503 Conduct

See policies below.

503.1 Student Conduct

 

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

 

Policy Title:  Student Conduct                                                                                                                                                          Code No.   503.1

 

The Board 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 communicate more effectively with students.

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the School District; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  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 destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

A student who commits an assault against an employee or another student on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the School District; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities will be suspended by the principal.  Notice of the suspension is sent to the Board president.  The Board may review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:

  • An act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
  • Any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
  • Intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner nay dangerous weapon toward another.

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

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

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.

Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility.  An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.  An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities.  An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten 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 a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will 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.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement will take place.  The Individual Education Program (IEP) is evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension.

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

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

 

Approved:    December 10, 2002

Reviewed:    June 11, 2019

Revised:      March 9, 2021

Legal Reference:   Boss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975); Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987); Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970); Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972); Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. 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; 504 Student Activities; 603.3 Special Education; 903.5 Distribution of Materials

503.1R1

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Administrative Regulation:  Student Suspension                                                                                                                                                                          Code No.  503.1R1

 

Administration Action

  1. 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.
  1. In-School Suspension
  1. In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision.  In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which are serious but 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 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 ten school days.  Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student’s parents.
  1. Out-of-School Suspension
  1. Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration.  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 up to ten school 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:
  1. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student and,
  2. The opportunity to respond to those charges.

At the principal’s discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or present witnesses on behalf of the student.

  1. 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 is made to personally notify the student’s parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.
  1. Suspensions and Special Education Students
  1. Students who have been identified as special education student 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.

 

Approved:  March 25, 2003

Reviewed:  June 11, 2019

Revised:

 

503.2 Expulsion

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Expulsion                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Code No.  503.2

 

 

Only the Board may remove a student from the school environment for longer than 10 consecutive days.  The removal of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.

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

It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to recommend to the Board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the Board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board’s records.

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

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

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

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

 

Approved:    March 25, 2003

Reviewed:    June 11, 2019

Revised:      June 11, 2019

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 §§ 1.5; 282.3, .4, .5; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:   502 Student Rights and Responsibilities; 503 Student Discipline

503.3 Fines - Fees - Charges

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Fines – Fees – Charges                                                                                                                                                                                Code No.  503.3

Students may be charged fees for book rental, for other instructional material charges, and other lawful purposes.  Students may also be charged fines for damages and lost materials.  In addition, students may be charged for special activities, for admission to school activities, meal tickets, for summer school courses, for driver’s education courses, and for other items approved by the Board in accordance with the law.  The Board shall approve general student fees.  The building principal may approve fees and charges for expendable materials and special activities.

Parents/guardians 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 and eligibility of the parent/guardian.  When an application for a fee waiver or reduction is granted, the fees waived, or reduced are not collectable.  The parent/guardian is responsible to pay any portion that is not waived or reduced.  The following is not eligible to be waived, fines for overdue, lost or damaged materials, summer school tuition, activity tickets, special activities charges, or fees for expendable materials for individual use if the District provides an alternative material in a course.  The Superintendent or designee shall establish a procedure for student unable to pay fees.

 

Approved:    March 25, 2003

Reviewed:    June 11, 2019

Revised:      June 11, 2019

Legal Reference:   Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1; 281 I.A.C. 18.2.

Cross Reference:   501.16 Homeless Children & Youth; 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities; 503 Student Discipline

503.3E1 Standard Fee Waiver Application

See pdf

Uploaded Files: 

503.4 Good Conduct Rule

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Good Conduct Rules                                                                                                                                                                                                           Code No.  503.4

 

 

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  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 will keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

It is 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.

 

Approved:      July, 1989

Reviewed:      June 11, 2019

Revised:         March 25, 2003

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; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 36.15(1).

Cross Reference:   502 Student Rights and Responsibilities; 503 Student Discipline; 504 Student Activities

503.5 Corporal Punishment

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title:  Physical Restraint/Corporal Punishment                                                                                                                                                                     Code No.  503.5

 

 

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

  • Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:
    • To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.
    • To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a pupil’s control.
    • For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.3.
    • For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.
    • To remove a disruptive pupil from class or any area of school premises, or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.
    • To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.
    • To protect the safety of others.
  • Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement.  Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, 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 physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

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

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

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

Approved:      July, 1989

Reviewed:      June 11, 2019

Revised:         March 10, 2021

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); Lai v. Erickson, PTPC Admin. Doc. 83-12 (1983); 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 of Students

STUDENT PERSONNEL 

SERIES 500

Policy Title: Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students                                                                                                                                      CODE: 503.6

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation.

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact. 

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction. 

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

  • To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or

  • To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or

  • When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and

  • When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and

  • When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic. 

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law. 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21281 I.A.C. 103

Cross Reference402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees, 502 Student Rights and Responsibilities, 503 Student Discipline, 503.5 Corporal Punishment

Approved:  March 10, 2021

Reviewed                     

Revised         

503.6E1 Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion Documentation Form

Code No. 503.6E1 

USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND/OR SECLUSION DOCUMENTATION FORM    

Student name:

Date of occurrence:

Start time of occurrence:

End time of occurrence:

Start time of use of physical restraint or seclusion:

End time of use of physical restraint or seclusion:

Employee names and titles who observed, were involved with or implemented physical restraint and/or seclusion during occurrence (including administrators who approved extended time if applicable):

Employee’s date of last training on use of physical restraint and seclusion:

   
   
   
   
   

Describe student actions before, during and after occurrence:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Describe employee actions before, during and after occurrence, including the reason for any of the following, if applicable:  use of non-approved restraint, use of non-designated seclusion rooms, any restraint or seclusion that lasted longer than necessary:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Describe any less restrictive means attempted as an alternative to physical restraint and seclusion or why those means would not be effective or feasible, or have failed:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Approval from administrator to continue physical restraint or seclusion past 15 minutes:

Approval obtained from administrator to continue physical restraint or seclusion more than 30 minutes past last approval time:

Administrator approving: 

Administrator approving:

Time approved:

Time approved:

Reasons for length of incident:

Reasons for length of incident:

If Administrator approval was not obtained at 15 minutes or every 30 minutes thereafter, or a student was not provided with breaks for bodily needs in incidents lasting longer than 15 minutes, explain why:  

 

Parent/Guardian notification:  Parents/Guardians will be notified as soon as practicable once the occurrence is under control, but no more than one hour after, or the end of the school day, whichever occurs first. Space below for documenting multiple attempts to notify guardians is listed in case the guardian cannot be reached in the first attempt.  

Employee attempting notification:

Parent/Guardian contacted:

Time and manner of attempted notification:

Was notification successful?

Employee attempting notification:

Parent/Guardian contacted:

Time and manner of attempted notification:

Was notification successful?

Employee attempting notification:

Parent/Guardian contacted:

Time and manner of attempted notification:

Was notification successful?

If Parent/Guardian notification requirements were not complied with, explain why:

 

Describe injuries sustained or property damaged by students or employees:

 
 
 
 
 

Describe future approaches to address student behavior including any consequences or disciplinary actions that may be imposed on the student:

 
 
 
 
 

This form has been reviewed and completed by the undersigned employee.  A written copy of this form has been sent to the student’s parent or guardian within three school days of the occurrence.  Unless the parent or guardian agrees to receive the report by email, fax, or hand delivery, the report must be sent by mail and postmarked by the third day following the occurrence.  Enclosed with a copy of this form is an invitation for the parents or guardians to participate in the debriefing meeting scheduled in accordance with the law.  

____________________________________        ______________________________

Employee                                                                 Date of form delivered to Parent/Guardian

                                                                                 _______________________________

                                                                                 Method of Transmittal

 

503.6E2 Debriefing Letter to Guardian of Student Involved in an Occurrence where Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion was used

[This letter and the enclosed report may be transmitted electronically via email or fax, picked up in person, or mailed.  If the district and the guardian do not agree on how to transmit this letter, it must be mailed via postage prepaid, first class mail to the guardian within 3 school days of the occurrence.]

Dear [Guardian],

Recently, your student [name] was involved in an occurrence at school that required the physical restraint and/or seclusion of your student as defined by 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  A report related to this occurrence is enclosed with this letter. 

The law requires debriefing meetings be held for such occurrences in the following circumstances:

  • following the first instance of seclusion or physical restraint during a school year;

  • When any personal injury occurs as a part of the use of seclusion or physical restraint;

  • When a reasonable educator would determine a debriefing session is necessary;

  • When suggested by a student’s IEP team;

  • When agreed to by the guardian and school officials; and

  • After seven instances of seclusion or physical restraint of the student.

This letter is intended to inform you that a debriefing meeting will be held on [date within 5 days of transmission of letter, time, place] because of [reason from bulleted list above].  The following employees will be in attendance at this meeting:  [list names and titles of employees].  We are inviting you to attend this debriefing meeting to engage with us on topics related to this occurrence. 

If you would like to reschedule the debriefing meeting, please contact me as soon as possible via email [email address] or telephone [telephone number], and at least one school day prior to the date and time listed for this debriefing meeting.  Your student is allowed to attend this meeting with your consent, and you are welcome to bring a representative of your choosing if you wish.  If you plan to bring a representative to this meeting, please let us know at least one school day prior to the meeting so that we have an opportunity to make arrangements.

We look forward to working with you to foster the continued health, safety and educational growth of your student.

___________________________________  ___________________________

[Administrator name], title                               Date

Enclosure:  Report related to student occurrence

 

503.6E3 Debriefing Meeting Document

                                                                                                                                                                                  Code No.  503.6E3

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 2

 

DEBRIEFING MEETING DOCUMENT
 

[The following individuals must attend the debriefing meeting: employees who administered physical restraint or seclusion; an administrator or employee not involved in the occurrence; the administrator or employee who approved continuation of the physical restraint or seclusion; other relevant personnel designated by the school; if indicated by student’s behavior in occurrence, an expert in behavioral/mental health or other discipline.  The following individuals must be invited to attend the debriefing meeting:  the parent or guardian of the student, the student with guardian’s consent.]   

Student name:

Date of occurrence:

Date of debriefing meeting:

Time of debriefing meeting:

Location of debriefing meeting:

 

Names of individuals attending the debriefing meeting (must include the employees involved and at least one employee who was not involved):

Job title of employee and/or relation to student:

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Documentation reviewed during meeting (must include at least the occurrence report; and BIP, IHP, IEP and/or safety plan if applicable):

 
 
 
 
 

Identification of patterns of behavior and proportionate response, if any, in the student and employees involved:

 
 
 
 
 

Possible alternative responses, if any, to the incident/less restrictive means, if any:

 
 
 
 

 

Additional resources, if any, that could facilitate those alternative responses in the future:

 
 
 
 
 

Plans for additional follow up actions, if any:

 
 
 
 
 

This form has been reviewed and completed by the undersigned employee.  A written copy of this form has been sent to the student’s guardian within three school days of the debriefing meeting.  

 

____________________________________                         ______________________________

Employee                                                                                  Date of delivered to Parent/Guardian

 

                                                                                                 ______________________________

                                                                                                 Method of Transmittal

Regulation 503.6R1

Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusionwth Students 

The District will comply with 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103 for the use of physical restraint and seclusion with students, including, but not limited to:

  • Physical restraint and seclusion will be used only by employees who have been trained in accordance with applicable law unless a trained employee is not immediately available due to the unforeseeable nature of the occurrence.

  • As soon as practical after the situation is under control, but within one hour after either the occurrence or the end of the school day, whichever occurs first, the school will attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian using the school’s emergency contact system.

  • The seclusion or physical restraint is used only for as long as necessary based on research and evidence to allow the student to regain control of their behavior to the point that the threat or behavior necessitating the use of the seclusion or physical restraint has ended, or when a medical condition occurs that puts the student at risk of harm.  Unless otherwise provided for in the student’s written approved IEP, BIP, IHP or safety plan, if the seclusion or physical restraint continues for more than 15 minutes:

  • The student will be provided with any necessary breaks to attend to personal and bodily needs, unless doing so would endanger the child or others.

  • An employee will obtain approval from an administrator or administrator’s designee to continue seclusion or physical restraint beyond 15 minutes.  After the initial approval, an employee must obtain additional approval every 30 minutes thereafter for the continuation of the seclusion or physical restraint.

  • The student’s parent or guardian and the school may agree to more frequent notifications than is required by law.

  • Schools and district employees must document and explain in writing the reasons why it was not possible for the employees to obtain approval, notify parents, or take action within prescribed time limits.

  • Schools and district employees who begin and then end use of nonapproved restraints will document and explain in writing the reasons why they had no other option but to use this type of behavioral intervention.

  • The area of seclusion will be a designated seclusion room that complies with the seclusion room requirements in accordance with law, unless the nature of the occurrence makes the use of the designated seclusion room impossible, clearly impractical, or clearly contrary to the safety of the student, others, or both; in that event, the school must document and explain in writing the reasons why a designated seclusion room was not used.

  • An employee must continually visually monitor the student for the duration of the seclusion or physical restraint.

  • If an employee restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentive mode of communication as the student’s primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student’s hands free of physical restraint, unless doing so is not feasible in view of the threat posed.

  • Seclusion or physical restraint shall not be used:  as punishment or discipline; to force compliance or to retaliate; as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support; to prevent property damage except as provided in law; as a routine school safety measure; or as a convenience to staff.

  • The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will investigate any complaint or allegation that one or more employees violated any provisions of 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  If the District determines a violation has occurred, corrective action will be taken up to and including termination of the employees involved.  If the allegation or complaint involves a specific student the District will notify the parents or guardian of the involved student about the results of the investigation.  If any allegation or complaint is also defined as abuse in 281 Iowa Administrative Code 102.2, the procedures listed in chapter 102 will apply.

  • The District must comply with and implement Chapter 103 whether or not a parent consents to the use of physical restraint or seclusion.

503.7 Student Disclosure of Identity

STUDENT PERSONNEL

Series 500

 

Policy Title: Student Disclosure of Identity                                                                                                                                                                      Code No.  503.7

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Approved:    1/16/2024

Reviewed:    12/12/2023