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South Tama County Elementary School
August 2006
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the South Tama County Elementary School. We are looking forward to an exciting and successful school year. We have prepared this handbook so that we may bring about a better understanding between the school and students/parents/guardians. We ask for your cooperation so that we may provide your child with a rewarding and enriching educational experience. Please take the time to read this handbook thoroughly.
On behalf of the faculty and staff, we would like to extend an invitation to you to feel free to visit our school any time. We are happy to have you and your child with us at the South Tama County Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Terry Eisenbarth Jill Tracy
Principal Assistant Principal
SOUTH TAMA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Philosophy
The STC staff believes that good habits formed at an early age will continue throughout life. During learning and obeying the rules are the first steps to becoming responsible adults.
We believe that encouraging students in cooperative behavior and in respect for others will develop self-respect. We would like to provide an environment which nurtures a more democratic, more supportive, and more genuinely concerning relationship in the classroom and school.
Goals
STC Elementary personnel will...
encourage children to become more responsible for themselves.
help children look at choices, and make decisions based on expected consequences.
have consistent expectations of student behaviors by all staff members.
have consistent consequences for student behaviors by all staff members.
provide consistent transitions from grade to grade and building to building.
provide an environment that nurture self-esteem.
Expectations
As students leave STC Elementary....
they will feel good about themselves and their school.
they will be respectful of the property and personal rights of others.
they will use appropriate behavior in school and on the playground.
they should be responsible for being at school on time and for having the necessary materials throughout the year.
they should exhibit appropriate behavior at school sponsored events.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School Hours........................................................................................
Who’s Who in The School..................................................................
Attendance............................................................................................
Excessive Absences..........................................................................
Bicycles.................................................................................................
Bus Procedures....................................................................................
Change of Address and/or Telephone..............................................
Child Custody.......................................................................................
Church Night..........................................................................................
Classroom Visitations...........................................................................
Communication Process for Parent Concerns....................................
Discipline Policies..................................................................................
Early Release from School..................................................................
Emergency Care of Illness and Injury.................................................
Emergency Drills..................................................................................
Equal Educational Opportunity...........................................................
Field Trips.............................................................................................
Gift Exchange.......................................................................................
Area Educational Agency Services....................................................
Harassment...........................................................................................
Insurance Program................................................................................
Investigation of Child Abuse by School Employee........................
Invitations to Private Parties.................................................................
Lunch Program.......................................................................................
Mandatory Immunization Law..............................................................
Mandatory Reporter.............................................................................
Materials Replacement.........................................................................
Medication..............................................................................................
Movies...................................................................................................
Parties and Treats..................................................................................
Personal Property.................................................................................
Pets.........................................................................................................
Playground.............................................................................................
Recess...................................................................................................
Retention (Program Modification)........................................................
School Cancellations.............................................................................
School Pictures......................................................................................
Student Appearance............................................................................
Student Expulsion...............................................................................
Student Progress..................................................................................
Student Records...................................................................................
Student’s Relations to Teachers and Other Adults............................
Student Suspension..............................................................................
Telephone..............................................................................................
Vandalism...............................................................................................
Video Taping- Student Photographs..................................................
Waivers...................................................................................................
SOUTH TAMA COUNTY ELEMENTARY
School Hours
STC Preschool
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
STC Kindergarten
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday
STC Elementary Grades 1-5
8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Who’s Who in School
Principals
The role of the principals is to serve both the students and the staff. The principals’ offices are always open to students to answer their questions or help with problems.
Guidance Counselor
The counselor’s primary function is to listen to students. If a student has a decision to make, a concern of any kind, or just wants to talk, the counselor will listen. If students have questions, no matter how large or small, they can ask the counselor. If the counselor cannot help, they will try to find someone who can.The counselor will be teaching guidance classes and will work with the orientation of new students.
Contact Teacher
Each student will have a teacher known as the contact, or classroom teacher for the duration of the school year. The contact teacher will serve as the student’s homeroom teacher and will be responsible for contacting the student’s parents/guardians, and conducting conferences. Parents/guardians are encouraged to visit frequently with their child’s contact teacher concerning their progress in school.
School Nurse
The school nurse will be available on a daily basis. The nurse will perform regular duties of eye screening, keeping track of immunizations, and assisting anyone who requires her attention.
A student who is sick is to report to the principal’s office and will not be sent home unless parents/guardians are notified. Any medication sent to school, with or without a doctor’s prescription, must be kept in the nurse’s office. All medications must be in the original container with proper instructions. Any changes in prescription must be sent to school in the new bottle. Students are not to have medication of any kind in their possession. Students must furnish their own bottle of Tylenol, cough drops, or any other over-the-counter medications and have a parent permission slip on record in the office.
Home-School Coordinator
The Home-School Coordinator monitors the attendance of elementary students. Staff members may refer students to the Home-School Coordinator due to chronic absenteeism. In addition, the Home-School Coordinator can assist families in getting connected with various agencies in the community. Some of these agencies include MICA, DHS, Juvenile Court, Mental Health of Tama County, area doctors, Public Health Nurses, and SATUCI.
Attendance
Regular attendance at school is very important. If it is necessary for your student to be absent, call the attendance center, otherwise the school will call the parent/legally appointed guardian. If impossible to call, send a note the next day explaining the reason for the absence. There are answering machines at the elementary center to assist with home-school communication before and after school hours.
If the absence is due to illness, please outline the type of illness, since it is necessary to monitor contagious diseases. In some situations, a doctor’s note to explain prolonged or frequent absences may be requested by school officials.
Students are counted tardy after 8:30 A.M. daily. If you know your child will be absent in advance, (doctor or dentist appointment, vacation, etc. ) notify the attendance center so arrangements for your child to receive assignments in advance can be made.
Excessive Absences
Students are considered to have excessive absences when they have missed at least 10% of the days school has been in session. Ten percent of the total days in session is equal to 18 days, which is nearly one month of school. Excessive absences greatly impact a student’s educational progress. (Students missing more than this number of days may have a legitimate excuse as determined by the principal, home-school coordinator, and guidance counselor.)
The following procedure will be used with those students who consistently miss school either with or without a legitimate excuse.
STEP 1: The contact teacher will visit with the student and notify the parent when the student has excessive absences and/or tardies.
STEP 2: The Home-School Coordinator or Guidance Counselor may visit with the student to determine the reason for the absence/s. One of them may notify the parent. They may, in certain circumstances, make home visits to retrieve students. Consequences may be assigned such as time after school or in-school suspension.
STEP 3: A letter may be sent home from the Home-School Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, and Principals informing parents of the school policy and the state law. A copy of the letter will be sent to the superintendent and the juvenile county probation office. A parent conference may be required. Further illnesses may require a doctor’s excuse.
STEP 4: The Home-School Coordinator will refer the student to the mediation team. The school will provide appropriate documentation and a representative at the mediation team meeting.
STEP 5: The student is referred to the county attorney for disposition.
We do realize that most absences are justified; however, our concern is how to help students from getting behind in their work to the point that they become frustrated.
Whenever students/parents/guardians know before hand that they are going to be absent from school, they should secure advance arrangements with the contact teacher. A phone call or written statement from parents/guardians is required in the office of any known days a student is going to be absent in advance.
Students who are planning to miss extended absences of school should make the school aware ahead of time. The student will be required to complete assigned work ahead of time if the classroom teacher is able to provide it. On a case by case basis, the administration reserves the right to adjust a particular step or steps.
Tardies
Tardiness is being late to school or a class. If students arrive in the morning after the tardy bell rings, they should report to the office to explain why they were tardy and receive their admittance to class. All tardiness will be handled in the same manner as an absence-they are either excused or unexcused. Excessive tardies will be handled by contact teachers and could be referred to a mediation team.
Bicycles
Bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle racks. Students are not to ride bicycles on the school grounds.
Bus Procedures
Proper bus behavior is discussed regularly with students by classroom teachers and bus drivers. Students understand that loud talking, fighting, throwing objects, profane language,
damaging public property, disobeying the driver’s instructions, and refusing to remain seated are violations of proper conduct on the bus. If a student breaks a rule, the following procedure will be used.
1st Offense Warning given
2nd Offense Student will be assigned seat near driver for an appropriate time.
3rd Offense The bus driver will talk to the student and contact the parent to
communicate his/her concern with the parent. (A written summary of
concern will be given to the principal. The building principal will become involved only after driver has made contact with parents.)
4th Offense The building principal and student will discuss behavior. The principal
will determine what measures could be taken after meeting with the
student.
5th Offense Child is REMOVED from bus. Child, parents, and bus drivers will
meet with principal.
In case of *severe behavior, the driver may omit normal steps and go directly to Step 5. Administration reserve the option to suspend a student’s bus transportation privileges at any time if that student’s behavior puts the safety of other students at risk.
*Severe behavior is defined as a behavior that puts the safety of other bus riders at risk or is life threatening.
Change of Address and/or Telephone
Each student’s enrollment card contains family information such as home address, location of parent/legally appointed guardian employment; home and work telephone numbers; names and telephone numbers of individuals to be notified in the event of an emergency.
It is extremely important this information be listed correctly and it be kept as current as possible. Should there be a change in any of the family information listed above, the school office should be notified immediately.
Child Custody
In most cases, when parents are divorced, both Mom and Dad continue to have equal rights where their children are concerned.
If there is a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitation, please bring copy to the office. Unless there is a court order on file in the school, equal rights will provided to both parents.
Church Night
In cooperation with the area churches, the school makes every effort to refrain from planning activities on Wednesday evenings.
Classroom Visitations
Parents or any other interested individual are encouraged to visit the classroom to observe firsthand the elementary educational programs.
The procedure for elementary center visitations is as follows:
1. It is requested a prospective visitor call the office or the classroom teacher to be
visited prior to the visitation. This is to eliminate any possible conflict of schedule.
2. All visitors are to stop at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass and to be escorted to the appropriate instructional area.
3. A visitor should enter an instructional area as quietly as possible.
4. A visitor should not expect a conference to be part of the visitation. If a conference
with the teacher concerning the student is desired, a separate appointment should be scheduled.
5. It is requested not to make school visitations during the first (2) weeks of school and
the last two (2) weeks of school. Regular instructional procedures are not in place
during these orientation and closure times.
6. It is requested school visitation not occur during formal testing periods.
7. To ensure visitations do not effect the classroom learning, visits are to be limited to a
one (1) hour period of time unless special arrangements have been made with the
teacher and the building principal.
8. It is requested not to bring preschool children along for classroom visit.
9. Visiting just at recess time is not encouraged because school playground rules are
not always followed by adult visitors.
10. If a guest is going to eat school lunch with a student, the office must be notified by
8:15 a.m. the day of the visit to ensure enough food will be prepared for the center.
Communication Process for Parents Concerns
If a parent has a concern regarding their student’s educational program, the follow steps should be taken:
1. Contact the teacher with whom the student has a concern.
2. Contact the principal after conferencing, with the teacher involved, if the concern
has not been resolved.
Discipline Policies
Students respond in a positive manner when involved in the policy and decision making process. An integral part of self-discipline is to understand and accept the concept of responsibility. When some discipline measure is needed, it must meet three criteria: fair, consistently administered, and appropriate for the behavior being corrected.
Students must know what behaviors are expected and must experience the consequences of their behaviors. Therefore, consequences will be imposed only after a student is aware his/her behavior created a disturbance, endangered the safety of others; caused damage to the building or the property of others; or interfered with the rights of others. In all instances, when a behavior consequence is imposed, the staff member’s goal is reasonableness and fairness with due process.
The general procedure after inappropriate behavior has occurred will be conferences between staff members, students and/or parent(s)/legally appointed guardian. In addition, the following specific consequences are also a consideration:
1. A student may be assigned for in-building supervision.
2. A behavior modification program may be established.
3. A student may be required to have a staff member verify his/her attendance or
behavior daily.
4. A student damaging the school or other student’s property may have to pay the
replacement or repair costs(s). Charges may also be filed with the proper authorities.
Early Release from School
When it is necessary for a student to leave school before the regular dismissal time, parents or legally appointed guardian should come to the school office for the student(s); notify the school by note; or phone requesting the early release. When the request for early release is made by phone, the school officials will verify the call. Do not be offended by this practice. It is a practice to protect the students.
Parents/legally appointed guardians are to report to the school office before taking the student(s) from the school building. Under no circumstances is a student to leave an elementary attendance center before school scheduled dismissal time without written or verbal request from the parent(s)/legally appointed guardian.
Emergency Care of Illness and Injury
The school is responsible for emergency care of sudden illness and injury. First aid will be given, but the subsequent care is the responsibility of the parent/legally appointed guardian and physician.
Parent/legally appointed guardian or other responsible person will be notified when a child is sick or injured. The family doctor will not be contacted without authority from parent/legally appointed guardian unless it is apparent that an injury or illness needs immediate medical attention.
When parent(s)/legally appointed guardians are picking up a sick or injured student, report to the school office before taking the student(s) from the school building.
No sick or injured child will be sent home without first contacting the parent/legally appointed guardian and a responsible adult in the home to receive them.
Students will be sent home with any of the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash, inflammation of eyes, untreated impetigo or ringworm, and head lice. Refer to Appendix A.
A written excuse by parent/legally appointed guardian stating specific illness of child is required when returning to school following an absence. In some cases written information from the student’s doctor will be requested.
Emergency Drills
Safety rules and emergency procedures are established for each attendance center. In accordance with the School Laws of Iowa, both announced and unannounced fire and tornado drills will be conducted in all attendance centers during each school year when school is in session.
Equal Educational Opportunity
It is the policy of the Community School District of South Tama County not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, marital status, disability, or national origin in its educational programs, student treatment, student activities, or employee, or employment policies as required by Title IX and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The district’s equity coordinator is Terry Eisenbarth. Direct concerns, complaints or suggestions to Terry Eisenbarth at 1611 Country Club Drive, Tama, IA. 52339 and phone number 641-484-3999.
Field Trips
Field trips have educational value relevant to material being studied in the classroom curriculum. Written permission from parents/legally appointed guardian is necessary before students go on a field trip. If it is not received, the student will remain at school. Parents/legally appointed guardian will receive advance notice of upcoming field trips.
Gift Exchange
At the winter party each year, the classroom may have a gift exchange within the homeroom. Classroom teachers will notify parents/ legally appointed guardians of the party dates and spending allowance for the gift exchange.
Area Education Agency Services
The Community School District of South Tama County is part of an Area Educational Agency which allows access to materials and specialized staff beyond those supplied directly by the district. Those services come through the Area Education Agency (AEA).
The AEA, located in Marshalltown, has a centralized Media Center with instructional films, books, videotapes, records, art prints, film strips, models, and microcomputer software packages. A production department provides printing and graphic services. Requested materials are delivered to the district twice a week.
Consultants are available to assist the teaching staff with curriculum development, advanced training, and many other support services. The South Tama Community School Administration and Board may attend workshops on administrative and legal concerns. The superintendents of the area meet monthly at the agency to keep abreast on state and area educational concerns.
Students with special needs in our district have the services of the AEA Special Education staff. Highly trained psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech clinicians, hearing clinicians, and vision specialists are available to assist with students’ educational plans. The AEA Special Education staff provides training and support for teachers, aides, and parents.
Harassment
There is ‘zero tolerance’ of harassment in the elementary centers! No elementary student or staff member will be subject to genderual harassment or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion national origin, gender, age, or disability. This includes student to student; student to staff, or staff to student.
Individuals who feel they have been harassed or feel they have witnessed incidents of harassment are encouraged to contact the elementary principals or staff member.
Appropriate swift-severe discipline action will be taken when harassment takes place.
Insurance Program
Each year the Community School District of South Tama County distributes information concerning student accident insurance and supplement dental accident insurance at registration and during the first week of school. Participation is entirely voluntary.
Investigation of Child Abuse by a School Employee
In compliance with the child abuse policy passed by the State Board of Education, the Community School District of South Tama County designates the following investigators of physical and genderual abuse of students by school employees.
Anita Townsley- STC Elementary , 641-484-3999
The investigators will examine written reported incidents of physical and genderual abuse of students by school employees. All written allegations will be reviewed to determine whether a Level Two referral is warranted. The investigators must notify local law enforcement authorities in cases of founded serious physical and genderual abuse.
The investigators must also give a copy of the report to the employee’s superintendent. All proven cases of abuse by certified employees will be reported to the Iowa Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
Invitations to Private Parties
One of the cruelest blows a child can receive is to have to stand empty-handed, watching others open their invitation to a birthday party. No child should have to experience this misery at school. Unless all students in your child’s class are receiving an invitation, please do not distribute invitations at school.
Lunch/Breakfast Program
Elementary student tickets have been distributed to each child’s attendance center to their teacher. Please encourage your children to take care of their ticket and not mutilate, lose or bend it. If the bar code is damaged, a replacement is required at a cost of $2.00. All numbers are the same with very few exceptions. Old tickets may be retained if they are still usable and not bent. No charging is permitted. If you have any questions or would like a printout of the activity for you child’s account, contact the office between 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Breakfasts are served every morning at
STC Elementary 8:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.
STC Chelsea
Breakfast prices Student Regular $0.65
Student Reduced $0.30
Adult $0.85
The school lunch program will begin serving meals on the first day of classes.
Lunch prices Student $1.15
Student Reduced $0.40
Adult $1.75
A second (2nd) carton of milk is available at the cost of $0.20. All cost will be deducted from the account balance.
Children bringing sack lunches and desiring milk or students desiring a second half-pint of milk are expected to open a school nutrition program account and maintain a positive balance.
When a parent feels their children will qualify for free lunches or reduced price lunches, they must personally make arrangements in the central office before free or reduced lunches will be granted. A new application must be completed each year. Parents who completed an application last school year must complete a new application this year to establish eligibility. The forms will be available at registration. Parents/guardians should file a completed application prior to the beginning of school.
Family lunch accounts should maintain a positive balance. If a family account should reach a negative balance of ten dollars (-$10.00), students of that account will not be allowed to eat school breakfast or lunch until the family account is no longer at a negative balance of ten dollars (-$10.00).
If a guest is going to eat school lunch with a student, the office must be notified by 8:15 a.m. the day of the visit to ensure enough food will be prepared for the center.
Mandatory Immunization Law
The 1977 Iowa Legislature passed into law, a mandate that all school children, before they can be enrolled in school, must present to school officials, certification that they have been properly immunized against six (6) diseases: polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and rubella. The immunization certification may be secured from the school’s office, Tama County Health Department, or your family physician.
Children entering kindergarten are required to have a physical, a dental exam, and proper immunizations. Parents/legally appointed guardians are asked to provide the school with a health history listing childhood diseases and any physical conditions or use of medication that may affect the functioning of the child in the classroom. Also, all new students entering the school system in other grades are asked to provide a healthy history.
Mandatory Reporter
Child abuse can be physical, mental or in the form of neglect. Much to the relief of everyone, it is not a common practice, but it does happen and it probably happens more often that we care to admit.
Iowa law effective 1977, makes it a requirement for all certified school employees to report all cases of suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services. Failure to comply with this legislation subjects a certified school employee to a fine or imprisonment.
Materials Replacement
If a book or any other type of educational material is lost or damaged beyond use, a replacement fee will be charged. The replacement fee depends upon the age and cost of the item(s). A percentage of the original cost is charged for older item(s) and full price for newer item(s). This includes library materials.
Medication
Medication (over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription drugs) will be given to a student only upon written instructions from the family doctor or written consent of the parent/legally appointed guardian. The medication to be given, during school hours, must be contained in a bottle which is clearly labeled by the pharmacy or the manufacturer with the name of the student; name of the medication; time of day to be given; amount to be given; duration it is to be given; and the name and phone number of the doctor. All medications will be kept in the nurse’s office in a locked safe.
Movies
When a commercial video is shown in elementary classrooms it will have a ‘G’ rating.
By following this practice, the students will not be exposed to ‘inappropriate’ materials.
Parties and Treats
All classes in the elementary centers may have the following room parties: fall, winter, and Valentine’s Day. On most occasions, families will be asked to furnish treats for these parties.
Other than these listed and birthday treats, parties should be cleared through the classroom teacher.
If your student wishes, he/she may bring birthday treats during the year. Enough treats are to be brought for every student in the classroom.
Balloons, flowers, or other gifts delivered to students during school hours will be kept in the office until the end of the school day. Prior to dismissal time, students will pick them up to be taken home. Such items are not encouraged to be sent to students in the elementary school during school hours/ prime class time will not be disrupted to make gift deliveries.
Personal Property
Students are discouraged from bringing extra money, radios, stereo equipment (walkmans, ‘boom boxes’), expensive games, toys, or other objects from home unless they have been given permission by the teacher. Items that are brought from home should be marked for identification.
The school does not assume responsibility for the loss or breakage of items brought from home.
Pets
Permission from the student’s classroom teacher is needed before bringing an animal to school. Someone must bring the animal at a specific time during the day and then take it back home as soon as it has been shared with the class. Pets are not to be transported to and from school on the school bus.
Occasionally, a family pet will get loose and follow a child to school. When a dog is running loose on our playground, every effort will be made to determine if the dog belongs to a student. If that is the case, the child will be asked to either take the dog home or a parent will be called. If we cannot determine who the dog belongs to, the authorities will be called to remove the dog. Even the most docile and friendly dog can become frightened and possibly vicious when suddenly surrounded by excited children on the playground.
Playground
During regularly scheduled recesses, the playground is supervised by a staff member at all times. There is no supervision prior to 8:00 a.m. or after school. Thus, it is most important that children arrive on our playground no sooner than 8:00 a.m. and go directly home following school dismissal.
Visiting at recess time is not encouraged because school playground rules are not always followed by adult visitors.
Recess
Weather permitting, all students go outside for recess. If students are well enough to come to school, they should be well enough to go outdoors for recess. Parents/legally appointed guardians should contact the elementary office or classroom teacher if a student is not able to go outside for recess due to health concerns.
Retention (Program Modification)
The student’s needs to succeed in an appropriate educational program will be the main factor when considering retention. Parents/legally appointed guardians, AEA consultants, and the student’s teacher will conference before any decisions are made.
A student will never be retained without the parent’s/ legally appointed guardian’s prior knowledge. When parents/legally appointed guardian disallow a recommended retention the parents/legally appointed guardians will be asked to sign a form indicating the student has been passed, counter to the recommendation of the administration.
School Cancellations
In cases of severe weather and situations which might result in school being closed, listen to one of the following radio and TV stations:
KZAT - Tama (95.5 FM)
WHO - Des Moines (1040 KC)
KFJB - Marshalltown (1230 KC)
KGRN - Grinnell (1410 KC)
KXIA - Marshalltown (101.1 FM)
KCRG - TV (Channel 9)
During non-school hours you may receive a weather related message by dialing:
Elementary 484-3999 Secondary 484-4345
Every effort will be made to have announcements on the air before 7:00 a.m. Please do not contact school officials before 7:00 a.m. It is difficult to assess road conditions and call area radio stations prior to 7:00 a.m.
There are times when school must start late or be closed early due to bad weather. Working parents/legally appointed guardians should develop an emergency plan, discuss it with your child(ren), and let the school know. Notification of such early dismissal will be transmitted over all the stations listed above.
School Pictures
Elementary student pictures will be taken in early fall and spring. Purchase of school pictures is optional. Reminders will be sent home in advance.
Student Appearance
While grooming and dress can be said to be a matter of individual taste, some guidelines are essential. Dress and grooming regulations are not intended to work a hardship upon anyone. They are based on reasonable and common sense standards.
1. Clothing or other apparel promoting products which are illegal for use by students
such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs;or clothing displaying obscene material or profanity
are not appropriate. T-shirts and patches with questionable sayings will not be
acceptable dress.
2. Clothing or other apparel, as well as symbols/emblems written visibly on the body or
apparel promoting or representing illegal behavior will not be allowed.
3. Hair styles that tend to create problems of health and situation, obstruct vision, or tend
to disrupt the educational process are not acceptable.
4. The whole body should be covered appropriately at all times. Short shorts will be
discouraged.
5. Students are to wear clean and properly fitted clothing including foot apparel.
6. Hats/caps will be worn at the discretion of the classroom teacher(s) in the building.
7. Children should dress appropriately for weather conditions. During inclement weather
(rainy, snowy, or muddy) children should wear boots.
8. Boots, tennis shoes, and other items should be marked clearly with
the student’s name.
The primary responsibility for appearance rests with the students and their parents/legally appointed guardians. The administration does reserve the right to judge what is proper and what is not in the school setting. When student appearance is judged to be improper in the school setting, appropriate action will be taken to correct the situation.
Student Expulsion
Expulsion from school for an extended period of time is imposed by majority vote of the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools for repeated infraction of school rules or when the presence of the student will cause substantial interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the normal operations of the school. A hearing before the Board of Education must take place for the purpose of affording a full discussion of the charges; allowing the student to refute the charges (due process); and determining length of expulsion.
Student Progress
Report cards are issued four (4) times a year after each nine (9) week grading period. Grades are administered by the individual classroom teacher of each child. The grade your child receives reflects the performance of your child in that specific subject area.
The Community School District of South Tama County believes both parents and teachers have a partnership with respect to the child’s education. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled two (2) times during the school year. This is the time parents and teachers talk about the student’s progress in school. However, parents/legally appointed guardians may request a conference with the teacher anytime during the year.
Student Records
The Community School District of South Tama County collects and maintains records on each student in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the students. The records contain information about the student and may include information, but are not limited to, the following types of information:
Identification data (birthdate, birthplace, etc.)
Attendance data
Achievement records (grades, test scores, etc.)
Family background data
Aptitude tests
Discipline data
External agency reports (vision, hearing, psychological, etc.)
Parents of students under the age of 18 may review the education records of the student. If you are interested in reviewing your child’s cumulative record, please contact the school office to schedule a time to do so.
The following persons, agencies, and organizations may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent/legally appointed guardian or student over the age of 18 years. Any other access to student records shall only be upon written
consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena.
School officials, teachers, and AEA personnel with a legitimate educational interest
Officials of other schools in which the student proposes to enroll.
Representatives of state and local government when auditing and evaluating
Federal education programs.
In connection with a student’s educational financial aid applications.
Governmental officials to which information is to be reported under state law
adopted prior to November 19, 1974.
Organizations which process and evaluate standardized tests.
Accrediting organizations for accrediting purposes.
Parents of dependent children regardless of child’s age.
Appropriate parties in health or safety emergency.
Student’s Relations to Teachers and Other Adults
Students are to address teachers, secretaries, aides, and other adult visitors with the proper respect. This will be strictly adhered to. Teachers, administrators, and other staff members will be expected to remind those who do not maintain this respect.
Student Suspension
The principal may suspend a student for repeated infractions of school rules, or when it is determined that the presence of the student will cause substantial interference with the maintenance of the educational environment of the normal operation of the school. The principal may suspend a student from school after:
1. Oral or written notice of allegations against the student.
2. The basis for the charges.
3. The opportunity to respond to the charges.
A reasonable effort shall also be made to notify the student’s parent(s)/legally appointed guardian(s) of any proposed suspension. While a student is suspended, he/she is not permitted to attend school functions or be on school property.
Telephone
Permission must be obtained from the teacher before a student uses the telephone. Since our telephone must be kept available for incoming business and emergency calls, children will not be allowed to use the school telephone for social or personal reasons. Long distance calls will need to be made on a collect or credit card basis.
Students will not be called out of class to talk on the telephone.
An adult school employee will be responsible to relay phone message information to students in a timely manner.
Any phone message of an emergency nature will be shared with a student by the appropriate school employed adult.
Vandalism
Any person or persons willfully damaging school property will be assessed the total cost for all replacement or repairs. In the case of a minor child, the parents or guardians will be held responsible as provided in the Code of Iowa.
Video Taping - Student Photographs
Video taping - photographing takes place in the classrooms, on school buses and during special student events/activities. These are used to assess classroom instruction; review activities; make observations and record special times in the elementary curriculum.
Sometimes local and surrounding newspapers are in our school to photograph students participating in events and feature articles about student achievements. The decision of what to include in the newspaper is made by the newspaper editors.
If you do not want your student to be a participant, inform the elementary attendance center in writing within ten (10) days of registering.
Waiver
Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistant under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. Parents or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the building principal at the time of registration for a waiver form. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.
Update Notes
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