The board retains discretion as to whether to consider or take action on any complaint.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8

 

 

Cross Reference:       210.8--Board Meeting Agenda

213--Public Participation in Board Meetings

502--Student Rights and Responsibilities

504.3--Student Publications

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/17; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised: 9/19/1996

502.5 STUDENT LOCKERS

 

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

 

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

 

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.14; 808A (1993).

 

Cross Reference:           502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

 

Approved: 2/12/1998

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors believes weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes 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, or dangerous objects, and look-alikes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-alikes shall 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 or dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property shall be notified of the incident. Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to the 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 shall be expelled for not less than one year. Students bringing to school or possessing dangerous weapons, including firearms, will be referred to law enforcement authorities. The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for a student on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this 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, or otherwise defined by applicable law.

 

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy. Students and individuals approved in writing by the Superintendent who are actively engaging in a school district approved firearms safety course, hunter education course, or shooting sports activity are exempt from this policy.  The superintendent will develop an administrative process or procedures to implement the policy and communicate with law enforcement relevant exemptions to this policy as appropriate.

 

 

 

 

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

                                    Iowa Code 270=9.8; 280.21B; 483A.27(11), 724

                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

                                              

 

 

Cross Reference:        502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503      Student Discipline

                                    507      Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved:     8/17/95

Reviewed:     1/9/03; 02/14/08; 1/12/12

Revised:     1/9/03; 9/21/06; 11/8/17; 8/10/22; 7/11/24

The Wapello Board of Directors believes it is imperative to promote the health and wellbeing of all students in the district.  The district will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable law.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The board believes the substance abuse prevention program shall include:

• Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug, and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco, drugs, or alcohol;
• A statement to students that the unlawful possession and/or use of controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol is harmful to student well-being;
• Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;

• A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral to law enforcement for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
• A statement that students may be required to  complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
•  Information about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;
• A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and
• Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

 

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

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       34 C.F.R. Pt. 86 (1992).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 124; 279.8, .9; 453A (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(9), 12.5(3)(e), 12.5(4)(e), 12.5(5)(e), 12.5(21).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503     Student Discipline

                                    507     Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/1995

Reviewed:      1/11/2011; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised:         9/21 /2006; 1/10/24

502.8 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

 

Wapello Community School District property is held in public trust by the board. School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search a student 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 shall be in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees, and visitors to the school district facilities.

 

The furnishing of a locker, desk, or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it shall not create a protected student area and shall not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.

 

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband material 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 the school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while in school owned and/or operated transportation; 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 such 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

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 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

 

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

                                 905.2  Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 11/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised: 2/12/1998; 9/21/2006; 12/9/2020

502.9 INTERVIEWS OF STUDENTS BY OUTSIDE AGENCIES

 

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

 

Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, school district officials, and employees to interview students shall be made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it shall be the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 232; 280.17 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 102.

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

                                    640 I.A.C. 4.9.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

 

 

Cross Reference:        502.8  Search and Seizure

                                    503    Student Discipline

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 11/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22

Revised: 9/21 /2006

502.10 USE OF MOTOR VEHICLES

 

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

 

Students who drive to and park at their school attendance center shall only drive to and park at their designated attendance center or at either their attendance center or a shared district's attendance center for the purpose of attending extracurricular activities. Students may not loiter around or be in their vehicle during the school day without permission from the principal.

 

Students shall leave their attendance center when there is no longer a legitimate reason for them to be at their attendance center. Students who drive shall enter and leave the parking lot by the routes designated by the principal.

 

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

   

 

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

 

Cross Reference:       502 Student Rights and Responsibilities

   

 

Approved:

Reviewed:  8/10/22

Revised:

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

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

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

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

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

In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed 10 consecutive school days. An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed 10 days. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

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

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

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

This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students.

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

 

Legal REference:  Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).; Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).; Sims v. Colfax Communkty School District, 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).; Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Association, 197 N.W. 2d 555 (Iowa 1972).; Board of Directors of Independent School District of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147 N.W. 2d 854 (1967).; Iowa Code 279.8; 282.3, 282.4, 282,5; 708.1; 281 I.A.C. 12.3 (6)

 

Cross Reference:  501   Student Attendance; 502  Student Rights and REsponsibilities;  503.6  Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students; 504  Student Activities; 603.3  Special Education; 903.5  Distribution of Materials

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/9/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017; 9/20/22

 Revised: 1/9/2003; 12/14/23

Only the Wapello Board of Directors may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive scvhool days.

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

It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student. The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(8).

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017; 9/20/22

Revised:  12/14/23

The Wapello Board of Directors believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for its 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 shall inform the board of the dollar amount 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 shall be the responsibility the

superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:           Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

                                    1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 227.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 532.

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503  Student Discipline

 

Approved: 12/12/1996

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017; 9/20/22

 Revised:

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017; 9/20/22

Revised:

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student and is prohibited. It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain. No employee is prohibited from:

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

• To quell the disturbance that threatens physical harm to any person.
• To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object(s) within a student's control.
• For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 703.3.
• For protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.
• To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school premises or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.
• To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.
• To protect the safety of others.
• Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

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

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

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

1. The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
2. The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;
3. The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;
4. The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any; including mental and psycholgical injury
5. The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

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

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

 

Legal REference:  Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).; Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).; Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W. 2d 258 (1961).; Iowa Code 279.8; 280.21; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 103.

 

Cross Reference:  402.3--Abuse of Students by School District Employees; 502--Student Rights and Responsibilities; 503--Student Discipline; 503.6--Physical Restraint and Seclusion

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/13/2017' 9/20/22

Revised:

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code

 

 

Cross Reference:

 

 

Approved:  8/9/23

Reviewed:

Revised:

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

 

Adopted:  12/14/23

Reviewed:

Revised:

The Wapello Community School District student council provides for student activities, serves as a training experience for student leaders, promotes the common good, give students a share of 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, shall set forth the guidelines for the student government's elections, operations, and other elements of the government.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (2003).
 

 

Cross Reference:       502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
504 Student Activities

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 1/11/01; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 1/10/18; 10/24/22

Revised:

Secondary school student initiated, non-curriculum 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 shall 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 shall not interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine whether the meetings will interfere with the orderly conduct of the education program or other school district operations. Activities relating to any part of the education program shall have priority over the activities of another organization.

 

Curriculum-Related Organizations

 

It shall 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 or other purposes before and after the instructional school day. Employees shall be assigned to monitor approved meetings and may interact with curriculum-related organizations.

 

Non-curriculum-Related Organizations

 

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

 

Only students may attend and participate in meetings of non-curriculum-related groups. Such attendance shall be 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 meetings.

 

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

 

It shall be 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: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 1/11/01; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 1/10/18; 10/24/22

Revised

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

Iowa Code §§ 280.13-.14 (2013)

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: 10/24/22

Reviewed:

Revised:

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

 

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

 

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

 

A high school student who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a
non-school sponsored sport during the same season with approval of the athletic director.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for each school activity. These regulations shall 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 requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1683; 1685-1686 (1994).
34 C.F.R. Pt. 106.41 (2002).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.13-.14 (2003).
281 I.A.C. 12.6., 36.15.

 

 

Cross Reference:       501 Student Attendance
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
507 Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 1/11/01; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 1/10/18; 10/24/22

Revised: 2/16/99

505.01 STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES

 

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

 

In order to keep the parents informed of the progress of their children, parent-teacher conferences will be held at the elementary and at the Junior/Senior high school.

 

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

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 280 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 12.3(7); 12.5(16).

 

 

Cross Reference:       502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    506  Student Records

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/14/22

Revised: 11/11/1999; 2/14/18

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

 

The district shall adhere to the following:

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

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

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

• Retention or acceleration in kindergarten-twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law.

 

For students in grades kindergarten through sixth, if a student is not reading at a proficient level, the district will notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s reading level, and the option for parents to request that the student be retained in the student’s current grade level for the subsequent school year.  The district is prohibited from promoting a student to the next grade level if the student is not reading proficiently, and the student’s parent or guardian requests the student be retained at their current grade level for the next year.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 256.11, 41, 279.8; .68

                                   281 I.A.C 12.5 (16).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       501    Student Attendance

                                   505      Student Scholastic Achievement

                                   603.2      Summer School Instruction

 

 

 

Approved:     8/17/95

Reviewed:     1/11/01; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 2/16/18; 12/14/22

Revised:     8/8/96; 7/11/24

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        504  Student Activities

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

 

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/15/22

Revised:2/14/18

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

 

No student is required, as part of any applicable program, to submit a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent or guardian;
• mental or psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or the student's family;
• sex behavior and attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships;
• legally recognized, privileged, and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent or guardian; or
• income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

It is the responsibility of the board to review and approve the evaluation and testing program.

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1988).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 280.3

 

 

Cross Reference:        505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    506  Student Records

                                    507  Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      1/9/03; 02/14/08; 1/12/12; 2/14/18; 12/14/22

Revised:         1/9/03; 7/12/23

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

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 52 credits prior to graduation. The following credits will be required:

 

English/Language Arts         8 credits

Science                                   6 credits

Mathematics                           6 credits

Social Studies                         7 credits

Physical Education                4 credits

Electives                                 17 credits

Health/Fine Arts                    1 credit

Vocational                              2 credits

Computer                               1 credit

Financial Literacy                   1 credit

 

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

 

Graduation requirements for special education students 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 capital will be credited ½ credit of social studies.

 

Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive ⅛ physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 256.7, .11, .41; 279.8; 280.3, .14.

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3, .5; 12(5).

 

 

Cross Reference:        505--Student Scholastic Achievement

                                   603.3--Special Education

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 2/14/2008; 1/12/12; 12/14/22

Revised: 1/11/2001; 2/12/2009; 2/14/18; 7/14/21; 7/19/22

Early graduation is defined as graduation prior to the completion of the 16th quarter of high school attendance.

 

Wapello High School students may graduate at the conclusion of any quarter in which they have:

1. Met or surpassed minimum graduation requirements as set forth in the Board of Education policy.
2. Secured written approval of the guidance counselor, a parent, and the building administrator.
3. The building administrator shall submit the names of early graduates at intervals for Board of Education approval.

 

Academic honors and class rank shall be determined in the traditional manner from
among all students who meet or surpass graduation requirements in any given year.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3

281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12(5)

 

 

Cross Reference:       505 Student Scholastic Achievement

 

 

Approved: 8/14/1997

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 2/14/18; 12/14/22

Revised:

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 Wapello Community School District. It shall be 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: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 2/14/18; 12/14/22

Revised:

Parent and family engagement is an important component in a student's success in school.  The board encourages parents and families to become involved in their child's education to ensure the child's academic success.  In order to facilitate parent and family involvement, it is the goal of the district to conduct outreach and implement programs, activities, and procedures to further involve parents and families with the academic success of their students.  The board will:

1. Involve parents and families int eh development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan, and the process for improvement by:
   1. Distributing the policy at the annual meeting, parent/teacher conferences, and informational meetings.
   2. Copies will be mailed to parents who did not attend any of the above.
   3. New families to the district will receive the policy in the mail.
2. Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance.
3. To the extent feasible, coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with parent and family engagement strategies outlined in other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs.
4. Conduct with the involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying:  barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, parents of any racial or ethnic minority, parents with disabilities and parents with limited literacy); needs of parents and family to assist their children's learning; and strategies to support successful school and family interactions.
5. Use the findings of the annual evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent and family involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parent and family involvement policies.
6. Involve parents and families in Title I activities.

The district shall involve parents in determining how to allocate reserved Title I funds in accordance with applicable laws.

The board will review this policy.  The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents and families of this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year.  The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 Reference. C. 631

Cross Reference:       903.2--Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

 

 

 

Approved: 7/9/1998

Reviewed: 1/9/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 6/13/18; 12/14/22; 3/13/24; 8/14/24

Revised: 1/9/2003

Purpose:  To establish standards for grading high school credit to home schooled students.
 

I. Families Residing within the Wapello Community School District

 

This section is for families who have resided in the Wapello Community School District when their children entered ninth grade.

 

A. Credits Toward Graduation

1. Wapello High School will consider granting credit for classes taken at home when such classes are offered through a pre-approved accredited institution. Approval rights shall rest with the high school principal or superintendent of schools. Grades earned will count toward graduation but will not qualify the student for scholarships, valedictorian, salutatorian, or other honors. Class rank will not be reported to other institutions.
2.  Home schooled students, enrolled in correspondence courses, who wish to have the credit accepted at Wapello High School, will take the test required by the institution granting credit under adequate supervision, if said supervision is required to meet the terms of the institution granting credit. Wapello High School will not provide such supervision.
3. The school will loan texts and supplementary curriculum materials to parents for any class offered at Wapello High School as long as such books are available. No purchases will be made by the school in order to supply home schooled students. Copies of district curriculum and plans of study will be placed in the Keck Memorial Library for use by parents.

B. Grade Point Averages and Rank in Class

1. Students taking pre-approved correspondence classes will receive a pass or fail and not a grade for the courses taken at home.
2. All classes taken at the same time as other fully enrolled students within the school will be counted for grades and credits the same as all other students (Dual Enrollment).

 

II. Families Originating Outside the District

 

This section is for families who move into the Wapello Community School District after their children have entered the ninth grade and who wish to home school their children.

 

A. Special Rules When Moving into the Wapello Community School District

1. Wapello Community School District will accept all credits shown in the transcript from the last accredited school district in which the student resided.
2. All classes taken at the same time as other fully enrolled students within the school will be counted for grades and credits the same as all other students. Students taking pre-approved correspondence courses will receive pass/fail credit for successful completion of the courses.
3. All other rules concerning credits, grades, graduation, honors as mentioned previously, as well as the entire body of board policy are in effect except where specifically changed in this section.

 

III. Parents of home-schooled and dual-enrolled students will be assessed book and other applicable district fees, charged to regularly enrolled students, when using district materials or services. Said fees may be pro-rated when appropriate.

 

 

Approved: 4/6/1998

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 2/14/18; 12/14/22

Revised:

Purpose:  The Wapello Community School District is committed to ensuring the integrity of the information obtained from the use of educational assessments, ensuring security of test content and upholding professional ethics.  This policy is intended to apply to all Federal, State, and District mandated assessments, including but not limited to:  Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment (DLM), English Language Proficiencies for the 21st Century (ELPA21), Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), National assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP), all District designated Early Literacy Assessments (e.g. FAST), and GOLD.

 

This policy is to identify test security practices and administration procedures that align to ESSA and Iowa Code that can ensure  assessment results are truly representative of the achievement of students in our district.  Everyone who is involved in student testing is responsible for test security.  This includes but is not limited to district administrators, school administrators, school assessment coordinators, teachers, test administrators, proctors, students, and parents.  It is also our intent to create awareness of potential negative impact that inappropriate assessment practices might produce, to outline processes to be followed, and to identify the potential consequences of violating the policy.  If test scores become questionable because of inappropriate practice in either preparing students or in administering tests, the meaning of the scores will be distorted and their value for their original purpose will be diminished or lost.

 

This policy is to be communicated annually to all staff involved in testing administration as well as a student honor code shared with students engaging in testing.

 

District Test Coordinators

Each Federal and State assessment will have a district-appointed District Test Coordinator.  Responsibility for testing-related functions can be delegated by the District Test Coordinator to one or more Building Test Coordinators.  The District Test Coordinator is responsible for developing: rules for storage and test security measures, rules for administration, rules for monitoring, rules for reporting, and the requirements for protecting student personal information (FERPA).

 

Handling Testing Materials

Each Federal and State assessment has materials handling procedures specific to the assessment.  It is the responsibility of the District Test Coordinator to develop procedures congruent to test type based on the test developer's or vendor's test administration manual.  Only personnel identified and unauthorized in District procedures will have access to the tests or testing system before, during, and after the identified testing window.  All district personnel will be expected to follow the same test handling procedures.

 

Test Preparation

As a function of educating students, staff may prepare students for assessments by providing instruction in the content areas to be assessed.  Staff may also prepare students for assessments by teaching general test-taking skills that are applicable to any test or test format.

Staff shall only conduct reviews or drills that use the supplied online practice test supplied by testing companies or vendors.  Staff shall not develop their own "practice" test items to mimic those  supplied by the testing company or vendor.

 

Security Violations

In the administration of Federal or State standardized tests, it is a violation of test security to do any of the following:

1. Provide inappropriate test preparation such as the following:
   1. Copy, screenshot, reproduce, or use in any manner any portion of any secure test, for any reason.
   2. Share an actual test instrument in any form.
   3. Use test preparation materials or strategies that do not comply with Federal, State, and/or District guidelines
2. Deviate from the test administration procedures specified in the test examiner's manual
3. Provide inappropriate assistant to students during the test administration
4. Make test answers available to students.
5. Change or fill in answers on student answer documents.
6. Provide inaccurate data on student answer documents.
7. Engage in any practice to artificially raise student scores without actually improving underlying student achievement.
8. Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist, encourage, or fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this policy.

 

Policy Violation Consequences

If a violation of this policy occurs, as determined by the superintendent following an investigation of allegations of irregularities, the superintendent shall determine whether the integrity of the testing program has been jeopardized, whether some or all of the test results are invalidated, and whether a teacher or administrator has violated the Code of Ethics of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners as found at 282-Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 25.

 

Reports of students cheating on assessments shall be submitted to the building principal for investigation and disciplinary procedures.

 

A staff member found to have committed testing irregularities shall be subject to discipline in accordance with law and board policy.  If the staff member is a licensee of the Board of Educational Examiners, the superintendent shall make a timely report to that Board.

 

If the superintendent believes that assessment results are invalid, the superintendent shall make a timely report to the Iowa Department of Education.

 

Approved:  5/8/19

Reviewed:  12/14/22

Revised:

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. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.  Education records requests should be directed to the board secretary as custodian of district records, or their designee.

 

For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student records, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored 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 authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General for law enforcement purposes, 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
• to organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it is conducted.
•  to accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions;
• to parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;
• to comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;
• consistent with an interagency agreement between the school district and juvenile justice agencies
• in connection with a health or safety emergency;
• to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from  the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurement
• to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records;
• 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.

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.  In the absence of parent’s or an eligible student’s request to destroy the records, the District must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian. Confidential information shared between the school district and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law.

 

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.     

 

 

Legal Reference:         No Child Left Behind, Title IX, Sec. 9528, P.L. 107-110 (2002).

                                    USA Patriot Act, Sec. 507, 107-56. (2001).

                                    20 U.S.C. § 1232g, 1415 (1994).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99, 300.560 - .574 (1996).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 279.9B, 280.24,.25, 622.10 (2001).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 41.20

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

 

 

Cross Reference:         102      Equal Educational Opportunity

603.3   Special Education

604.11 Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms

605.8   Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment

                                    708      Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Record

                                    712      Technology and Data Security

                                    804.6   Use of Recording Devices on School Property

                                    901      Public Examination of School District Records

 

 

 

Approved:       8/17/95

Reviewed:       1/9/03; 2/14/08; 1/12/12; 3/14/18; 2/8/23; 8/14/24

Revised:          1/9/03; 2/12/09; 9/18/13; 4/9/25

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school district.

 

Directory information shall be defined in the annual notice. It may include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99, 560 - 574 (1990).

                                    Iowa Code § 22; 622.10 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 41.20.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 720.

 

 

Cross Reference:       501.8--Student Attendance Records

                                    506--Student Records

                                    901.1--Public Examination of School District Records

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 4/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 3/15/18; 2/8/23; 8/14/24

Revised: 4/11 /2001

The Wapello Board of Directors 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative rules regarding student photographs.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 114.

 

 

Cross Reference:       506--Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 2/9/23

Revised:

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2004).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 (2004).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 22; 622.10 (2007).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), (12)

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

 

 

Cross Reference:       506--Student Records

 

 

 

Approved:  10/9/07            

Reviewed:  02/09/11; 3/08/16; 2/9/23; 8/14/24       

Revised:         

Students desiring to participate in athletic activities or enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in the school district shall 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 shall be on file at the attendance center. Each student shall 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 shall also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, produces, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, at least three doses of hepatitis B vaccine if born on or after 7/1/1994 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.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 280.13 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 33.5.

                                    641 I.A.C. 7.

 

 

Cross Reference:       402.2 Child Abuse Reporting

                                    501    Student Attendance

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/9/23

Revised: 2/16/1999

Some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.

 

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container.

 

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed by licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s heal care provider, or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256) Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication when competence has been demonstrated. By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress, or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon approval of their parents and prescribing physician regardless of competency.

 

Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse, physician, and persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nursen or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education. A medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist.  A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school.

 

A written medication administration record shall be on file including:

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

 

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented. The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required. Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law.

 

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

 

 

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

9, 2014).

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

655 IAC §6.2(152).

281 IAC § 14.1, .2.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       506     Student Records

507     Student Health and Well-Being

603.3  Special Education

607.2  Student Health Services

 

 

Approved:      1/14/96

Reviewed:       1/11/01; 2/14/08; 1/12/12; 4/11/18; 2/8/23

Revised:                    4/6/98; 2/12/09; 7/19/22; 7/12/23

Students with the 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" shall 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 shall be included in the student's blood-borne pathogens exposure control plan. The procedures shall 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 shall be reviewed annually by the superintendent and school nurse.

 

The health risk to immunodepressed students shall be 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 shall be 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 at school and who has a communicable disease which creates a substantial risk of harm to the other students, employees, or others at school shall report the condition to the superintendent anytime the student is aware that the disease actively creates such risk.

 

It shall be 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.

 

 

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

                                    29 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq. (1988).

                                    45 C.F.R. Pt. 84.3 (1990).

                                    Iowa Code ch. 139 (1993).

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

 

 

Cross Reference:       403.1  Employee Physical Examinations

                                   403.3  Communicable Diseases - Employees

                                    506    Student Records

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised: 12/10/1998

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 613.17 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        403.3  Communicable Diseases - Employees

                                    403.1  Employee Physical Examinations

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

                                               

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised:

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

 

Each attendance center shall develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. The emergency plan shall include:

• Assignment of employees to specific tasks and responsibilities;
• Instructions relating to the use of alarm systems and signals. If combination visual and auditory warning devices do not exist, the plan shall include specific provisions for warning individuals with hearing impairments;
• Information concerning methods of fire containment;
• Systems for notification of appropriate persons and agencies;
• Information concerning the location and use of firefighting equipment;
• Specification of evacuation routes and procedures;
• Posting of plans and procedures at suitable locations throughout the facility;
• Evacuation drills which include the actual evacuation of individuals to safe areas;
• An evaluation for each evacuation drill.

 

Employees shall participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees shall be responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 100.31

 

 

Cross Reference:       507 Student Health and Well-Being

711.7  School Bus Safety Instruction

804 Safety Program

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised: 11/14/1996

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

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        507  Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised:

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

 

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

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure employees remain neutral in a disagreement about custody and parental rights.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 232.67, .70, .73, .75; 235A; 279.8; 710.6 (1993).

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

 

 

Cross Reference:        506.1  Student Records Access

                                    507    Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised:

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

Springdale School District #50 of Washington City v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41

(8th Cir. 1982).

Southeast Warren Community School District v. Department of Public

Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).

                                    20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (1988).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1990).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       502    Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    506    Student Records

                                    603.3    Special Education

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised: 11/14/1996; 12/9/2020

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

 

The 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 the extent possible, to positively influence a student's understanding, beliefs and habits as they relate to good nutrition and regular physical activity.

 

The school district supports and promotes proper dietary habits contributing to students' health status and academic performance. Foods should be served with consideration toward nutritional integrity, variety, appeal, taste, safety and packaging to ensure high-quality 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; promote the availability of meals to all students; and/or use nontraditional methods for serving meals, such as "grab-and-go" or classroom breakfast.

 

The school district developed a wellness policy committee comprised of representatives from health, nutrition services, teaching staff, and administration. This committee will meet throughout each school year to evaluate the effectiveness of the wellness policy and consider ways to improve overall health of our students and staff.

 

Specific Wellness Goals

• Nutrition Education and Promotion – Appendix A.
• physical activity – Appendix B.
• other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness – Appendix C.
• The nutrition guidelines – Appendix D.
• Evaluation of this policy – Appendix E.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42U.S.C. 1751 etseq

(2005)

                                    Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.,

                                    Iowa Code 256.7(29), 256.11(6)

                                    281 IAC 12.5(19), 12.5 (20), 58.11

 

 

Cross Reference:       504.6     Student Activity Program

                                   710        School Food Services

 

 

Approved: 6/08/2006

Reviewed: 02/14/2008; 4/11/2018; 2/8/23

Revised:1/12/12

Recognizing that students with life-threatening allergies attend our school, the Wapello Community School District will maintain a system-wide emergency plan for addressing life-threatening allergic reactions and maintain an Individual Emergency Medical Plan (IEMP) for any student(s) whose parents/guardians,, and physicians have informed the principal of the school in writing that the student(s) has a potentially life-threatening allergy.  Further, the District will utilize procedures to minimize the chance of a child experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.

 

 

Adopted:  12/10/14                             

Reviewed:  2/8/23

The Wapello Board of Directors 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.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 68B; 722.1, .2 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:       502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 5/9/2018; 3/15/23

Revised:

In keeping with good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday nights whenever possible. It shall be the responsibility of the principal to oversee the scheduling of school activities for compliance with this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:          

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 5/9/2018; 3/15/23

Revised:

There will be no mandatory attendance of school activities, rehearsals, practices, or events scheduled for Sunday without prior approval of the Wapello Board of Directors or their designee.  School facilities shall not be available until 1:00 pm on Sundays, with the exception of the Tomahawk Youth Wrestling Tournament.

 

Approved: 6/12/1997

Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 5/9/2018; 3/15/23

Revised:

The School License Guidelines, as provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation, shall be used to determine whether a student qualifies for a school license or not. (See attached regulation 509.5R1.)

 

The distance from the residence to the school shall be calculated using a mapping program or service such as maps.yahoo.com, Microsoft Streets & Trips, maps.google.com, mapquest.com, etc. The shortest (most direct) route between the resident address of the applicant and the school address shall be used.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the parent(s) and the student to know the law and guidelines.

 

 

 

Approved: 6/13/2002

Reviewed: 4/13/2006 ; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 6/13/18; 3/15/23

Revised: 4/13/2006