Code No. 503.1

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

 

The board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school district environment, interferes with the rights of others or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school district 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 district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities; and while away from school district 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 district 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.

 

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.  

 

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.

 

 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.  

 

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 unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law.  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.

 

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

 

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:  1-13-03 Reviewed:  11-10-03, 11-13-06 Revised:  12-12-16           

2-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15 7-10-17, 4-10-23, 12-20-23

503.2

EXPULSION

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.

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

It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student shall be provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

2. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the fact 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 oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses 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 provided with additional procedures.  A determination should be made of whether the student committed 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: Reviewed:  12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, Revised:  07-01-92, 4-10-23,

11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 12-20-23

7-13-15

 

 

The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others.  Students may be assessed fines, charges or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities or for misuse of school district property.

The school board will approve the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges or fees annually.  Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent.

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  12-08-97, 01-01-01, 1-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised:  08-12-96, 4-10-23 

 

Participation in school district activities is a privilege.  School district 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 the school district or at the school district.  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 district activities.  Students wanting to participate in school district activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Approved:                  
Reviewed:  December 1999, 11-10-2003, 11-13-2006, 2-10-2010, 7-13-15                   
Revised:  11-13-2000, 04-11-13, 4-10-23

 

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint, and/or prone restraint is prohibited in the school district.  Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student.  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 student's control.

                  --        For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa law.

                  --        For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa law.

                  --        To remove a disruptive student from class or any area of school district premises or from school district-sponsored activities off school district 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, including mental and psychological injury;

        5.       The motivation of the school district employee using physical force.

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

 

 

Approved:                    
Reviewed:  1-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 2-10-10, 7-13-15     
Revised:  11-13-00, 4-10-23

 

It is the goal of the school 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 school 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 student and the school district community.  With this objective in mind, the school 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 is not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school district 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 school 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.   

 

 

Approved:  4-10-23

 

503.7

STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY

 

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 :  12-20-23 Reviewed:  Revised: 

Code No.  503.8

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WHO MAKE THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR CAUSE INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE

The Board believes discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1). 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade 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 tailored to the age, grade level and maturity of the student. The circumstances of a particular situation may dictate the use of responses not specifically included in the list of escalating responses included in this policy and is at the discretion of the principal or lead administrator. Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 3).

Reporting a Threat of Violence or Incidence of Violence 

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. 

The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4). 

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4). 

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage, or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5). 

Threat of Violence 

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage, or assault. 

Incident of Violence 

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault. 

Injury 

Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981). 

Property Damage 

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building, or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)). 

Assault 

Assault means 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 (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

Escalating Responses by Grade Band 

Grades PK-2 

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

• Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 3-5

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

• Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 6-8

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Grades 9-12

Level 1

• Requires parent or guardian notification

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary removal from class;

  • In-school suspension; and/or

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle.

Level 2

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate. 

Level 3

• Requires parent or guardian notification.

• Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

• Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting, if the student has an IEP.

• Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges, if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Definitions (consistent with the Department’s Data Dictionary 2022-23) 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities. 

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district. 

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.

Approved    10-18-2023                 Reviewed                    Revised    

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community. 

For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time may be prohibited or limited. Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may be restricted on the use of any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy. For purposes of this policy, instructional time is defined as the time from the beginning of class bell through the end of class bell, and includes all lunch and recess periods. 

Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.

Approved:  9-18-24 Reviewed: Revised: 

The district is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment for students and families. It is valuable for students' educational experience for families to engage in and support their students' educational experience. As part of this commitment, the district will take steps to create opportunities for students to engage in peer-to-peer activities, and ensure that student use of personal electronic devices is properly limited during instructional time. 

Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy and regulation as appropriate. To avoid distraction during instructional time, personal electronic devices are to be silenced or turned off and not visible. Students may store their personal electronic devices in their backpacks, unless otherwise instructed. Staff members may establish classroom rules or protocols for placement of personal electronic devices during instructional times consistent with this regulation. If a student is observed improperly using a personal electronic device during instructional time, the employee who observed the student behavior may notify building administration, who may require the student to turn in the device for safekeeping until the end of the school day. The device will be secured in the building's front office. The district, however, is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored events. 

For a student's first violation of this policy, the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day and the student's parent/guardian will be notified. For subsequent violations of this policy, the device will be released to the student's parent/guardian following a meeting with the student and the student's parent/guardian to create a plan to avoid further violations. If a student in violation of this policy refuses to turn over their device, they may be sent home for the remainder of the school day.  Repeated violations of this policy may result in additional disciplinary consequences for students in accordance with board policy.