501 Students
501.1 Resident Students
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Resident Students Code No. 501.1
Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.
The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student. Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents. However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education. Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.
Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference: Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983); Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924); Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981); 33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984). Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4.
Cross Reference: 100 Legal Status of the School District
501.2 Nonresident Students
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Nonresident Students Code No. 501.2
Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition. The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.
Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a trimester and who wish to complete the trimester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board. Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board. These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.
Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition. These students must have an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.
Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983); Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924); Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981). Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24.
Cross Reference:
501.3 Compulsory Age Attendance Regulation
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Compulsory Age Attendance Policy Code No. 501.3
The Oskaloosa Community School District is committed to ensuring that every reasonable attempt is made to secure the attendance in school of all children residing in the district, and particularly those of compulsory attendance age. To that end, the Superintendent, in conjunction with the building principals, is directed to cooperate with the county attorney, officials of private schools in the district, and other relevant agencies, to enforce the state law of compulsory school attendance.
Children between the ages of six and sixteen, as of September 15, residing in the Oskaloosa Community school District, are required to be enrolled in and attending an Iowa accredited public or private school, or receiving competent private instruction pursuant to state law, Iowa Code #299.1A. Children of compulsory attendance age who are enrolled in the Oskaloosa Community School District shall attend school for at least 1080 hours per school year, unless excused under the terms of the district’s attendance policy, Iowa Code #299.1.
TRUANCY
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day.
Truancy shall be defined as failure to attend school without excused reason, Iowa Code #299.8. Excused absences are medically documented illness, medically documented appointments, funeral of family member, court appearances, school-sponsored activities, and other absences approved by the building principals, Iowa Code #299.1. The truancy officer may, with the approval of the Board, refer to the County Attorney’s office a student and his or her parent for violation of the compulsory attendance laws for excessive excused absences, Iowa Code #299.5A.
If a child is truant from school, district officials shall make every reasonable attempt to secure the child’s attendance and document in writing all such efforts, Iowa Code #299.5A. However, if a child of compulsory attendance age who is enrolled in the district is truant for more than (six) days per year, the truancy officer/building principal shall notify the County Attorney in writing, of the apparent violation of the compulsory attendance law by the child and the child’s parent or guardian, Iowa Code #299.11. In addition, the building principal may impose discipline on the truant child in accordance with the district’s attendance policy, Iowa Code #299.9.
Approved: May 27, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 259A; 279.10-.11; c. 299; 299A. 441 I.A.C. 41.25(8).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 601.1 School Calendar; 604.1 Competent Private Instruction
501.4 Entrance - Admissions
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Entrance - Admissions Code No. 501.4
Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five. The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program. The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.
The Board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.
Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate. Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: February 12, 2008
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .6.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates
501.5 Attendance Center Assignment
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Attendance Center Assignment Code No. 501.5
The Board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center, to assign students to the attendance centers, and to assign students to the classrooms within the attendance center.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to make a recommendation to the Board regarding the assigned attendance center for each student. In making the recommendation, the Superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the School District, the condition and location of the School District facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation difficulties, financial condition of the School District, and other factors deemed relevant by the Superintendent or the Board.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: February 12, 2008
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
501.6 Student Transfers In
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Student Transfers in Code No. 501.6
Students who transfer into the School District must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.
The School District will request the student’s cumulative records from the previous school district. If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the Superintendent or principal will make the grade level determination. The Superintendent or principal may require testing or other information to determine the grade level. Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the Board.
The Superintendent or principal will determine the amount of credits to be transferred. If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the Superintendent or principal’s discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.
The Board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the Board with the necessary information.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 505.3 Student Honors and Awards; 507 Student Health and Well-Being; 604.1 Competent Private Instruction
501.6R1(L) Student Transfers In
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Administrative Regulation: Student Transfers In Code No. 501.6R1
Students entering from another public or private institution:
Students shall be scheduled into courses that are compatible with their previous schedule so full credit may be given.
If compatible courses cannot be arranged, administration may waive the minimum course load requirement.
Students will be advised as to what course selections are necessary to complete Oskaloosa Senior High graduation requirements.
Approved: June 28, 2005
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Cross Reference: 501.6 Student Transfers In
501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals Code No. 501.7
If the student’s parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they will notify the registrar in the student’s attendance center in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program. The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.
The notice will state the student’s final day of attendance. If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the School District will maintain the student’s records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the School District.
If the parents wish to have the student’s cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents will notify the registrar in the student’s attendance center in writing. This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student’s cumulative records should be sent. The School District will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent. The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.
If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the registrar in the student’s attendance center that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction paperwork.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g. Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 506 Student Records; 604.1 Competent Private Instruction
501.8 Student Attendance Records
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Student Attendance Records Code No. 501.8
As part of the school district’s records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file within the district’s student information system as part of the student’s permanent record.
It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are up to date and accurate in the student information system.
Approved: July, 1989
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 506 Student Records
501.9 Student Absences-Excused
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Student Absences-Excused Code No. 501.9
Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences. Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.
The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Approved: August 11, 2020
Reviewed:
Revised:
Legal Reference: 34 C.F.R. sec. 300; 28 C.F.R. Pt. 35; Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.; 281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 503 Student Discipline; 504 Student Activities; 506 Student Records
501.9E1 Request for Remote Learning Form
501.11 Student Release During School Hours
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Student Release During School Hours Code No. 501.11
Students in grades 12 may be allowed to leave the School District facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class. Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 294.4. 281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 503 Student Discipline; 504 Student Activities; 506 Student Records
501.11R1 Senior High School Open Campus
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Senior High School Open Campus Code No. 501.11R1
Open Campus is a privilege available to all senior students at Oskaloosa High School. Open campus is defined as the privilege of not having to attend a study hall when the student does not have a class scheduled. The senior may use the time for independent study in the library or student lounge, to seek assistance from a teacher, or leave campus during the time not scheduled. It is critically important that all juniors and seniors understand that Oskaloosa High School day runs from 8:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This means that during the time(s) that a student has earned open campus they are still obligated to meetings, assemblies, teacher conferences, or any other school obligations that may be scheduled during their open campus. Schedules will not be changed to create open periods at student request.
All seniors wanting consideration for open campus must complete an Open Campus Application Form. The Open Campus Application Form will require a parent’s signature along with the high school assistant principal’s signature (The building administration reserves the right to verify any form through verbal communications with a parent / legal guardian). In order to qualify for open campus privileges the student must be in good standing with all academic, activity, and social responsibilities at Oskaloosa High School and have parent and school administration permission.
Good standing academically for open campus is defined as:
Having earned the minimum number of credits appropriate for their grade, and time of the school year, to be on schedule for graduation.
No grade report lower than a C- at midterm or trimester.
Satisfactory completion of all homework, makeup work, tests, and appropriate class participation.
Good standing socially for open campus is defined as:
No significant accumulation of discipline problems.
Serve detentions on time.
No excessive tardies. (4 or more tardies in all classes per trimester is defined as excessive)
No UNEXCUSED absences.
No behavior(s) considered inappropriate for Oskaloosa High School.
Approved: June 13, 2000
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference:
Cross Reference:
501.12 Pregnant Students
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Pregnant Students Code No. 501.12
The Board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so. The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy. The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes. If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence. The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.
Approved: September 26, 1972
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: March 25, 2003
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 604.2 Individualized Instruction
501.13 Students of Legal Age
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Students of Legal Age Code No. 501.13
Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised:
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 506 Student Records
501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures As a Sending School
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District Code No. 501.14
The School District will participate in open enrollment as a sending district. As a sending district, the Board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.
Parents requesting open enrollment out of the School District for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment. The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education. The forms are available at the Central Administration Office.
Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the School District are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline. Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1. Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by the third Thursday in September unless another deadline applies.
The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law. The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year. The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the School District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.
The Board will not approve a student’s request to allow the receiving district to enter the School District for the purposes of transportation.
An open enrollment request out of the School District from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student’s needs. The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the School District until the final determination is made.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms. It will also be the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
Approved: March 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: June 11, 2019
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 506 Student Records
501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures As a Receiving School
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District Code No. 501.15
The School District will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district. As a receiving district, the Board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district. The Board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.
The Board will take action on the open enrollment request no later than June 1 in the year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.
The Superintendent will notify the sending school district and parents within five days of the School District’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. The Superintendent will also forward a copy of the School District’s action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.
Open enrollment requests into the School District will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists. Open enrollment requests into the School District will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the Board of the School District the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the School District from which the student was suspended or expelled. Once the student is reinstated, the student’s open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment request provided the required timelines are met.
Open enrollment requests into the School District that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority. The Board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts. Other open enrollment requests into the School District are considered in the order received by the School District with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.
Generally, students in grades nine through twelve open enrolling into the School District will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, at the varsity level, during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the School District.
Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the Board are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement. The Board will not approve transportation into the sending district.
An open enrollment request into the School District from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the School District is appropriate for the student’s needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed. The area education agency director of special education serving the School District will determine whether the program is appropriate. The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.
The policies of the School District will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
Approved: Marche 25, 2003
Reviewed: June 11, 2019
Revised: August 23, 2005
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1.
281 I.A.C. 17.
Cross Reference: 501.6 Student Transfers In; 501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals; 501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers-Procedures as a Sending District; 506 Student Records; 507 Student Health and Well-Being; 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space.
501.16 Homeless Children and Youth
STUDENT PERSONNEL
Series 500
Policy Title: Homeless Children and Youth Code No. 501.16
The Oskaloosa Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The District will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.
The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:
- Children and youth who are:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”);
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
- Abandoned in hospitals.
- Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
- Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.
To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the Board shall:
- Designate an Elementary School Counselor as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
- Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
- Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance, and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
- Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
- Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
- Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
- Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation;
- Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
- Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the District.
The Superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.
Approved: October 9, 2001
Reviewed: March 8, 2017
Revised: March 8, 2017
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 6301; 42 U.S.C. § 11302; 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.; 281 I.A.C. 33.
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance; 503.3 Fines – Fees – Charges; 506 Student Records; 507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates; 603.3 Special Education; 711.1 Student School Transportation Eligibility.