Elementary Handbook

Notification of Absences: The attendance office should be notified of a student’s absence prior to the start of the school day by creating an Absence Request in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or by calling the school attendance office. When a student is expected to be in school and does not show, the school will call guardians out of concern for your student’s safety.

Absence: A student is considered absent if they are not physically on school grounds or are not participating in an expected and schooldirected activity under the direction, supervision, or instructional guidance of educational staff at an approved off-grounds location.

It is understood that students will be absent for a variety of reasons, including illness, family activities, vacations, dentist/medical appointments, funerals, etc. Parents should notify schools of the reason for the absence. The following absence types will not count towards student absenteeism and will be coded as excused in Infinite Campus:

1. Absences related to illness or medical appointment

a. After a student reaches the equivalent of eight (8) days of excused absences, parents will be required to provide documentation for medical absences to be excused. Absences may be taken in hour segments.
b. Families are encouraged to provide documentation for ongoing health concerns to the school so that we can proactively work with your family to best serve your student

2. Absences related to a family medical emergency

3. Absences while attending religious services or receiving religious instruction

4. Absences excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge

5. Absences related to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that affects attendance

6. Absences related to a Section 504 plan under the Federal Rehabilitation Act that affects attendance. Any absence that does not fall into one of the above categories, will appear as unexcused in Infinite Campus and per State law, will count toward student absenteeism as explained below.

Process for addressing absenteeism:

• Schools will send notifications to guardians when a student has reached the 5%, 10%, and 15%absenteeism threshold for the grading period (See chart below).

	Elementary	Middle School	High School
Grading Period	Term (60 days)	Quarter (45 days)	Trimester (60 days)
5% Absenteeism	3 days	2.25 days	3 days
10% Absenteeism	6 days	4.5 days	6 days
15% Absenteeism	9 days	6.75 days	9 days

 

Notifications are sent when a student has accumulated the number of absences that will result in the percentage of absenteeism at the end of the grading period. For example, if an elementary student has missed 6 days of school in a term, the student will be at 10% absenteeism at the end of the grading period, so the 10% notification is sent after the 6th day is missed.

State law requires a certified letter be sent when a student has reached 10% absenteeism in a grading period. In addition, the school is required by law to notify the county attorney.

When a student reaches 15% absenteeism in a grading period, a School Engagement meeting is required by Iowa law. An Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created at the School Engagement meeting. The goal of this plan is to work together to resolve absenteeism, address attendance barriers, and assist the student in attending school.

As required by Iowa law, if a student has an absenteeism rate of 15% or more of the days in a grading period, and the student and/or the student’s guardian fails to attend a School Engagement Meeting, fails to enter into an Absenteeism Prevention Plan, or violates of the terms of the Absenteeism Prevention Plan, the county attorney may initiate a legal proceeding.

The board recognizes the importance of maintaining education records and preserving their confidentiality as provided by law. Education records are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages. The board secretary is the custodian of education records. Education records may be maintained in the Educational Services Center or administrative office of the student's attendance center. 

Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words have the following meaning: 

• “Education Record” means those records that contain information directly related to a student and which are maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 
• “Eligible Student” means a student who has reached eighteen years or attends a postsecondary institution. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to education records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. 

An education record may contain information on more than one student. Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information. Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves or be informed of the information.

Parents, eligible students, and other individuals authorized in accordance with law will have a right to access the student's education records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five calendar days after the request is made. Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the school district has a court order stating such or when the district has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records. Parents, an eligible student, or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's education records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

Copies of education records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the education records. Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or student from accessing the records. A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from education records. 

Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the school district will provide an explanation and interpretation of the education records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the school district.

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the education records is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the school district amend the education records. 

Education records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission. This disclosure is made on the condition that the education record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be: 

• To school officials within the school district and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving on official school committees;
• To officials of another school district in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school district notifies the parents the education records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school districts;
• To the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;
• In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid; 
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organizations and such information will be destroyed when no longer needed for the purpose for which it was conducted;
• To accrediting organizations;
• To parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;
• To comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena;
• In connection with a health or safety emergency; 
• As directory information; or
• In additional instances as provided by law. 

The superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view an eligible student's education records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student. Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student's written permission. This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

The superintendent will also keep a list of individuals, agencies and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's education records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The superintendent, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the school district who have accessed the student’s education records. This list for an education record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student and the custodian of education records. 

Permanent education records, including a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. Permanent education records will be kept in a fire-safe vault, or they may be maintained electronically with a secure backup file.

When personally identifiable information, other than permanent education records, is no longer needed to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified. This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the school district. If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the school district will destroy the records, except for permanent records. Prior to the destruction of the records, the school district must inform the parents or eligible student the records may be needed by the parents or eligible student for social security benefits or other purposes. For purposes of policy, “no longer needed to provide educational services” means that a record is no longer relevant to the provision of instruction, support, or related services and it is no longer needed for accountability and audit purposes. At a minimum, a record needed for accountability and audit purposes must be retained for five years after completion of the activity for which funds were used. 

The school district will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy. Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students that they have the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student's education records. 
2. Seek amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. 
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the law authorizes disclosure without consent; and 
4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the law.

The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language. Should the school district collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the school district will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the school district failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC. 20202-8520.

Board Policy 506.1 is located on the District website at: 
506.1 - Education Records Access

Annual Notice Regarding Student Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal (or appropriate school official) will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask school district to amend a record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed.

If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist, or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

[Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment of transfer. (Note: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605

Board Policy 506.1E8 is located on the District website at: 
506.1E8 - Annual Notice
 

Students who choose to play on the school grounds before or after the regular school day, unless supervised by parents, should first report home and receive parental permission. The school does not supervise the grounds at this time and does not accept responsibility for students.

Students are not to climb on the roof to get errant objects - kites, balls, Frisbees, etc. Instead, they should report these items to the school office to be retrieved by the custodian during routine maintenance work.

The Iowa City Community School District is committed to providing all students, employees, and volunteers with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school employees to maintain a safe and civil environment, and the ability of students to learn and succeed.

Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, staff, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board.

Accordingly, school employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school property, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so.

Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy. Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame.

A school employee, volunteer, or student, or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, in compliance with the procedures in the regulation, to the appropriate school official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report.

Retaliation Prohibited

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:

“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging. “Harassment” and “bullying” shall mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on the individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status, and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

(1) Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.

(2) Has a substantial detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.

(3) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Trait or characteristic of the student” includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

“Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Filing a Complaint

A Complainant who wishes to avail themselves of this procedure may do so by filing a complaint with the superintendent or designee. An alternate will be designated in the event it is claimed that the superintendent or designee committed the alleged discrimination, or some other conflict of interest exists. Complaints shall be filed within 180 days of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The Complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The Complainant shall receive assistance as needed.

School employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or an individual who has reliable information about an act of bullying or harassment. 

Students in grades 3 through 5 may ride bicycles to school. Helmet use is strongly recommended, and all bikes must be parked in the bike racks. Students are strongly encouraged to lock their bikes and the school assumes no responsibility for bicycles while on school property. 

Students are discouraged from bringing roller blades, roller shoes, scooters, and any other wheeled equipment to school. Students must walk all wheeled transportation equipment when on school property. If wearing roller blades or roller shoes, regular shoes are to be worn on school property. These items should be safely stowed in the school during the day. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.

The school office must be informed if a change in home address, email address, name, or telephone number occurs during the school year or is planned during non-school months. The school should be notified if parents/guardians will be out of town for an extended period of time and names should be provided for emergency response situations. Parents are responsible to enter all updates and changes in Infinite Campus.

It is important that student information be current in Infinite Campus, especially when this is needed during emergencies.

Child abuse is defined as any non-accidental physical injury suffered by a person under eighteen years of age resulting from acts or omissions of parents, guardians, or persons legally responsible for the child. All school employees, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses are required by law to report all instances of suspected child abuse involving students to the Department of Human Services.

Chapter 102-Reporting Child Abuse

Chapter 102 of the Iowa Administrative Code establishes procedures for investigating incidents of abuse of students by school employees/volunteers.

Any person may file a Level One complaint against an Iowa City Community School District employee/volunteer by completing a Level One complaint form and turning it in to the building principal or to one of the below Level One Investigators.

ICCSD officials will promptly and fully investigate all Level One complaints.

Level One Child Abuse Complaint forms may be obtained in:

• Any school’s main office.
• At the Educational Services Center of the ICCSD, 1725 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245.
• On the ICCSD website at:  District Complaint Process

A person(s) may call the ICCSD office at 319-688-1000 for assistance in filing a Level One child abuse complaint. 

Level One Investigators/Alternates

ICCSD Director of Student Services

ICCSD Director of Equity and Employee Relations

Level Two Investigators

(If a case is designated as “founded” at Level I, it is turned over to the Level II Investigator).

Lynch Dallas, P.C.

526 Second Ave.

PO Box 2457

Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2457

Contact the Investigative Commander from the Appropriate Jurisdiction:

Coralville Police Department

Iowa City Police Department

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office

North Liberty Police Department

University Heights Police Department

Whenever a parent/guardian has a concern regarding the school system, the following is recommended:

• Address yourself to the person closest to the situation or concern to you.
• Be positive and optimistic that there will be a rational response to you-a listening ear, an answer, or a solution.
• Contact teachers, coaches, and advisors if things are unclear, if you have questions or need help solving problems within their area of activity.
• Contact the principal if you do not believe the school is serving its population as effectively as possible. They are responsible for the overall management of the school.
• Contact the Educational Services Center if there are areas of suggestions, inquiry, or problem solving that affects the District. Staff will help direct you to school personnel that can address the concern.

Some final words that may help you work through school problems with your child.

• Please listen to your child carefully and ask clarifying questions. Be sure of the situation in the student’s view.
• Remember that your child is learning from the model of behavior that you show as an example. If you want to shape and help your child, this is a “golden moment” to illustrate the way a rational person responds to situations.
• Give the school personnel the benefit of the doubt. Assume they want to help you and will try if they understand the situation. The teacher’s perspective and additional information often helps make the situation clear. Use their experience and advice whenever possible.
• Build bridges and attitudes for your children and the school whenever possible. Explain who they should have asked or what they might have done differently. The goal is for them to learn to handle things better the next time.

District Resources

Parents will communicate most often with the teacher or principal of their child. When the situation calls for additional expertise, the following people may be called: Instructional Coach, school psychologist, social worker, special education personnel, or teacher librarian. The District employs people in various coordinating roles who can be called as needed for assistance or information. Call 319-688-1000 and give a brief description of your concern and the call will be directed to the proper person: curriculum, equity, health services, human resources, learning supports, special education, student services, superintendent, technology, transportation, etc.

The Iowa City Districtwide Parents Organization (DPO) is an independent organization led by an executive board and composed of voting members that represent parent organizations across the district. The DPO promotes active engagement and awareness at the school and district level through monthly open meetings that include speakers on matters related to education as well as opportunities to interact directly with the ICCSD administration, foundation, and school board. 

For more information about the DPO, please see the DPO link located on the ICCSD website at: Board Committees

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

Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.

Board Policy 507.5 is located on the District website at: 507.5 - Emergency Plans and Drills

In the fall of 2018, a new Elementary Voluntary Transfer policy was adopted by the Board of Directors. It restricts transfers but for a few exceptions.

Voluntary transfers are requests from parents for their student(s) to attend a school other than their designated home attendance area school. Transfer forms must be filled out for each student requesting a transfer. Families are required to provide their own transportation for the student(s) when voluntarily transferring. The Voluntary Transfer form and guidelines is located on the District website Voluntary Transfers

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.

Before the student may enroll in the district’s education program, the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age. 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 denying admission to the student.

Board Policy 501.4 is located on the District website at:

501.4 - Entrance - Admissions

A student who qualifies for free or reduced price meals may also be eligible for other benefits, including a reduction in some fees. In order to be eligible for free or reduced costs for the fees listed below and for participation in certain programs, a parent/guardian must (A) apply for free or reduced price meal status for his/her student (online applications are available at ApplyForLunch.com) or be approved through direct certification, (B) be approved for free or reduced price meal status for his/her student, and (C) must select "Yes" when completing their online enrollment in the summer prior to each school year. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually during student registration.

You do not have to complete this fee waiver to get free or reduced meals.

Fees and programs eligible for free or reduced costs (if applicable to your student) include:

• Textbook fee/rental
• Student planner (initial purchase)
• Eye/ear protection
• Workbooks
• Pay-to-Ride transportation
• Driver’s education provided by Kirkwood Community College
• Food backpack program
• School Children's Aid program

The Iowa City Community School District Board of Education directs the superintendent to explain the importance of secure gun storage and legal obligations to protect minors from accessing irresponsibly stored guns. Iowa Code § 724.22(7) makes it a crime to store or leave a loaded but unlocked or unsecured firearm where the person storing or leaving the gun knows or has reason to believe that a child under the age of 14 is likely to gain access to the gun without the permission of the child's parent or guardian. Please find the entire Iowa Code section here:

724.22 Persons under twenty-one--sale, loan, gift, making available--possession.

To protect the health of students and staff, the district has in place the following protocol regarding student illness:

• Keep your child home from school when he/she has a fever of 100.4 (F) or greater and for 24 hours after the fever has gone away, without taking medication that would reduce the fever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. Your child should stay home from school when he/she has diarrhea and/or vomiting for 24 hours after these symptoms have occurred.
• If students become ill at school with fever, diarrhea, vomiting or other symptoms that prevent them from being able to participate in the classroom, they will be sent to the school office and parent/guardian will be contacted. No student will be permitted to go home alone unless a parent/guardian or authorized person is notified. It is very important that the school have up-to-date work and emergency phone numbers available in case of illness or injury. If the school is unable to reach the parent/guardian, the person listed as an emergency contact will be called. To ensure that an ill child gets home safely, it is desirable that a parent/guardian or other adult accompany the child home.
• For information regarding communicable (infectious or contagious) diseases, refer to the Communicable Diseases Policy (Board Policy 507.3 located on the District website at: 507.3 - Communicable Diseases - Students)

When your child returns to school after an illness, he/she should be able to participate in the total school program including outdoor recess and physical education. Your child will be excused from outside recess and physical education after an illness only by a written recommendation from your family doctor or primary health care provider

Students are required to remain on the school grounds during school hours. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds unless permission has been obtained from the principal and the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will be contacted before a student is allowed to go home during the school day.

Parents are encouraged to give their child any required medications before and/or after school when possible. If your child needs to take medication at school, Iowa law requires that parents provide written consent before any medication will be given to your child. Prescription medications must have a current prescription label on the bottle. A physician or other health care provider must give written consent for students to carry an inhaler with them during the school day. District policy requires that a physician or other health care provider give written consent for a non-prescription (over the counter) medication to be given to an elementary student.

Medication permission forms are available from the school and on the District website at: Medication Administration

The Iowa City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

• Business Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education
• Industrial Education
• Health Occupations Education

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Laura Cottrell, Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness (programs), cottrell.laura@iowacityschools.org or Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations (employment), howard.eric@iowacityschools.org, 1725 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa, (319) 688-1000. If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker, Ombuds, ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312.

Board Policy 102.E1is located on the District website at:

102.E1 - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

School lunch is offered in all elementary buildings for students in grades K-5 and students enrolled in full-time District pre-school programs. Lunches consist of five components (meat/meat alternate, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable and milk). Students must take at least three components, one of which must be a fruit or vegetable. Breakfast is also served in all schools and consists of four components (bread/cereal/grain or protein, fruit or juice and milk). Students must take at least three components, one of which must be a fruit.

It is recommended that all families who feel they will qualify for free or reduced meals, should complete the Iowa Eligibility Application. Information and applications will be available online usually by mid-July on the Nutrition Services Department page of the District website at:

Free & Reduced Application.

Milk can be purchased separately for those students who bring lunch from home or want extra milk. Students must bring money or have money in their meal account to purchase milk a la carte. If a student takes three components, one being a fruit or vegetable, plus a milk and one other item, that is considered a meal and therefore free.

Choices are offered for each component to provide a variety of options. Additional items are available for vegetarian diets or students with special dietary needs. If a student has food allergies and requires substitutions or modifications, a signed physician’s statement is required. School nurses and the Nutrition Services Director are available to help families with this process. Needed forms can be found at the District website under Health Services. This request must be renewed each school year. A copy of this statement should be given to both the Nutrition Services Office (1135 S. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246) and the child’s school.

For information on menus, nutritional analysis, special diet request forms, student accounts, meal prices and payment options, please visit the Nutrition Services Department page of the District website at: Nutrition Services

There are situations where adults who are not actual parents or legal guardians play a parent role in a child’s life. It will be our policy to cooperate with those adults for the good of the child as long as doing so does not violate legal precept or writ.

Internet- Appropriate Use

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 necessary resources.

Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses will be issued to students. If a student already has an electronic mail address, the student will not be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail on school devices.

The Internet provides 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, and implement content filtering that complies with federal law.

The school district will monitor the online activities of students using school issued devices 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 all students. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:

The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Internet Safety Policy;

Student safety with regard to:

• safety on the Internet;          
• appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and
• in chat rooms; and
• cyberbullying awareness and response.

Compliance with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act

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.

Board Policy 605.6 is located on the District website at: 605.6 - Internet - Appropriate Use

Personal Device Policy

Personal Devices (i.e. cell phones, smart watches, tablets, personal laptops, etc.): Students may use personal devices while school is in session when permission is given and under direct supervision of a school staff member. Users should be courteous and respectful of others. All devices must be put away/secured, and ringers silenced before entering the classroom. Devices in use or view during class time may be confiscated by staff (this includes using phones to listen to music). Personal devices are allowed to be used on the school bus, however all expectations of appropriate use / restrictions during the school day still apply. Students who refuse to comply will be subject to school consequences. Additionally, students are not allowed to have headphones / earbuds on or in their ears during class, unless permission is granted by the supervising adult. 

The district will not be held accountable for lost or stolen items brought to school by a student.

Restrictions:

(1) Profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, language that is harassing, any form of bullying, derogatory or otherwise inappropriate for the school environment is not permitted. Language that promotes illegal activity or dangerous acts, lewd or plainly offensive, creates a material disruption to the school environment, or contains knowingly false, recklessly false, or defamatory information is not permitted.

(2) Users shall not display, send, retrieve, or download any items that are sexually explicit or contain hate-based or discriminatory material. Users shall notify a staff member in the event inappropriate material is inadvertently accessed. Users must not distribute contents described or will be subject to disciplinary action.

(3) Videos or photos (audio or visual recordings) to record activities of others or to violate the privacy of others is not permitted.

Devices cannot be used to cheat on school assigned tasks.

Personal Devices (search and confiscation of cell phones):

(1) Student owned devices may be confiscated if a student violates school policies such as displaying a cell phone at a time cell phones are not permitted.

(2) A school official may search student owned technology when they have a reasonable suspicion that a search will reveal evidence that the student has violated or is violating school rules, school policies, or the law. Students may be subject to discipline for content found on student owned technology.

(3) If a school official finds content that violates school rules, policies or the law while searching for another reason (trying to determine the owner of a lost phone, suspected cheating on a test, etc.) students may be subject to disciplinary action.

(4) If a school official finds a student is in possession of child pornography, which includes nude photos, or partially nude photos, of minors, staff will confiscate technological devices. Law enforcement will be contacted to determine if a further investigation is warranted. Staff members will not place potentially pornographic materials on their school or personal devices to retain as evidence.

Content (on student personal device off school grounds):

(1) If inappropriate content/message from student technology has caused or is likely to cause a “substantial disruption” or “material interference” at school the school may take action, regardless of when or where the message was sent.

(2)  If content is considered a credible threat to persons or property, school officials may take disciplinary action regardless of when and where the message was sent. Law enforcement will be contacted to determine if further investigation is warranted.

Action:

(1) When arriving on school campus and at the beginning of class, teachers/staff will remind students to secure their phones/devices. 

2. Students should have their phones put away and/or not in use (backpack, pocket, purse, desk, locker, worn appropriately (watch or fitness tracker).

3. If a student fails to “secure their device”, a reminder will be given to the student and expectations will be reviewed.

4. If the device continues to be used, the device will be confiscated by the supervising staff and returned at the end of the period or class.  The teacher/office will notify the students’ guardian(s) of the incident, and expectations will be reviewed. 

5. If the problem persists, the device will be stored in the office and guardian(s) must come to the school to pick up the device. A conference will be held between the teachers, administrator, student and guardians to review the expectations and determine a plan to best support the student in following the policy.    

6. If the above practices are unsuccessful, the student may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including:

a. Whole day removal of the device

b. Multiple-day removal of the device

c. Trimester in length of removal of the device

Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose. Permission from the principal or deputy superintendent will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities. Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district facilities.

Board Policy 606.3 is located on the District website at: 606.3 - Animals in the School District

Guidance for use of Service Animals and Therapy Animals is contained in Policy 105.

Dental Screening

All children newly enrolling in an Iowa elementary and all kindergarten students are required by law to have a dental screening. A kindergarten screening is valid from age three years to four months after their enrollment date. The screening for kindergarten may be performed by a licensed dentist, dental hygienist, physician, Registered Nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. The dental screening certificates are available in the school office, from the school nurse, on the District website, at the Johnson County Health Department, or through your child’s dentist or other health care provider. Please contact the District Health Services Staff with questions at 319-688-1000.

Hearing Screening

Grant Wood Area Education Agency (GWAEA) screens all students in Preschool, Alternative Kindergarten (AK), Kindergarten, and grades 1, 2, and 5. Students in grades 3, 4, middle, and high school, who are new to the school, that don’t have a documented hearing test, and some students with a history of known hearing loss will also be tested.

Follow up testing may occur periodically if previous hearing test results were not within normal limits.

Parent/guardians not wishing their child’s hearing tested should notify the health office in writing at the beginning of the year. Parents/guardians with concerns about their child’s hearing may contact their school nurse or Grant Wood Area Education Agency to schedule a hearing test at any time, (319)399-6700.

Immunization Law

Iowa law mandates that all students, before they can be enrolled in school, must present an Immunization Certificate. Students should have received the required immunizations and submit the Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization, have a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption or Provisional Certificate of Immunization. Immunization forms are available in your school health office, on the District website, at the Johnson County Health Department, or through your child’s health care provider. Please contact the District Health Services Staff with questions at 319-688-1000.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program that receives federal funding. All schools in the Iowa City Community School District must comply with this law. Section 504 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. Under Section 504, schools must provide students with disabilities the accommodations needed to access and benefit from education equally with their peers. If you have any questions regarding 504 eligibility and reasonable accommodations for your child, please contact your Building Principal, Guidance Counselor, or the Director of Student Services (319-688-1000) for additional information.

A Parent Guide to Section 504 and more information is also available on the District website at: Student Accommodations.

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

If the complaint cannot be resolved by a student’s teacher or other licensed employee, the student may discuss the matter with the principal within three (3) days of the employee's decision. If the matter cannot be resolved by the principal, the student may discuss it with the superintendent within five (5) days after speaking with the principal.

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

Board Policy 502.4 is located on the District website at:

502.4 - Student Complaints and Grievances

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 on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; or 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 will review the suspension and decide whether to hold a disciplinary hearing to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion. In making its decision, the board shall consider the best interests of the school district, which shall include what is best to protect and ensure the safety of the school employees and students from the student committing the assault. Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as, when, without justification, a student does any of the following:

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 any 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 or the building principal, disciplining the student.

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 consecutive school 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.

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

Board Policy 503.1 is located on the District website at:

503.1 - Student Conduct