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
501.3 COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
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, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the County Attorney or, for students in grades KE-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process. 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;
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.
The principal shall investigate the cause for a student's truancy. If the principal is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the superintendent. If the student is still truant, the principal shall refer the matter over to the County Attorney for students in grades 7-12.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student's compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.
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: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 7/19/22
Revised: 10/11/2017; 12/9/2020
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:
501.8 STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS
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, the custodian of school 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: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22
Revised:
501.9 STUDENT ABSENCES - EXCUSED
Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Student absences approved by the principal shall be excused absences. Excused absences shall count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to:
The district believes that tradition, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
Students whose absences are approved shall make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.
It shall be the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.
It 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. 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: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 12/08/2005; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017; 7/19/22
Revised: 7/8/2020
501.9E1—REQUEST FOR REMOTE LEARNING FORM
Date: ________________________
Student Name: ___________________________________
Attendance Center: ________________________________
Parent/Guardian: __________________________________
I, ______________________________ (parent/guardian) am requesting accommodation for my child, _____________________________________ (student name) to participate in remote learning opportunities for the duration of the declared public emergency, or until I have determined my child can safely return to traditional in-person learning at his/her designated attendance center, whichever occurs first.
I have attached to this form documentation from an Iowa Board of Medicine-licensed medical professional confirming that remote learning is medically necessary due to the vulnerable health condition of my child or of a family member residing within the same house as my child.
I understand that the district will do their utmost to accommodate my child’s learning needs, but that some learning opportunities may need to be modified in a remote environment. The provisions of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
I understand that in order for my child to continue to participate in mandatory learning, his/her remote attendance will be taken, assessments administered, an degrades will be counted toward my child’s cumulative grade average. I understand that any devices, technology, or materials given to my child to facilitate remote learning are the property of the district and must be returned at the end of the remote learning period.
I am requesting that remote learning opportunities begin on __________________ (date) and continue until __________________ (date) or the declared public emergency is dismissed, whichever occurs first.
____________________________ (parent/guardian) _____________________ (date)
Request approved by:
____________________________ (school official) _____________________ (date)
501.10 TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED/EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of hours established in the school calendar by the board. Truancy is the act of being absent without parental and/or school knowledge. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.
Unexcused absences shall include, but not be limited to, oversleeping, shopping, grooming, recreation, going to another area of the building instead of class, senior pictures, and working for hire.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether the student may make up work missed because of the 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1993).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference: 501.3 Compulsory 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: 10/11/2017
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experiences and required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the Wapello School's educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges, and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking attendance records for absences and tardies. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day-to-day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with a double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only retards their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents, and school.
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to the following:
1st INFRACTION: Detention assigned equal to the time student missed and parent notification.
2nd INFRACTION: Saturday detention assigned and parent notification.
3rd INFRACTION: In-school suspension of 1-3 days and parent notification.
4th INFRACTION: Suspension of three to five days and parent/guardian are required to meet with school administration. Student, parent/guardian may be required to appear in front of the Wapello School Board.
Reasonable excuses include personal illness, death or illness in the student's family, medical and business appointments which cannot be scheduled outside the school hours, and for other reasons which can be justified from an educational standpoint and for which approval is given by the student's parents or guardians and by the administration.
Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to the time on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.
When possible, arrangements to make up work prior to the absence should be made. Unless special arrangements have been made with the instructor, all make-up work must be completed in a length of time equal to the absence plus one day.
The administration and guidance staff shall make reasonable efforts to advise and counsel and may impose discipline upon any student having unexcused absences. Such advice, discipline and counseling includes, but is not limited to, oral or written notices to the student and his or her parents, conferences with the student and parents, written contracts, or loss of non-academic privileges such as extracurricular activities, open campus, late arrival, or early dismissal.
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
501.12 PREGNANT STUDENTS
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 may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her 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).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
604.2 Individualized 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: 9/19/1996
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
501.14 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS THE SENDING DISTRICT
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 in accordance with district practice. 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 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.
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 board’s approval of the application. The receiving district's superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.
The board will not approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for purposes of transportation.
An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs. The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms. It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
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: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 11/13/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017
Revised: 11/13/2003; 12/08/2005; 7/14/21; 7/19/22
501.15 OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT
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 within 30 days incoming kindergarten applications; good cause application; or continuation of an educational program application. 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.
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 not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, only in accordance with applicable laws.
Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the board or superintendent are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement unless the parents qualify for transportation assistance. The board will not approve transportation into the sending school district.
An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student 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: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 11/13/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 10/11/2017
Revised: 11/13/2003; 12/08/2005; 7/14/21;7/19/22
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:
To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:
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
502.3R1 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS CODE
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:
502.6 WEAPONS
The Wapello Board of Directors believes weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.
School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons, or dangerous objects, and look-a-likes. Weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes 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. The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons, other dangerous objects, or look-a-likes for educational purposes. Such display shall also be exempt from this policy. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: No Child Left Behind, Title IV, Sec. 4141 P.L. 107-110 (2002)
Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108
Stat. 125(1994).
McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106
(5th Cir. 1982)
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 724 (1993).
Cross Reference: 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
503 Student Discipline
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/9/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12
Revised: 1/9/2003; 9/21/2006; 11/8/2017; 8/10/22
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:
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
SEARCH AND SEIZURE CHECKLIST
1. What factors caused you to have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search of the student or the student's effects, locker, or automobile would turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, school rules, regulations, or policy affecting school order?
A. Eyewitness account.
1. By whom:___
2. Date/Time:__
3. Place:_____
4. What was seen:
B. Information from a reliable source.
1. From whom:______________
2. Time received:____________
3. How information was received:
4. Who received the information:
5. Describe information:
C. Suspicious behavior. Explain.
D. Time of search: ____________________
E. Location of search: _________________
F. Was the student told the purpose of search:
G. Was the consent of the student requested:
I. Was the student informed of the search either prior to or as soon as was reasonably practicable after the search was conducted?_______________________________________________________
2. Was the search you conducted reasonable in terms of scope and intrusiveness?
A. What were you searching for: _______________________________
B. Where did you search: ____________________________________
C. Gender of the student: M F
D. Age of the student:_______________________________________
E. Emergency nature of the situation:__________________________
F. What type of search was being conducted:_____________________
G. Who conducted the search: ________________________________
Position: ______________________________________ Gender: M F
H. Witness(es): ______________________________________
3. Explanation of search.
A. Describe the time and location of the search:
B. Describe exactly what was searched:
C. What did the search yield?
D. What was seized?
E. Were any materials turned over to law enforcement officials: Yes No List any materials turned over to law enforcement officials:
F. Were parents notified of the search including the reason for it and the scope: Yes No Date and Time:
Name of Person Completing This Form:
Date and Time:
I. Searches, in general.
A. Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion: A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or school policy, rules, or regulations affecting school order.
Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:
1. Eyewitness observations by employees;
2. Information received from reliable sources;
3. Suspicious behavior by the students; or,
4. The student's past history and school record although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for a reasonable suspicion.
B. Reasonable Scope: A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:
1. the age of the student:
2. the sex of the student:
3. the nature of the infraction; and
4. the exigency requiring the search without delay.
II. Types of Searches
A. Personal Searches
1. A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched if the school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated board policies, school rules, regulations, or the law affecting school order.
2. Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.
(a) Pat-Down Search: And if a pat-down search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student and with another adult witness of the same sex present, when feasible.
(b) A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc. is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors are threatened. Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student, with an adult of the same sex present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.
B. Locker & Desk Inspections
1. Inspections: Although school lockers and desks or temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the school district at all times. The school district has a reasonable and valid interest in ensuring lockers and desks are properly maintained. For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk. Periodic inspections of lockers is permissible to check for cleanliness and vandalism. Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual. Any contraband discovered during such searches shall be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.
2. Searches: The contents of a student's locker or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the locker contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or school policy or rule. Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.
C. Automobile Searches
Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items are contained inside.
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
Administration Action
A. Probation
1. Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time. Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
2. The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation. The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.
B. In-School Suspension
1. In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
2. The principal shall conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension. The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than 10 school days. Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student's parents.
C. Out-of-School Suspension
1. Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.
2. A student may be suspended out of school for 10 days by a principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy, or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school. The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:
a. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student and
b. The opportunity to respond to those charges.
3. Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed no later than the end of the school day following the suspension to the student's parents and the superintendent. A reasonable effort shall be made to personally notify the student's parents and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make contact. Written notice to the parents shall include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.
D. Suspensions and Special Education Students
1. Students who have been identified as special education students may be referred for a review of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP). The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.
2. Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.
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:
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:
WAPELLO COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
STANDARD FEE WAIVER APPLICATION
Date: _______________________________________________ School Year: _____
All information provided in connection with this application will be kept confidential. Name of student: Grade in school: ____
School:
Name of parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian:
Please check type of waiver desired:
Full Waiver ____ Partial Waiver ____ Temporary Waiver _____
Please check the student or the student's family meets the financial eligibility criteria or is involved in one of the following programs:
Full Waiver
Free meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program The Family Investment Program (FIP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Transportation assistant under open enrollment
Foster care
Partial Waiver
___ Reduced priced meals offered under the Children Nutrition Program Temporary Waiver
If none of the above apply, but you wish to apply for a temporary waiver of school fees because of serious financial problems, please state the reason for the request:
Signature of parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian
Note: Your signature is required for the release of information regarding the student or the student's family financial eligibility for the programs checked above.
The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes that while certain fees charged students are appropriate and authorized, certain students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees. The school district may grant either full waivers or partial waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parents' ability to meet the financial criteria.
A. Waivers
1. Full Waivers - a student will be granted a full waiver of mandatory fees charged by the school district if the student or student' parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for free meals under the Child Nutrition Program, Family Investment Program, Supplemental Security Income Guidelines, or were eligible for transportation assistance under open enrollment. Students in foster care are also eligible for full waivers.
2. Partial Waivers - the student will be granted a partial waiver of mandatory fees charged by the school district if the student or the student's parents meet the financial eligibility criteria for reduced priced meals offered under the Child Nutrition Programs. The reduction percentage will be 50%.
B. Application - Parents or students eligible for a fee waiver shall make an application on the form provided by the school district. Applications may be made at any time but must be renewed annually.
C. Confidentiality - the school district will treat the application and application process as any other student record and student confidentiality and access provisions will be followed.
D. Appeals - Denials of a waiver may be appealed to the:
a. Superintendent
b. School Board
c. The Department Of Education
E. Fines or charges assessed for damage or loss to school property are not fees and will not be waived.
F. Notice - the school district will annually notify parents and students of the waiver. The following information will be included in the registration materials and printed in the district handbooks, newspaper, and newsletter:
Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their mandatory fees waived or partially waived.
Parents or students who believe they may qualify for this waiver should contact the building Secretary for waiver form. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.
Participation in school activities is a privilege. Wapello school activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.
Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school. Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral, or unhealthy.
Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures. The principal shall keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop rules and regulations for school activities. Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.
Legal Reference: Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
In re Jason Clark, 1 D.P.I. App. Dec. 167 (1978).
Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A (1993).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(8); 36.15(1).
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:
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:
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:
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:
Dear (Parent/Guardian),
This letter is to inform you that your student (student’s name listed on registration) has made a request of a licensed employee to (check all that apply):
_____ make an accommodation that is intended to affirm the student’s gender identity as follows:
_____ use a name, pronoun, or gender identity that is different from the name, pronoun, and/or gender identity listed on the student’s school registration forms. The name, pronoun, or gender identity requested is _______________________________
If you would like to amend the student’s registration paperwork to permit the student’s requested accommodation and/or include the use of the above-referenced name/pronoun/gender identity, please complete the attached form and return it to the district administration office.
Sincerely,
______________________________________ _______________________
Administrator Date
_____________________________________________ ______________________
Student’s current name on registration Student ID
Please update my student’s names, pronouns, and/or gender identities on my student’s registration paperwork to include all of the following:
Names
Pronouns
Gender Identities
________________________________________ ___________________
Parent/Guardian Date
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:
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:
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)
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:
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
281 I.A.C 12.5 (16).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
505 Student Scholastic Achievement
603.2 Summer School Instruction
Approved: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12; 2/16/18; 12/14/22
Revised: 8/8/1996
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:
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:
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:
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
Revised: 1/9/2003
To further the interests of student achievement the superintendent will create necessary rules to engage parents and family members within the district in the following ways on a building-level basis:
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
B. Grade Point Averages and Rank in Class
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
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:
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. The board secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.
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:
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: 501--Student Attendance
505--Student Scholastic Achievement
506--Student Records
507--Student Health and Well Being
603.3--Special Education
708--Care, Maintenance and Disposal of School District Records
901--Public Examination of School District Records
Approved: 8/ 17/ 1995
Reviewed: 1/9/2003; 2/14/2008; 1/12/12; 3/14/2018; 2/8/23
Revised: 1/9/2003; 2/12/2009; 9/18/2013
REQUEST OF NONPARENT FOR EXAMINATION OR COPIES OF STUDENT RECORDS
The undersigned hereby request permission to examine the Wapello Community School District's official student records of:
(Legal Name of Student) (Date of Birth)
The undersigned requests copies of the following official student records of the above student:
The undersigned certifies that they are (check one):
(A) An official of another school system in which the student intends to enroll. ( )
(B) An authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the United States. ( )
(C) An authorized representative of the Secretary of the United States Department of Education or United States Attorney General. ( )
(D) An administrative head of an education agency as defined in Section 408 of the Education Amendments of 1974. ( )
(E) An official of the Iowa Department of Education. ( )
(F) A person connected with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial aid (SPECIFY DETAILS ABOVE). ( )
The undersigned agrees that no other person will have access to any records or information obtained through this request without the written permission of the parents of the student, or the student if the student is of majority age.
(Signature) (Title)
Date: _____________ Address:________________________
City: _________________________ State: _____ Zip: _____
Phone Number: ______________________________
APPROVED:
Signature Title
Dated
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS
The undersigned hereby authorizes Wapello Community School District to release copies of the following official student records:
concerning
(Full Legal Name of Student) (Date of Birth)
from 20___ to 20____.
(Name of Last School Attended)
The reason for this request is: __
My relationship to the child is:
Copies of the records to be released are to be furnished to:
( ) the undersigned
( ) the student
( ) other (please specify)
(Signature) (Date)
Address: _____________________________________________
City:___________________________ State: ____ Zip:_____
Phone Number:
REQUEST FOR HEARING ON CORRECTION OF STUDENT RECORDS
To:
Board Secretary (Custodian)
Address:____________________________________________________________
I believe certain official student records of my child,____________________________________
are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of my child.
The official education records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of my child are:
The reason I believe such records are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of my child is:
My relationship to the child is: _________________________________________________________ .
I understand that I will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing; that I will be notified in writing of the decision; and I have the right to appeal the decision by so notifying the hearing officer in writing within 10 days after my receipt of the decision.
Date:
Signature
Address: _______________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _____ Zip:
Phone Number:
PARENTAL REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION OF STUDENT RECORDS
To: ________________________
Board Secretary (Custodian)
Address:
The undersigned desires to examine the following official education records.
of_________________________________ ,______________________ ,
Full Legal Name of Student Date of Birth Grade
Name of School: __________________________________________________
My relationship to the student is: _____________________________________
(Check One)
_____ I do
_____ I do not
desire a copy of such records. I understand that a reasonable charge will be made for the copies.
Parent's Signature Date
Address: ________________________________________________
City: ___________________________________ State: _____ ZIP:
Phone Number:
APPROVED:
Signature: _____________________________________
Title: ____________________________________ Date:
Address:
Telephone Number:
NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS
To:_______________________________________ Date: __________________
Parent or Guardian
Street Address: ________________________________________________
City/State: ______________________________ ZIP: ________________
Please be notified that copies of the Wapello Community School District's official
student records concerning_____________________________________________________
Full Legal Name of Student
have been transferred to:
School District Name
Address
upon the written statement that the student intends to enroll in said school system.
_____ Please check here if you desire a copy of such records furnished and return this form to the undersigned. A reasonable charge will be made for the copies.
If you believe such records transferred are in accurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights the student, you have the right to a hearing to challenge the contents of such records.
Superintendent of Schools
Date:__________________________
Dear :
This letter is to notify you that the Wapello Community School District has received a (subpoena or court order) requesting copies of your child's permanent records. The specific records requested are___________________________ .
The school district has until (date on subpoena or court order) to deliver the documents to (requesting party on subpoena or court order). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (phone number).
Sincerely,
Principal or Superintendent
Statement of Purpose:
The purpose of this agreement is to allow for the sharing of information among the school district and the agencies prior to a student's education in order to promote and collaborate to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.
Identification of Agencies:
This agreement is between the Wapello Community School District and (agencies listed).
Statutory Authority:
This agreement implements Iowa code 280.25 and is consistent with 34 C.F.R. 99.38 (1999).
Parameters of Information Exchange:
Records Transmission:
The individual requesting the information should contact the principal of the building in which the student is currently enrolled or was enrolled. The principal will forward the records within 10 business days of the request.
Confidentiality:
Confidential information shared between the agencies and the school district will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law. Information shared by the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent. Agencies or individuals violating the terms of this agreement subject to their entity represented and themselves personally to legal action pursuant to federal and state law.
Amendments:
This agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the agencies with respect to information sharing. Agencies may be added to this agreement at the discretion of the school district.
Term:
This agreement is effective from 9/1/2001.
Termination:
The school district may discontinue information sharing with any agency if the school district determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of this agreement.
APPROVED:
Signature:_____________________________ Address:_________
Title: ________________________________ City: ____________
Agency: ______________________________ State: _______ ZIP:
Dated:
Phone Number:
Signature:_____________________________ Address:_________
Title: ________________________________ City: ____________
Agency: ______________________________ State: _______ ZIP:
Dated:
Phone Number:
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:
Family Policy Compliance Office US Department Of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Approved: 2/12/1998
Reviewed: 1/9/2003; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12
Revised: 1/9/2003
Student records are all official records, files, and data directly related to students, including all material incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system specifically including, but not necessarily limited to: date of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized test scores); attendance data; scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests; interest inventory results; health data; family background information; teacher or counselor ratings and observation; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.
The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from parents for access to their child's records, use of the data, and procedures for its transmittal within forty-five days.
A. Access to Records
a. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to these records upon written request to the board secretary.
The parent or legal guardian will, upon written request to the board secretary, have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of the records, have the right to question the data, and, if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in the cumulative folder stating the dissenting person's position. If further challenges are made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by school policy will be followed.
A student, 18 years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records. Parents of students who are 18 years or older but still dependent for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
b. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her task.
B. Release of Information Outside the School
a. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parents, legal guardian, or eligible student must be notified of the kinds of information being released unless the school district annually notifies parents at the records will be sent automatically.
b. Student records may be released to official education and other government agencies only if the names and all identifying markings are removed to prevent the identification of individuals allowed by state or federal law.
c. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent shall be given by the parent, legal guardian, or a student of majority age. This consent form will state which records shall be released, to whom they shall be released, and the reason for the release. A copy of the specific records being released will be made available to the person signing the release form if requested.
d. Before furnishing, student records in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, the school district will make a reasonable attempt to notify, if the parents, legal guardian, or eligible student are not notified in advance.
e. Student records may be shared with juvenile justice agencies with which the school district has an interagency agreement. This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.
Hearing Procedures
Approved: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 4/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12
Revised: 4/11/2001
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
Revised: 4/11 /2001
The Wapello Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection, and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). A copy of the school district's policy is available for review in the office of the principal of all of our schools.
This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the public.
The school district has designated the following information as directory information: student's name, address, and telephone number; date and place of birth; e-mail address; grade level; enrollment status; major field of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; degrees and awards received; and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student, photograph and other likeness, and other similar information. You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the school district in writing not later than the first day of school of this school year. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice.
If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.
RETURN THIS FORM
Wapello Community School District Parental Directions to Withhold Student/Directory Information for Educational Purposes for 20___ - 20___ school year.
Student Name:___________________________________ Date of Birth:___________
School:_____________________________________________________________________ Grade: _____
(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child) Date
This for must be returned to your child's school no later than_________________________ , 20____.
Additional forms are available at your child's school.
The student handbook or similar publication given to each student which contains general information about the school shall contain the following statement which shall be published at least annually in a prominent place or in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district:
The following information may be released to the public in regard to any individual student of the school district as needed. Any student over the age of 18 or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by the first day of school to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.
NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE LISTING, 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 SCHOOL OR INSTITUTION ATTENDED BY THE STUDENT, AND OTHER SIMILAR INFORMATION.
Dated:
Approved: 8/17/1995
Reviewed: 4/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12
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
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:
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
507.2E1 Authorization Asthma or Airway Constricting Medicadtion Self-Administration Consent Form
Student's Name (Last), (First)(Middle) ______________________________________________
Birthday ___/___/___
School Date ___/___/___
In accordance with applicable laws, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency. The following must occur for a student to self-administer asthma medication, bronchodilator canisters or spacers, or other airway constricting disease medication or to self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector:
Provided the above requirements are fulfilled, the school shall permit the self-administration of the prescribed medication by a student while in school, at school-sponsored activities, under the supervision of school personnel, and before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. If the student abuses the self-administration policy, the ability to self-administer may be withdrawn by the school or discipline may be imposed, after notification is provided to the student's parent.
Pursuant to state law, the school district or and its employees are to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication or use of an epinephrine auto-injector by the student. The parent or guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school district is to incur no liability, except for gross negligence, as a result of self-administration of medication or an epinephrine auto-injector by the student as provided by law.
******************************************************************************************************
AUTHORIZATION ASTHMA OR OTHER AIRWAY CONSTRICTING MEDICATION
SELF-ADMINISTRATION CONSENT FORM
Medication Dosage Route Time
Purpose of Medication & Administration Instructions
Special Circumstances
/ /
Discontinue / Re-Evaluate / Follow-up Date
Prescriber's Signature Date ___/___/___
Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________
Date ___/___/___(agreed to above statement)
Parent/Guardian Address
Business Phone
Home Phone
Self-Administration Authorization Additional Information
Student's Name (Last), (First) (Middle)
Birthday ___/___/___
School Date ___/___/___
School medications and special health services are administered following these guidelines:
Prescribed Medication Dosage Route Time at School
Special Health Services and instructions, in indicated: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
/ /
Discontinue / Re-Evaluate / Follow-up Date for Prescribed Medication or Special Health Services listed
Prescriber's Signature Date ___/___/___
Add credentials (when indicated for health service delivery
Parent/Guardian Signature and Date:
********************************************************************************************
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION OR SPECIAL HEALTH SERVICES TO STUDENTS
Parent/Guardian Signature Date ___/___/___
Parent/Guardian Address
Business Phone Home Phone
Additional Information
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:
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
Some students require special education needs special health services in order to participate in educational program. The students shall receive special health services in accordance with their individualized educational program.
A. Definitions
Assignment and Delegation - occurs when licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided and the qualifications of individuals performing the health services.
Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel. Each designation considers the student's special health service. The rationale, in accordance with licensed practivcefor the designation is documented. If the designation decision of the
team differs from a licensed health professional, team members may file a dissenting opinion in the student's educational record.
Co-administration - the eligible student's participation in the planning,
management, and implementation of the student's special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.
Educational Program - includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.
Education Team - may include the eligible student, the student's parents,
administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the student's educational program, or as described in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973..
Health Assessment - health data collection, observation, analysis and interpretation relating to the eligible student's educational program.
Health Instruction - education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible student's health plan. Documentation of education in periodic update shall be on file at school.
Individual Health Plan - the confidential, written, preplanned, and ongoing special health service in the educational program. It includes assessment, nursing diagnosis, outcomes, planning, interventions, evaluation, student goals, if applicable, and a plan for emergencies. The plan is updated as needed and at least annually. Licensed health personnel develop this written plan with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual's health care provider or education team.
Licensed Health Personnel - includes licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, and other licensed health personnel legally authorized to provide special health services and medications under the auspices of the school.
Prescriber - licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health service and medication.
Qualified Designated Personnel - persons instructed, supervised, and competent in implementing the eligible student's health plan.
Special Health Services - includes, but is not limited to, services for eligible students whose health status (stable or unstable) requires:
Supervision - the assessment, delegation, evaluation, and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel. Levels of supervision include situations in which licensed health personnel are:
B. Licensed health personnel shall provide special health services under the auspices of the school. Duties of the licensed personnel include the duty to:
C. Prior to the provision of special health services the following shall be on file:
D. Licensed health personnel, in collaboration with the education team, shall determine the special health services to be provided and the qualification of the individuals performing the special health services. The documented rationale shall include the following:
E. Licensed health personnel shall supervise the special health services, define the level of supervision, and document the supervision.
F. Licensed health personnel shall instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible individual health plan. Documentation of instruction, written consent of personnel as required in Iowa Code 280.23, and periodic updates shall be on file at school.
G. Parent shall provide the usual equipment, supplies, and necessary maintenance for such, unless the school is required to provide the equipment, supplies, and maintenance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Reahbilitation Act of 1973. The equipment shall be stored in a secure area. The personnel responsible for the equipment shall be designated in the individual health plan. The individual health plan shall designate the role of the school, parents, and others in the provision, supply, storage and maintenance of necessary equipment.
Approved: 11/14/1996
Reviewed: 1/11/2001; 02/14/2008; 1/12/12
Revised 1/11/2001
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
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
The school district will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:
Physical Education
The school district will provide physical education that:
Physical Activity and Punishment
Employees are discouraged from using physical activity (e.g., running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g., physical education) as punishment. When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, school should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.
Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Settings
The Wapello Community School System recognizes that in order for students to receive the nationally recommended amount of physical activity and for students to fully embrace regular physical activity as a personal behavior, ALL students need opportunities for physical activity beyond the physical education class. Toward this end, Wapello Community School District will:
Communication with Parents
The Wapello Community School District will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children. The school district will:
Food Marketing in Schools
Wapello school-based marketing will be consistent with a focus on health promotion and should:
Staff Wellness
The school district values the health and well-being of every staff member. To this end:
School Meals
Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
Breakfast
To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, schools will:
Meal Times and Scheduling
The school district:
Qualification of Food Service Staff
Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the meal programs. As part of the school district’s responsibility to operate a food service program, the school district will:
Sharing of Foods
The school district discourages students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.
Beverages
Foods
A food item sold individually should have:
Portion Size
The Wapello School District will strive to limit serving sizes to these recommended standards:
Food Safety
All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines.
All foods made available on campus comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness in schools.
Wellness Committee
The Wellness Committee shall be appointed each year. Membership will include: building principal, food service representative, PE instructor from each building, health instructor, school nurse, board member, persons that would give representation of parents.
In each school:
Policy Review
To help with the initial development of the school district’s wellness policies, each school in the school district will conduct a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutrition and physical activity environments and practices. The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the school district level to identify and prioritize needs.
Assessments will be repeated every three (3) years to help review policy compliance, assess progress and determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that review, the school district will review the nutrition and physical activity policies and practices and the provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity. The school district, and individual schools within the school district will, revise the wellness policies and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.
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
Iowa Minor School License (MSL)
Many questions have been raised about the provisions of Iowa Code Section 321.194 governing Minor School Licenses (MSL). An MSL is very restrictive and its use is narrowly construed to protect the public interest. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has formulated the following general guidelines applicable to MSLs. The guidelines do not cover every detail concerning MSLs.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age to be eligible for a minor school license (MSL) is 141/2. What are the basic requirements?
Who approves the application?
Where can the student drive?
Over the most direct and accessible route between the licensee's residence and school(s) of enrollment and between schools of enrollment for the purposes of attending duly scheduled courses of instruction. The MSL may also be used to travel to and from extracurricular activities within the school district.
Can the MSL be used to drive to another school district?
Use of the MSL is limited to the school district of residence of the parent or guardian of the student. However, it may also be used to drive to a contiguous (bordering) district if the student is enrolled in the public school which is not the school district of residence because of open enrollment under Iowa Code Section 282.18, or as a result of an election by the student's district of residence to enter into one or more sharing agreements pursuant to the procedures in Chapter 282, Code of Iowa.
If a student's parents do not live together, whose residence is used for measuring the distance from the school of enrollment? For example, if a student's mother has primary custody and lives two blocks from the school but the father has visitation on some school days, may the student obtain an MSL to use when staying with the father who may live more than a mile from the school?
The statute allows driving to and from the licensee's residence. The official residence would seem to be with the parent who has primary custody. Anything beyond that would be a local decision made by the school district. Advice should be given by local law enforcement and the county attorney.
Can the MSL be used to drive to another school district for athletic sharing agreements only?
No. This is not authorized by Chapter 282, Code of Iowa. Can the MSL be used to drive to a private school?
Yes, providing the private school is accredited or uses licensed practitioners as instructors. The same guidelines apply to private schools and public schools.
May a home-schooled and dual-enrolled student get an MSL?
If the student has completed an Iowa-approved driver's education course, the student is eligible for an MSL for the limited purpose of driving to the district academic program or activity that takes place a mile or more from the student's home, unless school transportation is an option. The MSL would not be valid for driving to home school academics or activities.
May a home-schooled student get an MSL to drive to a home-schooled cooperative for music or art classes?
There is no provision in law or administrative rules to allow this.
Is there reciprocity between Iowa and any other states so that a minor who has completed driver's education in another state may get an Iowa MSL? For example, if a family moves from Nebraska and has a child who has completed a driver's education program in Nebraska, must the child go through an Iowa driver's education program to obtain an Iowa MSL?
Iowa law requires that applicants for an Iowa MSL provide proof of satisfactory completion of an Iowa-approved course in driver education. The law does not provide for specific reciprocity with other states as program curriculum varies. However, in the above example, the Iowa school district could choose to ask the Nebraska school to send transcript information about the Nebraska driver's education course. If the Nebraska course satisfies the program requirements of an approved Iowa driver's education course, then the driver's education teacher and school administrator in the Iowa resident school district could choose to issue a driver's education completion certificate. DOT could then issue an MSL. The option to issue the certificate of completion would be a decision of the local school district.
Is the MSL subject to suspension or revocation?
Yes. A conviction for a single moving traffic violation will result in a 30-day suspension. A conviction of two or more violations will result in a revocation for one-year. If the license is revoked, reinstatement procedures will also require posting of proof of financial responsibility (SR22 Insurance) for two years and payment of a $50 civil penalty in addition to a reinstatement and new license fee. A suspension or revocation of an MSL also withdraws the Instruction Permit or any other driving privilege.
Iowa's Graduated Driver Licensing Law (GDL) requires that before a driver upgrades to the Intermediate License, the immediate six-month period prior to application be free of contributive accidents, convictions for moving traffic violations and sanctions. The driving privilege must not be expired. If the MSL is suspended, revoked or expired, the six-month period will start over beginning on the reinstatement date or renewal date of the MSL. (MSL's and Instruction Permits have a sixty-day grace period for renewal.)
Can the MSL be suspended for reasons other than a conviction?
Yes. The DOT may also suspend an MSL when it receives written notice from a peace officer, parent, custodian or guardian, school superintendent, or superintendent's designee that the student has violated the restrictions of the MSL. The MSL may also be suspended under the remedial driver improvement provisions of Iowa's Graduated Driver Licensing Law and suspended due to a contributive accident.
Is the MSL valid as an instruction permit when accompanied by a parent or guardian?
Yes. The licensee, while having the MSL in his or her immediate possession, may operate a motor vehicle at any time when accompanied by a parent, a guardian, a member of the licensee's immediate family (brother, sister or other relative who resides at the licensee's residence) who is 21 years of age or by an approved driver education instructor or prospective driver education instructor. The licensee may also operate a motor vehicle if written permission is granted by the parent or guardian when accompanied by a person who is 25 years of age or more. All accompanying persons must have a license valid for the vehicle operated and must occupy a seat beside the driver.
Can a student transport passengers when driving on an MSL?
The statute that governs the MSL does not authorize or prohibit passengers. The DOT's position is that passengers are allowed only if they enter the vehicle at the licensee's home and exit the vehicle at the same destination as the driver. No stops along the way to pickup or discharge passengers.
Can a student stop for fuel?
The statute that governs the MSL does not authorize or prohibit stopping for fuel. Since obtaining fuel is incidental to driving, the DOT's position is that it is allowed providing the service station is on the most direct and accessible route.
Related websites:
Proprietary Driver Education School Application Instructions
Public School District Driver Education Program Application Instructions
©Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division Last Updated: