The school calendar shall accommodate the education program of the Wapello Community School District. The school calendar shall be for a minimum of one hundred ninety days and include, but not be limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development, in-service days and teacher conferences.  Each year the minimum school calendar may include up to 5 days or 30 hours of instruction delivered primarily over the internet.

 

The academic school year for students may not begin prior to August 23. Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date.

 

Special education students may attend school on a school calendar different from that of the regular education program consistent with their Individualized Education Program.

 

The board, in its discretion, may excuse graduating seniors from up to five days of instruction after the school district requirements for graduation have been met. The board may also excuse graduating seniors from making up days missed due to inclement weather if the student has met the school district's graduation requirements.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.

 

The board may amend the official school calendar when the board considers the change to be in the best interests of the school district's education program.  The  board shall hold a public hearing on any proposed school calendar prior to adopting the school calendar.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 20.9; 279.10, 280.3 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.2(1).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        501.3  Compulsory Attendance

                                    601.2  School Day

                                603.3  Special Education

 

 

Approved:      8/27/95

Reviewed:      6/8/00; 5/14/07; 4/12/23

Revised:         6/14/07; 7/11/18;7/12/23

The student school day for grades one through twelve shall consist of a minimum of five and one-half hours, not including the lunch period. The school day consists of the schedule of class instruction and class activities as established and sponsored by the school district. Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences may be counted as part of the student's instructional time. The minimum school day shall meet the requirements as established for the operation of accredited schools.

The board may define the number of days kindergarten will be held and the length of each school day for the students attending kindergarten. The school day shall consist of a schedule as recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.

The Wapello Community School District may also record a day of school with less than the minimum instructional hours if the total hours of instructional time for grades one through twelve in any five consecutive school days equals a minimum of twenty-seven and one-half hours, even though any one day of school is less than the minimum instructional hours because of a staff development opportunity provided for the instructional staff or parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day. If the total hours of instructional time for the first four consecutive days equal at least twenty-seven and one-half hours because parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day, the school district may record zero hours of instructional time on the fifth consecutive school day as a school day. Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the superintendent.

When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies that part of the day during which school was in session will constitute a school day.  The superintendent will create administrative regulations necessary to utilize any remote learning opportunities that are available and permitted by law during the period of closure.  The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans during periods of closure will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board annually of the length of the school day.

Legal Reference:        34 C.F.R. sec. 300

                                    23 C.F.R. pt. 35

                                    Iowa Code 256.7, 279.8,.10.

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.1(1),.(7-10)

 

 

Cross Reference:        601.1   School Calendar

 

Approved:  8/17/95

Reviewed:  6/8/00; 5/14/07; 4/12/23

Revised:  11/14/96; 8/19/20; 10/24/22

 

Curriculum development is an ongoing process in the school district and consists of both research and design.  Research is the studious inquiry and critical investigation of the various content areas for the purpose of revising and improving curriculum and instruction based on relevant information pertaining to the discipline.  This study is conducted both internally (what and how we are currently doing at the local level) and externally (what national standards, professional organization, recognized experts, current research, etc. tell us relative to the content area).  Design is the deliberate process of planning and selecting the standards and instructional strategies that will improve the learning experiences for all students.  The board delegates the curriculum development process to the Superintendent, who will make curriculum development recommendation and submit them to the board for final approval. 

 

A systematic approach to curriculum development (careful research, design, and articulation of the curriculum) serves several purposes:

• Focuses attention on the content standards of each discipline and ensure the identified learnings are rigorous, challenging, and represent the most important learning for our students.
• Increases the probability that students will acquire the desired knowledge, skills, and dispositions and that our schools will be successful in providing appropriate learning experiences.
• Facilitates communication and coordination.
• Improves classroom instruction.

 

The superintendent is responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective method of conducting research and design activities.  A curriculum framework will describe the processes and procedures that will be followed in researching, designing, and articulating each curriculum area.  This framework will at a minimum, describe the processes and procedures for the following curriculum development activities to:

• Study the latest thinking, trends research, and expert advice regarding the content/discipline;
• Study the current status of the content/discipline (what and how well students are currently learning);
• Identify content standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations for the content/discipline;
• Describe the desired learning behaviors, teaching, and learning environment related to the content/discipline;
• Identify differences in the desired and present program and develop a plan for addressing the differences;
• Communicate with internal and external publics regarding the content area;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum development decisions;
• Verify how the standards and benchmarks of the content/discipline support each of the broader student learning goals and provide a K-12 continuum that builds on the prior learning of each level.
• Ensure proposed curriculum complies with applicable laws;
• Align annual improvement goals with needs assessment information

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of necessary curriculum revisions, progress, or each content area related to curriculum development activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum development including recommendations to the board.

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. 1232h

                                   34 C.F. R. pt. 98

                                   Iowa Code 216.9; 256.7; 279.8; 280.3

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.5, .8.

 

 

Cross Reference:       101 Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                   103  Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                   602  Curriculum Development

                                   603  Instructional Curriculum

                                   604.10  On-Line Courses

                                   605  Instructional Materials

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      4/11/01; 5/14/07; 8/22/18; 5/10/23

Revised:         4/11/01; 10/24/22

Without careful and continuing attention to implementation, planned changes in curriculum and instruction rarely succeed as intended.  How change is put into practice, to a large extent, determines how well it fares.

 

Implementation refers to what actually happens in practice as compared to what was supposed to happen.  Curriculum implementation includes the provision of organized assistance to staff in order to ensure that the newly developed curriculum and the most powerful instructional strategies are actually delivered at the classroom level.  There are two components of any implementation effort that must be present to guarantee the planned changed in curriculum and instruction succeed as intended. 

• Understanding the conceptual framework of the content/discipline being implemented; and,
• Organized assistance to understand the theory, observe exemplary demonstrations, have opportunities to practice, and receive coaching and feedback focused on the most powerful instructional strategies to deliver the content at the classroom level.

 

The Superintendent is responsible for curriculum implementation and for determining the most effective way of providing organized assistance and monitoring the level of implementation.  A curriculum framework will describe the processes and procedures that will be followed to assist all staff in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement the developed curriculum in each content area.  This framework will, at a minimum, describe the processes and procedures for the following curriculum implementation activities to:

• Study and identify the best instructional practices and materials to deliver the content;
• Describe the procedures for the purchase of instructional materials and resources;
• Identify/develop exemplars that demonstrate the learning behaviors, teaching, and learning environment to deliver the content;
• Study the current status of instruction in the content area (how teachers are teaching);
• Compare the desired and present delivery system, identify differences (gap analysis_ and develop a plan for addressing the differences;
• Organize staff into collaborative study teams to support their learning and implementation efforts (address the gaps);
• Provide ongoing professional development related to instructional strategies and materials that focuses on theory, demonstration, practice, and feedback;
• Regularly monitor and assess the level of implementation;
• Communicate with internal and external publics regarding curriculum implementation;
• Involve staff, parents, students, and community members in curriculum implementation decisions;
• Ensure the curriculum framework complies with applicable laws;
• Provide professional development to staff to support effective curriculum implementation.

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of curriculum implementation activities, progress of each content area related to curriculum implementation activities, and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum implementation including recommendations to the board. 

 

 

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

                                   34 C.F.R. pt 98

                                   Iowa Code §§ 216.9, 256.7, 279.8, 74, 280.3

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.8

 

 

Cross Reference:       101—Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                   103—Long-Rage Needs Assessment

                                   505—Student Scholastic Achievement

                                   602—Curriculum Development

                                   603—Instructional Curriculum

 

Approved       8/17/95

Reviewed:      4/11/01; 5/14/07; 8/23/18; 5/10/23

Revised:         4/11/01; 11/15/22

When deemed necessary by the superintendent, and whenever a new program is proposed, the board will review the curriculum to determine its strengths and weaknesses. The board may authorize the superintendent to appoint an ad hoc advisory committee to review the curriculum.

 

The Wapello Board of Directors shall review the students' performance on standardized tests, district created assessment, courses, and other indicators of student achievement as it related to the District's Standards/Benchmarks and Critical Objectives. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide the board/parents/community with the assessment scores on an annual basis.

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. § 1232h (1994).

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (1996).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 216.9, 256.7, 279.8; 280.3-.14 (1999).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.8(1)(c)(1).

 

 

Cross Reference:        101  Mission and Educational Philosophy of the School District

                                    103  Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602  Curriculum Development

                                    603  Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      4/11/01; 5/14/07; 8/23/18; 5/10/23

Revised:         4/11/01

The Wapello Board of Directors welcomes new ideas in curriculum. Proposals for pilot or experimental projects shall first be reviewed and analyzed by the superintendent. Projects recommended by the superintendent will be considered by the board. Pilot and experimental projects approved by the board, the Iowa Department of Education, or the United States Department of Education may be utilized in the education program.

 

Students, who may be or are asked to participate in a research or experimental project or program, must have their parents' written consent on file prior to participating in the project or program. A research or experimental program or project requiring parents' prior written consent is a program or project designed to explore or develop new or unproven teaching methods or techniques. These programs or projects shall be designated as research or experimental projects or programs. The educational materials of a program or project designated as a research or experimental program or project may be inspected and reviewed by the parents of the students participating or being considered for participation in the program or project. The inspection and review by the parents shall be in accordance with board policy 605.2, "Instructional Materials Inspection."

 

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

 

 

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

                                    34 C.F.R. Pt. 98 (1990).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .10; 280.3-.14 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5.

 

 

Cross Reference:        102  Equal Educational Opportunity

                                    505  Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602  Curriculum Development

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 6/8/00; 5/14/07; 8/23/18; 5/10/23

Revised:

The basic instruction program shall include the courses required for each grade level by the State Department of Education. The instructional approach will be nonsexist and multicultural.

 

 

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in kindergarten shall be designed to develop healthy emotional and social habits, language arts and communication skills, the capacity to complete individual tasks, character education and the ability to protect and increase physical wellbeing with attention given to experiences relating to the development of life skills and human growth and development.

 

 

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades one through five shall include English-language arts, social studies including instruction related to civics, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, physical education, traffic safety, music, character education, visual art, and computer science.  Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

 

 

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades six, seven and eight shall include English-language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, human growth and development, family and consumer, career, technology education, physical education, music, character education, visual art, and computer science.  Computer science will be offered during at least one grade level.

 

 

The basic instruction program of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve shall include character education, English-language arts (6 units), social studies (5 units), mathematics (6 units), science (5 units), health (1 unit), physical education (1 unit), fine arts (3 units), foreign language (4 units), financial literacy (1.2 unit), vocational education (12 units), and computer science (1/2 unit).

 

 

The board may, in its discretion, offer additional courses in the instruction program for any grade level.

 

 

Each instruction program shall be carefully planned for optimal benefit taking into consideration the financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the board or superintendent. Each instruction program's plan should describe the program, its goals, the effective materials, the activities and the method for student evaluation.

 

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations stating the required courses and optional courses for kindergarten, grades one through five, grades six, seven and eight, and grades nine through twelve.

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:    U.S.C. 1232h

 

 

 

                                  34 C.F.R. Pt. 98

                                  Iowa Code 216.9; 256.11; 279.8; 280.3-.14

                                  281 I.A.C. 12.5.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:      102    Equal Education Opportunity

 

 

 

                                   103    Long-Range Needs Assessment

                                    505    Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    602    Curriculum Development

                                    603    Instructional Curriculum

 

 

 

Approved:     8/17/95

 

 

 

Reviewed:     7/13/00; 6/13/07

Revised:    9/19/18; 12/9/20; 7/11/24

Generally, only Driver's Education will be offered during summer school. However, the board, in its discretion, may offer summer school for one or more courses and student activities for students who need additional help and instruction or for enrichment in those areas. This decision shall be within the discretion of the board.

 

Upon receiving a request for summer school, the board shall weigh the benefit to the students and the school district as well as the school district's budget and availability of licensed employees to conduct summer school.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.9; 280.3; 282.6

 

Cross Reference:       410.2 Summer School Licensed Employees

505.2 Student Promotion--Retention--Acceleration

603  Instructional Curriculum

711.4  Summer School Transportation

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students. The board shall provide a free appropriate education program and related services to students identified in need of special education. The special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or the maximum age allowable in accordance with the law. Students requiring special education shall attend regular education classes, participate in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a regular education setting to the maximum extent possible appropriate to the needs of each individual student. The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 

Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements listed for special education students in board policy 505.5 and in their IEPs for graduation. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.

 

Children from birth through age 2 and age 3 through 5 shall be provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district shall work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This shall be done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services.

 

 

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

                                    Springdale School District #50 v. Grace, 693 F.2d 41 (8th Cir. 1982).

Southeast Warren 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; 273.1, .2, .5, .9(2)-(3); 280.8 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 41.

 

Cross Reference:        503    Student Discipline

                                    506    Student Records

                                    507.2  Administration of Medication

                                    507.8  Student Special Health Services

                                 601.1  School Calendar

                                    603    Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      12/14/00; 6/13/07; 6/14/23

Revised:         12/14/00; 9/19/18; 12/9/20

Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

 

The education program is free of discrimination and provides equal opportunity for the students.

 

The education program will foster knowledge of and respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5(8).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       102  Equal Educational Opportunity

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:         8/16/07; 6/10/13; 4/9/25

Students in grade levels one through twelve shall receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; communicable diseases, and current crucial health issues. The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve, and maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being.

 

The area stated above shall be included in health education in and the instruction shall be adapted in each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction. The written request shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent. The superintendent shall have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11: 279.8; .80; 280.3-.14

                                281 I.A.C. 12.5

 

 

Cross Reference:       502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                603     Instructional Curriculum

                                607     Instructional Services

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18

Revised:  7/12/23

Students in grades kindergarten through twelve shall be required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.

 

Students may be excused from physical education courses if the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student or the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student's religious beliefs.

 

Students in grades 9-12 may also be excused from physical education courses if:

• The student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available,
• The student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program,
• The student is participating in the Legislative Page Program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; or
• The student is enrolled in a junior reserve officer training corps.

 

Twelfth grade students may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work study, or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student's absence from school.

 

Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from the parents.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 256.11

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.5

 

 

Cross Reference:        504    Student Activities

                                   603    Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/8/00; 6/13/07; 6/14/23

Revised:         7/14/21

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program. Career education will be written into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve. This education shall include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist licensed employees in finding ways to provide career education in the education program. Special attention should be given to courses of vocational education nature. The board, in its review of the curriculum, shall review the means in which career education is combined with other instructional programs.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; 280.9 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.5(7).

 

Cross Reference:        603  Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

 

The Wapello Community School District is required to keep the practice of religion out of the school curriculum. The board recognizes the key role religion has played in the history of the world and authorizes the study of religious history and traditions as part of the curriculum. Preferential or derogatory treatment of a single religion shall not take place.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the study of religion in the schools in keeping with the following guidelines:

• the proposed activity must have a secular purpose;
• the primary objective of the activity must not be one that advances or inhibits religion; and
• the activity must not foster excessive governmental entanglement with religion.

 

 

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

                                    Lee v. Weisman. 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).

                                    Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608

F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).

                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.6 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:       502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    603  Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view. Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views, or biased positions in the classroom or through teaching methods. Teachers are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3, .6 (1993).

 

 

Cross Reference:        502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    603  Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

The district believes in the importance of education to shape the lives of all students.  Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates.  It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make informed decisions related to their future options.

 

The district will ensure that students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making.  This information includes but may not be limited to:

• A link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and
• A link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.

 

If the district employs a college and career transition counselor, this staff member will provide the information to interested students.  If the district does not employ this type of counselor, the superintendent will designate a staff member to ensure this information is provided to interested students.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 279

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       603.7  Career Education

 

 

 

Approved:  8/14/24

Reviewed:

Revised:

The district believes in the importance of education to shpae the lives of all students.  Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates.  It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make infomred decisions related to their future options.

 

The district will ensure that students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making.  This information includes but may not be limited to:

• A link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and
• A link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.

 

If the district employs a college and career transition counselor, this staff member will provide the information to interested students.  If the district does not employ this type of counselor, the superintendent will designate a staff member to ensure this information is provided to interested students.

 

 

Legal Refertence:  Iowa Code 279

 

 

Cross Reference:  603.7  Career Education

 

 

Approved:  October 9, 2024

Reviewed:

Revised:

Because of our growing interdependence with other nations in the world, global education shall be incorporated into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve so that students have the opportunity to acquire a perspective on world issues, problems, and prospects for an awareness of the relationship between an individual's self-interest and the concerns of people elsewhere in the world. Global education, in the education program, is the lifelong growth in understanding, through study and participation, of the world community and the interdependency of its people and systems--social, cultural, racial, economic, linguistic, technological, and ecological.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11

281 I.A.C. 12.5(11).

 

 

Cross Reference:       602 Curriculum Development

603 Instructional Curriculum

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

Being a citizen of the United States, of Iowa and of the school district community entitles students to special privileges and protections as well as requiring the students to assume civic, economic and social responsibilities and to participate in their country, state and school district community in a manner that entitles them to keep these rights and privileges.

 

As part of the education program, students shall have an opportunity to learn about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country, state and school district community. As part of this learning opportunity students shall be instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state and school district community.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11

281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.5(3)(b)-(5)(b).

 

 

Cross Reference:       101 Educational Philosophy of the School District

502  Student Rights and Responsibilities

503  Student Discipline

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 7/13/00; 6/13/07; 9/19/18; 6/14/23

Revised:

The Wapello Community School District recognizes that families with students of compulsory attendance age may select alternative forms of education outside the traditional school setting, including private instruction.  The applicable legal requirements for private instruction, including but not limited to those relating to reporting and evaluations for progress, shall be followed.

 

Except as otherwise exempted, in the event a child of compulsory attendance age as defined by law does not attend public school or an accredited nonpublic school, the child must receive private instruction.  Private instruction means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school.

 

Private instruction can take the form of competent private instruction and independent private instruction.  The Iowa Department of Education recognizes three options for delivery of this form of instruction:  two options for delivery of competent private instruction and one option for independent private instruction.

 

Competent private instruction means either private instruction provided on a daily basis for at least one hundred forty-eight days during a school year, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven days each school quarter, by or under supervision of a licensed practitioner which results in the student making adequate progress or private instruction provided by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

 

Independent private instruction means private instruction that meets the following criteria: 

• is not accredited
• enrolls not more than four unrelated students
• does not charge tuition, fees, or other remuneration for instruction
• provides private or religious-based instruction as its primary purpose
• provides enrolled students with instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies
• provides, upon written request from the superintendent of the school district in which the independent  private instruction is provided, or from the director of the department of education, a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the independent private instruction, and the names of the students enrolled
• is not a nonpublic school and does not provide competent private instruction as defined herein, and
• is exempt from all state statutes and administrative rules applicable to a school, a school board, or a school district, except as otherwise provided by law.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:        Iowa Code 299, 299A

                                    Iowa Code I.A.C.31

 

 

Cross Reference:        501     Student Attendance

                                    502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    504     Student Activities

                                    507.1  Student Health and Immunization Certificates

                                    604.7  Dual Enrollment

                                    604.9  Home School Assistance Program

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      7/13/00; 7/12/07; 7/12/23

Revised:         10/10/18; 7/14/21

The Wapello Board of Director's primary responsibility in the management of the school district is the operation and delivery of the regular education program. Generally, students attending the school district shall receive the regular education program offered by the district. Only in exceptional circumstances will the board approve students receiving individualized instruction at the expense of the school district.

 

Recommendations from the superintendent for individualized instruction shall state the need for the instruction, the objectives and goals sought for the instruction, the employee requirements for the instruction, the implementation procedures for the instruction and the evaluation procedures and processes that will be used to assess the value of the instruction.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for individualized instruction.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.11; 279.8, .10, .11; 280.3, .14; 299.1-.6, .11, .15, .24;

299A (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       604.1  Competent Private Instruction

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes some students require programming beyond the regular education program. The board shall identify students with special abilities and provide education programming.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a talented and gifted program which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for training of employees.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 257.42-.49 (1993).

281 I.A.C. 12.5(12), 59.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        505     Student Scholastic Achievement

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors recognizes some students require additional assistance in order to graduate from the regular education program. The board shall provide a plan to encourage and provide an opportunity for at-risk students to achieve their potential and obtain their high school diploma.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for students at-risk which provides for identifying students, for program evaluation, and for the training of employees.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 257.38-.41; 280.19, .19A (1993).

281  I.A.C. 12.5(13), 33, 61.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       505     Student Scholastic Achievement

                                    607.1   Student Guidance and Counseling Program

 

 

Approved:      8/14/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent. The board authorizes the administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest. Further, the exclusion must not interfere with other school district operations.

 

In notifying the superintendent, the parents shall abide by the following:

• The notice shall be in writing;
• The objection shall be based on religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
• The objection shall state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
• The objection shall state a proposed alternate activity or study.

 

The superintendent shall have discretion to make this determination. The factors the superintendent shall consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded, number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.

 

Students who are allowed to be excluded from a program or activity which violates their religious beliefs shall be required to do an alternate supervised activity or study.

 

 

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

Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).     

Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608

F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).

Iowa Code §§ 256.11(6); 279.8 (1993).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       603     Instructional Curriculum

                                    606.2  School Ceremonies and Observances

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

In accordance with this policy, students in grades nine through twelve may receive academic or career and technical education credits that count toward the graduation requirements set out by the board for courses successfully completed in post-secondary educational institutions.  Students and parents or guardians shall be made aware of the post-secondary instructional opportunities as part of the development of each student's individual career and academic plan as required by law.  The Superintendent or designee is responsible for developing the appropriate forms and procedures for implementing this policy and the following post-secondary educational opportunities:

 

Concurrent Enrollment

 

The board may, in its discretion, enter into a contractual agreement with a community college to provide courses for eligible students in grades nine through twelve when comparable courses are not offered by the school district.  Notice of the availability of the concurrent enrollment program shall be included in the school district's registration handbook, and the handbook shall  identify which courses, if s successfully completed, generate post-secondary credit.  Students shall not be charged tuition for concurrent enrollment courses and shall not be required to reimburse the school district for tuition if they do not successfully complete a course.  Students or their parents or guardians may be required to pay a fee consistent with the school district's established textbook policy and other materials for the concurrent enrollment course to the extent permitted by law.  Students or their parents or guardians may also be required to provide their own transportation to and from concurrent enrollment courses to the extent permitted by law.  However, transportation shall be the responsibility of the school district for any contracted course that is used to meet school district accreditation requirements.

 

Students who successfully complete a concurrent enrollment course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit in accordance with the institution's policies and high school credit that will be reflected on their high school transcript.  The

Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a concurrent enrollment course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed.

 

Post-Secondary Enrollment Option

 

Ninth and tenth grade students who have been identified by the school district as gifted and talented, and eligible eleventh and twelfth grade students, may utilize the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option ("PSEO") program. To qualify, a course must be a nonsectarian, credit-bearing course that leads to a degree, and in the areas of:  mathematics, science, social sciences, humanities, career and technical education.  a course is not eligible for PSEO if a comparable course is offered by the school district.  In addition, courses at a community college with which the district  has a concurrent enrollment agreement are not eligible for PSEO.  Students shall not be charged for tuition, textbooks, materials, or fees related to a PSEO course with the exception of equipment that becomes the property of the student.

 

The school district shall reimburse the post-secondary institution for tuition and other expenses for each PSEO course up to $250.  Students who successfully complete a PSEO course, as determined by the postsecondary institution, shall receive postsecondary credit and high school credit.  The Superintendent or designee shall grant to a student who successfully completes a PSEO course a unit of high school graduation credit for every unit of high school level instruction successfully completed. 

 

Transportation to and from the postsecondary institution is the responsibility of the student or parent or legal guardian of the student enrolled in a PSEO course.  Eligible students may take up to seven hours of post-secondary credit during the summer months and receive high school credit upon successful completion of a post-secondary course.  however, the student or student's parent or legal guardian are responsible for all costs associated with courses taken during the summer.

 

Students who fail a PSEO course and fail to receive credit are required to reimburse the school district for all costs directly related to the course up to the $250 reimbursement maximum.  Prior to registering, students under the age of eighteen are required to have a parent or guardian sign a form indicating that the parent is responsible for the costs of the course should the student fail the course and fail to receive credit.  Reimbursement waivers may be granted by the board if sufficient verification is provided to show that the student was unable to complete the course for reasons outside the student's control including but not limited to physical incapacity, a death in the student's immediate family, or a move out of the school district.

 

 

Legal References:      Iowa Code 256.7, 11; 258; 261E; 270.61, 280.3, 280.14, 281.I,A,C. 12 and

22

 

 

Cross References:      505     Student Scholastic Achievement

                                   604.3  Program for Talented and Gifted Students

 

 

Approved:      /17/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 7/12/23

Revised:         10/10/18; 12/9/2020; 5/10/23

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student receiving competent private instruction may also enroll the student in the school district. The student shall be considered under dual enrollment.

 

The parent, guardian, or custodian requesting dual enrollment for the student should notify the board secretary prior to the third Friday of September each year on forms provided by the school district. On the form, they shall indicate the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student is interested in participating. The forms are available at the central administration office.

 

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

 

A dual enrollment student whose parent, guardian, or custodian has chosen standardized testing as the form of the student's annual assessment will not be responsible for the cost of the test or the administration of the test.

 

The school district shall notify the dual enrollment student of the extracurricular and academic activities in which the student wishes to participate.

 

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

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.8, 299A

                                    281 I.A.C. 31.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:        502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    503      Student Discipline

                                    504      Student Activities

                                    507      Student Health and Well-Being

                                    604.1   Competent Private Instruction

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

Foreign students must meet all district entrance requirements including age, place of residence and immunization. Foreign students must be approved by the board. The board reserves the right to limit the number of foreign students accepted. Students who are citizens of a foreign country will be considered residents if they meet one of the following requirements:

• The student resides with his/her parents(s) or legal guardian;
• The student is in the United States with appropriate documentation (Form 1-20) from the United States Department of Justice-Immigration and Naturalization Services; or
• The student is a participant in a recognized foreign exchange program; and
• The student is physically able to attend school and has provided the school district with such proof, including a current TB test.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       501     Student Attendance

                                   507.1   Student Health and Immunization Certificates

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 8/17/00; 7/12/07; 10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors, recognizing alternatives to education outside the formal public school system, authorizes the establishment of a home school assistance program. This program will assist students receiving competent private instruction by providing licensed employees of the school district to assist the parent, guardian or legal custodian in the education of the student.

The parent, guardian or legal custodian registering for the home school assistance program will agree to comply with the requirements established by the faculty of the program.

Students registered for the home school assistance program will be counted in the basic enrollment.

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

 

Approved: August 17, 1995

Reviewed: August 17, 2000; July 12, 2007; 10/10/18

Revised:

It is important to embrace technology that can foster a creative, interactive learning environment for students and facilitate employee professional development and collaboration.  The use of online platforms to host remote interaction between students and employees and to facilitate learning is encouraged in the district.

 

While student and employee instruction and communication using virtual and online platforms provides a wide array of learning opportunities, it is imperative that employees and students recognize that the use of such platforms is a privilege.  Training related to the use of online learning platforms will be provided to employees and students.

 

The district shall carefully safeguard the right of students and employees to learn and teach in a respectful environment regardless of the method.  All instruction and communication through online learning platforms should be appropriate to the age and ability of the participants.  Students and employees should be aware that online platforms may be monitored by the district.  Verbal and written communication occurring on these platforms may be recorded and stored by the district in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Any verbal or written communication on these platforms deemed to be inappropriate will subject the student and/or employee to the same disciplinary measures that would exist if the interaction took place through traditional in-person learning.  Students and employees who have concerns about the proper use of these platforms are encouraged to speak with their teachers or building principal.  The superintendent will make administrative regulations necessary to enforce this policy.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99

                                    47 U.S.C. 254

                                    20 U.S.C. 6777

                                    Iowa Code 715C

 

Cross Reference:        104     Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment

                                    401.13 Staff Technology Use/Social Networking

                                    506.1   Student Records

                                    605.4   Technology in the Classroom

                                    605.6   Internet Appropriate Use

                                    501.6   Student Transfers In

 

Approved:  8/19/20

Reviewed: 7/12/23

Revised:

The board recognizes that online coursework may be a good alternative for students to not only meet graduation requirements, but also have the opportunity to take advanced or other courses not offered by the school district.

 

High school students may earn credits to be applied toward graduation requirements by completing online courses offered through the district or through agencies approved by the board and Iowa Department of Education.  Credit from an online course may be earned only in the following circumstances:

• The course is not offered at the high school;
• Although the course is offered at the high school, the student will not be able to take it due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict that would keep the student from meeting graduation requirement;
• The course will serve as a supplement to extend homebound instruction;
• The student has been given a long-term suspension from the regular school setting, but educational services are to be continued; or,
• The principal, with agreement from the student's teachers and parents, determines the student requires a differentiated or accelerated learning environment.

 

Students applying for permission to take an online course shall complete prerequisites and provide teacher/counselor recommendations to confirm the student possesses the maturity level needed to function effectively in the online learning environment.  In addition, the express approval of the principal shall be obtained before a student enrolls in an online course.  The school must receive an official record of the student's final percentage scores and suggested grade before credit toward graduation will be recognized.

 

Provided online courses are part of the student's regular school day coursework and within budgetary parameters, the tuition costs for online courses shall be borne by the school district during the fall and spring semesters but may be passed on to the parent/guardian during the summer semester.  Any additional costs, such as textbook rentals or school supplies, shall be borne by the parents for students enrolled full time.

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code 256.9(56); 279.8

                                   281 I.A.,C. 15

 

Cross Reference:       605.6  Internet Appropriate Use

                                   501.6  Student Transfers In

 

 

Adopted: 06/1307

Reviewed:  10/10/18; 7/12/23

Revised:12/9/2020

The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district. The board delegates ‘this authority to licensed employees to determine which instructional materials will be utilized and purchased by the school district to licensed employees. The licensed employees will work closely together to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of textbooks in the education program.

 

The board may appoint an ad hoc committee to assist the licensed employee in selecting instructional materials. The committee may be composed of any of the following groups of stakeholders:  school district employees, parents, students, community members or representatives of community groups.

 

In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to report, to the board, the action taken by the selection committee.

 

In making its recommendations to the superintendent, the licensed employees will select materials which:

• Support the educational philosophy, goals and objectives of the school district;
• Consider the needs, age, and maturity of students;
• Are within the school district's budget;
• Foster respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and difference of opinion;
• Stimulate growth in factual knowledge and literary appreciation;
• Encourage students to become decision-makers, to exercise freedom of thought and to make independent judgment through the examination and evaluation of relevant information, evidence and differing viewpoints;
• Portray the variety of careers, roles, and lifestyles open to all people; and,
• Increase an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each member of a multicultural society.

 

In the case of textbooks, the board will make the final decision after a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of instructional materials will also apply to the selection of textbooks. The superintendent may appoint licensed employees to assist in the selection of textbooks.

 

Gifts of instructional materials must meet these criteria stated above for the selection of instructional materials. The gift must be received in compliance with board policy 704.4, "Gifts - Grants - Bequests."

 

The Superintendent will establish additional criteria to guide the selection of instructional materials through administrative regulation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and compliance with laws.

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74; 280.14; 301

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3(12)

 

 

Cross Reference:       208     Ad Hoc Committees

                                   505     Student Scholastic Achievement

                                   602     Curriculum

                                   605     Instructional Materials

 

 

Approved: 8/17/95

Reviewed: 8/17/00; 7/12/07; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised: 11/08/07; 10/24/22

Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional and library materials used by the students. All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally funded programs must be available for inspection by parents.

 

The instructional and library materials may be viewed on school district premises.

 

The district will publish on the district’s website a comprehensive list of all books available to students in libraries operated by the school district.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Goals 2000:  Educate America Act, Pub. L. No. 103-227, 108 Stat. 125

(1994).

                                   Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74; 280.3; 14; 301

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3(12)

 

 

Cross Reference:       602     Curriculum Development

                                   605     Instructional Materials

                                   901.1  Public Examination of School District Records

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed       9/21/00; 7/12/07; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised:         11/08/07; 10/24/22; 7/12/23

Members of the school district community may object to the instructional materials utilized in the Wapello Community School District and ask for their use to be reconsidered.

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials.  Information related to the process for reconsideration of instructional and library materials will be made available on the district’s website.

 

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district have the ability to request that their student not be able to access certain materials or check out certain library materials.  For purposes of prohibiting access to instructional materials, Iowa law has defined instructional materials to mean either printed or electronic textbooks and related core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary school and secondary school instruction and are required by a state educational agency or district for use by students in the student’s classes by the teacher of record.  Instructional materials do not include lesson plans.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 279.74, .77; 280.3; 14; 301

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

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       213     Public Participation in Board Meetings

                                    402.5  Public Complaints about Employees

                                    602     Curriculum Development

                                    605     Instructional Materials

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      11/13/03; 7/12/07; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised:         11/13/03; 11/08/07; 10/24/22; 7/12/23

The board supports the use of innovative methods and the use of technology in the delivery of the education program. The board encourages employees to investigate economical ways to utilize multi­media, computers, electronic devices, and other technologies as a part of the curriculum.

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop a plan for the use of technology in the curriculum and to evaluate it annually. The superintendent will report the results of the evaluation and make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the use of technology in the curriculum.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3(12), 12.5)10), .5(17)

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       602     Curriculum Development

                                   605     Instructional Materials

 

 

 

Approved: 8/17/1995

Reviewed: 9/21/2000; 7/12/2007; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised: 11/08/2007; 11/24/22

The school district will maintain a school library in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day.

 

Materials for the centers will be acquired consistent with all applicable laws and board policy, "Instructional Materials Selection."  The district shall provide access to all parents and guardians of students enrolled in the district an online catalog of all books available to students in the school libraries.  This access will be displayed on the school district’s website. Any challenges to library materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and library materials as established in board policy.

 

It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school library is located to oversee the use of materials in the library.

 

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, for the weeding of library and instructional material.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 25637(24); 279.8; 281.14; 301

                                   281 I.A.C. 12.3(11), (12).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       602     Curriculum Development

                                   605     Instructional Materials

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/16/01; 7/12/07;; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised:          8/16/01; 11/08/07; 10/24/22; 7/12/23

The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future work force.  For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable.  Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students.  Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.

 

Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers.  Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students.  Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school.

 

The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees.  It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information.  Because information appears, disappears, and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.  The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.  Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network.  Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value.  Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records.  Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors.  The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors.

 

The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms.  Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response.  Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet.  The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:

• The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set for in this policy and regulation;
• Student safety with regard to:
  
  • Safety on the Internet;
  • Appropriate behavior while online, on social networking, web sites, and
  • In chat rooms; and
  • Cyberbullying awareness and response.
• Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act

 

Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet.  Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet.  Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.

 

In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       47 C.F.R. 54.520

Iowa Code § 279.8

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       104     Anti-Bullying/Harassment

502     Student Rights and Responsibilities

506     Student Records

605.5   School Library

 

 

 

Approved:      9/23/99  

Reviewed:      11/7/01; 7/12/07; 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised:         11/7/01; 7/9/08; 1/10/24

In order for students to experience a diverse curriculum, the board encourages employees to supplement their regular curricular materials with other resources. In so doing, the board recognizes that federal law makes it illegal to duplicate copyrighted materials without authorization of the holder of the copyright, except for certain exempt purposes. Severe penalties may be imposed for plagiarism, unauthorized copying or using of media, including, but not limited to, print, electronic and web-based materials, unless the copying or using conforms to the "fair use" doctrine. Under the "fair use" doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research providing that all fair use guidelines are met.

 

While the school district encourages employees to enrich the learning programs by making proper use of supplementary materials, it is the responsibility of employees to abide by the school district's copying procedures and obey the requirements of the law. In no circumstances shall it be necessary for school district staff to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties properly. The school district will not be responsible for any violations of the copyright law by employees or students. Violation of the copyright law by employees may result in discipline up to, and including, termination. Violation of the copyright law by students may result in discipline, up to and including, suspension or expulsion.

 

Parents or others who wish to record, by any means, school programs or other activities need to realize that even though the school district received permission to perform a copyrighted work does not mean outsiders can copy it and re-play it. Those who wish to do so should contact the employee in charge of the activity to determine what the process is to ensure the copyright law is followed. The school district is not responsible for outsiders violating the copyright law or this policy.

 

Any employee or student who is uncertain as to whether reproducing or using copyrighted material complies with the school district's procedures or is permissible under the law should contact the teacher-librarian who will also assist employees and students in obtaining proper authorization to copy or use protected material when such authorization is required.

 

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

 

 

 

Legal References:      17 U.S. Code Sec. 101 et al.

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

 

Cross References:      605.6  Internet Appropriate Use

 

 

 

Approved: 11/08/2007

Reviewed: 11/14/18; 8/9/23

Revised:

 

The principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district. The school district will provide transportation for field trips and excursions.

 

In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal shall consider the financial condition of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent. Written parental permission will be required prior to the student's participation in field trips and excursions. The superintendent's approval will be required for field trips and excursions outside the state. Board approval will be required for field trips and excursions which involve unusual length or expense.

 

Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the principal well in advance. A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee. The school district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed. Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of the event.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       390 C.F.R. § 390.3(f) (1993).

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 43.9.

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       503.1  Student Conduct

                                    503.4  Good Conduct Rule

                                    711      Transportation

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      10/12/00; 8/16/07; 2/12/18; 9/13/23 

Revised:

It is the goal of the district to create learning environments that encourage the growth and development of each student. Providing classrooms with an appropriate student-teacher ratio is central to achieving this goal. Insufficient classroom space exists when conditions in the district adversely affect the implementation of the district's goals and its educational program.

 

Insufficient classroom space shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the board may consider several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size, board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the board.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 282.13(13).

281 I.A.C. 17.6(3).

 

 

 

Cross Reference:       103     Long-Range Needs Assessment

501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers--Procedures as a Receiving District

606.1  Class Size--Class Grouping

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      10/12/00; 8/16/07; 12/12/18; 9/13/23

Revised:

The Wapello Board of Directors shall provide a student guidance and counseling program. The school counselor shall be certified with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and hold the qualifications required by the board. The guidance and counseling program will serve grades kindergarten through twelve. The program will assist students with their personal, educational, and career development. The program shall be coordinated with the education program and involve licensed employees.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code §§ 256.9A; 622.10 (1993).

                                    281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.5(21).

 

 

Cross Reference:         506  Student Records

 

 

 

Approved:      8/17/95

Reviewed:      8/16/01; 8/16/07; 1/10/19; 10/11/23

Revised:         8/16, 2001; 2/8/23

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

 

Except in emergent care situations or child abuse assessments, the district will not administer invasive physical examinations or health screenings of a student that are not required by state or federal law without first obtaining the written consent of the student’s parent or guardian.

 

• Emergent care situation means a sudden or unforeseen occurrence of onset of a medical or behavioral condition that could result in serious injury or harm to a student or others in the event immediate medical attention is not provided.  Emergent care situation includes the need to screen a student or others for symptoms or exposures during an outbreak or public health event of concern as designated by the department of public health.

• Invasive physical examination means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, dental, or scoliosis screening.

• Student health screening means an intentionally planned, periodic process to identify if students may be at risk for a health concern and to determine if a referral for an in-depth assessment is needed to consider appropriate health services.  Student health screening does not include an episodic, individual screening done in accordance with professional licensed practice.

 

The superintendent, in conjunction with the school nurse, will develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:    42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.

34 C.F.R. pt 99., 104, 200, 300

29 U.S.C. § 794(a)

28 C.F.R. 35

20 U.S.C. 1232g § 1400 6301 et seq.

Iowa Code §§ 22.7, 139A.3. .8, .21; 143.1, 152, 256.7(24), .11, 280.23.

281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), (7), (11); 12.4(12); 12.8  

282 I.A.C. 15.3(14); 22.

641 I.A.C. 7.  

655 I.A.C. 6

 

 

 

Cross Reference:    501.4    Entrance--Admissions

507         Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

 

Approved:    8/16/01

Reviewed:       1/9/03; 8/16/07; 1/10/19; 10/11/23

Revised:          1/9/03; 7/19/22; 7/12/23; 7/11/24