STUDENTS Regulation 2110

Nondiscrimination and Student Rights

Equal Education Opportunity/§504 Procedural Safeguards

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act were designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. To that end, Section 504 provides, in pertinent part, as follows:

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . .

A disabled person under Section 504 is defined as any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Pursuant to Subpart D of the 504 federal regulations, a recipient of federal financial assistance that operates a public elementary or secondary education program must establish and implement, with respect to actions regarding the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of persons who, because of disability, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, a system of procedural safeguards. The following is a description of the procedural safeguards or rights granted by federal law to students with 504 disabilities and/or their parents or legal guardians and to those students who are suspected of having a 504 disability and/or their parents or legal guardians. Parents/guardian of students who are suspected of or identified with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are provided with copies of the IDEA procedural safeguards unless those students have a separately identified 504 disability that is not addressed through an IEP.

Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504:

1. Parents/guardian and students have the right to be informed by the School District of their rights under Section 504. The purpose of these Procedural Safeguards is to advise you of those rights.

2. A student with a 504 disability has the right to a free appropriate public education. An appropriate education is defined as the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of the disabled person as adequately as the needs of nondisabled persons are met and are based upon adherence to 504 regulatory procedures.

3. The provision of a free education is the provision of educational and related services without cost to the disabled person or to his or her parents or guardian, except for those fees that are imposed on nondisabled persons or their parents or guardian. Funds available from any public or private agency may be used to meet this requirement. Under the law, insurers and other third parties are not relieved from an otherwise valid obligation to provide or pay for services for a disabled student.

4. A child with a disability has the right to take part in, and receive benefits from, public education programs without discrimination because of his/her disability.

5. The parents(s) or guardian of a child with a disability have the right to receive notice with respect to the identification, evaluation, or placement of the child.

6. A student with a disability has the right to receive services and be educated in facilities that are comparable to those provided to nondisabled students.

7. A student with a disability has the right to have evaluation, education and placement decisions made based on a variety of information sources, and by persons who know the student and are knowledgeable about the evaluation data and placement options. The student also has the right to be periodically reevaluated.

8. A student with a disability has an equal opportunity to participate in nonacademic and extracurricular activities offered by the District.

9. A student with a disability has the right to have transportation provided to and from an alternative placement setting (if the setting is in a program not operated by the District) at no greater cost to the parent/guardian than would be incurred if the student were placed in a programed operated by the District.

10. The parents/guardian of a student with a disability or an eligible student (over the age of 18) have the right to examine all relevant records relating to decisions regarding the student’s identification, evaluation and placement.

11. The parents/guardian of a student with a disability or an eligible student and/or the District have the right to request an impartial due process hearing relating to decisions or actions relating to the student’s identification, evaluation, program or placement and the parents or guardian have the right to be represented by counsel in such hearings. The parents or guardian or eligible student and/or the District also have the right to a review procedure involving such hearings. The procedures for requesting an impartial due process shearing and the relevant review procedures are described below.

12. The parents/guardian of a student with a disability or an eligible student have the right to file a local grievance with the District for issues unrelated to the identification, evaluation, program or placement of the student. Board Policy 1621 describes the procedures for filing a grievance and can be requested by contacting: Shelly Shipman.

Persons who believe that the district is discriminating against eligible persons on the basis of disability may also file complaints with the District’s Section 504 Coordinator and/or [the address for the Kansas City Office of OCR is: OCR, U.S. Department of Education, 601 E. 12^th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The Kansas City office’s jurisdiction extends to the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. For a list of other regional offices and their coverage area, see www.ed.gov.

The District’s Section 504 Coordinator is Shelly Shipman and may be reached at (660)323-5272.

Due Process Appeal Procedures:

This procedure should be used if the parent(s), legal guardian or eligible student intends to challenge actions the District proposes or refuses under 504 regarding the identification, evaluation, program or placement of a student with a disability. The District also has the right to initiate a 504 due process hearing regarding these same matters.

1. If a parent, legal guardian or eligible student intends to challenge the action proposed or refused by the District, the parent/guardian or eligible student must file a written Request for 504 Due Process Hearing within 15 calendar days from the date of the District’s written notice of the proposed or refused action. A copy of this form is attached to these Procedural Safeguards. The Request for 504 Due Process hearing should be filed with the District’s Section 504 Coordinator.

If the District intends to initiate a Section 504 due process hearing, the District’s Section 504 Coordinator will complete the Request for a 504 Due Process Hearing within the same number of calendar days as specified above.

2. The Request for a 504 Due Process Hearing must state the specific circumstances, including all relevant facts, giving rise to the request for due process; the specific issues to be decided at the impartial due process hearing; and the relief being requested. The District will acknowledge, in writing, all parent/guardian requests for a due process hearing within 15 business days of receipt. If the District initiates the due process hearing, the District will inform the parent or guardian within 15 days of the District’s decision to so initiate.

3. The District will, within 15 business days of the District’s or parent/guardian’s receipt of the Request for a 504 Due Process Hearing, appoint and retain a single impartial hearing officer to hear and decide the due process request. The hearing officer must have knowledge or training in Section 504 and may not be an employee of the District. The hearing officer may not have a personal or professional interest that would conflict with his/her objectivity in the hearing. The District is not required to consult with the parent/guardian or eligible student with respect to the hearing offer appointment.

4. The parties to the hearing have the following rights:

a. The right to inspect all relevant records, including personally identifiable records of the student;

b. The right to be represented and advised by an attorney;

c. The right to present evidence and confront, cross-examine and compel the attendance of witnesses;

d. The right to obtain a record of the hearing;

e. The right to obtain written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision.

5. The parents or guardian have the right to open the hearing to the public; otherwise, it will be closed. The parents or guardian may elect to have the student present at the hearing.

6. The hearing officer must hold the hearing within 30 days of his/her appointment as hearing officer. This timeline may be extended upon the request of the party or parties and by agreement and order of the hearing officer.

7. Each hearing must be conducted at a time and place which is reasonably convenient to the District and the parents or guardian. The District’s facilities will be presumed to be a reasonably convenient location but the parents or guardian may challenge this presumption with the hearing officer.

8. The party that requested the due process hearing may not raise issues at the due process hearing that were not addressed in the Request for a 504 Due Process Hearing unless the other party agrees.

9. The hearing officer shall render a final, written decision no later than 20 days following the completion of the hearing. A decision may be rendered after 30 days, if either party requests an extension of this timeframe, and for good cause shown. The decision of the hearing is final and binding, subject to the procedures outlined below.

10. The District is responsible for costs directly attributable to the provision of administration hearings described in these procedures, including compensation of the hearing officer, transcripts or recordings of the hearing, and other related expenses. The District is not responsible for the costs of legal counsel or other representative of the parent/guardian or eligible student or for the costs of producing or reproducing the evidence presented by the parent/guardian or eligible student.

11. Any timelines specified herein may be extended by agreement of the District and parent/guardian or eligible student or by order of the hearing officer.

12. Any party aggrieved by the decision of the impartial hearing officer may appeal that decision to any court of competent jurisdiction.

STUDENTS Regulation 2170

Nondiscrimination and Student Rights

Distribution of Noncurricular Publications by Students

Guidelines for Distribution

Students may distribute, at reasonable times and places, unofficial written materials, petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia, except expressions which:

1.         Are obscene to minors.

2.         Are libelous.

3.         Are pervasively indecent or vulgar (secondary schools)/contain any indecent or vulgar language (elementary schools).

4.         Advertise any product or service not permitted to minors by law.

5.         Constitute insulting, hateful or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person’s race, religion, or ethnic origin).

6.         Present a clear and present likelihood that, either because of their content or their manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

Distribution on school premises of material in above categories to any student is prohibited.

Procedures

Any student wishing to distribute unofficial written material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the principal/designee at least three (3) days in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:

1.         Name and phone number of the person submitting request.

2.         Date(s) and times(s) of day of intended display or distribution.

3.         Location where material would be displayed or distributed.

4.        The grade(s) of students to whom the display or distribution is intended.

Within forty-eight (48) hours of submission, the principal/designee will render a decision whether the material violates the guidelines contained in these regulations or the time, place and manner restrictions of this regulation.  In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the student submitting the request should be informed of the reasons for the denial.

Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by the school, the administration, the Board, or the individual reviewing the materials submitted.  Accordingly, the publication shall contain a statement “The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the District or its personnel.”

If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal/designee, the student may submit a written request for appeal to the Superintendent/designee.  If still not satisfied, the student may appeal the request to the Board for its review.

Time, Place and Manner of Distribution

The distribution of written material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:

1.         No written material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity (e.g., classroom) if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.

2.         Distribution of written material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entranceways of the school.

Definitions

The following definitions apply to the following terms as used in this policy:

Obscene to minors is defined as:

1.         The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the written material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested; and/or

2.         The material depicts and describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and/or

3.         The material taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.

Minor is defined as any person under the age of eighteen (18).

Material and substantial disruption of a normal school activity is defined as follows:

1.         Any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of any educational or school sponsored program.

2.         In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecast, including past experience in the school and current events influencing student activities and behavior.

School activities is defined as any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes – by way of example, and not by way of limitation – classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies, and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays, and in-school lunch periods.

Unofficial written material is defined as all written material except school publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school.  Examples include leaflets, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards and underground newspapers, whether written by students or others.

Libelous is defined as a false or unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual’s reputation, or to lower him/her in the esteem of the community.

Distribution is defined as circulation or dissemination of written material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies.  It includes displaying written material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.

Disciplinary Action

Distribution by a student of unofficial written material prohibited in this regulation will be treated as a violation of the student discipline code. Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2200

Admission and Withdrawal

Student Records Requests

Within 48 hours of enrolling a student placed in the District pursuant to R.S.Mo. §§ 210.481-.536, the school official enrolling the student shall request all records required by District policy for student transfer, including discipline records, from all schools and facilities attended by the student in the preceding twenty-four (24) months in addition to records related to the student from the Department of Social Services; the Department of Mental Health; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and any other state agencies and entities involved in the placement of the student.

For all other students to whom the preceding paragraph of this Regulation is not applicable, the Superintendent/Designee will request the student's transfer and discipline records from all schools or facilities previously attended within the preceding twelve (12) months within two (2) business days of a student’s request to enroll in the District. In addition, parents/guardians of students new to the District will be required to complete and sign the Affidavit Regarding Prior Discipline informing the District of the student’s previous suspensions, expulsions or criminal activity.

Any enrollment of the student prior to receipt of a the student’s discipline records from a previous school will be conditional until such time as the student’s previous discipline records are received evidencing that the student is not barred from enrollment under R.S.Mo.§ 167.171 (See Policy and Regulations 2200 and 2664). A student will be allowed to attend school after a conditional enrollment. A student’s conditional enrollment will be revoked upon receipt of information that the student is barred from enrollment pursuant to R.S.Mo. § 167.171 and the student will no longer be allowed to attend school. This provision does not apply to a disabled student, as identified under state eligibility criteria, who is convicted or adjudicated guilty as a result of conduct related to the student’s disability. Any student who is barred from enrollment pursuant to R.S.Mo. §167.171 will be provided due process as set for in the District Regulation 2664. If the student is not barred from enrollment pursuant to R.S.Mo. § 167.171, the student will be deemed fully enrolled upon receipt of the student’s records. (See Regulation 2200, Policy 2290, and Policy and Regulation 2664).

The Superintendent/Designee is authorized to share relevant portions of such student's transfer and discipline records with District employees who, based upon their duties, have a need to know such information. Such records will be maintained in confidence for purposes of maintaining discipline and for assistance to the student. July 2014

STUDENTS Regulation 2230 (Form 2230)

Admission and Withdrawal

Admission of Non-Tuition Students

The Superintendent/Designee is responsible for ensuring that all pre-registration residency, waiver requests, and prior discipline forms are completed and maintained as District records.

A student may only register in the District if the student provides proof of residency or if the student or parent/guardian requests a waiver from the Board of Education on the basis of hardship or good cause. A Residency Enrollment Checklist (Form 2230) and Affidavit Regarding Prior Discipline (Form 2230.2) will be completed at the time of enrollment. If the Superintendent/Designee has reason to suspect that the admission of a student will create an immediate danger to the safety of others, a hearing will be convened within five (5) working days of the request to register. At the hearing, the District will determine whether the student may enroll. (See Regulation 2664 – Enrollment or Return Following Suspension and/or Expulsion.)

Waiver

Students or parents/guardians seeking a waiver of the District’s residency requirement must complete and submit to the Superintendent a Request for Waiver of Proof of Residency (Form 2230.1) stating the reasons for which the waiver is requested. If a waiver is requested, the Board of Education, or a committee of the Board appointed by the Board President, must convene a hearing no later than forty-five (45) days after the request for waiver is filed with the Superintendent. Once a waiver of proof of residency has been requested, the student may be permitted to conditionally enroll and attend school pending a hearing before the Board on the request unless there is reason to suspect that the student’s admission will create an immediate danger to the safety of other students or employees of the District. If there is reason to suspect that a student poses an immediate danger, the Superintendent/Designee may hold a hearing within five working days of the request to register and determine whether or not the pupil may register.

If the District fails to convene a timely hearing, the request for waiver is automatically granted. Following the hearing, the Board will provide written notice of its decision and the reasons for its approval or denial of the waiver request. If the Board grants the waiver request, the student will be allowed to continue attending school in the District and will be deemed fully enrolled. If the Board denies the waiver request, the student’s conditional enrollment will automatically be revoked and the student shall not be allowed to continue attending school in the District.

In considering whether a waiver to residency should be granted, the presumption that a student's domicile is in the home of the student's parent/guardian is not conclusive. Students residing within the District, but not within the domicile of their parent/guardian, will be considered residents of the District if they reside within the District for reasons other than solely to attend District schools or athletic reasons.

Students Entitled to Enroll Without Proof of Residency or Payment of Tuition

The following students may enroll without payment of tuition or request for a waiver of the proof of residency requirements:

1. Orphaned children or children with only one living parent.

2. Children between the ages of six (6) and twenty (20) who are unable to pay tuition and whose parents/guardians do not contribute to their support.

3. Children who participate in an American Field Service or similar foreign exchange program subject to District approval and provided that the student resides in the home of a District resident.

4. Children whose parents/guardians own and reside upon property at least eighty (80) acres of which are used for agricultural purpose, provided at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the property is within the District.

5. Inter-district court-ordered desegregation students.

6. Students of District teachers or regular District employees.

7. Homeless students.

8. Wards of the state placed in a residential care facility by state officials.

9. Students placed in a residential care facility by a juvenile court or due to a mental illness or developmental disability.

10. Students with a disability identified under state eligibility criteria if the student is in the District for reasons other than accessing the District’s educational programs.

11. Students attending regional or cooperative alternative education programs.

Students attending an alternative education program on a contractual basis.

The administration may investigate the eligibility of children attending schools under the provisions of this regulation. If a determination is made by the Superintendent/Designee that the student does not meet the criteria to be entitled to a free public education by the District, the student may be administratively removed from the enrollment as set forth in Policy 2290. July 2014

STUDENTS Regulation 2240

Admission and Withdrawal

Admission and Tuition - Non-Resident Students

The following students who are not residents of the District may enroll without payment of tuition:

1. Orphaned children or children with only one living parent.

2. Children whose parents/guardians do not contribute to the support of the child.

3. Children who participate in an American Field Service or similar foreign exchange program subject to District approval and provided that the student resides in the home of a District resident.

4. Children whose parent/guardian owns real property within the District, but who reside outside of District boundaries. Such children may attend school upon payment of tuition, which will be reduced by the amount of real estate tax paid by the child's parent/ guardian for School District purposes.

5. Children whose parents/guardians own and reside upon property at least eighty (80) acres of which are used for agricultural purpose, provided at least thirty-five percent (35%) of the property is within the District.

6. Inter-district desegregation students.

7. Students of District teachers or regular District employees.

8. Homeless students.

9. Wards of the state.

10. Students placed in a residential care facility.

11. Students attending regional or cooperative alternative education programs.

The administration may investigate the eligibility of children attending schools under the provisions of this regulation.

Admission of Students from Unaccredited School Districts

The District will accept students seeking to transfer enrollment from a school district in the same or adjoining county that has been declared unaccredited by the State of Missouri in accordance with the following guidelines:

Tuition

The Board of Education of the school district that has been declared unaccredited will be responsible for payment of tuition to the District for each transfer student(s) accepted under this policy. The rate of tuition will be calculated in accordance with the District’s per pupil cost, calculated in accordance with Missouri Revised Statute §167.131. Tuition from the transferring school district must be received by the beginning of each semester.

Applications for Enrollment

Parents or legal guardians seeking to transfer the enrollment of their child(ren) to the District in accordance with this policy, must be a resident of a school district that has been declared unaccredited. The term “resident” will be interpreted in accordance with Missouri law. Upon a request for transfer to the District pursuant to this policy, the District has the right to seek information verifying the student’s residency status in the unaccredited district.

Parents or legal guardians seeking to transfer enrollment to the District must send notification to their school district of residence and the District of their intent to enroll their child(ren). Applications for enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year must be received in the District’s Central Office by August 1^st and by February 1^st of each year thereafter.

Parents or legal guardians seeking enrollment in the District pursuant to this policy will be required to complete District enrollment forms and provide information related to residency, academic, age, immunization, health, student discipline status, and other eligibility prerequisites as established by Board policies, rules and regulations, and by state law. Students will not be permitted to enroll in the District pursuant to this policy if the student has been convicted or charged with any offense outlined in the Missouri Safe Schools Act, §167.171 RSMo.

Applications for enrollment will be considered in order of receipt by the District’s Central Office. The District will give preference to siblings of current transfer students already attending the District. Nonresident students from unaccredited schools may be permitted to attend the District based upon District capacity and availability of space in student grade level.

Availability is based upon District class size and student-teacher ratios. Based upon an average class size at grade level for the previous five years, the acceptable average class size for the District at grade level is:

- Kindergarten 18-20

- Grades 1-2 20-22

- Grades 3-5 23-25

- Grades 5-8 20-25

- Grades 9-12 20-25

School placement will be determined solely at the Superintendent or his/her designee’s discretion.

Transportation

The District is not responsible for transportation of students enrolling from an unaccredited school district. If the unaccredited school district has selected the District as a school district to which it will provide transportation, it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to make transportation arrangements with their home school district.

Activities

As provided, regulations of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) students transferring from an unaccredited high school pursuant to §167.241 are eligible to participate in interscholastic MSHSAA activities sponsored by the receiving District. However, the District will not provide transportation to student transfers related to activity practice.

Reaccreditation

If the unaccredited school district where a student resides regains its accreditation, the student may remain in the District only until the end of the current school year, subject to the payment of tuition by the unaccredited school district.

July 13

STUDENTS Regulation 2250

Admission and Withdrawal

Admission of Exchange Students

This regulation sets forth the procedural requirements for admission of foreign exchange visitor students to the District.

1.         The sponsoring organization shall not place a student in the high school without first

contacting the principal and obtaining his/her approval for the admission of the student.

2.         Students will be accepted on a space available basis. No more than four foreign students

            from a given program and no more than two of the same nationality may be placed in the

            high school at one time.

3.         Representatives of the foreign exchange program must provide active supervision and

            support to their participating students including responsibility for resolving problems

            including, if necessary, the changing of host families and the early return home of the

            exchange student because of personal or family difficulties.

4.         Placement of the student in the high school should be arranged at least five weeks in

            advance of the student's departure from the student's native country. In any event, such

            placement must be made before the student's arrival in the United States. 

5.         The host family should be familiar with, and transmit to the school, information about the

            student's interests and general behavior, and provide the student's school record in

            English or translatable, form.

6.         The foreign exchange student must abide by the rules and regulations of the high school

            regarding attendance, discipline, school work etc.

7.         The principal will check to see whether:

            a.         Orientation, both pre departure and upon arrival in the United States, has been

                        provided to the exchange students. The orientation is to be designed to give the

                        students basic information about the United States, its people, family and school

                        life, and the nature of the program in which they are participating 

            b.         Orientation has been provided to host families at least five weeks prior to the

                        student's arrival in the United States.

            c.         Each visiting student and host family has been provided with a copy of the

Department of State’s Criteria for Exchange Visitor Programs.

d.         The representative has made sure the student has appropriate health, accident and

liability insurance.

            e.         Students are provided with an identification card with address and telephone

                        numbers of the sponsoring organization and the Facilitative Services Staff,

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Department of State. 

8.         Diplomas may be issued to exchange students when both the District graduation

            requirements and the student's home school requirements have been met. Students are

            entitled to participate in all senior activities, including the graduation ceremony, with or

            without the diploma.

9.         District students should be recommended by the local units of exchange visitor programs

            for reciprocal privileges and responsibilities. Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2260

Admission and Withdrawal

Homeless Students

Identification

For purposes of Board policies and regulations homeless students include students under age twenty- one (21) who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and include students who:

1. are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in hotels, motels, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals;

2. have a primary night time residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

3. Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

4. Are a migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

School Selection

Parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth will be informed of the homeless student’s right to remain in the school of origin. For purposes of this policy, the school of origin means the school that the student last attended when permanently housed, or the school where the student was last enrolled including preschool. In determining the best interest of the student, the Board will consider:

1. Keeping the student in the school of origin unless contrary to wishes of parent or guardian;

2. Impact of mobility on admission;

3. Education, health, safety of the student;

4. Consider the views of an unaccompanied student;

5. Irrespective of whether the student lives with homeless parents or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.

The District will provide a written explanation, including the right to appeal to the student or parent/guardian if, the Board sends the student to a school other than the school of origin or the school requested by the parent/guardian.

Enrollment

A homeless student will be enrolled without undue or unreasonable delay. A homeless student will be enrolled even if their previous academic records, immunization records, proof of residence, or other documents are not immediately available. The District will ensure that homeless students, meeting eligibility standards, do not face barriers in accessing academic and extracurricular activities.

Transportation

The District will, upon parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth request, provide transportation to and from the school of origin as follows:

If the student continues to live in the District, transportation will be arranged to the school of origin.

If the student continues in their school of origin, but moves into another district, transportation will be arranged upon by the District of origin and the new District of residence.

Parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth will be fully informed of all transportation services, including transportation to and from the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation services.

Homeless Liaison

The Board of Education has appointed the School Superintendent as liaison for homeless students. The responsibilities of the liaison will include, but not be limited to:

1. Ensure that homeless children and youth are identified by school personnel through outreach and coordination activities with other entities and agencies.

2. Establish practices designed to ensure the school enrollment and success of homeless students;

3. Assist with the enrollment of homeless students and provide assistance with obtaining academic and medical records;

4. Make school placement decisions based on the best interest of the child and wishes of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth;

5. Inform parents, guardians, or unaccompanied homeless students of the educational and related opportunities available to them;

6. Ensure that homeless students and their families have access to educational services including Head Start, Even Start and other preschool programs administered by the District;

7. Ensure that referrals are made to health care, dental, mental health and other appropriate services;

8. Ensure that homeless students are not isolated or stigmatized because of their status as homeless;

9. Handle enrollment disputes and ensure that disputes over the placement of homeless students are resolved in a timely manner consistent with the requirements of the McKinney Vento Act;

10. Provide/arrange transportation and inform the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied homeless youth of the transportation services the school district must make available and assist homeless students in accessing transportation to and from school; and

11. Disseminate public notice of the educational rights of homeless students in places where homeless students receive services.

Ensure school personnel receives professional development and other support.

Ensure that unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school, have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic standards, are informed of their status as independent students under Section 480 of the Higher Education Act and their right to receive verification of this status.

All school personnel, District service providers and locally known advocates working with homeless families will be informed of the identity of the Homeless Liaison and the Homeless Liaison duties.

Disputes Over School Selection or Enrollment in a School

If a dispute arises over school selection or enrollment in a school the following protocols will apply:

1. The homeless student will be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute;

2. The parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth will be provided with a written explanation of the District's decision regarding school selection, enrollment, and related decisions concerning education services, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or student to appeal the decision; and

3. The homeless student, parent, or guardian will be referred to the Homeless Liaison, who will carry out the complaint resolution process described in the next section of this Regulation as expeditiously as possible after receiving notice of the dispute.

At the request of the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth, the District will provide for or arrange adequate or appropriate transportation to and from the school selected by the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth. Inter-district transportation disputes will be resolved by DESE.

Dispute Resolution

Level I - A complaint regarding eligibility, school selection, enrollment or barriers to attending classes and participating in school activities of a homeless child shall first be presented orally and informally to the District's educational liaison for homeless children. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the complainant may present a formal written complaint (grievance) to the educational liaison. The written charge must include the following: date of filing, description of alleged grievances, the name of the person or persons involved and a recap of the action taken during the informal charge stage. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the liaison shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons. In addition, the liaison will inform the Superintendent of the formal complaint and the disposition.

Level II - Within five (5) working days after receiving the decision at Level I, the complainant may appeal the decision to the Superintendent by filing a written appeals package. This package shall consist of the complainant's grievance and the decisions rendered at Level I. The Superintendent will arrange for a personal conference with the complainant at their earliest mutual convenience. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the Superintendent shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons.

Level III - If resolution is not reached in Level II, a similar written appeals package shall be directed through the Superintendent to the Board of Education requesting a hearing before the Board at the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. The hearing before the Board may be conducted in closed session upon the request of either the Board or the complainant. Within thirty (30) working days after receiving the appeals package, the Board shall state its decision and reply in writing to the parties involved. For District purposes, the decision of the Board of Education is final.

Level IV – If the complainant is dissatisfied with the action taken at Level III, the Complainant may appeal the decision to the State Education Agency point of contact. Such appeal must be in writing and filed within five (5) days of Level III decision, and including:

1. School in which enrollment is sought and the basis for seeking enrollment;

2. Name and contact information for the parent or education decision-maker;

3. Best Interest notes and reports;

4. Copy of the previous appeal letter;

5. Copy of the decision recommended at Level III.

The appeal letter must be submitted to the State point of contact as well as the District’s Superintendent.

Policy Dissemination

Copies of the Board of Education's Policy on Homeless Students will be presented to the County Welfare Office, County Office of the Division of Employment Security, the Juvenile Officer and to local law enforcement authorities.

Identification

Homeless students will be identified by referrals from community organizations and District personnel and by review of the District's enrollment forms.

January 2018, Copyright © 2018 Missouri Consultants for Education, LLC

STUDENTS Regulation 2270

Admission and Withdrawal

Migrant Students

Identification

For purposes of Board policies and regulations, the phrase migratory students shall mean students aged three (3) through twenty-one (21) who are or whose parents/guardians or spouses are migratory agricultural workers, including migratory dairy workers or migratory fishers; and who in the preceding thirty-six (36) months, in order to obtain or accompany such parents/guardians or spouses in obtaining temporary or seasonal employment in agriculture or fishing work, have moved from one school district to another.

The District will identify migrant students by including questions on the District's enrollment form. If it is indicated that a migrant student is enrolling, the parents will then be asked to complete a parent survey/family interview form provided by the State Office for Migrant-English Language Learner (MELL) Program. The Regional Migrant Center or the State Director for Migrant Education will be notified of any migrant students who are enrolled in the District. The Regional Migrant Center will be contacted for any assistance needed for the migrant student(s).

Services

School District personnel including secretaries, nurses, counselors, teachers and principals will be advised of the presence of eligible migrant students in their assigned schools to ensure that equal access to all school programs is provided. Complaints concerning the placement of migrant students will be resolved by means of the District's complaint resolution procedure for homeless students.

January 2017 Copyright © 2017 Missouri Consultants for Education, LLC

STUDENTS Regulation 2310*

Attendance

Student Attendance

The Board of Education has established the following rules and regulations regarding attendance, absences and excuses for students. These rules and regulations are intended to comply with Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law (167.031 RSMo.) which establishes compulsory attendance for all children between the ages of seven and sixteen unless their education is provided by other acceptable means or otherwise excusable under the law.

Attendance Policies

All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to get maximum benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.  There is felt to be a direct relationship between poor attendance, class failure, and dropouts.  The following are items comprising the attendance policy of the Adair County R-II Schools.  Revised by the Adair County R-II School Board on June19, 2019.

1. Students may miss no more than 5 days or the equivalent of 5 school days to receive any "credit" during a given semester for all classes enrolled.  Students may miss no more than 5 periods of any one class to receive "credit" for that class. 

2.  "Credit" will be defined as 1/2 unit of Carnegie credit per class each semester.  Any student exceeding 5 days in a semester will forfeit the 1/2 unit of credit for each class and have placed on their official transcript the letters "NC" (no credit) under the column "semester grade".  Also, the "NC" will be footnoted with an explanation of the school's attendance policy and loss of credit.

3.   College Visit allowance: Juniors will be allowed 1 college visit and Seniors will be allowed 2 college visits per year that will not count towards their 5 absences. Visits must be arranged through the counselor, be pre-approved, and bring back documentation in order for them not to count towards their 5 days.

4. The only exception to the attendance policy is a doctor, dentist, or orthodontist certified medical excuse, or mandatory courtroom appearance documented by the court or law firm. Excused absences are based on the honesty and integrity of the parents and their doctor. Notes MUST be turned into the office within two business days of the absence in order to be excused.

5.    Make-up of missed work, tests, etc.:  It is the student's responsibility to obtain all homework and hand it in on time.  One day will be allowed for each day missed.  For example, if you are sick for 2 days with the flu, you have 2 days to make up the work.  Exceptions for late work can be made at the teacher’s discretion.  Truants will not be allowed to do make-up work.  Students must bring a note from home, for any absence, in order to be given credit for make-up work.  Assignments given or tests announced prior to an absence are due upon the students return to school.

6.   After the 3rd day of absence in any of the 7 class periods a letter will be sent to the parent or guardian to inform them of the student’s absences.  After the 5th day of a student's absence, the parent or legal guardian will be contacted by phone or letter (if phone contact is not possible). 

7.   Student tardiness will be reported and recorded on an hourly basis for each school day.  Students who accumulate eight tardies in a semester will receive a detention for the first offense. On the 12^th tardy, the student will serve a day of ISS. On the 15^th tardy, the student will servie 1-3 days of ISS. On the 16^th tardy and over, each tardy will receive 1-3 days of ISS.

8.   Any student who exceeds 5 absences for any reason will make up each absence (in excess of 5 absences) minute for minute to receive credit for the semester.  The time can be made up on our Mondays off as arranged by the Principal or during HOT sheet detention time. All make up hours will be approved by a case by case basis.

The attendance policy is for grades 7-12, but because of the importance of regular attendance, it is recommended that all students adhere to the policy. Students grades K-6 who exceed the attendance policy may be referred to the Juvenile authorities.

June 2019

STUDENTS Regulation 2320

Attendance

Part time Attendance

The District recognizes the need of some students to attend school on a part time basis. The Board has established the following regulation regarding part time attendance. It is the intent of this regulation to meet the individual needs of each student and at the same time establish rules and regulations which will preserve the discipline, health, and academic standards of the school. 

Eligibility Requirements

1.         The student must have parent/guardian approval if under 18 years of age.  

2.         The student must demonstrate a definite need to attend school on a part time basis.

            Examples are: a) financial needs of student or family, b) health problems of self or

            family, c) vocational training in school or on the job, d) enrollment in a school of higher

            education, and e) unique curriculum offerings.

Application Procedure

The student must secure an appointment with the guidance counselor or school principal prior to classification as a part time student. The student must complete a part time attendance request form at the conference. Before any decision is given concerning the request, a conference must be held with the student's parent/guardian if the student is under 18 years of age. All applications and conferences must be completed during the time preceding the semester in which the student is to be enrolled on a part time basis 

After an application has been submitted, the principal shall rule on the request and report to the Superintendent the names of all students who are to be enrolled on a part time basis. This same report shall be transmitted to the Board of Education. In the event the principal denies the request, the student may appeal to the Superintendent who must respond in a reasonable time. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, an appeal may be made to the Board of Education with the appeal to be heard at the next meeting of the Board.

The student must renew the request for part time attendance status each semester. Parental conference will not be required for renewal; however, the parent/guardian will be notified of the student's continued part time enrollment status.

Part time students are governed by the same rules and regulations that apply to regularly enrolled students. Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2330

Attendance

Student Early Dismissal Procedures

The following procedures apply:

1.         The building principal or designee shall not excuse a student before the end of the school

            day without a request for early dismissal by the student's parent/guardian 

2.         Requests shall be in writing. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student shall be

            honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student's parent/guardian.

3.         Children of single parent families will be released only upon the request of the custodial

            parent; i.e., the parent whom the court holds directly responsible for the child, and who is

            identified as such on the school record.

Additional precautions may be taken by the school administration, appropriate to the age of students, and as needs arise.

Parents/guardians have the obligation to advise and provide up-to-date documentation to the building principal regarding any change in the legal and/or physical custody of the student.  The building principal, at all times, has the authority to investigate and confirm the custodial status of a parent/guardian if the principal has inadequate information or reason to suspect that false or incomplete information has been provided to the School District.

Students shall not be permitted to answer any personal phone calls, except those from the parent/guardian or other persons having legal custody of said pupils. Emergency messages will be delivered to the students. Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2340

Attendance

Truancy and Educational Neglect Procedures

1.         Section 210.1 15.R.S.Mo. mandates certain professionals to report to the Division of

            Family Services when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being subjected

            to home conditions which contribute to school nonattendance.

            Along with other professionals mentioned, the law specifically mentions "teacher, principal or other school official" as well as "nurse" and "social worker."

2.         School employees who suspect that a child is subject to educational neglect shall report this as soon as possible to the principal/designee.

3.         The principal/designee shall review the report and confer with the parent/guardian to resolve the situation. When appropriate, a school counselor, social worker, or nurse may be instructed to offer appropriate social or health services which may be needed to intervene in the family circumstances.

4.         If appropriate school intervention does not correct the student's truancy, and reasonable cause for educational neglect has been determined, the principal/designee shall call the Student Abuse Hotline of the Division of Family Services and report the alleged child educational neglect.

5.     A report of this call shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or Central Office Student Services Administrator.

Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2400 (Form 2400)

Student Educational Records

Definitions

Directory information means information contained in the educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. In the Adair Co. R-II School District, directory information includes the following: the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous school attended, and photographs.

1. Educational record means those records that are directly related to a student and are maintained by the District.

2. Disclosure means to permit access to or the release, transfer, or other communication of educational records, or the personally identifiable information contained in those records, to any party, by any means, including oral, written or electronic means.

3. Eligible student means a student who has reached 18 years of age or attends an institution of post-secondary education.

4. Parent means a parent of a student and includes a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual acting as a parent/guardian in the absence of a parent/guardian.

5. Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to the student's name; the name of the student's parent/guardian or other family member; the address of the student or student's family; a personal identifier, such as the student's social security number or student number; a list of personal characteristics that would make the student's identity easily traceable, or other information that would make the student's identity easily traceable.

6. Student means any individual who is or has been in attendance in the District and about whom the District maintains educational records.

General Guidelines

1. The District shall give full rights under this regulation to either parent/guardian of a student, unless the District is provided with a court order, state law or other legally binding document that specifically revokes the parent/guardian's rights to access under this regulation.

2. When a student reaches the age of 18, or attends a post-secondary institution of education the parent/guardian rights under this policy will transfer from the parent/guardian to the student.

3. The District will annually disseminate a notice of the rights available under this regulation to parent/guardian and eligible students. The annual notification will include a statement that the parent/guardian or eligible student is entitled:

a. To inspect and review the student's educational records.

b. To request changes to the educational records to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights.

c. To consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's educational records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without such consent; and

d. To obtain a copy of this policy and guidelines.

The annual notification will also inform parents/guardians and eligible students where copies of the policy and guidelines are located.

2. Prior to making directory information public, the District will notify the parent/guardian regarding the categories of information that it has designated as directory. In addition, the District will allow a reasonable period of time after such notice for the parent/guardian or eligible student to inform the District that any or all of the designated directory information should not be released without the parent's/guardian's or eligible student's consent.

Procedures for Inspection and Review of Educational Records

1. The District's regulation permits parents/guardians and eligible students to inspect and review the educational records of the student.

2. After a request for access to records, the District will allow access within a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than forty-five (45) days after receipt of the request. All requests for access should be directed to Custodian of Records.

3. After the parent/guardian or eligible student has had an opportunity to inspect and review the student's educational records, the parent/guardian may make a request for explanations and interpretations of the records to Superintendent. The District's designee shall respond to all reasonable requests for explanation or interpretation.

4. The District will not destroy any educational record if there is an outstanding request to inspect and review that record.

5. If a student's educational records contain information on more than one student, the parent/guardian or adult student may inspect, review or be informed of only the specific information about that student. That is, all information pertaining to another student will be redacted.

6. The District may employ the use of security videos in its hallways, classrooms and/or buses. Security videos maintained by the District’s law enforcement unit (if any) or not maintained at all (recycled) are not considered educational records and therefore may not be inspected and reviewed under FERPA. If security videos are maintained by the District, such videos are protected educational records under FERPA and may be viewed by parents or patrons with a court order or written permission from the parent(s) of each student to whom the video is directly related.

7. The District may disclose personally identifiable information from an educational record only on the condition that the party to whom the information is disclosed will not disclose the information to any other party without the prior consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. Each party to whom disclosure may be made under this policy must first sign a statement in which he/she agrees to abide by this provision and agrees to use the information disclosed only for the purposes for which the disclosure was made. This does not apply to disclosures of directory information or to any information that the District is required to disclose under Missouri law.

Copies of Educational Records

1. The District has no obligation to provide copies of educational records to parents, their representatives or adult students under FERPA unless failure to provide copies prevents a parent or adult student from exercising the right to inspect or review the records, or is otherwise required by law. For example, if a parent does not live within driving distance of the school district, is hospitalized, or incarcerated, he or she may have a right to copies.

Though the District does not generally have an obligation to provide copies under FERPA, it will nonetheless provide up to 40 pages per student, per school year, without charge. All requests for copies over 40 pages per student, per school year will be denied.

The District will administratively consider exceptions to this policy on a case by case basis. The factors to be considered in making such an exception include but are not limited to the purpose of the copies, whether the request is overly time consuming or burdensome, and the number of prior requests. If copies are requested to be sent to an agency or individual other than the adult student or parent/legal guardian, all proper releases must be signed.

Procedures to Request Amendment of a Student's Educational Records

1. If a parent/guardian or eligible student believes the educational records for that student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy or other rights, he/she may ask the District to amend the record. All such requests should be directed to Superintendent/Custodian of Records.

2. The District's designee, in consultation with the administration or Board of Education as needed, shall decide whether to amend the record as requested within a reasonable time after the request.

3. If the District's designee decides not to amend the record, he/she shall inform the parent/guardian or eligible student of that decision and of their right to request a hearing on the request.

4. If a hearing is requested, the District will hold the hearing within a reasonable time after it has received the request and will give the parent/guardian or eligible student reasonable advance notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. The hearing may be conducted by any individual, including an employee of the District, who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. The District will give the parent/guardian or

eligible student a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issue(s) raised by the parent/guardian or eligible student's request. The parent/guardian or eligible student may, at their own expense, be assisted or represented at the hearing by any individual of their choice, including an attorney.

5. The District will make its decision in writing within a reasonable period of time after the hearing. The decision will be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing, and will include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.

a. If the District decides, as a result of the hearing, that the information is inaccurate, misleading or violates the student's rights, the District shall amend the record and inform the parent/guardian or eligible student of the amendment in writing.

b. If the District decides, as a result of the hearing, that the information is not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's rights, the District shall inform the parent/guardian or eligible student of that decision and shall inform the parent/guardian or student of his/her right to place a statement in the record commenting on the contested information or stating why he/she disagrees with the District's decision, or both. If the parent/guardian or eligible student submits such a statement, the District will maintain that statement with the student's educational records as long as the record is maintained and will disclose the statement whenever it discloses the portion of the record to which the statement relates.

Procedures Regarding Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information Where Consent is Required

1. Before the District discloses personally identifiable information from a student's records (other than directory information), the District will obtain a signed and dated written consent from the parent/guardian or eligible student. The written consent will specify the records that may be disclosed; state the purpose of the disclosure; and identify the party or parties to whom disclosure may be made.

2. If the parent/guardian or eligible student so requests, the District will provide him/her with a copy of the records disclosed.

Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information Where Consent is Not Required

The District may disclose personally identifiable information from a student's educational records without the written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student in the following circumstances:

1. Disclosure may be made to other school officials, including teachers, within the District whom the District has determined to have legitimate educational interests. In addition, the school official or his/her assistants who are responsible for the custody of the records and those parties authorized to audit the record keeping procedures of the District may inspect the records relating to each student without the consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student.

The District designates Custodian of Records to make the determination as to whether a particular school official has a legitimate educational interest in accessing a student's educational records. Before accessing any student's educational records, the school official seeking access must submit a written request to Custodian of Records. The request must include the student's name, the reason for the request, the school official's name and the date of the request. The District's designee must provide in writing whether the request was granted or denied and the reason for the decision. If the request is granted, the request and the designee's decision must be maintained with the student's educational records.

2. Disclosure may be made to officials of another school district or post secondary educational institution where the student seeks or intends to enroll.

3. Disclosure may be made to authorized federal and state agencies and authorities.

4. Disclosure of acts of school violence, as set forth in Policy and Regulation 2673, may be made to District employees who are directly responsible for the student's education or who interact with the student in the performance of the employee's duties.

5. Disclosure related to past or potentially future violent behavior may be made to appropriate staff members of portions of any student's individualized education program team.

6. Disclosure may be made to law enforcement officials, as soon as is reasonably practicable, of the commission of the criminal acts listed in Regulation 2673.

7. In appropriate circumstances, District administrators may disclose student educational records to law enforcement and/or juvenile authorities where necessary to serve students prior to adjudication. Officials to whom such educational records are disclosed are required to comply with federal law governing students’ educational records.

8. Disclosure may be made to the appropriate division of the Juvenile Court of the suspension of more than ten (10) days of any student under court jurisdiction.

9. Disclosure of discipline records may be made within five (5) days to any requesting school district where the student seeks to enroll.

10. Disclosure may be made if such disclosure is in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility, amount of aid, condition for the aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.

11. Disclosure may be made to organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions to develop, validate or administer predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or improve instruction, if the study is conducted

in a way that does not permit personal identification of parent/guardian and students, and the information is destroyed when no longer needed for the purposes for which the study was conducted.

12. Disclosure may be made to accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.

13. Disclosure may be made to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena and only after the District makes a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the order or subpoena in advance of the compliance.

14. Disclosure may be made to appropriate parties where the disclosure is in connection with a health or safety emergency and the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

15. Disclosure may be made where the disclosure is of information the District has designated to be directory information.

16. Disclosure may be made to the parent/guardian of a noneligible student or to an eligible student.

17. Disclosure may be made without the written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student as otherwise may be specified by federal or state law.

Record Keeping Procedures

1. The District will maintain a record of each request for access to and each disclosure of personally identifiable information from the educational records of each student. Custodian of Records will be responsible for keeping such records of requests and disclosures.

2. The District will maintain the record of each request and disclosure with the educational records of the student as long as the records are maintained by the District.

3. For each request or disclosure, the District's record will include the parties who have requested or received personally identifiable information from educational records and the legitimate interests the parties had in requesting or obtaining the information.

4. If the District discloses personally identifiable information from an educational record under the exceptions enumerated in the section above, the District will record the names of those persons to whom that party may disclose the information on behalf of the District and the legitimate interests which each of the additional parties has in requesting or obtaining the information.

5. If the District discloses information pursuant to a health or safety emergency, the District, within a reasonable time period, will record in the student’s educational records the significant threat that formed the basis for the disclosure and the parties to whom the information was disclosed.

Jan. 2011

STUDENTS Regulation 2410

Student Educational Records

Health Information Records

Student health information includes information required by state law including but not limited to:

1. Mandated immunizations;

2. Health and physical assessment data;

3. Health screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis or cholesterol;

4. Injury reports;

5. Incident reports of alcohol or drug use in school;

6. Health assessments and other evaluation reports related to eligibility for services under the IDEA and Section 504; and

7. Referrals for suspected child abuse.

Student health information may also include:

1. Records of student-initiated visits to the school health officer, including assessments, interventions and referrals;

2. Records of meetings between education and health professionals for planning or identifying assessment measures, recommended interventions and student outcomes;

3. Records for in-school medication, including original signed orders from a physician, written consent from parent/guardian to administer a drug, medication logs for both routine and as-needed medications;

4. Physicians' orders, correspondence, evaluation reports, copies of treatment records, institutional or agency records, discharge summaries from outside health care providers or hospitals that have been released by parents/guardians to assist in planning individualized school health care or programs;

5. Evaluation reports or specialized assessments such as neurological tests;

6. Individualized emergency care plans for students with special health care needs, including routine and emergency interventions and methods for evaluating student outcomes;

7. An Individualized Healthcare Plan or a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students whose health conditions adversely affect their education;

8. Psychologists' or guidance counselors' records of psychological test results, student interviews and counseling, consultations with school staff or parents/guardians, and referrals and consultation with outside counselors, therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists, all of which might be considered "mental health" records;

9. School social workers' case histories, counseling notes and interviews, or their records of consultations with school staff, parents/guardians, outside counselors, therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists; and

10. Case notes, evaluations and interventions by other student services personnel.

All information contained in a student's health information records, except information designated as directory information by the District, shall be confidential and shall be directly accessible only to school officials who demonstrate a legitimate educational interest in the student health information and to parents/guardians or eligible students.

Interviews with students, parents/guardians or staff members concerning student health information should take place in private offices. When student health information is discussed over the telephone, calls should be made from private offices, not in the presence of other students or staff members. Discussion or confidential information related to a specific student should end whenever a third party enters a room. Records containing student health information should never be left on top of a desk, nor should confidential health information be left as a message with a secretary, on voice mail or answering machines. When records are being typed, entered into a computer, copied or faxed, they should be protected from casual observers.

The District will comply with all state and federal law pertaining to the confidentiality of student health information.

Nov. 2010

STUDENTS Regulation 2520

Student Academic Achievement

Promotion and Retention

General Promotion and Retention Requirements

1.         Students will be promoted to the next grade level if they are meeting grade level expectations as identified by local and State Department of Education core subject objectives.

2.         "Double promotions, " that is, acceleration beyond the normal grade placement, are approvable for students who are working at an academic level of more than a year above placement and are sufficiently mature, socially and emotionally, to work with students of the advanced grade. Parent/guardian, teachers and administrators must agree that it is in the best interest of the student under consideration.

3.         A list of those students who are not meeting grade level objectives in reading, language arts or mathematics will be given to the building principal by the October, January and March          reporting periods. With respect to any student who is reported as not meeting grade level objectives in reading, language arts or mathematics: 

            a.         The teacher, principal and counselor will meet to review the student's academic record, current test scores and work samples.

            b.         The parent/guardian will be notified as soon after the review as possible that retention is being considered. A meeting with the parent/guardian will be scheduled.  The parent/guardian will be informed that the student is not meeting grade level objectives and will be retained in the same grade unless there is strong and positive improvement in the student's work.

            c.         A follow up conference for the parent/guardian will be scheduled with the principal or the principal's designee to review the student's progress.

            d.         An academic program including remediation will be offered the student.

4.         In recommending promotion or retention, these factors will be considered:

            a.         Academic achievement in all subject areas, especially attainment of grade level objectives, as determined by tests, teacher assignment, and work samples.

            b.         Chronological age.

            c.         Study Habits.

            d.         Attendance.                                                                                                               

            e.         Social and emotional maturity. 

            f.          State-mandated retention requirements for primary/middle school students.

5.         The decision for retention will be made by the principal and the classroom teacher in  accordance with the above-referenced factors, and written notification of retention will be sent to the parent/guardian.

READING LEVELS AND STATE-MANDATED RETENTION 

Third Grade Students

Third grade students who cannot demonstrate a reading level at or above the third grade level will be administered a reading assessment within forty-five (45) days of the end of their third grade year.

If this assessment reflects that the student is reading below the second grade level, the District will design and implement a reading improvement plan for the student’s fourth grade year.  The reading improvement plan must include a minimum of thirty (30) hours of additional reading instruction or practice outside the regular school day during the fourth grade year.  In addition, the District may require the student to attend summer school for reading instruction as a condition of promotion to the fourth grade.

Fourth Grade Students with Reading Improvement Plans

Within forty-five (45) days of the conclusion of the fourth grade year, the District shall administer another reading assessment to those fourth grade students for whom reading improvement plans had been designed. 

If this assessment reveals that the student is reading below a third grade level, the student shall be required to attend summer school to receive supplemental reading instruction.  At the conclusion of summer school, the student shall be given another reading assessment. If the student is still reading below third grade level, the student shall not b promoted to fifth grade.  Students shall not be retained more than once on the basis of their inability to satisfy the third grade or fourth grade reading standards.  However, the District may, at its discretion, retain any student with a reading improvement plan who has not completed summer school for supplemental reading instruction.

Fifth and Sixth Grade Students

The reading assessment process shall be repeated on a yearly basis through the end of students’ sixth grade years, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the required reading level.

The reading assessment process will also be applied to students who initially enter the District in grades four, five or six and who have been determined to be reading below grade level.

The permanent record of students who are determined to be reading below the fifth grade level at the end of the sixth grade shall carry a notation stating that the student has been unable to meet the minimal reading standards.  That notation will be removed from the student’s record once the District determines that he or she has met the standards.

Exceptions

The following students are exempt from the reading assessments:

1.         Students receiving special education services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) pursuant to §162.670, RSMo. 

2.         Students who are receiving special education services pursuant to Section 504 whose service plan includes an element addressing reading.

3.         Students who have limited English proficiency.

4.         Students who have insufficient cognitive ability to meet the reading requirements.  However, a reading improvement plan shall be provided for these students in accordance with law.

Appeal of Retention Decisions 

Parents/guardians who wish to appeal a decision regarding a student’s retention must first contact the building principal.  If parents/guardians do not accept the decision at the building level, an appeal may be made in writing to the Superintendent.  All appeals must be requested within two (2) weeks after the close of school. August 2010

STUDENT Regulation 2525

Student Academic Achievement

Graduation Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the School Flex Program, an eligible student must:

1. Attend school a minimum of two instructional hours per school day within the District.
2. Pursue a timely graduation.
3. Provide evidence of college or technical career educational enrollment and attendance, or proof of employment and labor that is aligned with the student's career academic plan developed by the District.
4. Refrain from being expelled or suspended while participating in the School Flex Program.
5. Pursue course and credit requirements for a diploma.
6. Maintain a ninety-five (95%) attendance rate.

Oct. 2009

STUDENTS Regulation 2610

Discipline

Misconduct and Disciplinary Consequences

The discipline code set out in this regulation is intended to be illustrative but not an exclusive listing of acts of misconduct and the consequences for each. Misconduct which is not specifically listed in this regulation may be deemed to warrant discipline up to and including expulsion following provision of all due process procedures. In addition, the disciplinary consequence listed for each offense may be increased or decreased by the Administration or the Board of Education due to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Copies of this regulation or the student handbook which includes the code of student conduct and disciplinary consequences, as well as the District's corporal punishment policy, if any, will be provided to each student at the beginning of each school year. Copies of these documents will also be available for public inspection during normal business hours in the Superintendent's office.

Alcohol - Possession of or presence under the influence of alcohol regardless of whether the student is on school premises

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Arson - Intentionally causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record. 

Assault - (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2673 - Reporting of Violent Behavior)

Assault of a Student or Staff Member - Use of physical force with the intent to do bodily harm.

First Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: 11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record. 

Bullying – Intentional intimidation or infliction of physical, emotional, or mental harm (see Policy 2655).

First Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record. 

Subsequent Offenses: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Fighting - Physically striking another in a mutual contact as differentiated from an assault.

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*. 

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Defiance of Authority - Refusal to obey directions or defiance of staff authority

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Disruptive Behavior - Conduct which has the intentional effect of disturbing education or the safe transportation of a student

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Drugs/Controlled Substance

Possession or presence under the influence of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled substance while at school, on the school playground, on the school parking lot, a school bus or at a school activity whether on or off of school property.

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

Sale of a controlled substance or substance represented to be a controlled substance while at school or at any of the locations described above.

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Prescription Medication

Possession of a prescription medication without a valid prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus.

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

Distribution of prescription medication to any individual who does not have a valid prescription for such medication on school premises or on a school bus.

First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

Extortion - Verbal threats or physical conduct designed to obtain money or other valuables

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offenses: Up to and including in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*

Firearms and Weapons (Refer to Policy and Regulation 2620 - Firearms and Weapons in School)

Possession of a firearm or weapon

First Offense: (Minimum of one-year suspension) One calendar year suspension or expulsion, unless modified by the Board upon recommendation by the superintendent, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student discipline record.                                                       

Subsequent Offenses: Expulsion

Harassment

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*                                                                                                             

Improper Display of Affection - Consensual kissing, fondling, or embracing

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Improper Language

Threatening Language-Use of verbal, physical or written threats to do bodily harm to person or personal property.

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*

Use of Obscene or Vulgar Language- Language which depicts sexual acts, human waste, and blasphemous language

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school

suspension.

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Disruptive or Demeaning Language or Conduct - Use of hate language to demean other persons due to the race, gender, disability, natural origin, or religious beliefs. This provision also includes

conduct, verbal, written, or symbolic speech which materially and substantially disrupts class, school activities, transportation, or school functions.

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Inappropriate Sexual Conduct

Physical touching of another student in the area of the breasts, buttocks, or genitals

First Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Use of sexually intimidating language, objects, or pictures.

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*

Indecent Exposure - Includes display of breasts, buttocks and genitals in a public location

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Theft - Nonconsensual taking or attempt to take the property of another

First Offense: : In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Subsequent Offenses: 11-180 days’ out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

Tobacco - Possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products

First Offense: Principal/Student conference or in-school suspension, confiscation of tobacco product, possible notification of law enforcement officials

Subsequent Offenses: In-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension, confiscation of tobacco product, possible notification of law enforcement officials

Truancy - Absent or tardy from class or classes without authorization (See also Policy and Regulation 2340 - Truancy and Educational Neglect.)

First Offense: Principal/Student conference or 1-3 days in-school suspension

Subsequent Offenses: 3-10 days in-school suspension.

Vandalism - Intentional damage or attempt to damage property belonging to the staff, students, or the District

First Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record*.

Subsequent Offenses: 11-180 days’ out-of-school suspension, or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record

*Any offense which constitutes a “serious violation of the district’s discipline policy” as defined in Board policy  PRF 2673 will be documented in the student’s discipline record.

 January 2018, Copyright © 2018 Missouri Consultants for Education, LLC

STUDENTS Regulation 2620

Discipline

Firearms and Weapons in School

Definition of Firearm

The term firearm includes, but is not limited to, such items as:

1. Any item which is a loaded or unloaded weapon, weapon frame, or weapon barrel and which is designed to, or may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by action of an explosive, or

2. Any item which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has a barrel with a bore of at least one-half inch in diameter, or

3. Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, such as: bombs; grenades; rockets with a propellant charge of greater than four ounces; and other similar devices as recognized under federal law, or

4. Any combination of parts either designed to or intended for use in converting any device into a device as described in paragraphs above.

Definition of Weapons

The term weapon shall mean a "firearm" as defined above, and shall also include the items listed below, which are defined as "weapons" in section 571.010, RSMo.

1. Blackjack

2. Concealable firearm

3. Explosive weapon

4. Firearm

5. Firearm silencer

6. Gas gun

7. Knife

8. Machine gun

9. Knuckles

10. Projectile weapon

11. Rifle

12. Shotgun

13. Spring gun

14. Switchblade knife

Other weapons:

1. Mace spray

2. Any knife, regardless of blade length (optional)

3. Items customarily used, or which can be used, to inflict injury upon another person or property.

Students Who Bring Firearms or Weapons to School

The District will take the following action upon determining that a student has brought a firearm or weapon to school:

1. The District will refer the student to the appropriate criminal justice or juvenile delinquency system, and

2. The District will suspend the student from school for a period of not less than one year (365 days) from the date of the infraction, and may, at its discretion, expel the student from school permanently. This suspension provision may be modified on a case-by-case basis upon recommendation of the District Superintendent if the Superintendent determines that circumstances justify such a modification.

3. The District may, at its discretion, provide a student suspended under this Regulation with educational services in an alternative setting.

Applicability of Regulation to Students with Disabilities

If the student with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act carries or possesses a weapon, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2), to or at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function under the District’s authority, school administrators may remove that student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability. If a school administrator removes a student with an IDEA disability to an interim alternative educational placement, the District must convene the student’s multidisciplinary and/or IEP team to conduct a manifestation determination within the statutory time frame and the student’s IEP team must determine the interim alternative educational placement and the services that the student will be provided in order to receive a free appropriate public education and access to the general curriculum.

May, 2013

STUDENTS Regulation 2653

Discipline

Student Participation in Secret Organizations and Gangs

The principal will establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia; exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership; or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student, shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Consequences for such actions and/or behaviors may result in suspension or expulsion.

To further discourage the influence of gangs, District administrators shall:

1.         Provide inservice for staff in gang recognition and special workshops for counselors 

2.         Ensure that all students have access to counselors.

3.         Work closely with the local law enforcement authorities and county juvenile officers who work with students and parents/guardians involved in gang activity.

4.         Provide classroom or after school programs designed to enhance individual self esteem and foster interest in a variety of wholesome activities. Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2660

Discipline

Detention

Certificated staff members may detain students after normal school hours for a reasonable time provided the following conditions are observed:

1.         Students must have an opportunity to make arrangements for transportation home. Therefore, the detention may take place on any day after the day of notification to detain. 

2.         The detention may be for disciplinary or academic reasons.

3.         The names of all students detained must be reported to the building principal.          

4.     All students detained must be supervised by a certificated staff member.

Jan. 2003

STUDENTS Regulation 2662 (Form 2662)

Discipline

Suspension

Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with Board Policy 2600. Failure to do so may result in a student's suspension or expulsion from school.

A building principal may suspend a student for a period not to exceed ten (10) consecutive school days. Any suspension shall be reported immediately, in writing, to the student and the student's parent/guardian or others having custodial care of the student. A copy will be forwarded to the Superintendent. The Superintendent may revoke or reduce the suspension if the Superintendent concludes that circumstances warrant such action.

When a student is suspended, the principal/designee shall attempt to reach the student's parent/guardian to inform them of the school's action and to request that they pick up their child. If the parent/guardian is unable to pick up their child, the principal/designee may ask the parent/guardian for permission to send the student home. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached or if the above request is refused, the student must remain on school property until the close of the school day.

If the principal decides that a suspension in excess of ten (10) consecutive school days is warranted, the principal may petition the Superintendent for such suspension.

The Superintendent of Schools may suspend a student for a period not to exceed 180 consecutive school days.

No student shall be suspended by a principal or by the Superintendent unless:

1. The student shall be informed, orally or in writing, of the charge against him/her, and

2. If the student denies the charge, he/she shall be given an oral or written explanation of the facts which form the basis of the proposed suspension, and

3. The student shall be given an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident to the principal or Superintendent.

A student who is on suspension may not be within 1,000 feet of any school property unless he/she lives within 1,000 feet of the school, has a parent with him/her, or has been requested by the administration to attend a meeting at the school, or any activity of the District, regardless of whether or not the activity takes place on school property, unless the Superintendent/designee has authorized the student to be on school property. This restriction does not apply to suspended students enrolled and attending an alternative school which is within 1,000 feet of a District school.

If a suspension is ordered by the Superintendent for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, the Superintendent's order may be appealed to the Board of Education if written notice of appeal is delivered to the office of the Board of Education within five (5) days of receipt of the Superintendent's suspension letter. If such suspension is appealed, the Superintendent shall promptly provide the Board with a report of the facts involved in the suspension, the action taken by the Superintendent, and the reasons for the Superintendent's decision.

In such event, the suspension shall be stayed until the Board renders its decision, unless in the judgment of the Superintendent the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, in which case the student may be immediately removed from school, and the notice and hearing shall follow as soon as practicable.

Any appeal to the Board of Education of the Superintendent's decision to suspend a student for more than ten (10) consecutive school days may be heard and determined by the full Board or by a quorum thereof, or by a committee of three Board members appointed by the President of the Board. Such committee shall have full authority to act in lieu of the Board.

Students will be readmitted or enrolled after expiration of their suspension from the District or from any other district only after a conference has been held to consider prior misconduct and remedial steps necessary to minimize future acts of similar misconduct. (See Policy and Regulation 2664 - Enrollment or Return Following Suspension and/or Expulsion.) Participants in such pre-admission conferences will include:

1. Any teacher directly involved in the suspension offense.

2. The student.

3. The parent/guardian.

4. The representative of any agency having legal jurisdiction, care, custody, or control of the student.

5. District staff members designated by the Superintendent/designee. August 2010

STUDENTS Regulation 2663 (Form 2663)

Discipline

Expulsion

No student may be permanently expelled from school without a prior hearing before the full Board or, at least, a quorum of the Board. A decision to expel a student requires the vote of a majority of those Board members present.

Due process for expulsion of students shall include the following:

1.         Board action shall begin with a written notification of the charges against the student, which shall be delivered by certified mail to the student, his/her parent/guardian, or others having his/her custodial care. Such notification will include charges, contemplated action, and time and place of a hearing on such charges and that the student, parent/guardian, or others having custodial care shall have the right to attend the hearing and to be represented by counsel. 

2.         The hearing will be closed unless the student, parent/guardian or others having custodial care requests an open hearing. At said hearing, the Board of Education or counsel shall present the charges, testimony, and evidence deemed necessary to support the charges. The Board will expect the principal in each case to be present and make oral and written reports and statements concerning the student's misconduct. The student, parent/guardian or others having custodial care, or counsel, shall have the right to cross examine witnesses presented in behalf of the charges and to present testimony in defense there against. 

3.         At the conclusion of the hearing or in an adjourned meeting, the Board of Education shall render its decision to dismiss the charges, suspend the student for a specified time, or expel the student from the schools of the District.  Prompt written notice of the decision shall be given to the student, parent/guardian or others having custodial care, and counsel, if applicable. May 2009

STUDENTS Regulation 2664

Discipline

Enrollment or Return Following Suspension and/or Expulsion

Conference Required

The conference shall include the appropriate school officials, including (1) any teacher employed in the District or directly involved with the conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion, (2) the student, (3) the parent/guardian of the pupil, and (4) any agency having legal jurisdiction, care, custody or control of the student.

The District shall notify in writing the parent/guardian and all other parties of the time, place, and agenda of any such conference. However, failure of any party to attend this conference shall not preclude holding the conference.

Not withstanding any provision of this regulation to the contrary, no student shall be readmitted or enrolled in a regular program of instruction if:

1. The student has been convicted of one of the offenses listed below.

2. The student been charged with one of the offenses and there has been no final judgment.

3. A juvenile petition has been filed alleging that the student committed an act, which if committed by an adult, would be one of the offenses listed below, and there has been no final judgment; or

4. The student has been adjudicated to have committed an act, which if committed by an adult, would be one of the offenses listed below.

Offenses to Which this Policy Applies

1. First degree murder under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.020

2. Second degree murder under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.021

3. First degree assault under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.050

4. Forcible rape under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.030

5. Forcible sodomy under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.060

6. Robbery in the first degree under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 569.020

7. Distribution of drugs to a minor under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 195.212

8. Arson in the first degree under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 569.040

9. Kidnapping, when classified as a Class A felony under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.110

10. Statutory rape under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.032

11. Statutory sodomy under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.062

Nothing in this regulation shall be construed to prevent the District from imposing discipline under the Student Code of Conduct for conduct underlying the above-listed offenses, even if the adult charge or juvenile petition has been dismissed, or the student has been acquitted or adjudicated not to have committed such acts in a criminal or juvenile court - if by a preponderance of the evidence, it can be established that the student engaged in the underlying conduct. The District may enroll a student, otherwise excluded under this regulation, in an alternative education program if the District determines that such enrollment is appropriate.

This policy shall not apply to a student with a disability, as identified under state eligibility criteria, who is convicted or adjudicated guilty as a result of an action related to the student’s disability.

Students denied enrollment because of conviction of one of the acts set out in this regulation or due to an existing suspension or expulsion from another school district will be advised of the reasons for denial of enrollment and will be given an opportunity to respond to those reasons.

Suspension or Expulsion from Other Schools

Prior to enrollment, a student who is under suspension or expulsion from any other in-state or out-of-state public or private school and who is seeking admission will be evaluated by the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee. However, upon request, the Superintendent/ designee will confer with the pupil, parent/guardian or person acting as parent of a special education student to consider imposition of the other school’s suspension or expulsion. If the Superintendent/designee determines that such conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion had the conduct been committed in District schools, the suspension or expulsion will be implemented. July 2014

STUDENTS Regulation 2671 (Form 2671)

Discipline

Student Discipline Hearings

Rules of Procedure in Hearings Before the Board of Education on Suspension and Expulsion Matters

1.                 Students or students' parents/guardians may request a hearing before the Board to contest any suspension in excess of ten (10) school days. The request will be addressed to the Superintendent who will review all matters concerning the suspension.

2.                  No student may be expelled until this matter is reviewed in a hearing before the Board of Education.

3.                  The parent/guardian may represent their student or may retain an attorney to act as a representative in the defense of the student. The representative will have the right to present witnesses, question any and all witnesses as herein provided, and make a statement and offer exhibits on the nature of the evidence and disposition of the case. If the parent/guardian elects to have the student represented by an attorney at the hearing, the parent/guardian shall notify the Superintendent of such representation at least twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled time of the hearing.

4.                  Prior to the hearing, the parties, or their attorneys, may examine at the Board Office the discipline report and all related records. 

5.                  Upon the request of any party, the Superintendent shall submit for review at the hearing the student's behavioral and academic record. If necessary, the information contained in such record may be explained and interpreted by a person trained in its use and interpretation. All parties shall be instructed to respect the confidentiality of all such records and information. 

6.                  At the hearing, the Board may consider a student's record of past disciplinary actions, criminal court records, juvenile court records, and any actions of the student which would be criminal offenses. 

7.                  The parties may present evidence concerning the charges and make such showing by way of affidavits, exhibits, and witnesses as they may desire.  Before testifying, witnesses shall be sworn.

8.                  The President of the Board of Education, or the Chairman of the designated committee of the Board, shall have full charge of the hearing and shall have the authority to direct its proceedings and to control the conduct of all persons present in accordance herewith.  Such authority shall include the limitation of questioning that is unproductive, lengthy, or irrelevant. The Board may invoke reasonable limitations on the number of witnesses.

9.                  The hearing shall not be open to the public.  In addition, the Board may set reasonable limitations on the number of people present during the hearing.

The Board shall also have the right to exclude any person or persons if it shall determine that the hearing is being disrupted by any such person.

Hearings may be attended only by members of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, the School Board attorney, the principal, the student, the parent/guardian and their representatives. Witnesses may be present only when giving information at the hearing. With parent/guardian permission, the student may be excluded at times when the student's psychological or emotional problems are being discussed. 

10.              A record shall be made of any information presented at the hearing. Statements and other written matter presented shall be kept on file by the District. 

11.              As soon as practicable after the hearing, the Board shall make its decision and transmit the same in writing to the parties and the Superintendent.

The Board or its committee shall decide by majority vote whether the student has engaged in the misconduct charged by District administrators. The decision will be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and must include findings of fact on which the decision rests. August 2007

STUDENTS Regulation 2672

Discipline

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Removal from Current Educational Placement for Not More Than Ten Consecutive School Days; Not More Than Ten Cumulative Days Removal for the Current School Year

A student with a disability who violates the District's discipline policy who has not been removed from the current educational placement for more than ten (10) cumulative days for the current school year may be disciplined for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days in the same manner as other students.

Services will not be provided to the student when the total number of days the students has been removed from the current educational placement is not more than ten (10) days, unless services are provided to children without disabilities who have been similarly removed.

Removal from Current Educational Placement for More than Ten Cumulative School Days

A student with a disability who violates the District's discipline policy who has been removed from the current educational placement for more than ten (10) cumulative days in the current school year may be disciplined for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days in the same manner as other students, if the pattern of short term exclusions totaling more than ten (10) cumulative days does not constitute a change of placement.

On the eleventh day of removal in a school year, the District will provide educational services. If the cumulative removals do not constitute a change of placement, the services to be provided will be determined by school personnel in consultation with the student's special education teacher.

A series of removals from the current educational placement for more than ten (10) days may amount to a pattern of exclusion that constitutes a change of placement. If a student with a disability has been removed for more than ten (10) cumulative school days and the removals constitute a change of placement, or if a school administrator determines that a removal for more than ten (10) consecutive school days is being considered, on the date a decision to make such a removal is made, the parents will be notified of the decision and provided a copy of the IDEA procedural safeguards.

Not later than ten (10) business days after commencing a cumulative removal that constitutes a change of placement or when considering a removal of greater than ten (10) consecutive school days, the District will convene an IEP meeting to develop a functional behavioral assessment plan if one has not previously been conducted. After completing the assessment, an IEP meeting will be held to develop a behavioral intervention plan if appropriate and necessary. If a behavior plan already has been developed, the IEP team will meet to review the plan and its implementation. The plan and its implementation will be modified as necessary.

In addition, not later than ten (10) days after the date of the decision to remove a student for more than ten (10) cumulative days constituting a change of placement, the IEP team and other qualified personnel will meet to review the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior subject to disciplinary action.

If a determination is made that the student's behavior was not a manifestation of the student's disability, disciplinary rules will be applied to the student in the same manner they would be applied to a student without a disability, except that a free appropriate public education will be provided to the student as determined by the IEP team.

Long-Term Changes in Placement (Drugs, Weapons, and Serious Injury)

In addition to any other actions consistent with this regulation, District administrators may assign a student to an interim alternative educational setting for a period of time not to exceed forty-five (45) calendar days, when a student with a disability is involved in a disciplinary action involving:

1. Possession of a weapon at school or at a school function; or

2. Possession or use of illegal drugs or sale or solicitation for sale of a controlled substance while at school or at a school function; or

3. A serious bodily injury.

On the date a decision to make such a removal is made, the parents/guardians will be notified of the decision and provided a copy of the IDEA procedural safeguards.

Not later than ten (10) business days after commencing such a removal, the District will convene an IEP meeting to develop a functional behavioral assessment plan if one has not been previously conducted. After completing the assessment, an IEP meeting will be held to develop a behavioral intervention plan if appropriate and necessary. If a behavior plan already has been developed, the IEP team will meet to review the plan and its implementation. The plan and its implementation will be modified as needed.

Not later than ten (10) days after the date of the decision to place a student in an interim alternative educational setting, the IEP team and other qualified personnel will meet to review the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior subject to the disciplinary action and to determine the interim alternative educational placement.

The IEP team will decide on an interim alternative educational setting that will allow the student to continue to progress in the general curriculum, to receive the services and modifications that will enable the child to meet the goals set out in the student's IEP, and to receive services and modifications to attempt to prevent the student's behavior from recurring.

IDEA Disabled Students

Students who are disabled pursuant to the IDEA will be disciplined pursuant to the IDEA as amended an its implementing regulations, as well as applicable state statutes and the Missouri State Plan for Special Education Regulations Implementing Part B of the IDEA.

Section 504 Disabled Students

The following procedures apply to students who are disabled pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act alone (students who are not disabled pursuant to the IDEA). In general, most 504 students should be expected to follow the District’s disciplinary policies, rules, regulations and procedures and this should be noted on the 504 Plan. When determining a student’s 504 eligibility, the multidisciplinary team should consider whether the impairment that is substantially limiting has a direct impact on a student’s behavior and, if so, the team may consider conducting a functional behavioral assessment as part of the student’s evaluation. If the team concludes that the impairment has a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s behavior, the team should address the behavior through the 504 Plan and should consider whether a behavior plan is necessary for the student to have an equal opportunity to participate.

Under Section 504, a disciplinary removal from a student’s placement for more than 10 consecutive school days constitutes a change of placement and requires certain procedures be followed. When a student is suspended, out of school, for more than 10 consecutive school days or when a student’s short term removals (10 days or less) constitute a pattern of exclusion as currently defined by the IDEA, the District will, within 10 school days of the date of the decision to change the student’s placement through a disciplinary removal, convene a multidisciplinary team to determine if the student’s act of misconduct is related to his or her disability. The multidisciplinary team will apply the IDEA manifestation standard that is in place at that time. Prior to, or as part of the manifestation determination, the team will conduct a reevaluation pursuant to Section 504. Such reevaluation may consist of a review of existing data alone or in conjunction with formal assessments. The parents will be invited to attend but are not required participants.

If the team concludes that the student’s misconduct is related to his or her disability, the student can be suspended for up through 10 consecutive school days with no educational services provided or for any amount of cumulative school days, so long as a pattern of exclusion is not created. If deemed necessary, the team may need to convene to determine if a change of educational placement may be needed or if the student should be referred under the IDEA.

If the team concludes that the student’s misconduct is unrelated to his or her disability, the student will be treated the same as nondisabled students and may be suspended or expelled according to District policy and the Student Code of Conduct. District administrators will determine the appropriate discipline including, but not limited to, a long-term suspension or expulsion. During the period of disciplinary removal, the District will not provide any educational services to the student unless it provides such services to its nondisabled students in similar circumstances.

A student is not considered to be disabled under Section 504 if he or she is currently engaged in the illegal use of drugs when the District is acting on the basis of that use. Therefore, when a 504 student is being disciplined for the current illegal use of a controlled substances (including alcohol), that student will lose his or her 504 protection and will be disciplined as if he or she was a regular education student. No manifestation determination will be held.

Definitions

Illegal Drug means a controlled substance not including drugs legally used or possessed under the supervision of a health care professional.

Weapon means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length.

Controlled substance means a drug or other substance identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in 21 U.S.C. § 812 (c). Nov. 2010

STUDENTS Regulation 2673 (Form 2673)

Discipline

Reporting of Violent Behavior

All school employees are required to notify their immediate supervisor if they have reason to believe that a student or District employee has committed any of the offenses set out below, has physically or sexually abused any District student, or has possessed a controlled substance or weapon in violation of District policy. The principal will immediately report to the appropriate law enforcement agency and to the Superintendent/designee any instance where a student is found to be in possession, on their person or in their possession, of any weapon defined in Regulation 2620 or of controlled substances, or is found to have placed such substances elsewhere on school premises. For purposes of this regulation, "school premises" shall be defined to include school property, school playgrounds, school parking lots, school buses, or at school activities whether on or off school property.

Reportable Offenses

1. First degree murder under section 565.020

2. Second degree murder under section 565.021

3. Kidnapping under section 565.110 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or kidnapping in the first degree under section 565.110

4. First degree assault under section 565.050

5. Rape in the first degree under section 566.030

6. Sodomy in the first degree under section 566.060

7. Burglary in the first degree under section 569.160

8. Burglary in the second degree under section 569.170

9. Robbery in the first degree under section 569.020 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or robbery in the first degree under section 570.023

10. Distribution of drugs under section 195.211 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or manufacture of a controlled substance under section 579.055

11. Distribution of drugs to a minor under section 195.212 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or delivery of a controlled substance under section 579.020

12. Arson in the first degree under section 569.040

13. Voluntary manslaughter under section 565.023

14. Involuntary manslaughter under section 565.024 as is existed prior to January 1, 2017, involuntary manslaughter in the first degree under section 565.024, or involuntary manslaughter in the second degree under section 565.027

15. Second degree assault under section 565.060 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or second degree assault under section 565.052

16. Assault (except as provided in the Agreement contained in Form 2673)

17. Rape in the second degree under section 566.031

18. Felonious restraint under section 565.120 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or kidnapping in the second degree under section 565.120

19. Property damage in the first degree under section 569.100

20. Possession of a weapon under chapter 571

21. Child molestation in the first degree pursuant to section 566.067 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or child molestation in the first, second or third degree pursuant to section 566.067, 566.068, 566.069

22. Sodomy in the second degree pursuant to section 566.061

23. Sexual misconduct involving a child pursuant to section 566.083

24. Sexual abuse in the first degree pursuant to section 566.100

25. Harassment under section 565.090 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or harassment in the first degree under section 565.090

26. Stalking under section 565.225 as it existed prior to January 1, 2017, or stalking in the first degree under section 565.225

Teachers and other authorized personnel who report violent acts or threats of violent acts to their supervisors in compliance with state law and in conformity with District policies have civil immunity. Teachers and other authorized personnel who act in conformity with the District's discipline policies and regulations also have civil immunity.

Records of Serious Violations

The Superintendent/designee will prepare and maintain records of serious violations of the District's discipline policy. Individual student records are available to school employees who are directly responsible for the student's education or who interact with the student in the performance of the employee's duties. In addition, such discipline records will be made available within five (5) days to any requesting school district where the student seeks to enroll.

The District will report, in compliance with state regulations, the number, duration of and reasons for expulsions and suspensions of more than ten (10) days. The Superintendent will also notify the appropriate division of the Juvenile court of the suspension for more than ten (10) days of any student under court jurisdiction.

January 2018, Copyright © 2018 Missouri Consultants for Education, LL 

STUDENTS Regulation 2710

Student Welfare

Reporting Student Abuse

Procedure for Reporting Abuse and Neglect

1. If notice of alleged child abuse or neglect is received. A report will be made to the Children’s Division by telephoning the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. The call will be logged with the date, time and nature of the report, if the Children’s Division declines to accept the report, the name of the CD representative; the date and report made must be documented.

2. When CD representatives interview students on District property, a school staff member will be present. CD representatives may not meet with a child at any school or childcare facility where abuse of the child is alleged to have occurred.

3. When CD receives a report of suspected abuse involving a school employee, other than reports made under subsection (1), the CD is required to notify the Superintendent. If the alleged perpetrator is the Superintendent, CD will notify the Board President. However, if the report relates to spanking or the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property pursuant to Board policy, a report will be made to county law enforcement officials. The investigation into such report will be made by a law enforcement official in the county.

4. When the District and student involved request mediation of the child abuse situation in a school setting, the matter will be referred to the Office of Child Advocate.

October 2013

STUDENTS Regulation 2740

Student Welfare

Student Safety

The administration is responsible for notifying DESE upon the occurrence of the commission of any of the following violent criminal offenses on school premises:

1.      Murder 1^st Degree under section 565.020, RSMo;

2.      Murder 2^nd Degree under section 565.021, RSMo;

3.      Kidnapping under section 565.110, RSMo;

4.      Assault 1^st Degree under section 565.050, RSMo;

5.      Forcible Rape under section 566.030, RSMo;

6.      Forcible Sodomy under section 566.060, RSMo;

7.      Burglary 1^st Degree under section 569.160, RSMo;

8.      Burglary 2^nd Degree under section 569.170, RSMo;

9.      Robbery 1^st Degree under section 569.020, RSMo;

10.  Distribution of Drugs under section 195.211, RSMo;

11.  Distribution of Drugs to a Minor under section 195.212, RSMo;

12.  Arson 1^st Degree under section 569.040, RSMo;

13.  Voluntary Manslaughter under section 565.023, RSMo;

14.  Involuntary Manslaughter under section 565.024, RSMo;

15.  Assault 2^nd Degree under section 565.060, RSMo;

16.  Sexual Assault under section 566.040, RSMo;

17.  Felonious Restraint under section 565.120, RSMo;

18.  Property Damage 1^st Degree under section 569.100, RSMo;

19.  Possession of a Weapon under section 571, RSMo;

20.  Child Molestation 1^st Degree under section 566.067, RSMo;

21.  Deviate Sexual Assault under section 566.070, RSMo;

22.  Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child under section 566.083, RSMo; and/or

23.  Sexual Abuse under section 566.100, RSMo.

For purposes of this policy, any student who is the victim of any of the following violent criminal offenses on school premises is entitled to a transfer to another District school:

1.      Kidnapping under section 565.110, RSMo;

2.      Assault 1^st Degree under section 565.050, RSMo;

3.      Forcible Rape under section 566.030, RSMo

4.      Forcible Sodomy under section 566.060, RSMo;

5.      Burglary 1^st Degree under section 569.160, RSMo;

6.      Robbery 1^st Degree under section 569.020, RSMo;

7.      Arson 1^st Degree under section 569.040, RSMo;

 8.      Assault 2^nd Degree under section 565.060, RSMo;

9.      Sexual Assault under section 566.040, RSMo;

10.  Felonious Restraint under section 565.120, RSMo;

11.  Property Damage 1^st Degree under section 569.100, RSMo;

12.  Child Molestation 1^st Degree under section 566.067, RSMo;

13.  Deviate Sexual Assault under section 566.070, RSMo;

14.  Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child under section 566.083, RSMo; and/or

15.  Sexual Abuse under section 566.100, RSMo.

Jan. 03

STUDENTS Regulation 2750

Student Welfare

Wellness

Research shows that two components, good nutrition and physical activity before, during and after the school day, are strongly correlated with positive student outcomes. For example, student participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Breakfast Program is associated with higher grades and standardized test scores, lower absenteeism and better performance on cognitive tasks. Conversely, less-than-adequate consumption of specific foods including fruits, vegetables and dairy products, is associated with lower grades among students. In addition, students who are physically active through active transport to and from school, recess, physical activity breaks, high-quality physical education and extracurricular activities do better academically. Finally, there is evidence that adequate hydration is associated with better cognitive performance.

This regulation outlines the District’s approach to ensuring environments and opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions. Specifically, this policy establishes goals and procedures to ensure that:

1. Students in the District have access to healthy foods throughout the school day, both through reimbursable school meals and other foods available throughout the school campus, in accordance with Federal and state nutrition standards.

2. Students receive quality nutrition education that helps them develop lifelong healthy eating behaviors.

3. Students have opportunities to be physically active before, during and after school.

4. Schools engage in nutrition and physical activity promotion and other activities that promote student wellness.

5. School staff are encouraged and supported to practice healthy nutrition and physical activity behaviors in and out of school.

6. The community is encouraged to support the work of the District in creating continuity between school and other settings for students and staff to practice lifelong healthy habits.

7. The District establishes and maintains an infrastructure for management, oversight, implementation and communication about and monitoring of the policy and its established goals and objectives.

This policy applies to all District students, staff and schools. Specific measureable goals and outcomes are identified within each section below.

School Wellness Committee

A. Committee Role and Membership

A district-wide Wellness Committee (“Committee”) will be established and will meet at least (4) four times per year. Any existing School Health Advisory Council will serve as the nucleus for the Committee. The Committee will include members from all school levels as specified by law. Responsibility of the Committee may include, but not be limited to, oversight of the following:

1. Implementation of district nutrition and physical activity standards.

2. Integration of nutrition and physical activity in the overall curriculum.

3. Assurance that staff professional development includes nutrition and physical activity issues.

4. Assurance that students receive nutrition education and engage in vigorous physical activity.

The Committee will be responsible for, among other duties, preparing a report at a minimum that includes the following information:

1. Monthly district menus and meal counts.

2. Listing of all a la carte, vending, and competitive foods sold by school food service.

3. Listing of all other sales of foods throughout the district including vending machines, school stores, culinary, and special education programs, in-school and in-class fundraisers, etc.

4. Listing of physical activity programs and opportunities for students throughout the school year.

5. Outcomes of Committee activities.

Committee membership may include, but not be limited to, parents, caregivers, students, members of the school retention program, physical education, teachers, health education teachers, school health professionals, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, school administrators, board members health professionals and District citizens.

I. Leadership

The Superintendent and/or designee(s) will convene the Committee and facilitate development of and updates to the wellness policy, and will ensure each school’s compliance with the policy.

The designated official for oversight is the Superintendent and/or designee(s).

The name(s), title(s), and contact information (email address is sufficient) of this/these individual(s) is(are):

Name

Title / Relationship to the School or District

Email address

Role on Committee

Each school will designate a school wellness policy coordinator, who will ensure compliance with the policy.

II. Wellness Policy Implementation, Monitoring, Accountability and Community Engagement

A. Implementation Plan

The District will develop and maintain a plan for implementation to manage and coordinate the execution of this wellness policy. The plan delineates roles, responsibilities, actions and timelines specific to each school; and includes information about who will be responsible to make what change, by how much, where and when; as well as specific goals and objectives for nutrition standards for all foods and beverages available on the school campus, food and beverage marketing, nutrition promotion and education, physical activity, physical education and other school-based activities that promote student wellness. The District will consider the Healthy Schools Program online tools to complete a school-level assessment based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s School Health Index, create an action plan that fosters implementation and generate an annual progress report.

This wellness policy and the progress reports can be found on the District’s Website.

B. Recordkeeping

The District will retain records to document compliance with the requirements of the wellness policy at the District’s Administrative Offices. Documentation maintained in this location will include, but will not be limited to:

1. The written wellness policy;

2. Documentation demonstrating that the policy has been made available to the public;

3. Documentation of efforts to review and update the District’s Wellness Policy; including an indication of who is involved in the update and methods the district uses to make stakeholders aware of their ability to participate on the Committee;

4. Documentation to demonstrate compliance with the annual public notification requirements;

5. The most recent assessment on the implementation of the District’s wellness policy;

6. Documentation demonstrating the most recent assessment on the implementation of the District’s Wellness Policy has been made available to the public.

C. Annual Notification of Policy

The District will actively inform families and the public each year of basic information about this policy, including its content, any updates to the policy and implementation status. The District will make this information available via the district website and/or district-wide communications. The District will provide information about the school nutrition environment. This will include a summary of the District’s events or activities related to wellness policy implementation. Annually, the District will also publicize the name and contact information of the District officials leading and coordinating the committee, as well as information on how the public can get involved with the school wellness committee.

D. Triennial Progress Assessments

At least once every three years, the District will evaluate compliance with the wellness policy to assess the implementation of the policy and include:

1. The extent to which schools under the jurisdiction of the District are in compliance with the wellness policy;

2. The extent to which the District’s wellness policy compares to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s model wellness policy; and

3. A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the District’s wellness policy.

The position/person responsible for managing the triennial assessment and contact information is the District’s Superintendent/designee.

The Committee, in collaboration with individual schools, will monitor schools’ compliance with this wellness policy.

The District will notify households/families of the availability of the triennial progress report.

E. Revisions and Updating the Policy

The Committee will update or modify the wellness policy based on the results of the annual School Health Index and triennial assessments and/or as District priorities change; community needs change; wellness goals are met; new health science, information, and technology emerges; and new Federal or state guidance or standards are issued. The wellness policy will be assessed and updated as indicated at least every three years, following the triennial assessment.

F. Community Involvement, Outreach and Communications

The District is committed to being responsive to community input, which begins with awareness of the wellness policy. The District will actively communicate ways in which representatives of the Committee and others can participate in the development, implementation and periodic review and update of the wellness policy through a variety of means appropriate for the District. The District will also inform parents of the improvements that have been made to school meals and compliance with school meal standards, availability of child nutrition programs and how to apply, and a description of and compliance with Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. The District will use electronic mechanisms, such as email or displaying notices on the district’s website, as well as non-electronic mechanisms, such as newsletters, presentations to parents, or sending information home to parents, to ensure that all families are actively notified of the content of, implementation of, and updates to the wellness policy, as well as how to get involved and support the policy. The District will utilize that communications are culturally and linguistically appropriate to the community, and accomplished through means similar to other ways that the district and individual schools are communicating important school information with parents.

The District will notify the public about the content of or any updates to the wellness policy annually. The District will also use these mechanisms to inform the community about the availability of the annual and triennial reports.

III. Nutrition

A. School Meals

The District is committed to serving healthy meals to children, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; that are moderate in sodium, low in saturated fat, and have zero grams trans fat per serving (nutrition label or manufacturer’s specification); and to reasonably meeting the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements. The school meal programs aim to improve the diet and health of school children, help mitigate childhood obesity, model healthy eating to support the development of lifelong healthy eating patterns and support healthy choices while accommodating cultural food preferences and special dietary needs.

District schools are committed to offering school meals through the NSLP and SBP programs, and other applicable Federal child nutrition programs, that:

1. Are accessible to all students;

2. Are appealing and attractive to children;

3. Are served in clean and pleasant settings;

4. Meet or exceed current nutrition requirements established by local, state, and Federal statutes and regulations.

5. Promote healthy food and beverage choices using at least five of the following Smarter Lunchroom techniques:

a. Whole fruit options are displayed in attractive bowls or baskets (instead of chaffing dishes or hotel pans).

b. Sliced or cut fruit is available daily.

c. Daily fruit options are displayed in a location in the line of sight and reach of students.

d. All available vegetable options have been given creative or descriptive names.

e. Daily vegetable options are bundled into all grab-and-go meals available to students.

f. All staff members, especially those serving, have been trained to politely prompt students to select and consume the daily vegetable options with their meal.

g. White milk is placed in front of other beverages in all coolers.

h. Alternative entrée options (e.g., salad bar, yogurt parfaits, etc.) are highlighted on posters or signs within all service and dining areas.

i. A reimbursable meal can be created in any service area available to students (e.g., salad bars, snack rooms, etc.).

j. Student surveys and taste testing opportunities are used to inform menu development, dining space decor and promotional ideas.

k. Student artwork is displayed in the service and/or dining areas.

l. Daily announcements are used to promote and market menu options.

B. Staff Qualifications and Professional Development

All school nutrition program directors, managers and staff will meet hiring and annual continuing education/training requirements in the USDA Professional Standards for Child Nutrition Professionals. These school nutrition personnel will refer to USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Standards website to search for training that meets their learning needs.

C. Water

To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students throughout the school day and throughout every school campus. The District will make drinking water available where school meals are served during mealtimes.

D. Competitive Foods and Beverages

The District is committed to providing foods and beverages to students on the school campus during the school day support healthy eating. The foods and beverages sold and served outside of the school meal programs (e.g., “competitive” foods and beverages) will meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, at a minimum. Smart Snacks aim to improve student health and well-being, increase consumption of healthful foods during the school day and create an environment that reinforces the development of healthy eating habits. A summary of the standards and information, as well as a Guide to Smart Snacks in Schools are available at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-smart-snacks.

To support healthy food choices and improve student health and well-being, all foods and beverages outside the reimbursable school meal programs that are sold to students on the school campus during the school day will meet the USDA Smart Snacks nutrition standards. These standards will apply in all locations and through all services where foods and beverages are sold, which may include, but are not limited to, à la carte options in cafeterias, vending machines, school stores and snack or food carts.

E. Celebrations and Rewards

All foods offered on the school campus will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, including through:

1. Celebrations and parties. The district will provide a list of healthy party ideas to parents and teachers, including non-food celebration ideas. Healthy party ideas are available from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and from the USDA.

2. Classroom snacks brought by parents. The District will provide to parents a list of foods and beverages that meet Smart Snacks nutrition standards.

3. Rewards and incentives. The District will provide teachers and other relevant school staff a list of alternative ways to reward children. Foods and beverages will not be used as a reward, or withheld as punishment for any reason, such as for performance or behavior.

F. Fundraising

Foods and beverages that meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards may be sold through fundraisers on the school campus during the school day. The District will make available to parents and teachers a list of healthy fundraising ideas [examples from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the USDA].

1. Schools may use non-food fundraisers, and encourage those promoting physical activity (such as walk-a-thons, Jump Rope for Heart, fun runs, etc.).

2. Fundraising during and outside school hours may sell non-food items or foods and beverages that meet or exceed the Smart Snacks nutrition standards. These fundraisers may include but are not limited to, donation nights at restaurants, cookie dough, candy and pizza sales, market days, etc. (Meets Healthy Schools Program Gold-level criteria)

G. Nutrition Promotion

Nutrition promotion and education positively influence lifelong eating behaviors by using evidence-based techniques and nutrition messages, and by creating food environments that encourage healthy nutrition choices and encourage participation in school meal programs. Students and staff will receive consistent nutrition messages throughout schools, classrooms, gymnasiums, and cafeterias. Nutrition promotion also includes marketing and advertising nutritious foods and beverages to students and is most effective when implemented consistently through a comprehensive and multi-channel approach by school staff, teachers, parents, students and the community.

The District will promote healthy food and beverage choices for all students throughout the school campus, as well as encourage participation in school meal programs. This promotion will occur through at least:

1. Implementing at least five or more evidence-based healthy food promotion techniques through the school meal programs using Smarter Lunchroom techniques; and

2. Ensuring 100% of foods and beverages promoted to students meet the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

H. Nutrition Education

The District will teach, model, encourage and support healthy eating by all students. Schools will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:

1. Is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and protect their health;

2. Is part of not only health education classes, but also integrated into other classroom instruction through subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences and elective subjects;

3. Includes enjoyable, developmentally-appropriate, culturally-relevant and participatory activities, such as cooking demonstrations or lessons, promotions, taste-testing, farm visits and school gardens;

4. Promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products and healthy food preparation methods;

5. Emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (promotes physical activity/exercise);

6. Links with school meal programs, cafeteria nutrition promotion activities, school gardens, Farm to School programs, other school foods and nutrition-related community services;

7. Teaches media literacy with an emphasis on food and beverage marketing; and

8. Includes nutrition education training for teachers and other staff.

I. Essential Healthy Eating Topics in Health Education

The District will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 of the following essential topics on healthy eating:

1. Relationship between healthy eating and personal health and disease prevention

2. Food guidance from MyPlate

3. Reading and using FDA's nutrition fact labels

4. Eating a variety of foods every day

5. Balancing food intake and physical activity

6. Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grain products

7. Choosing foods that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and do not contain trans fat

8. Choosing foods and beverages with little added sugars

9. Eating more calcium-rich foods

10. Preparing healthy meals and snacks

11. Risks of unhealthy weight control practices

12. Accepting body size differences

13. Food safety

14. Importance of water consumption

15. Importance of eating breakfast

16. Making healthy choices when eating at restaurants

17. Eating disorders

18. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans

19. Reducing sodium intake

20. Social influences on healthy eating, including media, family, peers and culture

21. How to find valid information or services related to nutrition and dietary behavior

22. How to develop a plan and track progress toward achieving a personal goal to eat healthfully

23. Resisting peer pressure related to unhealthy dietary behavior

24. Influencing, supporting, or advocating for others’ healthy dietary behavior

J. Food and Beverage Marketing in Schools

The District is committed to providing a school environment that provides opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions. The District strives to teach students how to make informed choices about nutrition, health and physical activity. It is the intent of the District to protect and promote student’s health by permitting advertising and marketing for only those foods and beverages that are permitted to be sold on the school campus, consistent with the District’s wellness policy.

Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day will meet or exceed the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.

Food and beverage marketing is defined as advertising and other promotions in schools. Food and beverage marketing often includes an oral, written, or graphic statements made for the purpose of promoting the sale of a food or beverage product made by the producer, manufacturer, seller or any other entity with a commercial interest in the product. This term includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Brand names, trademarks, logos or tags, except when placed on a physically present food or beverage product or its container.

2. Displays, such as on vending machine exteriors

3. Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on school equipment, such as marquees, message boards, scoreboards or backboards (Note: immediate replacement of these items are not required; however, districts will replace or update scoreboards or other durable equipment when existing contracts are up for renewal or to the extent that is in financially possible over time so that items are in compliance with the marketing policy.)

4. Corporate brand, logo, name or trademark on cups used for beverage dispensing, menu boards, coolers, trash cans and other food service equipment; as well as on posters, book covers, pupil assignment books or school supplies displayed, distributed, offered or sold by the District.

5. Advertisements in school publications or school mailings.

6. Free product samples, taste tests or coupons of a product, or free samples displaying advertising of a product.

As the District/school nutrition services/Athletics Department/PTA/PTO reviews existing contracts and considers new contracts, equipment and product purchasing (and replacement) decisions should reflect the applicable marketing guidelines established by the District wellness policy.

Physical Activity

Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. A substantial percentage of students’ physical activity can be provided through a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: quality physical education as the foundation; physical activity before, during and after school; staff involvement and family and community engagement and the district is committed to providing these opportunities. Schools will provide that these varied physical activity opportunities are in addition to, and not as a substitute for, physical education (addressed in “Physical Education” subsection). All schools in the district will be encouraged to participate in Let’s Move! Active Schools (www.letsmoveschools.org) in order to successfully address all CSPAP areas.

Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks or physical education) will not be withheld as punishment for any reason. The district will provide teachers and other school staff with a list of ideas for alternative ways to discipline students.

To the extent practicable, the District will ensure that its grounds and facilities are safe and that equipment is available to students to be active. The District will conduct necessary inspections and repairs.

A. Physical Education

The District will provide students with physical education, using an age-appropriate, sequential physical education curriculum consistent with national and state standards for physical education. The physical education curriculum will promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and will help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits, as well as incorporate essential health education concepts (discussed in the “Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education” subsection). The curriculum will support the essential components of physical education.

All students will be provided equal opportunity to participate in physical education classes. The District will make appropriate accommodations to allow for equitable participation for all students and will adapt physical education classes and equipment as necessary.

All secondary students are required to take the equivalent of one academic year of physical education.

The District physical education program will promote student physical fitness through individualized fitness and activity assessments (via the Presidential Youth Fitness Program or other appropriate assessment tool) and will use criterion-based reporting for each student.

Essential Physical Activity Topics in Health Education

Health education will be required in all elementary grades and the district will require middle and high school students to take and pass at least one health education course. The District will include in the health education curriculum a minimum of 12 the following essential topics on physical activity:

1. The physical, psychological, or social benefits of physical activity

2. How physical activity can contribute to a healthy weight

3. How physical activity can contribute to the academic learning process

4. How an inactive lifestyle contributes to chronic disease

5. Health-related fitness, that is, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition

6. Differences between physical activity, exercise and fitness

7. Phases of an exercise session, that is, warm up, workout and cool down

8. Overcoming barriers to physical activity

9. Decreasing sedentary activities, such as TV watching

10. Opportunities for physical activity in the community

11. Preventing injury during physical activity

12. Weather-related safety, for example, avoiding heat stroke, hypothermia and sunburn while being physically active

13. How much physical activity is enough, that is, determining frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity

14. Developing an individualized physical activity and fitness plan

15. Monitoring progress toward reaching goals in an individualized physical activity plan

16. Dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids

17. Social influences on physical activity, including media, family, peers and culture

18. How to find valid information or services related to physical activity and fitness

19. How to influence, support, or advocate for others to engage in physical activity

20. How to resist peer pressure that discourages physical activity.

B. Recess (Elementary)

All elementary schools will offer at least 20 minutes of recess on all days during the school year. If recess is offered before lunch, schools will have appropriate hand-washing facilities and/or hand-sanitizing mechanisms located just inside/outside the cafeteria to ensure proper hygiene prior to eating and students are required to use these mechanisms before eating. Hand-washing time, as well as time to put away coats/hats/gloves, will be built in to the recess transition period/timeframe before students enter the cafeteria.

Outdoor recess will be offered when weather is feasible for outdoor play.

In the event that the school or district must conduct indoor recess, teachers and staff will follow the indoor recess guidelines that promote physical activity for students, to the extent practicable.

Recess will complement, not substitute, physical education class. Recess monitors or teachers will encourage students to be active, and will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever feasible.

C. Classroom Physical Activity Breaks (Elementary and Secondary)

The District recognizes that students are more attentive and ready to learn if provided with periodic breaks when they can be physically active or stretch. Thus, students will be offered periodic opportunities to be active or to stretch throughout the day on all or most days during a typical school week. The District recommends teachers provide short (3-5-minute) physical activity breaks to students during and between classroom times at least three days per week. These physical activity breaks will complement, not substitute, for physical education class, recess, and class transition periods.

The District will provide resources and links to resources, tools, and technology with ideas for classroom physical activity breaks. Resources and ideas are available through USDA and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

D. Active Academics

Teachers will incorporate movement and kinesthetic learning approaches into “core” subject instruction when possible (e.g., science, math, language arts, social studies and others) and do their part to limit sedentary behavior during the school day.

The District will support classroom teachers incorporating physical activity and employing kinesthetic learning approaches into core subjects by providing annual professional development opportunities and resources, including information on leading activities, activity options, as well as making available background material on the connections between learning and movement.

Teachers will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever feasible.

E. Before and After School Activities

The District offers opportunities for students to participate in physical activity either before and/or after the school day (or both) through a variety of methods. The District will encourage students to be physically active before and after school by: [District should choose appropriate and reasonable options such as physical activity clubs, physical activity in aftercare, intramurals or interscholastic sports].

F. Active Transport

The District will support active transport to and from school, such as walking or biking. The District will encourage this behavior by engaging in six or more of the activities below; including but not limited to:

1. Designate safe or preferred routes to school

2. Promote activities such as participation in International Walk to School Week, National Walk and Bike to School Week

3. Secure storage facilities for bicycles and helmets (e.g., shed, cage, fenced area)

4. Instruction on walking/bicycling safety provided to students

5. Promote safe routes program to students, staff, and parents via newsletters, websites, local newspaper

6. Use crossing guards

7. Use crosswalks on streets leading to schools

8. Use walking school buses

9. Document the number of children walking and or biking to and from school

10. Create and distribute maps of school environment (e.g., sidewalks, crosswalks, roads, pathways, bike racks, etc.)

IV. Other Activities that Promote Student Wellness

The District will integrate wellness activities across the entire school setting, not just in the cafeteria, other food and beverage venues and physical activity facilities. The District will coordinate and integrate other initiatives related to physical activity, physical education, nutrition and other wellness components so all efforts are complementary, not duplicative, and work towards the same set of goals and objectives promoting student well-being, optimal development and strong educational outcomes.

District schools are encouraged to coordinate content across curricular areas that promote student health, such as teaching nutrition concepts in mathematics, with consultation provided by either the school or the District’s curriculum directors.

All efforts related to obtaining federal, state or association recognition for efforts, or grants/funding opportunities for healthy school environments will be coordinated with and complementary of the wellness policy, including but not limited to ensuring the involvement of the Committee.

All school-sponsored events will adhere to the wellness policy guidelines. All school-sponsored wellness events will include physical activity and healthy eating opportunities when appropriate.

A. Community Partnerships

The District will utilize where feasible relationships with community partners (e.g., hospitals, universities/colleges, local businesses, SNAP-Ed providers and coordinators, etc.) in support of this wellness policy’s implementation. Existing and new community partnerships and sponsorships will be evaluated to ensure that they are consistent with the wellness policy and its goals.

B. Community Health Promotion and Family Engagement

The District will promote to parents/caregivers, families, and the general community the benefits of and approaches for healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school year. Families will be informed and invited to participate in school-sponsored activities and will receive information about health promotion efforts.

As described in the “Community Involvement, Outreach, and Communications” subsection, the District will use electronic mechanisms (e.g., email or displaying notices on the district’s website), as well as non-electronic mechanisms, (e.g., newsletters, presentations to parents or sending information home to parents), to ensure that families are actively notified of opportunities to participate in school-sponsored activities and receive information about health promotion efforts.

C. Staff Wellness and Health Promotion

The Committee will have a staff wellness subcommittee that focuses on staff wellness issues, identifies and disseminates wellness resources and performs other functions that support staff wellness in coordination with human resources staff which will be coordinated by the District’s HR Director.

District schools will implement strategies to support staff in actively promoting and modeling healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. The District promotes staff member participation in health promotion programs and will support programs for staff members on healthy eating/weight management that are accessible and free or low-cost.

D. Professional Learning

When feasible, the District will offer annual professional learning opportunities and resources for staff to increase knowledge and skills about promoting healthy behaviors in the classroom and school (e.g., increasing the use of kinesthetic teaching approaches or incorporating nutrition lessons into math class). Professional learning will help District staff understand the connections between academics and health and the ways in which health and wellness are integrated into ongoing district reform or academic improvement plans/efforts. January 2017

STUDENTS Regulation 2760

Student Welfare

Students in Foster Care

The District educational liaison for foster care children will serve in an advisory capacity to:

• Ensure and facilitate proper educational placement, enrollment in school, and checkout from school;
• Assist foster care children when transferring from one school to another or from one school district to another, including, among other things, proper transfer of credit, records, and grades;
• Request school records, as provided in Policy/Regulation 2230, within two (2) business days of placement of a foster care child in a District school;
• Submit school records of foster care pupils within three (3) business days of receiving a request for school records from another School District as provided in Policy 2290; and
• Facilitate access to student records to any child placing agency for the purpose of fulfilling education case management responsibilities required of the juvenile officer or by law and to assist with the school transfer or placement of a child under foster care. January 2018

STUDENTS Regulation 2765

Student Welfare

Transfer of Care and Custody

A power of attorney delegating care and custody of a student must be witnessed by a notary public and contain the following information:

1. Full name of student whose care and custody is to be transferred;

2. Date of birth of such student;

3. Full name and signature of the attorney-in-fact, to whom care and custody is to be transferred;

4. Address and telephone number of such attorney-in-fact;

5. Full name and signature of the parent or legal guardian;

6. The term for which delegation is transferred and a statement the delegation may be revoked at any time; and

7. One of the following statements:

a. I delegate to the attorney-in-fact all of my power and authority regarding the care, custody, and property of each minor child named above including, but not limited to, the right to enroll the child in school, inspect and obtain copies of education and other records concerning the child, the right to give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical and dental treatment, and any other activity, function or treatment that may concern the child. This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on, or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child; or

b. I delegate to the attorney-in-fact the following specific powers and responsibilities (insert list). This delegation shall not include the power or authority to consent to marriage or adoption of the child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on, or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. August 2018

STUDENTS Regulation 2785

Student Welfare

Student Suicide Awareness

The district will address suicide awareness and prevention through the following policy components[1]:

1. Crisis response team

2. Crisis response procedures

3. Procedures for parent involvement

4. Community resources available to students, parents, patrons and employees

5. Responding to suicidal behavior or death by suicide in the school community

6. Suicide prevention and response protocol education for staff

7. Suicide prevention education for students

8. Publication of policy

1. Crisis Response Team

The district will include suicide awareness and prevention in already established district or building crisis response teams or will establish such team(s) if not already in existence. Crisis response team members will include administrators, counselors and the school nurse, and may also include school social workers, school resource officers, teachers and/or community resources as appropriate. The crisis response team will be responsible for implementation of crisis response procedures.

The district will adopt an evidence based/informed tool for assessing suicide risk. The crisis response team, the building administrator, or his/her designee will receive training and coaching in using this tool to collect and document student suicidal behaviors and safety planning strategies.

2. Crisis Response Procedures

Student suicidal behaviors are not confidential and may be revealed to the student’s parents, guardians, school personnel or other appropriate authority when the health, welfare or safety of the student is at risk.

Any school employee who has a reasonable belief that a student may be at risk for suicide or witnesses any attempt towards self-injury will notify a member of the crisis response team, the building administrator or his/her designee.

If a student suicide behavior is made known to any school employee and a member of the crisis response team, the building administrator or his/her designee is not available, the employee will notify the student’s parent/guardian, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) or local law enforcement in an emergency situation. As soon as practical, the employee will notify the building designee or principal. The following steps will be employed in response to any risk of student suicide:

3. Procedures for Parent Involvement

A member of the crisis response team, the building administrator or his/her designee shall reach out to the parents/guardians of a student identified as being at risk of suicide to consult with them about the risk assessment of their student, to make them aware of community resources, and to discuss how to best support the student’s mental well-being and safety.

If the parent refuses to cooperate or if there is any doubt regarding the student’s safety, local mental service providers and/or law enforcement may need to be engaged, and a report may need to be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

Contact with a parent concerning risk of suicide will be documented in writing.

4. School and Community Resources

A student exhibiting suicidal behavior will be directed to meet with the building designee, their parent/guardian and counselor to discuss support and safety systems, available resources, coping skills and a safety plan as necessary.

The district will, in collaboration with local organizations and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, identify local, state and national resources and organizations that can provide information or support to students and families. A basic list of resources can be found on the Department of Mental Health website and the district will strive to develop its own list of local resources to be made readily available.

http://dmh.mo.gov/mentalillness/suicide/prevention.html

5. Responding to Suicidal Behavior or Death by Suicide in the School Community

When the school community is impacted by suicidal behavior or a death by suicide, the district will confer with their crisis response teams and, when appropriate, confer with local community resources and professionals to identify and make available supports that may help the school community understand and process the behavior and/or death.

The crisis response team, the building administrator or his/her designee will determine appropriate procedures for informing the school community of a death by suicide and the supports that will be offered. Staff and students who need immediate attention following a death by suicide will be provided support and resources as determined necessary.

6. Suicide Prevention and Response Protocol Education for Staff

All district employees will receive information annually regarding this policy and the district’s protocol for suicide awareness, prevention and response. The importance of suicide prevention, recognition of suicide protective and risk factors, strategies to strengthen school connectedness and building specific response procedures will be highlighted.

Such information shall include the following:

1. Current trends in youth mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention and awareness

2. Strategies to encourage students to seek help for themselves and other students

3. Warning signs that indicate a student may be at risk of suicide

4. The impact of mental health issues and substance abuse

5. Communication to students regarding concerns about safety and that asking for help can save a life

6. Understanding limitations and boundaries for giving help and techniques to practice self-care

7. Identification of key school personnel who are comfortable, confident and competent to help students at risk of escalated distress and suicide

All district staff will participate in professional development regarding suicide awareness and prevention.

7. Suicide Prevention Education for Students

Starting no later than fifth grade, students will receive age appropriate information and instruction on suicide awareness and prevention. Information and instruction may be offered in health education, by the counseling staff or in other curricula as may be appropriate.

Student education will include the following:

1. Information about mental health, well-being and suicide prevention and awareness

2. Promotion of a climate that encourages peer referral and which emphasizes school connectedness

3. Recognition of the signs that they or peers are at risk for suicide

4. Identification of issues that may lead to suicide including depression, anxiety, anger, and drug/alcohol dependency

5. Directive to not make promises of confidence when they are concerned about peer suicide

6. Identification of a trusted adult on campus with whom students can discuss concerns about suicide

8. Publication of Policy

The district will notify employees, students and parents of this policy by posting the policy and related procedures and documents on the district’s website and discussing this policy during employee training as detailed herein.

Reference: DESE Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy

October 2017, Copyright 2017 Missouri Consultants for Education, LLC

STUDENTS Regulation 2850 (Form 2850)

Student Services

Inoculations of Students

As mandated by the Missouri Department of Health, students must have up-to-date immunizations before being permitted to attend classes. Form 2850 provides a chart of immunization requirements by grade level.

1. The District will maintain an individual health record for each student, including an immunization history supplied by the parent/guardian.

2. A complete immunization history will be required upon entrance to school. Satisfactory evidence of immunization is a statement, certificate or record from a physician or health facility that verifies the type of vaccine, the month, day and year of administration. The parent/guardian will be informed that any needed immunizations must be obtained prior to enrollment and attending school.

3. In certain special situations, exemptions or "In Progress" statements may be needed.

a. If a student has received all immunizations that are age appropriate but has not completed the minimum required for school attendance, the parent/guardian must obtain an "In Progress" card from a physician or health department that identifies when the next dose is due.

b. If the student cannot receive the needed immunization(s) for medical reasons, a medical exemption will be completed and signed by a physician and filed in the student's health record.

c. If the parent/guardian objects to immunizations for religious reasons, an exemption must be signed by the parent/guardian and verified by the school nurse. This must be renewed annually. Protection against disease as a desirable measure for the protection of the student will continue to be emphasized.

4. In the event of an outbreak, students who are exempt from immunizations for any reason will be excluded from school for their own protection and that of other students, in accordance with State Rule 13 CSR 50-101.0412. The only exception will be students exempted by a physician because they have already had the disease and have available laboratory confirmation of immunity.

5. The District will notify the parent/guardian if a student will require any additional doses of a vaccine, giving the date by which the vaccine must be given to remain in compliance with the law.

6. To the extent that the District provides information on immunizations, infectious disease, medications, or other school health issues to parents/guardians, the District will include information that is at least similar to the information provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention about influenza and influenza vaccinations.

7. The District will prepare the immunization report (CD 31) for the Missouri Department of Health by the specified date. Any deficiencies will receive follow-up as recommended. Every effort will be made to return excluded students to school as soon as possible. The parent/guardian will be advised of resources available to obtain needed protection. The parent/guardian who does not make an effort to comply with the law in order to return students to school within ten days may be reported to the local juvenile authority for enforcing the truancy law.

8. An ongoing review of immunization records will be made to ensure that entering transfer students, students who are "In Progress," and those needing Td boosters during the school year have adequate protection. Students will be notified in the spring that Td boosters will be due during the next school year. The records of entering transfer students and those due for boosters will be flagged, or a separate file or a line listing of these students will be maintained, to facilitate compliance with the statute. August 2018

STUDENTS Regulation 2860

Student Services

Students with Communicable Diseases

The following administrative guidelines have been developed to assist in implementing Policy 2860.

1.   The District’s policy and regulations on communicable diseases, including detailed information about procedures to be implemented if a student with a chronic infectious disease is enrolled, will be made available to parents of all students attending District schools. 

2.    All employees will follow the most recent guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control, including applicable universal precautions in cleaning up body fluid spills (a copy of which shall be on file in the office of the Supervisor of Health Services and in the office of each school nurse), regardless whether an individual infected with a body fluid or blood-borne pathogen is known to be present in the school environment or related activities.  Willful or negligent disregard for these precautions by any staff member will be cause for disciplinary action.

Acute Infectious Disease

1.                 A staff member who has reason to believe that a student has been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease or who observes symptoms of such a disease, shall inform the principal. The principal will consult with the school nurse about the child. 

2.                 If the school nurse determines that the student has an acute contagious or infectious disease, the principal will exclude the student from school for the number of days specified in the latest revision of the Missouri Department of Health Publication, “Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases - A Guide for School Administrators, Nurses, Teachers and Day Care Operators,” PACH-16, or until a physician certifies that the student no longer is liable to transmit the disease.

3.                 If a student has been excluded from school by the principal because the student has or is suspected of having an acute contagious or infectious disease, the student and his/her parent/guardian may appeal such decision in writing to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent may require the student to be examined by a physician designated by the District, the child’s own physician, or both, at the option of the Superintendent.  The student shall not attend classes or participate in school activities during the appeal period.

Chronic Infectious Disease

1.                 If the principal, after consulting with the school nurse, determines that a student may have a chronic infectious disease, the student may be excluded from school and provided an education in an alternative setting until the following procedures have been concluded.  Prior to excluding the student, the student’s parents/guardians shall receive written notification of the intent to exclude and their procedural safeguards as set forth in the District’s compliance plan for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.           

            The principal shall immediately report any student who has or is suspected of having a chronic infectious disease to the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The Superintendent or his/her designee shall within three (3) working days appoint a Review Committee to assess the student’s medical condition.  The Committee should include the following: 

a.                  The student’s parents/guardians. 

b.                 The student’s physician. 

c.                  A physician specialist in public health or infectious diseases. 

d.                 The Supervisor of Health Services, who shall serve as Chairperson of the Review Committee, or his/her designee. 

e.                  The principal.

f.                   The Superintendent or his/her designee.

g.                  Others mutually agreed upon by the District and the parents/guardians.

The District’s legal counsel may serve on the Committee in an advisory capacity.

            If the student has been identified as a student with disabilities pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the student may be excluded from school and provided with an education in an alternative setting, so long as such exclusion does not constitute a change in placement pursuant to the IDEA.  The student’s medical condition and educational placement will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures set forth above, with the following additional provisions:

a.                  Prior to excluding the student, the student’s parents/guardians shall receive written notification of their procedural safeguards as set forth in the District’s compliance plan for implementing the IDEA, in addition to written notice of their procedural safeguards pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

b.                 The Review Committee shall include the chairperson of the student’s Individual Educational Program Committee or his/her designee. 

2.                 The members of the Review Committee shall determine the fitness of the student to attend school.  The Committee will assess the student’s condition, the school conditions, and the risks of exposing others to the disease in the school environment, and shall determine whether the student should (1) be permitted to attend school without restrictions; (2) attend school under stated restrictions and conditions; or (3) be excluded from attending school and provided an alternative educational program.  The Committee will prepare a written individual school health care plan for the student and establish dates and/or conditions under which the student’s status will be reviewed.  The Committee will also identify the persons who have a medical need to know the identity of the student because they are responsible for providing proper health care, and will provide the names of those persons to the Superintendent or his/her designee. 

3.                 Within three (3) working days after the Committee is convened, the Committee will make a determination and prepare findings of fact, which the Chairperson shall communicate in writing to the student’s parents/guardians, the principal, and the Superintendent.  The parents/guardians shall again receive written notification of their procedural safeguards as set forth in the District’s compliance plan for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (and in the District’s compliance plan for implementing the IDEA, if applicable).   The meetings, records, and votes of the Review Committee shall not be open to the public.  The determination will be final unless reversed on appeal pursuant to the Complaint Procedures set out in the District’s compliance plan for Section 504 (or the procedures in the District’s compliance plan for implementing the IDEA, if applicable).

4.                 If a student with a chronic infectious disease is permitted to attend school, the Superintendent will notify those persons who were identified by the Review Committee as having a medical need to know the student’s identity and conditions under which the student is attending school. Willful or negligent disclosure of confidential information will be cause for disciplinary action. 

5.                 Staff members who have a medical need to know the identity of a student with a chronic infectious disease include (1) those who are designated by the District to determine the fitness of the student to attend school; (2) those who are responsible for providing health care to the student, such as the school nurse; and (3) those who are most likely to be in a position to render first aid to the student in case of an accident or medical emergency.

6.         A student who has a chronic infectious disease shall be evaluated pursuant to the District’s compliance plan for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (and the District’s compliance plan for implementing the IDEA, if applicable) to determine whether any accommodations or related services are necessary for the student to receive a free appropriate public education.  If accommodations or related services are necessary, the District shall develop and implement a plan for the delivery of all needed services.  This evaluation shall be conducted regardless of whether the student is permitted to attend school with or without conditions and restrictions, or is excluded from school.

Jan. 03

STUDENTS Regulation 287 0 (Form 2870)

Student Services

Administering Medicines to Students

Prescription Medication

The student's authorized prescriber shall provide a written request that the student be given medication during school hours. The request shall state the name of the student, name of drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, and the prescriber's name. The diagnosis/indication for use of the medicine shall be provided. When possible, the prescriber should state adverse effects and applicable emergency instructions.

The District shall require that a prescription label be properly affixed to the medication in question. Said label must contain the name of the student, name of the drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, diagnosis and the prescriber's name.

A parent/guardian must request in writing that the School District comply with the authorized prescriber's request to give medication. (The District will not administer the initial dose of any new prescription except in an emergency.)

Over-the-Counter Medication

The student's authorized prescriber shall provide a written request that the student be given medication during school hours. The request shall state the name of the student, name of drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, and the prescriber's name. The diagnosis/indication for use of the medicine shall be provided. When possible, the prescriber should state potential adverse effects and applicable emergency instructions.

A parent/guardian will provide a written request that the District comply with the authorized prescriber's request to give medication.

Emergency Medication

Written standing orders will be obtained annually for the administration of emergency medication.

Storage and Administration of Medication

A parent/guardian or other responsible party designated by the parent/guardian will deliver all medication to be administered at school to the school nurse or designee. All medication, prescription or over-the-counter, must be in a pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled container. The District shall provide secure, locked storage for medication to prevent diversion, misuse, or ingestion by another individual.

The administration of medication, including over-the-counter medications, is a nursing activity, governed by the State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act. It must be performed by the registered professional school nurse. The nurse may delegate and supervise the administration of medication by unlicensed personnel who are qualified by education, knowledge and skill to do so. The registered nurse must provide and document the requisite education, training, and competency verification. The nurse is also empowered to contact the prescriber or pharmacist filling the prescription to discuss the prescription if the nurse has questions regarding the administration of such medication. Qualified employees will be held harmless and immune from civil liability for administering medication or medical services in good faith and according to standard medical practices.

School employees who are not qualified according to standard medical practices will not be required to administer medications or medical services. Such unqualified employees who refuse to administer medications or medical services will not be subject to disciplinary action for such refusal.

Pre-filled Auto Syringes

A school nurse or other school employee trained and supervised by the nurse may be authorized by the Board of Education to maintain an adequate supply of pre-filled auto syringes of epinephrine with fifteen hundredths milligram (15/100 mg) or three tenths milligram (3/10mg) delivery at school. The school nurse shall recommend to the school board, through the superintendent, the number of pre-filled epinephrine auto syringes to be maintained at each school. Licensed school nurses have the discretion to use an epinephrine auto syringe on any student the school nurse believes is having a life threatening anaphylactic reaction based upon the nurses training in recognizing an acute episode of an anaphylactic reaction. Trained employees administering life-saving methods will be immune from civil liability for administering life-saving methods for administering a pre-filled auto syringe in good faith consistent with standard medical practices.

Self-Administration of Medication

Students with asthma, anaphylaxis, or any chronic health condition may carry with them for self-administration metered-dose inhalers containing "rescue" medication. Possession and self-administration of these prescription medications must comply with the Missouri Safe Schools Act, 1996. The directives of this Act will be given to each parent/guardian who requests that his/her student be permitted to carry and self-administer such medication. A permission form for self-administration (Form 2870) is required. Provided however, that:

1. A licensed physician has prescribed or ordered such medications for use of the student and has instructed the student in the correct and responsible use of such medications;
2. The student has demonstrated to the student’s licensed physician or designee and the school nurse, the skill level necessary to use the medications and any device necessary to administer such medications;
3. The student’s physician has appended and signed a written treatment plan for managing asthma and anaphylaxis episodes of the student and for medications for use of the student. Such plan will include a statement that the student is capable of self-administering the medication under the treatment plan;
4. The student’s parent/guardian has completed and submitted to the school the student’s treatment plan and liability statement.
5. The student’s parent/guardian has signed a statement acknowledging that the district and its employees will incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from self-administration of medication by the student or administration of such medication by school staff. (see Form 2870.1)

The authorization for the possession and self administration of medication to treat a student’s asthma or anaphylaxis permits authorized students to possess and self administer such student’s medication while in school, at a school sponsored activity, and in transit from school or school sponsored activity. Such authorization will be effective for the school year when issued and for the school attended when the authorization is issued. Such authorization must be renewed each subsequent year in order to remain effective. Information concerning the student’s condition treatment plan, authorization, and related documents will be kept on file in the school nurse’s office and be easily accessible in the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency. Duplicate prescribed medication, as described in this policy, will be kept in the school’s nurses office and be reasonably accessible to the student and school staff in the event of an asthma or anaphylactic emergency.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training

Upon Board of Education authorization, the District will provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to District students grades 9-12. The instruction will be part of a health educational course and will include hands-on practice and skill testing to support cognitive learning. However, the District may elect to develop an agreement with a first responder to provide the required practice and testing. Students with disabilities may participate to the extent appropriate as determined by the student’s IEP or 504 Plan.

Administration of Asthma Rescue Medication

The Board of Education, by a majority vote, may authorize a licensed registered nurse to maintain a supply of asthma related rescue medication at each District school. The nurse will recommend the quantity of such medication to be maintained. The asthma rescue medication will be obtained by prescription written by a licensed physician, a physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. Such prescription shall list the District as the patient, will contain the nurse’s name, and will be filled at a licensed pharmacy. A school nurse or other school employees trained by and supervised by the nurse shall have the discretion to use asthma related rescue medications on any student the school nurse or trained employee believes is having a life-threatening asthma episode based upon their training in recognizing an acute asthma episode. Immunity, under §167.624, from civil liability for trained employees administering life saving methods shall apply to trained employees administering an asthma related rescue medication under this policy.

Parent/Guardian Administration

In situations where the above requirements are not met, or any time the parent/guardian chooses, the parent/guardian may come to school to administer medicine to his/her student.

Exception for Potentially Harmful Administration

It shall be the policy of this District that the District will not knowingly administer any medication to a student if the District's registered professional school nurse believes, in his/her professional judgment, that such administration could cause harm to the student, other students, or the District itself. Such cases may include, but are not necessarily limited to, situations in which the District is being asked to administer medication in a dosage that exceeds the highest recommended dosage listed in the current annual volume of the Physician's Desk Reference or other recognized medical or pharmaceutical text. August, 2012

STUDENTS Regulation 2875

Student Services

Student Allergy Prevention and Response

The school nurse shall oversee the administration of these procedures in consultation with the food service director, the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), the wellness committee, the transportation director, local health authorities and, where appropriate, the special education director or 504 coordinator.

Definitions

Allergen – A substance that triggers an allergic reaction.

Allergic Reaction – An immune system response to a substance that itself is not harmful but that the body interprets as being harmful. Allergic reactions trigger inflammation in the skin (hives, itching, a rash); in the respiratory system (coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing); in the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain); and the cardiovascular system (lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, shock). Anaphylaxis is another type of allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis – A life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body. It may be characterized by symptoms such as lowered blood pressure, wheezing, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and swelling and hives. Anaphylaxis may result in shock or death.

Emergency Action Plan – An EAP is a written plan for students who have life-threatening conditions, such as an allergy. This plan is designed to inform school district personnel who may be called upon to respond.

Individualized Health Plan – An IHP is a document created by the district in cooperation with the parents and, when appropriate, a student’s health care provider for students who have specific health care needs. It is a nursing care plan that has student-centered goals and objectives, and describes the nursing interventions designed to meet the student’s short and long-term goals.

Life-Threatening Allergy – An allergic reaction that is severe enough to potentially cause death.

General

Pursuant to Board policy, students may carry medication for the treatment of allergies. The district does not stock epinephrine premeasured auto-injection devices for general emergency use.

Response to an Allergic Reaction

Any staff member who becomes aware that a student is having an allergic reaction must:

1. Stay with the student;

2. Notify the nurse immediately or direct another person to do so; and

3. Contact the parents.

If a staff member determines that the allergic reaction is potentially life-threatening the staff member will implement the student’s 504 Plan, Individualized Health Plan (IHP) or Emergency Action Plan (EAP) if the staff member is familiar with the plan.

If the student does not have a 504 Plan, IHP or EAP, the staff member is not familiar with the 504 Plan, IHP or EAP or such plan is not immediately available, the staff member will immediately take or direct another person to take the following actions.

1. Call 911.

2. Notify the school nurse or, if the nurse is not available, notify __Superintendent__ (designee).

3. Administer epinephrine, if available, at the direction of the school nurse pursuant to his/her training or designee. If the school nurse is not present, the staff member may administer epinephrine pursuant to his/her transcript, if available, if the staff member determines it is necessary to safeguard the health of the student.

4. Notify the parents.

5. Provide first responders with information about the student's allergy and reaction and any actions already taken.

6. A staff member will remain with the student until a parent/guardian or emergency contact arrives or until the student is transported from the district by first responders.

As soon as possible after the life-threatening allergic reaction, the nurse will consult with the 504 compliance coordinator and the student’s parent/guardian to determine whether a 504 Plan or IHP/EAP would be appropriate for the student.

Instructional Areas

No food preparation or consumption will take place in any instructional area unless the instructor has permission from the building administrator. Courses that include food preparation or consumption as a regular part of the curriculum are exempt from this provision, but instructors in these courses have an increased responsibility to monitor student adherence to prevention procedures.

Dining Areas

The school nurse or designee will provide the food service director with a copy of any 504 Plan or IHP that concerns diet, along with a photograph of the student. Any 504 Plan or IHP that requires food substitutions must include a written statement from a licensed physician that:

1. Describes the disability or condition.

2. Explains how the student is restricted as a result of the disability or condition.

3. Identifies the major life activities affected by the disability or condition.

4. Lists omitted and permitted substitute foods.

The food service director will provide information to food service personnel as necessary. Food service personnel will not act on individual requests for dietary accommodations. If a student or parent/guardian of a student who does not have a 504 Plan or IHP/EAP on file with the food service director requests an accommodation, he or she will be referred to the school nurse and/or the Section 504 Coordinator for assistance.

The food service director will arrange for all food service staff to be trained in food label reading, cross-contamination avoidance, safe food handling and food item labeling requirements.

If there is any change in the menu after the menu has been posted, the food service director will notify the school nurse or designee. The nurse or designee will notify parents of students with a 504 Plan or IHP/EAP for food allergies, if necessary and applicable.

The principal may designate one (1) or more tables in the dining area as peanut and/or nut-free areas. Any student may use these tables, but may not have any food or beverage that contains or may contain peanuts or other nuts. If any student has been identified as having life-threatening allergies to a food or beverage other than peanuts or nuts, the principal may instead designate one (1) or more tables as allergen-free areas and specify the prohibited foods and beverages. Staff responsible for cleaning dining areas will clean any such designated tables prior to each use according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations using separate cleaning supplies. No student will be required to sit at the designated table.

Staff members supervising dining areas will promote a "no sharing/no trading" environment to prevent students from trading food, beverages or dining utensils.

Transportation and Off-Site Activities

Except as otherwise outlined in this procedure, drivers will not allow students to eat or drink on district transportation unless the student has written permission from his or her building principal. Written permission will be provided if the student has a medical need to consume food or beverages during the time the student is transported. A student who has a medical need to consume food or beverages on district transportation must have an IEP, 504 Plan or IHP that addresses which foods or beverages the student may consume.

Students being transported to and from activities on district transportation may be allowed to consume food and beverages if the staff member serving as sponsor has verified that none of the students being transported have documented life-threatening food allergies.

Staff members must submit a list of students taking part in off-site activities, such as competitions and field trips, to the nurse at least five (5) days prior to the activity. The nurse will verify which, if any, students have allergies and provide the staff member with a copy of the relevant 504 Plans or IHPs or EAPs and any medications that may be needed in the case of an allergic reaction. Nov. 2010

STUDENTS Regulation 2910

Activities and Athletics

Student Publications

Purposes Of Student Publications

The publications fulfill a vital role within the school community in providing a means by which students, faculty, administrators, and community can communicate with other students, faculty, administrators and community members. The publications serve as a forum for the constructive expression of ideas, opinions, plans for innovation, events, etc., in a factually informative, interpretive, and entertaining manner, thereby providing primarily the students but also the faculty and administrators with an instrument of constructive leadership for influencing the school and community.

Student publications offer students an opportunity for practical and legitimate journalistic experience in terms of writing, editing, organizing, administering, financing and budgeting, etc.  Assuming a position of leadership on the student publication signifies the student's acceptance of responsibility. The acceptance of this responsibility also provides the student with the opportunity to develop the potential which he/she possesses.

Standards

In fulfilling their roles as participants in the community media, students must demonstrate their maturity and dependability, and must show that they are capable of analyzing problems and making sound judgments. The following statement is adapted and modified from the Canons of Journalism by the American Society of Newspaper Editors.

1.         Responsibility - The welfare and the best interests of school and community members

            must be the guideline for the publication of all material.

2.         Freedom -With every freedom of speech and of the press there is a corresponding responsibility.  No freedom, not even that of speech and of the press, is absolute. Student publications must be free to print what has been responsibly considered, researched and written. The staffs must demonstrate objectivity, but at the same time must be free to express viewpoints after presenting all sides of an issue. This policy should not rule out articles marked as news analysis advocating a particular point of view.

3.         Accuracy - Thorough research of all materials    news, editorials, features and sports    will be conducted and the facts presented in an objective, balanced and truthful manner. The facts will be verified; the reporter will present them in the proper perspective; and the publications will print only that which is based on fact after careful research and investigation.

4.         Fairness - Student publications will not make unjust or undue attacks on any individual group or person, and will provide an open forum for any viewpoints which are opposed to those of the publication.

5.         Decency - Material published    language, pictures and artwork -- will not be offensive, obscene, pornographic or injurious to any person or group.

Objectives And Responsibilities Of The Publication Staff

In student publications, staff members must assume the following responsibilities:

1.         To make a concerted effort as a staff to learn and to apply correct journalistic techniques of writing, editing, advertising and to seek the aid of professional journalists and responsible adults when and where necessary.

2.         To assume obligations of a journalist in being responsible, honest, sensitive, fair, impartial, decent and dedicated to the necessity of a free and responsible press.

3.         To be open minded and representative of all feeling and ideas within the community, not only their own.

4.         To plan each issue of the paper in order to provide a balance of informational, interpretive and entertaining material (all factually based); to give consideration to the importance, significance and value of each article and to the possible effect each article will have on the general welfare of the readers.

5.         To research and verify all story ideas and related material and to refuse to publish any material until it has been verified as truthful and accurate.

6.         To set priorities for material covered in the newspaper based on the importance, significance and interest of the material to the majority of the readers.

7.         To develop a keen sense of observation and awareness about school, student and community activities and to report these accurately.

8.         To establish a schedule of deadlines and to meet those deadlines as professionals.

9.         To correct promptly all errors of fact for which the newspaper is responsible.

10.       To develop faculty and administrative confidences and to keep those confidences.

11.       To be supportive of the total school community and its activities and personnel. (Supportive   defined as praise, comment, or constructive criticism based on the offering of alternative suggestions and plans. It also involves the inclusion of names in the news in order to promote a sense of personal involvement on the part of the readers.)

12.       To encourage intelligent thought and action from the readers.

Coverage of Material

News stories in student publications will be objective   free from opinion and bias. Stories will be based on facts obtained through thorough research and investigation. An emphasis will be placed on previewing upcoming events and activities to create interest. Newsworthy occurrences will receive attention in coverage articles. The stories will be presented on the pages of the paper in such a way that undue attention will not be given to articles of lesser value, interest or significance.

The primary function of features or special interest articles is informational and entertainment. A special emphasis will be placed on in depth coverage of material deemed to be of significant interest to the readers.

Sports articles will provide accurate description and records of athletic activities. Individual athletes will not be revered as stars or heroes, but proper credit for outstanding records, honors or performances will be given when due. The sports section of the paper will carry advance information to create interest in upcoming events as well as coverage articles for events. Material on the page will be varied to appeal to all readers, not just athletes and their avid fans. Proper coverage will be given to all teams and athletic activities, male and female, varsity and sub varsity.

Responsibility For Handling Materials To Be Published

Unchallenged Material

1.         Writer directed to submit article and/or picture to page editor to whom reporter is immediately responsible; or unsolicited article submitted to an editor in that area.

2.         Material reviewed by page editor responsible to determine if it meets standards for publications.

3.         Materials reviewed by Editor in Chief.

4.         Material reviewed by Faculty Advisor.

5.         Material published.

Challenged Material

1.         Editorial Level

If material submitted to a page editor is rejected, the writer, after a conference with the editor, may appeal to the Editorial Board. If the Editorial Board rejects the material, the writer may appeal to the faculty advisor. The faculty advisor, after hearing both sides, considering all factors and giving guidance and counsel, shall submit in writing his/her recommendations and resolutions. The Editorial Board may by a two thirds vote reject the proposal of the faculty advisor and not publish the material. The statement of the final action taken by the Editorial Board will be signed by all parties.

2.         Editor in Chief Level

            If material presented by a page editor is rejected by an editor in chief, the writer after a conference with the editor in chief may appeal to the Editorial Board. If the Editorial Board rejects the material, the writer may appeal to the faculty advisor. The faculty advisor, after hearing both sides, considering all factors and giving guidance and counsel, shall submit in writing his/her recommendations and resolutions. The Editorial Board may by a two thirds vote reject the proposal of the faculty advisor and not publish the material. A statement of the final action taken by the Editorial Board will be signed by all parties.

3.         Faculty Advisor Level

Material found unobjectionable by the Editorial Board but questioned by the faculty advisor shall be discussed by both parties. If the difference cannot be resolved, the material shall be presented to the building principal for review and guidance.

            Material still found unobjectionable by the Editorial Board but questioned by the faculty advisor and/or building principal shall be presented at a joint meeting of the Editorial Board and the advisor. The faculty advisor must give specific reasons for his/her objections and give guidance to the group. The student writer shall be afforded an opportunity to present his/her viewpoint. If the Editorial board by a two thirds vote still finds the material unobjectionable it may be printed. A quorum will be considered present when two thirds of the Editorial Board attend a meeting, and two thirds of those present must agree.

            A brief statement summarizing the dialogue held and signed by all parties shall be presented to the building principal. The building principal shall forward the statement and copies of the article to the Superintendent and the Board of Education for their information. The signed statement shall signify that the Editorial Board fully understand the reservations of the faculty advisor and/or building principal and has chosen to exercise its option under the Board Policy.

4.         Building Principal Level

            The building principal/designee may delay or stop distribution of any materials proposed for printing or that have been printed which may be reasonably forecast to cause substantial and material disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process or function of the school.

            The building principal/designee must forward a copy of the material to the Superintendent and a statement of reasons for delay or stoppage. The Superintendent shall schedule a hearing with all parties immediately to determine if the delay or stoppage was warranted.

Editorial Page Policy

An Editorial Board (composed of the editor in chief, chairman, the managing editor, news editor(s), editorial editor(s), feature editor(s), sports editor(s), photography editor(s), business manager, production manager, art editor and the head advertising manager) determines the content of the editorial page. Editorial ideas are presented to the Editorial Board for consideration. Editorials in the school publication will only be printed after all sides of an issue are considered and researched. The staff should consult with their advisor before printing issues which have a controversial connotation. The principal may also be consulted at the staff's discretion. There are basically four types of editorials that appear in the student publication:

1.         The unsigned staff position: These editorials will deal with issues which the Editorial Board considers to be of importance to the school community and on which members of the Board reach a majority consensus after careful consideration and research of both sides of the issue. The purpose and content of each editorial or column will be stated in the article. Any editorial board member representing the minority opinion in these instances will be given space in which to express his/her view if he/she wishes. In instances of extremely controversial issues, unsigned editorials must represent the unanimous opinion of the Editorial Board. If a unanimous decision is not reached, both sides of the issue shall be printed under by lines. Unsigned articles shall be designated as representative or staff opinion in the masthead of each issue.

2.         By line editorials: These editorials deal with issues the Editorial Board considers to be of importance, but on which they do not wish to take a staff position. These editorials may also represent issues on which members of the student body, not regularly affiliated with the student publication staff, wish to express an opinion after researching the issue, perhaps in response to an unsigned editorial.

3.         Letters to the Editor: Letters to the editor shall be accepted from any reader so long as those letters are signed and are in keeping with the policy of the student publication. The staff reserves the right to edit any letter after consulting with the author. The staff may refuse any letters which it feels are malicious, libelous, or irresponsible. Any letter that criticizes an individual or group shall be presented to that individual or member of that group before the letter is published so that the individual or group being attacked may make a response or reply if they so desire. The two letters shall then be published simultaneously. If the writer of any letter to the editor presents a good cause, his name may be withheld. This shall be so designated in the publication by "Name withheld upon request." The name of the writer may be available to legitimate authority for legitimate reasons if the student publication faculty advisor, the editor, and the writer so agree, legal requirements excepted. 

4.         Reviews and Critiques: Periodically, movies, books, plays and musical performances are reviewed or critiqued. This expression of interest in cultural activity is deemed as a legitimate function of the student publication in bringing these things to the readers' attention.  All reviews and critiques   favorable and unfavorable   shall be constructive and in keeping with good taste. They shall not be malicious or irresponsibly done.

Pictures and Artwork

Pictures and artwork in the publications shall add to the meaning of a story, shall serve to identify individuals, and shall generally add reader interest to the publication. These pictures shall cover many and varied individuals and activities. The photographs shall not violate the right of privacy and shall present a truthful situation. Cartoons and artwork shall have a definite function within the editorial context of the publication.

Copyright Law

All published materials and reproductions of artwork, etc., must not violate copyright laws.

Advertising and Business Management

Financial Arrangements

The financial operation of student publications must be approved by the building principal in accordance with current district funding practices. At no time are financial arrangements to be entered into without principal or school district approval.

Advertising

1.         Allocation of Space

            The amount of space allocated to advertising in school publications should not dominate the overall image of the paper. This situation should be examined from time to time by the faculty advisor so as to protect as much editorial space as possible to develop the writing abilities of students. The publication schedule and the size of the individual issues of the school publication shall be a matter of judgment of the faculty advisor and editorial staff.

2.         Advertising Rates

            Advertising rates per column inch will be sent by each school publication with approval of the faculty advisor.

3.         Acceptable Advertising

Advertising shall be accepted from bona fide business firms in operation for a year or more or from new firms of a stable and permanent character. 

            Any advertising offering employment opportunities promising high earnings, travel or other extravagant claims should be thoroughly investigated.

4.         Types Prohibited

            a.         No advertising of liquor, tobacco or narcotics shall be accepted.                                    

            b.         Advertising soliciting sales of patent medicines, health treatments, salacious literature, joke devices, firearms, lotteries or any other items prohibited by postal laws shall not be accepted.

            c.         When students and/or staff pictures are used in advertising, they shall be requested to sign permission slips.

            d.         Advertising for motion pictures rated "X" may not be accepted. Pictures rated "R", "G" and "PG" may be advertised.

5.         Collections

            Advertising contracts between the student publication and the advertiser are binding to both parties as per terms of the contract. In cases where the advertiser does not pay his due bill, the business manager shall send at four (4) week intervals three (3) "reminder" letters. If the bill remains unpaid, the business manager shall make a personal call on the advertiser. If at this time the bill remains unpaid, the advertiser's name and contract shall be turned over to the building principal for action, as is stated in the third reminder sent to the advertiser. If the student publication staff fails to fulfill its contract terms, the contract is automatically canceled at no expense to the advertiser if he/she so desires.

Violations of Standards

If any school publication or publication other than those sponsored by schools is in violation of standards of school publications, the principal/designee shall request the distributor to desist distribution and call for a hearing immediately with parties involved.

Hearing procedures shall follow those in the school district guidelines. Jan. 03

STUDENTS Regulation2920             (Form 2920)

Activities and Athletics

Interscholastic Activities and Athletics

Interscholastic competition for secondary school students shall be provided through a variety of activities and athletics.  Students are allowed to attain the privilege of representing their school by meeting the standards of eligibility as set forth by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).  These standards may include academic requirements, citizenship, age maximums, passing medical examinations and other items that are posted in the school and discussed by the coaches and sponsors with their students as well as mailed home to the parents/guardians of all student participants.

Interscholastic competition may be withheld from any student as a condition of discipline.  Furthermore, all policies that apply to the regular school day apply also to interscholastic competition.  Coaches and sponsors may establish policies for their groups in addition to those stated herein.

A student must be in attendance for the full day on days of extracurricular participation.  Failure to do so will eliminate the student from practice or participation that day. Exceptions may be granted in special cases. 

The following criteria will be followed:

1.         Students will meet the eligibility requirements set out by MSHSAA.

2.         Any student failing a class may be required to attend study sessions after school.

3.         Any student receiving an incomplete grade because of failure to promptly complete work will be placed on the ineligibility list.  Incomplete grades resulting from illness or other special circumstances during the last week or two of a grade period may be exempted.

4.         Students displaying unacceptable citizenship behaviors may be suspended from participation.

5.         Each coach and sponsor will establish written guidelines for their groups. These guidelines shall be presented orally and in written format.  A copy of such guidelines will be on file with the principal.

The interscholastic competition program is an integral part of the secondary schools and shall supplement the curriculum program by providing worthwhile experiences to students that will enable them to develop the attributes of good citizenship. These programs will be administered by the principal/designee.

Participation in interscholastic competition is for students in grades nine through twelve (9   12) as determined by the local area athletic conference and the MSHSAA.

Programs of interscholastic competition will be planned in accordance with MSHSAA regulations and conference rules, and will include programs reflective of student interest. All student members should participate insofar as feasible. Access shall be provided contingent on budgetary limitations and in accordance with District guidelines for the following:

1.           School facilities.

2.           Sponsors and coaches.

3.           Scheduling of meetings, practice times and games.

4.           Number of events at each level of competition.

5.           Equipment, supplies and services.

All faculty sponsors and coaches must hold a valid Missouri State Teacher’s Certificate.  Non-faculty head coaches must have as a minimum a four-year college degree and a valid Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.  Non-faculty assistant coaches must have as a minimum a valid Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.  Non-faculty head and assistant coaches must successfully complete the MSHSAA/NFHS Coaching Principles and Sports First Aid courses.  Sponsors and coaches are required to follow all District regulations.

A student engaged in interscholastic competition must portray good citizenship in the school and community. He/she shall be required to be in conformance with all general school rules and regulations, rules established by the sponsors and coaching staff for the program in which he/she is participating, and conformance with the laws of the community.

The District's High School is a member of the MSHSAA. In all interscholastic competition matters, this school will adhere firmly to the rules and regulations of MSHSAA

Regulations Governing Student Participation

A student must be under nineteen (19) years of age on or before July l preceding the opening of school, pass a medical examination and have parent/guardian permission. Ninth grade students must not be older than sixteen (16) years of age prior to July 1.

A student shall not be considered eligible while under out of school suspension. A student expelled or who withdraws from school because of disciplinary measures shall not be considered eligible for 365 days from the date of expulsion or withdrawal.

A student who is absent from school on the day of a interscholastic contest or on a Friday before an interscholastic contest on a Saturday will not be permitted to participate in said contest without a written release from the school principal.

Credit earned or completed after the close of the semester shall not count as having been earned that semester, except in case of a delayed final examination because of illness certified by a physician.  Credit earned in summer school may count for or against the student’s record for eligibility purposes if the classes are required for graduation from the local school.  Students may count up to one (1) unit of credit for summer school toward establishing their eligibility for the fall semester.  Summer school electives will not count toward eligibility.

A student shall not accept a cash or merchandise award in any competition in which MSHSAA member schools compete interscholastically. Awards for participation in nonschool competitions during the summer shall meet the same standards as awards given by schools during the school year.

The student must meet all other eligibility requirements of MSHSAA and the local area high school athletic conference.

Competition by students in organized nonschool-sponsored competition must meet the following conditions:

1.         During the season, a student who represents his/her school by competing in an interscholastic contest shall not compete as a member of a nonschool team or as an individual participant in an organized nonschool competition in that same contest.

2.         A student may compete in organized nonschool competition in other events in which MSHSAA member schools compete interscholastically if no school time is missed to compete, practice for, or travel to the site of nonschool competition; and if the student does not practice for or compete in the nonschool competition on the same date he/she practices or competes for the school.

District participation in interscholastic competition will be subject to approval by the Board.

Budgeting for the interscholastic competition program will include gate receipts and be incorporated into the general District budget. No expenditures for interscholastic competitions may be made in excess of those listed in the budget without approval by the Superintendent.

The MSHSAA handbook will be considered a part of this regulation.

Hazing

Student hazing is expressly prohibited by Board of Education policy. For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as willful conduct directed at another student, whether occurring on or off school property, for purposes of initiation or admission to any school-related activity or athletic team. Conduct prohibited by this policy includes, but is not limited to, exposure or contact of genitals, buttocks, or breasts (female students), directly or indirectly through contact with undergarments; threats of physical harm; and infliction of physical or mental harm or humiliation.

Students found to have violated this policy will be subject to suspension/expulsion from school and suspension and exclusion from activities/athletic participation depending on the severity of the misconduct.

Nonstudents who participate or enable the hazing of students may be excluded from attendance at school activities and school athletic events. District employees, including sponsors and coaches who have knowledge of student hazing but fail to take corrective action will be subject to discipline up to and including termination. Oct 03

STUDENTS Regulation 2921

Activities and Athletics

Participation by Non-Traditional Students

High School Enrollment Assessment

Prior to consideration and determination of eligibility, high school staff will review, among other things:

1. Past classes taken

2. Academic history

3. Credits

4. Logs

5. Attendance

6. Transcripts

7. Student’s age

8. Semester taken in-state and out-of-state

9. Semester taken in non-traditional academic events

The purpose of this review will be to determine “prior semester” earned credit and the students’ grade placement upon enrollment. In doing so, staff will determine if credit for courses taken will be granted for purpose of the 80% requirement rule.

Determining Status of Bonafide Students[2]

Consider whether:

1. Seat time credit (minimum of one unit of credit) will be placed on the transcript

2. Outside courses must be approved and validated in meeting the 80% rule.

3. Review and assess outside classes including where relevant testimonial evidence, course syllabi, timeliness for such classes

4. Review of Academic Success, including work logs, attendance, hours of instruction, grades achieved, transcripts, confirmatory testing where deemed necessary

5. Ensure close of semester for non-traditional option 2 students is designated

6. All students, traditional and non-traditional, must satisfy citizenship standards, semester rules, age rules, etc.

7. Uniformity of standards and policies for all students

[1] 2017-18 MSHSAA Official Handbook, By-Law 2.3.4, page 44

October 2017, Copyright © 2017 Missouri Consultants for Education, LLC

STUDENTS Regulation 2940

Activities and Athletics

Student Group Use of School Facilities

Secondary schools will provide an opportunity for student-initiated noncurricular groups to meet on school premises during noninstructional time when the following criteria have been met:

1.         A meeting must be voluntary and student-initiated.  No student shall be in any way coerced to participate in religious or other activity.  Teachers and school administrators, when acting within the course and scope of their employment, will strictly observe a policy of official neutrality regarding religious activity.

2.         No school employee may sponsor, promote, lead, or participate in any student-initiated, noncurricular meeting.  However, a teacher, administrator, or other school employee may be assigned to monitor the group’s facility use and student conduct.

3.         Employees and agents of the school may be present at student-initiated religious meetings only in a nonparticipatory capacity.

4.         The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school.

5.                 Nonschool persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend the meetings of a student-initiated, noncurricular group. Jan. 03

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[1] Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy