Fairview/Adams Elementary SchoolsÕ Handbook

 

We have reviewed the Fairview/Adams Elementary SchoolsÕ Handbook and understand the guidelines outlined in this document.

 

 

___________________________________________

Student Signature

 

 

___________________________________________

Parent Signature

 

 

I hereby consent to the taking of photographs, movies, or videotapes of my son/daughter by the Carroll Community School District to appear on the Carroll Community School District website, in Carroll Community School District publications, or any other not for profit publication or broadcast.

 

Throughout the school year, I also grant the Carroll Community School District the right to edit, use and reuse said products for non-profit purposes sponsored by the Carroll Community School District.

 

I also hereby release the Board of Education of the City of Carroll, and its agents and employees from all claims, demands, liabilities whatsoever in connection with the above.

 

 

_________________________________________________

Parent Signature

 

 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

This handbook is meant to be a guide for students and parents.  It is not all-inclusive of every rule, regulation, activity and procedure that is followed here at school.  Students may receive other information either verbally or in written form.  This handbook is reviewed with students on the first day of school, and is given to entering students upon enrollment.  If information that you seek has not been covered in this booklet, please contact the school your child attends.

 

Mrs. Ruch, Elementary Principal

Ms. Dianne Battani,

Assistant Elementary Principal

 

Fairview Elementary School PreK-3

Phone: 712-792-8030     Fax: 712-792-8074

792-8055-ext. 800 attendance line

 

Adams Elementary School 4-5

Phone: 712-792-8040     Fax: 712-792-8008

 

Office personnel are usually available from

7:30-4:00 each day.  Visitors to either building must stop in the office to sign in and obtain a visitorsÕ pass.

 

DAILY SCHEDULES GRADES PK-3

8:00 A.M.           Students Eating Breakfast

May Enter Building

8:10 A.M            All Students May Enter the Building

8:30 A.M            Students Are Tardy

3:05 P.M            Dismissal Time

 

We offer Preschool classes.  The A.M.  Half-day session is 8:15-10:45 A.M., and the P.M. session is from 12:15-2:45 P.M. There are no preschool classes on Wednesdays.

 

We ask that children not arrive at school nor enter the building before 8:00 A.M.  Special arrangements need to be made with the teacher or office if a student needs to enter the building before 8:10 A.M.

 

DAILY SCHEDULES GRADES 4-5

7:45 A.M.           Students Eating Breakfast

May Enter Building

8:10 A.M            All Students May Enter the Building

8:20 A.M            Students Are Tardy

3:13 P.M            Dismissal Time

We ask that parents refrain from dropping off their children at school before 7:50 AM.  Students may not enter the building before 8:10 AM, unless they are eating breakfast at school.

 

STUDENT FEES

Elementary students will be charged a $30 textbook fee for the 2010 - 2011 school year. (See CCSD Board Policy 503.2)  The Board recognizes that while certain fees charged to students are appropriate and authorized, some students and their families are not financially able to pay the fees.  The school district will grant either full waivers, partial waivers or temporary waivers depending upon the circumstances and the student or student's parents ability to meet the financial criteria. 

 

Activity passes are sold for students in Grades K-5.  The cost is $35.00 for the year. All children through third grade attending games or events are expected to be with an adult and not left unsupervised.

 

THE LUNCHROOM

Breakfast and lunch are served each day in our both school buildings.  The Food Service Department uses a computerized system for the lunch program.  This program is called SNAP, which stands for School Nutrition Accountability Program.  There are two ways you can deposit money to your account.  The first in Meals Only: this allows for the purchase of meals only.  The second is (4th & 5th grade only) On Account:  this allows for purchase of meals and ala cart. Each student will be assigned a 4-digit pin number.  This number will allow students to access their account each day. If you have any question regarding food service, contact the Food Service Director at 792-8001.  Free and reduced lunch applications will be sent to the home address along with the textbook fee information packet.  Deposits to studentÕs lunch accounts can be made in each studentÕs classroom each morning or you can go on line at http://www.carroll.k12.ia.us/ and click on the School Lunch Money link to make a deposit.

 

2010-2011 Breakfast and Lunch Prices

Breakfast          $1.00

Lunch                $1.80

Adult                 $2.75

                     Kindergarten juice ticket is $4.00

The following guidelines should be observed when in the lunchroom:

 

CAFETERIA RULES AND PROCEDURES K-3

1.  Students are asked to use a conversational tone of voice in order to keep to a moderate noise level.

      2.  Students return their trays and keep their eating area clean.

      3.  Teacher assistants dismissing students will ask students to pick up their area so it will be clean for the next class.

      4.  Students walk when exiting the cafeteria and moving down the hallways to go to recess.

      5.  All students must eat in the lunchroom.

      6.  Students should not bring pop to school with their sack lunch.

 

CAFETERIA RULES AND PROCEDURES 4-5

1.     Whatever a student orders at AM lunch count (chef salad, main course, etc.), the student must take when going through the lunch line.

2.     Students need to say their name after they enter their pin # on the keypad.

3.     Students may not go back to the food bar.

4.     Students should go directly to their assigned table, and remain there until dismissed by a lunchroom supervisor.

5.     Students are to use 6-inch voices when talking.  Students should use a conversational tone of voice.

6.     Students from each classroom will be selected as table wipers on a weekly basis.

 

SPECIAL OCCASION SNACKS

If you wish to bring treats to school for special occasions, we prefer commercially prepared and packaged treats with the ingredient labels available for preview.  Please do not send gum as treats and be aware of the life-threatening allergy information below.

 

LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

The school principal, in consultations with the school nurse, will be responsible for notifying classroom teachers, associates and other adults in contact with any student who has a life-threatening allergy.  This should include bus drivers, homeroom parents, custodial and kitchen staff.  The allergy must be clearly documented by the primary physician.  Notification will include an explanation of the severity of the allergy.  Precautions will be taken for students with life-threatening allergies.  The school requests that parents and students avoid including peanuts and peanut products in lunches and snacks. 

 

Classrooms with students with life-threatening allergies may have more specific guidelines.  The student with the allergy will have an allergy action/emergency plan.  This plan will be reviewed on a regular basis. 

 

POWERSCHOOL AT ADAMS

The student and the parent(s) of 4th & 5th grade students are encouraged to check grades weekly.  This can be done from your home computer.  If this is not possible there are computers available at the Carroll Public Library and the Adams Elementary School for your use.  A Parent Access Manual will be sent home with students on the first day of school.

 

HOMEWORK

Daily homework assignments are practice exercises to help students develop skills.  Doing homework each day makes learning and test-taking much easier.  To keep things organized, an agenda will be provided for all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students.

 

REPORT CARDS/MIDTERM REPORTS

Report cards for students are issued at the end of each nine-week grading period.  A progress report will be sent home at midterm of each quarter.  Parents are encouraged to contact their childÕs teacher with any questions or concerns.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS

If your address and/or phone numbers (including work and cell phones) change during the school year, please inform us as soon as possible.  It is imperative that we know how to reach you at all times for your childÕs safety.

 

TRANSFER /WITHDRAWL

If you plan to move during the school year please inform the teacher and the school secretary at least three days in advance.

 

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT ACCESS

Non-Custodial Parent Access to Students, and Records, at School.... When a marriage is dissolved in Iowa, the court decides two kinds of custody: legal and physical.  Legal custody refers to decision-making regarding major life issues such as medical care/treatment and education.   If the parents have joint legal custody, either parent can make decisions about the childÕs welfare.   The custodial parent has custody of the child.  The non-custodial parent is usually awarded visitation.  So, absent a court order terminating the ex-parentÕs rights or a restraining order keeping them away from their child, school, or denying them access to records, we cannot keep them in the dark about his/her child(renÕs) educational progress.  If the decree shows Òjoint legal custody,Ó then the ex-spouse has an equal right to sign consent forms as the physical custodial parent.  The school could be usurping the courtÕs role when a teacher or administrator allows a non-custodial parent additional access to a child over and above whatÕs spelled out in the decree.  Thus, if you are in a situation where the above issues have occurred we need to have on file in your child's cum folder, a court document showing the legal obligations so that we can deny or accommodate the intent of the court document.  We, also, need to have a written statement from you if you wish additional copies of school events and records sent to the non-custodial parent.

 

ATTENDANCE/ABSENTEEISM/

TARDINESS

Students are expected to attend all classes each day of the school year (180 days) except for illness and family emergencies.  In case of any emergency or unusual need to leave the school before the end of the day, a parent should write a note.  Every attempt should be made to schedule health care appointments outside of regular school hours.

 

If a student is absent, it is the parent's responsibility to notify the school by phone before 9:00 A.M. or send a note explaining the reason of absence.  If we do not receive notification, the student will be marked unexcused.  We will then try to call the parent to verify the absence.

 

K-3 grade students need to make-up schoolwork within five school days after returning to school unless special arrangements are made with the teacher.  4-5 grade students need to made-up schoolwork within two school days after returning to school unless special arrangements are made with the teacher.

 

The following are the only accepted excuses for being absent from school and all require a phone call or note to the school office:

1.  Student Illness

2.  Death of a Relative

3.  Medical Appointments

The following are examples of unexcused absences:

1. Any absence not properly excused before the occurrence

2.  Haircuts

3.  Oversleeping

4.  Shopping trips

5. Leaving the building during the day without parental excuse and authorization of the principal's office

6.  Babysitting

 

Tardiness can have a disruptive effect on a student's educational process. A parent conference will be scheduled if repeated tardiness tends to occur. K-3 grade students are considered tardy at 8:30 a.m. 4-5 grade students are considered tardy at 8:20 a.m.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A health information packet will be sent home with students on the first day of school.  This form needs to be filled out and returned the next day.  An updated certificate of immunization is required.

 

If medication is to be administered at school, a school form must be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian.  The medication must be in the original container that is labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the student, name of the medication, time of day that it is to be given, dosage and duration.  Over the counter medication provided by parent/guardian must be brought in the original labeled container with specific directions.  A written record of the medication given at school will be kept for each student receiving medication.  Medications are stored in a secured area.

 

A student who becomes ill or injured at school will be given first aid.  Whenever possible, parents will be notified by phone and instructions will be requested as to how the situation should be handled. Parents should notify the school of any change in information contained in the health information packet.

 

INSURANCE

School time and/or 24 hour insurance is available to all students.  Each student will be given a pamphlet explaining the different plans available. Premium checks should be made out to the insurance provider.  Parents should keep the "summary of coverage".  This is the CCSD policy.

 

CHARACTER COUNTS

All students, are taught the components of the Character Counts program.  The Six Pillars of Character are reinforced through student-lead announcements over the intercom system, classroom activities and special projects.  The Six Pillars are:  Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

 

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

As a student, you are expected to conduct yourself in the building and on the playground as a good citizen.  We feel the important part of discipline is recognition of the rights of others.  When a discipline problem persists, the teacher or principal may call your parents in for a consultation to determine any further action that may be necessary. It is the overall plan to deal with student misbehavior in a consistent and fair manner.

 

Consequences for student misbehavior include, but are not limited, to the following:

1.    Conference with student about the incident

2.   Warning

3.   Deprivation of privileges

4.   Communication with parent via note, telephone or conference

5.   Time-out in classroom or the office

6.   After school detention until 3:40 P.M.

7.   Referral to Counselor

8.   Referral to Principal

9.   In school or out of school suspension

10.  Expulsion

 

RECESS RULES

1.     Students will go directly to the playground when they arrive at school unless they are going to breakfast in the lunchroom. Students cannot enter the building before school unless they have special permission (except for breakfast). This would include going to lockers.

2.     Students will not stand by teachersÕ windows before school and during recess.

3.     Fairview students eating breakfast at school, can enter either the south door or west door.  Students who eat breakfast at Adams will enter the building at the door by the flagpole or through the main street doors. Students should then exit the building after eating breakfast through the doors by the flagpole. 

4.     Students will not throw snowballs, ice, rocks or anything else that might endanger another person. Sliding on the ice or snow is not permitted.

5.     When the bell rings at the end of recess, all students will line-up immediately without shoving or pushing. Students will help collect any playground equipment. The recess supervisor will dismiss students.

Basketballs, footballs, etc., are available for students during recess time. Items such as toys, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, balls, baseball bats, Ipods/MP3 players, Game Boys, or other electronic games, must remain at home.  Students shall not operate cellular phones, beepers, pagers or any other form of electronic/communication device during the school day.  These items are strictly prohibited for use in the building during school hours and will be confiscated.  Parents will be required to pick up confiscated devices.  Understand that the school cannot be responsible for the loss or breakage of these items.

 

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

We take pride in the appearance of our students.  The following suggestions are a practical guide for students:

¯  Students are expected to come to school clean and well groomed.

¯  Clothing with inappropriate expressions and language as well as clothing that promote alcoholic beverages or any other substances that are inappropriate for students will not be permitted.

¯  Short shorts, halter-tops, tube tops or bare midriffs will not be allowed.

¯  Hats or caps will not be worn during the school day.

¯  Colored hairspray is not allowed at school unless the principal approves its use in advance.

¯  Many activities at school require tennis shoes.  For the safety of the children flip-flops are discouraged. Appropriate footwear is required at all times.  Shoes with wheels are not permitted.

¯  When the wind chill is zero degrees or above, students will be going out for recess.  Please remind your child dress for the weather.

 

STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO CHANGE TO MORE APPROPRIATE ATTIRE WHEN ASKED TO DO SO.

 

If your child is to be picked up by someone other than usual, a dated written permission note is needed.  This note should be given to your child's teacher.

 

TO AND FROM SCHOOL

The following rules are implemented for student safety when riding a school bus from school:

1.   Wait away from the curb for buses to arrive at the school bus stop.

2.   Allow the bus to stop completely before approaching.

3.   Always walk, never run or push when walking to the bus.

4.   Please find a seat on the bus and stay in it.  Standing up or moving from seat to seat is dangerous and is not allowed.

5.   Visit with friends quietly. Yelling and screaming is unacceptable.

6.     Food/drink is not to be consumed on the bus.

 

RIDING BIKES TO SCHOOL

Only third grade and older students may ride their bikes to school.  Students should follow bike safety rules when riding a bicycle to and from school.  Failure to obey rules could result in suspension of bike riding privileges.  Metal bike racks are provided for students at each school building.  Students should secure their bikes with bike locks.  We strongly encourage students who ride bikes to wear bike helmets. Research shows that helmets have reduced bicycle fatal accidents by 26 percent.  We also suggest the your childÕs bicycle be registered with the local police department.  Skateboards, roller blades and scooters are not permitted.

 

PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF STUDENTS

It is critical that parents not stop, park or wait in the bus loading areas during arrival and dismissal times. DROPPING OFF OR PICKING UP STUDENTS IN THE HANDICAPPED PARKING AREA IS PROHIBITED UNLESS YOU HAVE A PERMIT.

 

PARENTS PICKING UP STUDENTS GRADES K-3

Parents should drop-off or pick-up students using the southeast parking lot.

 

PARENTS PICKING UP STUDENTS GRADES 4-5

Parents should drop-off or pick-up students on MAIN STREET ONLY.

 

CANCELLATION/LATE START/EARLY DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL

If school is going to be canceled for the day, the announcement will be made using Alert Now, or the local radio stations and television stations (KCIM 1380 AM, KIKD 106.7 FM, KKRL 93.7 FM and T.V. channels 5, 8, and 13). You may also check the district website at www.carroll.k12.ia.us. All school days canceled will be made up at a later date.  Early Dismissal due to weather – Make sure your child is aware of what to do in the event we dismiss early due to weather or road conditions. 

 

AlertNow – is a tool used to improve parent communication and is used to notify parents of the cancellations, late starts or early dismissals.  If you would like more information on this, please call the District Office at 712-792-8001.

 

ALTERNATE ROUTES

When road conditions are poor, the decision may be made to run alternate bus routes in the country.  This announcement will be made by Alert Now, local radio stations (KCIM 1380 AM, KIKD 106.7 FM and KKRL 93.7 FM).  Buses would run over hard surface roads only.  Students will be picked up and dropped off at transfer points only, at the normal time for transfers to be made.  (Note: Buses do not stop on hard surface roads between school of attendance and transfer point.)  When the alternate routes are run in the A.M., they will also run in the P.M.  At times, alternative routes may need to be run in the P.M. due to weather related conditions even though they were not run in the A.M.

 

FIRE, TORNADO AND EMBERGENCY DRILLS

A minimum of two fire and two tornado drills are held each semester.  Drills will be held without warning. The principal will also have the students and staff participate in an at least one ÒemergencyÓ drill during the school year. The students and staff learn what to do in the event that a lock-down is needed.

 

GUIDANCE & COUNSELING SERVICES

Guidance and counseling services provided by the counselors in each include developmental and preventative lessons through classroom guidance, small group and individual counseling.  These activities assist students in working through personal problems and school concerns.  Students may request to see the counselor or may be referred by a teacher and/or parent.

 

SCHOOL VISITATIONS
Parents are always welcome to visit our schools.  Parent visitations during the two weeks at the beginning and end of the school year are usually not as rewarding as at other times of the school year and are discouraged.  It is requested that parents not bring younger brothers or sisters to visit, as they distract the class from a normal routine.  As a courtesy to the teacher, please call ahead to find out the best time for the visit.   Youngsters from other schools may not visit and spend the day at school.

 

USE OF THE MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center is open during regular school hours.  Students are free to use the Media Center during the day when given permission by their teachers.  Media Center instruction is provided by Mrs. Nissen, Media Specialist, to all classrooms K-5 on a regular basis throughout the school year.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are designed to enhance the curriculum for each grade level.  When a field trip is to be taken, each student will bring home a permission form giving the destination and date.  This form must be signed and returned to the teacher before the student will be permitted to go on the trip.

 

HALL LOCKERS

Students at the north end of Fairview and at Adams will be assigned a locker.  A coat hook is assigned if the studentÕs classroom is located in the east and west pods at Fairview.  Locks will not be issued for the lockers and students are not to place their own personal lock on the lockers. It is highly recommended that students not leave money or other valuable items in their lockers.  Parents are encouraged to mark their childÕs personal items clearly for the purpose of identification.

 

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

(See CCSD Board Policy 502.6)

School District property is held in public trust by the Board.  School District authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school District policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school District facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student.  School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are 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.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

NOTICE: Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement and Detention

State law forbids schools employees from using corporal punishment against any student. Certain actions by school employees are not considered corporal punishment. Additionally, school employees may use Òreasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause painÓ to do certain things, such as prevent harm to persons or property (Board Policy 503.4).

State law also places limits school employeesÕ abilities to restrain or confine and detain any student. The law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child. If a child is restrained or confined and detained, the school must maintain documentation and must provide certain types of notice to the childÕs parent (Board Policy 503.1 and 503.1R1).

If you have any questions about this state law, please contact your school. The complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Department of EducationÕs Web site: www.iowa.gov/educate.

 

Policy Title:  Anti-Bullying/Harassment  Code No.  104                                                                       

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the Board.  The Board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.  To that end, the Board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

The Board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but 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.  Harassment against employees based upon the employeeÕs race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the Board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension or expulsion.  If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination.  If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include exclusion from school grounds.  ÒVolunteerÓ means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying includes any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

á       Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the studentÕs person or property;

á       Has a substantially detrimental effect on the studentÕs physical or mental health;

á       Has the effect of substantially interfering with the studentÕs academic performance; or

á       Has the effect of substantially interfering with the studentÕs ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

ÒElectronicÓ means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means.  ÒElectronicÓ includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

á       Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;

á       Implied or explicit threats concerning oneÕs grades, achievements, property, etc.

á       Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or

á       Unreasonable interference with a studentÕs performance.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

á       Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted studentÕs education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or

á       Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the personÕs participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report.  Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.  Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, exclusion from school grounds.

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy.  The superintendent also is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school.

The Board will annually publish this policy.  The policy may be publicized by the following means:

á       Inclusion in the student handbook,

á       Inclusion in the employee handbook

á       Inclusion in the registration materials

á       Inclusion on the school or school districtÕs web site,

and a copy shall be made to any person at the Central Administrative office at 1026 North Adams Street, Carroll, Iowa  51401.

 

ABUSE OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

(See CCSD Board Policy 405.4)

Carroll Community School District policy provides for the relief of any student who feels he or she has been the victim of abuse at the hand of any school district employee.  To report an alleged student abuse by an employee, you should contact:

Level I Investigator: Gary Bengtson, 792-8001 (work), 23457 210th Street, 792-2720 (home) or Kathy Cordes, Guidance Counselor - 792-8010 (work) 2726 Ashwood, Carroll - 792-0799 (home).  Level II Investigator:  Deb Davis 792-0936 ext. 234  (work)

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE  (See CCSD Board Policy 405.6)

It is the policy of the Carroll Community School to provide equal educational and employment opportunities, and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in its programs and activities.  Questions or concerns should be addressed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Tammie McKenzie, Assistant Principal (712) 792-8010 or Gary Bengtson, (712) 792-8001.

 

HEALTH EDUCATION (See CCSD Board Policy 603.7)

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

The areas stated above are included in health education and the instruction is adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

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

 

COMPLAINTS ABOUT PERSONNEL

(See CCSD Board Policy 903.1)

The Board strongly believes that all concerns, problems, and complaints about personnel should be resolved at the lowest possible level within the District's structure.  Anyone with a concern or complaint should first contact the person who is the cause of the concern in an attempt to identify, clarify and resolve the differences, which are giving rise to the concern or complaint.  Complaints that remain unresolved at the first and subsequent levels may be moved through the chain of authority to the employee's immediate supervisor(s), the superintendent/designee, and finally to the Board.

Appeals will be heard by the Board only if the complaint has been moved through the chain of authority.  Complaints taken to the Board should be placed on the agenda by contacting the superintendent/designee.  Anonymous complaints shall not be considered.

 

WEAPONS

(See CCSD Board Policy 502.4)

The possession or use of any weapon, whether manufactured or homemade, real or look-a-like, is prohibited at school, on school grounds, on school buses or at school activities.  Parents/guardians of students found to possess weapons or dangerous objects or look-a-likes on school property shall be notified of the incident.  Confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and students will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

 

SMOKING/TOBACCO

1.   Possession or use of tobacco on the school grounds or at school approved activities on or off school grounds is a violation of Board of Education policy and will result in disciplinary action for students involved.  This includes smokeless tobacco.  This restriction includes the parking lots, bus loading zones, and bus pickup and exchange points.

2.   Students violating this policy will be suspended and a conference will be held with the parents or guardians.

3.   A second offense will result in a 3-day suspension.  Three or more offenses will result in longer suspension, which may lead to recommendation for expulsion.

 

POSSESSION OR USE OF ILLEGAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(See CCSD Board Policy 502.5)

As an educational institution, the District seeks to educate students in the dangers associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs.  The use of these substances is recognized as having a potentially serious danger to people.  Hence, the following shall be regarded as a serious violation of the school's disciplinary policy:

1.   Possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.

2.   Possessing, distributing, using, or being under the influence of illegal drugs on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.

3.   Possessing, distributing, or using drug paraphernalia on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.

Each case shall be reviewed by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time after the alleged violation.  Both the student and their parents shall have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the administrator before the administrator makes a decision.

Upon verification of facts, penalty for such violation shall be a suspension from/or in- school for at least two days.  Participation in activities, including practices, shall also be prohibited during this suspension period.  The student may also be placed on probation for a stated or indefinite period of time.  Expulsion from the District shall be considered for repeated offenses or for possessing, distributing, or using alcohol or drugs on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.  A student, suspended or expelled under this policy will be allowed to return to classes upon completion of the suspension/expulsion period and enrollment in a program of substance abuse evaluation by the Area XII Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Unit or other agency approved by the school.  It shall be the responsibility of the student and/or their parent to enroll in the program of substance abuse evaluation.

School officials will notify law enforcement when a student is suspected of possessing, using, distributing, or selling any illegal controlled substance on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools, unless reporting would jeopardize the District's at-risk or student assistance program.  Such reports must be made before the incident becomes part of the student's record, i.e., before it is written down.

Kuemper Catholic Schools, activities and property of these schools will be considered the same as Carroll Community School District activities and property for the purpose of administering this policy.

This policy does not affect nor rescind policies in effect for students who may also be penalized through the activity policies of the athletic department or other departments.