Spirit Lake High School Student Handbook2012-2013

EXCEEDEXPECTATIONS

District Mission Statement All students will learn and become responsible citizens

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Table of Contents

SECTION Page NumberPrincipal's Letter 4Communication 5Schedule 6Student Advisory Council 7School Lunch 8Open Campus Privilege 9Health and Medical 10General High School Information 11-15Academics 16-19Technology Appropriate Use Policy 20-22Attendance 22-26Conduct and Behavior (Bullying/Harassment) 26-28Disciplinary Policy 28-30Extra-Curricular Activities 31-33Good Conduct Policy 34-39Equal Education Opportunities 40-41Abuse / Harassment 42-43

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ALPHABETICAL BY TOPIC PAGEAbuse / Harassment 42-43Academic Eligibility 33-36Academics 16-19Administration of Medicine 10-11Attendance 22-26Behavior Consequences 30-31Communicable Diseases 11Communication 5Conduct and Behavior 26-28Daily Bell Schedule 6Detentions/Suspensions 30Disciplinary Policy 28-30Dress Code 27-28Driving Permits 13Early Graduation 16-19Emergency Forms 10Equal Education Opportunities 40-41Excused/Unexcused Absences 22-26Extra-Curricular Activities 31-33Fee Waiver Notice 8Fighting 26General High School Information 11-15Good Conduct Penalties 37-38Good Conduct Policy 34-39Grading Scale and GPA 18Graduation Requirements 16AntiBullying/Harassment 27-28Hawk-I Insurance 10Health and Immunization Certificates 10Health and Medical 10Homeless Children 42Honor Roll 18Honor Society 19Honors Recognition 16Instructional Materials Concerns 19Late Start Schedule 6Locker Searches 29Lost and Found 12Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting 11Multicultural/Gender-Fair Educ. Opportunity 40-41Open Campus Privilege 9Open Enrollment 12Parking 11Physical Education Requirements 17Publications 13Report Cards / Midterm Reports 17Schedule 6School Lunch 8Student Advisory Council 7

Student Lockers 11Student Records, Directory, Photographs 14Sunday Events 12Technology Appropriate Use Policy 20-22Video Surveillance 15Visitors and Guests 5Weapons 26Weight Room 12

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2012-2013 Principal’s Letter

Dear Spirit Lake Students and Parents,

Come join us!

This is an exciting time for Spirit Lake High School, the Spirit Lake Community School District, and the Spirit Lake Community. Here at SLCSD we represent everything that is good, progressive, and innovative about our society. We have remained altruistic to serve others, and we are on our way to greatness! We are becoming a learning culture that can adapt and be flexible toward the changing needs of that society which we value. I join all others who are proud to be part of a system that models critical thinking, communication and collaboration to create knowledge for a better world. Together, “We ARE Spirit Lake!”

• We are experiencing a new generation in education. • We respect individuality and strive to enhance personalized educational services.

Education has always been a priority in our community, and we are getting state recognition because of the innovation reflected in great student and teacher work.

• We are committed to aligning our resources “to get the job done.” • We believe in embracing change--We know this is our students’ world and now it is

ours. It is our mission to employ innovative learning techniques and modern technologies to graduate all students with a sense of responsible citizenship.

Have no doubt--we envision greatness! Join us on this journey as we strive to personalize education for all students. Our pledge is to exceed your expectations. We ARE Spirit Lake!

Sincerely,

Kevin Range, Principal

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Communication Connections

TO REPORT STUDENT ABSENCE: Dial (712) 336-3707 ext.1380 by 9:00 a.m. (All absences must be cleared by 4:00 PM the day following the absence, or they will be unexcused.)

SCHOOL'S WEBSITE: Please visit the school district's website at www.spirit-lake.k12.ia.us. Important district and building information is located at this site, updated daily.

DAILY HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Daily announcements will be posted to the school website. It is the student’s responsibility to check the announcements during the designated time each day, and to stay informed about important information regarding school and activities.

ON-LINE PARENT INFORMATION: You will be able to access your student's current academic progress, lunch balance and daily attendance through parent access to JMC. Please contact the HS office or Student Services if you need help in accessing this information.

SCHOOL CLOSURE:Notifications can be sent to your telephone or email via KITV.com text alert by clicking the “Alert” link from the school website to register for the service.

Parents/Visitors/Guests:

Spirit Lake High School welcomes parents to be a part of our school community. Visitor parking is available in the high school parking lots in designated spaces, or on Hill Avenue. All visitors must report to the high school office upon entering the building, and sign in to receive a Visitor’s Pass.

Students who may wish to host a guest during class hours must request permission from the principal at least one day in advance. The principal reserves the right to withhold permission for the guest to attend classes.

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Schedules

Period SchedulePERIOD TIME FEATURE

Period 1 8: 15 AM – 9:02 AM 47 Minutes

Period 2 9:05 AM - 9:52 AM 47 Minutes

Period 3 9: 55 AM – 10:42 AM 47 Minutes

Period 4 10:45 AM – 11:32 AM 47 Minutes

Period 5 A 11: 35 AM – 12:22 PM 47 MinutesEAT LUNCH:

12:25 – 12:55 PMPeriod 5 B 12:08 AM – 12:55 PM 47 Minutes

EAT LUNCH:11:35 AM – 12: 05AM

Period 6 12:58 PM – 1: 45 PM 47 Minutes

ONLINEAnnouncements

1: 45 PM – 1:50 PM Students read announcements online and check email for sport dismissal

announcements, ETCPeriod 7 1:53 PM – 2:40 PM 47 Minutes

Period 8 2: 43PM – 3:30 PM 47 Minutes

TWO HOUR LATE START SCHEDULE: (32 or 33 Min.) Period 1 10:15 to 10:47

Period 2 10:50 to 11:23

Period 3-1/1st Lunch 11:26 to 11:59

Period 3-2/2nd Lunch 12:02 to 12:35

Period 4 12:38 to 1:10

Period 5 1:13 to 1:45

Period 6 1:48 to 2:20

Period 7 2:23 to 2:55

Period 8 2:58 to 3:30

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STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Policy No. 503.1

Student Advisory Council (SAC) consists of twenty-seven elected members. The entire student body elects the President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Each class elects a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and 3 representatives. Any student is welcome to attend SAC meetings, but please contact the SAC President prior to the meeting. Mr. Schmidt is the faculty advisor for SAC.

The purpose of SAC is to provide leadership opportunities for students and a vehicle for student input concerning the programs and procedures in school. Traditionally, SAC projects include Homecoming, the Bloodmobile, Adopt-a-Highway, Spirit Week activities, and other service projects.

President – Kendra StokkeVice-President – Jessica SandySecretary – Mikayla Brockmeyer

Seniors - Class of 2013 President – Will Norris Vice-President – KJ Veldmen Secretary – Lauren Shell Representatives – Taran Bosch, Jaime Webb Juniors - Class of 2014President – Abbey Horsmen Vice-President – Mohini Patel Secretary - Dondi Schmidt Representatives – Axel Johnson, Bailey Lovall, Grant Schuhert

Sophomores - Class of 2015 President – Josie Hoien Vice-President – Emma Dua Secretary - Jenna McCoy Representatives – Sami Ashland, Spencer Buhr, Alex Pringnitz

Freshmen - Class of 2016 President – Jacob Voss Vice-President – Charlie DuncanSecretary – Jennifer WillRepresentatives – Logan Backhaus, Billy Brown, Tyler Jenness

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SCHOOL LUNCH and BREAKFAST

All students are invited to participate in the school meal program, which includes breakfast every day from 7:45-8:10 AM and lunch. Seniors and juniors can earn the privilege to leave campus during their scheduled lunch shift. All freshmen and sophomores must remain on campus during their lunch period. Under extreme weather circumstances, campus may be closed for all grade levels by administration in order to protect the safety of students.

Monthly breakfast and lunch menus will be posted. Lunch credit may be purchased from 8:00 a.m. to 9:02 a.m. in the kitchen any day of the week. Daily, weekly, and monthly lunch credit will not be sold in the lunch line. However, milk, and juice may be purchased in the lunch line. Due to privacy issues, students may not pay cash in the lunch line, except at the very end of the line. This procedure is in place to protect the privacy of individuals and how much they spend on meals.CONTINUED...

Breakfast cost:

Daily breakfast $1.855-day breakfast $9.2520-day breakfast $37.00

Lunch cost:

Daily lunch $2.655-day lunch $13.2520-day lunch $53.00Extra Milk (20 days) $8.50

Meal charges are not allowed. The lunch staff will remind students when their lunch account is approaching a zero balance. When a student has insufficient lunch funds in their account, students will be offered a peanut butter sandwich and milk. Students are expected to show courtesy in the lunch line and throughout the lunch period. Student input regarding the lunch and breakfast programs is welcomed.

STUDENT FEES Policy No. 503.13

Student fees will be assessed at rates determined by the SLCSD Board of Directors.

FEE WAIVER NOTICE Policy No. 503.13R1

Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistance under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may also be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. Parents or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the school secretary at registration time or within the first week of enrollment for a waiver form.

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OPEN CAMPUS FOR SENIORS

OPEN CAMPUS IS A PRIVILEGE EXTENDED TO SENIORS who meet certain requirements, and allows them to leave school during non-class time, rather than attend a study center. Open Campus Application Forms are available in the main office, and must be submitted and approved by the principal. The following guidelines apply to open campus.

1. Eligibility: to be eligible for Open Campus, a senior must be scheduled for six full periods first semester and five full periods second semester plus P.E. and must be earning a C- or better in each class. At the beginning of the senior year, a student must have a GPA of 1.76 or higher and have earned a minimum of 34 credits. If at mid-term or at the end of the quarter the student has dropped below a C- in any class, Open Campus privileges may be suspended and a study center assigned until written notice to the office from the teacher(s) indicates the deficiency has been resolved.

2. "D" or "F" progress report = Open Campus may be suspended until notification to office from teacher. Any exceptions must be approved by the principal

3. Leaving the building: Leave between classes or report directly to a teacher with whom you have made arrangements. You must not be in the halls or at your locker after classes begin. Once you have left the building, you are also to leave the school grounds. If you prefer to stay at school, go to the Commons or to a pre-arranged teacher. You are welcome to use the Media Center for quiet study. No lingering in senior hall or in the parking lot.

4. Entering the building: Enter the building through the doors by the office and stay in the Commons until the passing bell rings. You should not be at your locker or in the halls until passing time, unless you have an appointment with a faculty member.

5. If you decide to remain in the building, please study in the Commons, the Media Center, Student Services or the Schuchert Circle.

6. Suspension: If you are suspended in-school or out-of-school, you may lose Open Campus privileges for a period of time.

7. Teacher discretion: If you are performing below your capabilities, a teacher may request that you remain at school and be assigned to a study center.

8. The principal will determine eligibility for open campus. Excessive absence from classes will result in loss of the open campus privilege.

9. A student must have parent permission to have open campus privileges.

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL

EMERGENCY FORMSAt the beginning of each school year, parents must file an emergency form with the office providing emergency telephone numbers of the parents as well as alternate persons to contact in the event the school is unable to locate the parents. The emergency form also includes a statement that gives the school district permission to release the student to the alternate person in the event the parents cannot be reached. Parents must notify the school nurse or principal if the information on the emergency form changes during the school year.

HAWK-I INSURANCE FOR CHILDRENParents can apply for low- or no-cost health insurance for their children through the state’s Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) program. Children birth to 19, who meet certain criteria, are eligible. The coverage includes doctor’s visits, hearing services, dental care, prescription, immunizations, physical therapy, vision care, speech therapy, and hospital services to name a few. Parents are urged to call 1-800-257-8563 or go to the web site at http://www.hawk-i.org/ for more information.

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATES Policy No. 503.10, 504.1 Students who wish to participate in athletics or are enrolling in the district for the first time shall have a physical examination by a licensed physician and provide proof of such an examination to the principal. The certificate of health will be kept on file at the building in which the child is attending. Students enrolling for the first time in the district shall also submit a certificate of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and rubella. Exemptions from this immunization requirement will be allowed only for medical or religious reasons. The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this requirement.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION Policy No. 504.13No medication shall be dispensed to any student unless the following rules are observed:

1. The medication must be prescribed by a licensed medical or osteopathic physician or dentist.2. A statement of the physician's directions requesting the specific medication to be dispensed and

the time at which it is to be dispensed at school must be filed at the school, in the building where it is to be dispensed. This statement must be accompanied by the physician's description of the anticipated reactions of the pupil to the aforementioned medication.

3. The parent or guardian must sign a request to have this prescribed medication dispensed to the child according to the written directions of the prescribing physician or dentist.

4. The prescription and the parent's signed request to dispense the medication are to be kept on file in the office from which the medication will be dispensed.

5. The medicine shall be maintained in the original prescription container which shall be labeled with: (a) name of pupil, (b) name of medication, (c) directions for use, (d) name of physician or dentist, (e) name and address of pharmacy, and (f) date of prescription.

6. The medication, while at school, shall be kept in the office. When required, refrigeration will be provided.

7. In each building which houses a less than full-time nurse, access to the medication shall be under the authority of the principal of that building, or a person designated by the principal.

8. A written record will be kept on any medications given at school. This record will include the 10

pupil's name, the name of the medication, the amount of medication to be given, and the time at which it is to be given. After the medication is given, the person dispensing the medication will initial the medication sheet with his/her initials. The record shall be kept each time the medication is given at school, on the appropriate "Medication List" form.

9. At the end of the school year, or at the end of a dispensing time, any remaining medication shall be returned to the pupil's parents or destroyed. This action, if medication is destroyed, should be noted on the pupil's health record.

10. No aspirin or other pain relievers will be dispensed from the office.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Policy No. 504.2Students with a communicable disease will be allowed to attend school as long as they are physically able to do so and as long as their presence does not create a substantial risk that others will catch the disease. The term "communicable disease" means an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person or animal to person. Once the administration, in conjunction with the school nurse, decides that the student's condition poses a health threat to other students, the student will be excluded from school for the duration of the period of contagion. In order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, parents should use their good judgment in keeping sick children home from school. When the administration has knowledge of the presence of a communicable disease, the State Department of Health will be notified.

MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE REPORTING Policy No. 405.7School employees are required by the Code of Iowa to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to report suspected child abuse by school personnel may result in a fine of $100 or imprisonment of up to ten days. Civil liability may also be imposed for the damages caused by failure to report suspected child abuse. GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATIONSTUDENT LOCKERS Lockers may be decorated on the outside for a variety of reasons, including sport recognition, birthdays, etc. When decorating the outside of a locker, please, do not use scotch tape! Decorations should be removed by the students by 7:00 PM the same day, with care taken to keep the locker free from marks or tape residue.

Lockers should be kept closed (preferably locked) at all times. No bags or other items may be placed on the floor due to hallway traffic flow. It is best not to keep food or other beverages (except water) in your locker for extended time. Please do not use scotch tape inside the locker--instead, hand decorations using magnets.

PARKING

The front west parking lot is for staff and visitors only during the regular school day. If you park in the front lot, your car may be towed. Student parking is in the east parking lot behind the high school. Several student spaces are available this year and students should not park in any faculty or visitor spots. Parking areas restricted to student use are identified. Parking in a restricted area can result in your car being towed at your expense. Students may also use public parking spots on Hill Avenue.

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LOST AND FOUND

Whenever you find an item which does not belong to you, turn it in to the HS office. It will be placed in the "lost and found" area in the office. Any student missing an item should report the item missing to the office and check the "lost and found" area.

WEIGHT ROOM

The weight room is open at various times for student use. Athletic teams have priority before and after school. For your safety, use the weight room only when direct supervision is provided.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL

With the exception of bottled water, food and beverages are to remain in the High School Commons. Students who have food or beverages other than water in the hallways or in classrooms will be asked to put the item(s) away or to dispose of it (them) immediately. Recycling containers are provided in the Commons.

EVENING MEDIA CENTER HOURS

The media center is open during extended “after school” hours throughout the week. The schedule will be made available.

FAMILY NIGHT Policy 1004.10

To maintain good community and family relations, school-sponsored activities are not allowed on Wednesday nights between 5:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. during the school year.

SUNDAY EVENTS Policy 1004.6

School-sponsored practices and activities are generally not allowed on Sundays with the following exceptions: practice for a State competition the next day (Monday), long-standing events which are accepted by the community on Sunday, such as December holiday concerts, and other events approved by the administration.

OPEN ENROLLMENT Policy No. 601.5-601.7

Parents considering the use of the open enrollment option to enroll their student in another public school district in the state of Iowa should contact the superintendent's office for appropriate forms &/or more information.

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SCHOOL DRIVING PERMITS

School driving permits are intended for students who live at least one mile from school, for transportation during the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. "over the most direct route between the student's residence and school" or to the place of the extra-curricular activity, as long as it is located within the school district. You are not to use the permit during lunch, unless you go directly home. For information about how to obtain a school driving permit, contact the high school principal.

POSTING OF INFORMATION Policy 505.7

Students or others who wish to post or distribute school-related information must receive permission from the principal ahead of time. This includes, but is not limited to, posters, student publications, flyers, and hand-outs. The principal may designate the time, place, and manner of distribution for all student publications, school-sponsored or otherwise. Posting of information from non-profit organizations will be allowed at the principal’s discretion.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS CODE Policy 503.3

Students may produce official publications as part of the curriculum under the supervision of a faculty advisor and the principal. Official school publications include material produced in the journalism, newspaper, yearbook, or writing classes and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

Any expressions made by students in the exercise of free speech, including student expression in official school publications, is not an expression of official school policy. The school district, the board, and the school district employees or officials are not liable in any civil or criminal action for any student expression made or published by students, unless the school district employees or officials have interfered with or altered the content of the student speech or expression. The liability, if any, is only to the extent of the interference or alteration of the speech or expression.

Official school publications are free from prior restraint by school district employees or officials except as provided by law. A faculty advisor shall supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with the law including, but not limited to, the restrictions against unlawful speech. The production of official school publications shall be guided by the law and by the ethical standards adopted by professional associations or societies of journalism.

Persons, other than students, who believe they have been aggrieved by student expression in a student-produced official school publication, shall follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 1003.3. Students who believe their freedom of expression in a student-produced official school publication has been restricted shall follow the grievance procedure outlined in board policy 502.7.

The superintendent shall be responsible for developing a student publications code. This code shall include, but not be limited to reasonable rules including time, place, and manner restrictions. The superintendent shall also be responsible for distributing this policy and the student publications code to the students and their parents.

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STUDENT RECORDS, DIRECTORY INFORMATION, STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS/VISUAL IMAGES Policy 505.1

Student records are maintained to facilitate the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of each student. The records contain information about the student and his/her education and may include, but are not limited to, the following types of records: identification data, attendance data, records of achievement, family background, aptitude tests, educational and vocational plans, honors and activities, discipline data, objective counselor or teacher ratings and observations, and external agency reports. Parents of students under the age of 18 and students over the age of 18 may review educational records of the student to obtain copies of the records, to write a response to materials in the records, to challenge the content of the records on grounds of inappropriateness, inaccuracy, or an invasion of privacy, and to have the records explained.

The principal or counselor may release the following types of directory information to the public, when appropriate, keeping in mind the privacy of the student and the student's family and the totality of the surrounding circumstances: 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 in the most recent previous school or institution attended by the student, and other similar information.

In most cases, information about eligibility for free and reduced lunch is not released. However, if a parent of a student eligible for Driver Education wishes to request a fee waiver, this information will be released to our Driver Education provider, Iowa Great Lakes School of Driving. If a parent opts to not have this information released, they will not be eligible for a waiver of the Driver Education fee. The Driver Education program is no longer a school-sponsored program and this is why release of eligibility may be necessary.

Students may be involved in school-sponsored activities which may result in photographs being taken of students engaged in those activities. These activities may include, but shall not be limited to: performing in school productions or athletic contests, displaying samples of student work, or representing a particular instructional program. These visual images may take the form of videos, photographic (film or digital) display, or pictures in newspapers, magazines, reports, or school-sponsored Internet sites. Students may or may not be identified.

Parents who do not want their student's directory information and/or photograph/visual image to be given out and/or published must notify the principal in writing no later than September 30 of each school year.

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VIDEO SURVEILLANCE Policy No. 902.9

The board has a responsibility to maintain discipline, protect the safety, security, and welfare of its students, staff, and visitors while at the same time safeguarding district facilities, vehicles, and equipment. As part of fulfilling this responsibility, the board authorizes the use of video/audio surveillance cameras. The placement of video/audio surveillance cameras shall be based on the presumption and belief that students, staff and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy anywhere on or near school property, facilities, vehicles, or equipment, with the exception of places such as rest rooms or dressing areas where an expectation of privacy is reasonable and customary.

Parents and students are notified through this student handbook that video cameras may be in use in school buildings, on school grounds and in school vehicles. Students will be held responsible for any violations of school discipline rules caught by the cameras. Parents and Students are hereby put on notice that surveillance videos can and will be used in student disciplinary proceedings.

Surveillance video content will be erased on a periodic basis and will be retained, if necessary, for use in a student disciplinary action or other matter as determined necessary by either the administration or Board of Directors. The district shall retain copies of video recordings until they are erased which may be accomplished by either deletion or copying over with a new recording.

Videos containing evidence of a violation of student conduct rules and/or state or federal law shall be retained until the issue of the misconduct is no longer subject to review or appeal as determined by board policy or student handbook; any release or viewing of such records shall be in accordance with current law.

Students/adults who vandalize, damage, disable, or render inoperable (temporarily or permanently) surveillance cameras and equipment shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

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ACADEMICS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Policy No. 605.4

Students must earn a minimum of 48 credits to graduate with a Spirit Lake High School diploma. One credit is earned for the successful completion of a semester of work in a full-credit class.

Graduation Requirements:

8 credits in Language Arts 2 credits required in English 9 2 credits required in English 10 1 credit required in American Literature6 credits in Social Studies 2 credits required in American History (10th grade) 2 credits required in American Government (12th grade) 1 credit required in World History 1 elective6 credits in Science 2 credits required in a biology course 2 credits required in a physical science course 2 credits required in an earth science course 6 credits in Mathematics2 credits in Physical Education (1 PE 9, 1 additional credit, plus continuous enrollment) 1 credit in Health 1 credit in Fine Arts (includes Theatre)1 credit in Personal Finance Skills2 credits in Vocational (Business, Family/Consumer Science or Industrial Education)Plus additional electives to total 48 credits

HONORS RECOGNITION ON DIPLOMA Policy 605.4

At graduation, seniors with 56 credits and a GPA of 3.25 or higher will be awarded a gold seal indicating "Graduated with Honors." Seniors with 54 credits and a GPA of 2.50 or higher will be awarded a silver seal indicating "Graduated with Recognition."

EARLY GRADUATION Policy No. 605.4 R-1

Any student who wishes to graduate after seven semesters of high school must inform the counselor and submit a letter of intent to graduate early to the principal by February 1 of the student’s junior year. A conference with the principal, a parent, and the student must also be completed before December 20 of the student’s senior year to confirm eligibility and intent to graduate after seven semesters. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may graduate at the end of the junior year, if intent has been filed in the principal's office prior to the junior year. All early graduates are allowed to participate in formal graduation ceremonies and are eligible for local scholarship consideration. However, graduating early

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does not allow continued participation in extra-curricular activities. Questions should be directed to the principal or the counselor.

SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS Policy No. 605.4

Students are expected to register for six one-credit classes, plus physical education. Exceptions must be approved by the principal.

A course may be added to your schedule during the first week of the course. You may drop a course during the first two weeks of the course. If you wish to make a schedule change, contact the guidance office as soon as possible. There may be an exceptional situation. Please see the guidance counselor or principal if this is the case.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is required by the State Department of Education each semester you are enrolled in high school unless you have an approved exemption. A written doctor's statement is required for you to have a medical exemption from P.E. for health reasons. Class periods during a medical exemption do not have to be made up. An athletic exemption from physical education is available for one semester per year to students in grades 9-12 during their active participation in a school-sponsored athletic program. An academic exemption is available from physical education if the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available. A student with an athletic or academic exemption must have a written parental request on file in the principal's office for each semester of exemption.

If the athletic exemption will result in more than one study center per day for students in grades 9-11, the exemption will be denied.

Graduation requirements include a minimum of two credits in Physical Education and one credit in Health.

REPORT CARDS AND MIDTERM REPORTS Policy No. 605.1

At the end of each quarter, a report card (JMC) is available online to parents and students through the school’s website (printed copies available in office upon request). At the end of the third and sixth week of the quarter, individual teachers will provide a midterm report. This midterm report is an indication of your grade-in-progress and is not a final grade. When necessary, parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to work together to improve the student's progress before the end of the quarter and/or in order to maintain eligibility for participation in extra-curricular activities. Final semester grades (not quarter grades) are recorded on the student's permanent record (transcript). If an “I” (incomplete) is entered into the semester grade for any particular course the student will have up to two weeks to change the final letter grade by completing unfinished assignments, performance tasks, or assessments to maintain co/extra curricular eligibility.

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GRADING SCALE & GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

Each department sets its own grading scale. Most departments use the following scale: 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79% C, 60-69% = D, and below 60% = F. Teachers may indicate pluses and minuses for all grades, but final semester letter grades do not include pluses and minuses on the official transcript. Departments are expected to post their grading scales and to communicate this information often to parents and students, and teachers should include their grading scale in course syllabi.

Grade Point Average (GPA) is figured according to the following scale: A = 4.00B = 3.00C = 2.00D = 1.00F = 0.00To calculate GPA, multiply the credits by the points for the letter grade you earned.

HONOR ROLL

Honor roll is determined by GPA at the end of each semester grading period. A student must have at least a 3.0 G.P.A. to be eligible for Honor Roll, which is posted in school and printed in the local media. An "Incomplete" grade in a course does not allow computation of your G.P.A.; when the "Incomplete" is changed to a letter grade, the G.P.A. can then be computed. This may happen after the honor roll is published.

ACADEMIC LETTER Policy No. 503.8

To earn an academic letter, you must have been on the Honor Roll for two consecutive semesters at Spirit Lake High School. For each additional two consecutive semesters you are on the Honor Roll, you will be eligible for an academic bar. The academic letters and bars are presented in the fall at the beginning of the academic year.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Each month, students will be recognized by the staff for positive performance at school. A student may be nominated by a department for a variety of reasons, including academic improvement, positive contributions in the classroom, scholastic achievement, or other desired behaviors witnessed by the staff. Each department's "Student of the Month" is recognized at school and in the news media.

ACADEMIC BOOSTER CLUB S.H.A.R.P. CARDS

The Academic Booster Club awards GOLD and BLUE cards through the Senior High Academic Recognition Program (SHARP) for students who meet the academic and citizenship criteria. The business community provides merchandise and service incentives for students who meet the criteria and present their cards, along with a photo ID, at participating businesses. The guidelines for earning a GOLD or BLUE card are available in the Student Services Office.

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HONOR SOCIETY

All juniors and seniors with a 3.25 GPA are invited to apply for Honor Society membership after completion of the first semester. High school teachers are involved in the selection process, which involves a rubric point system in four categories - scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Descriptions of the characteristics for NHS members may be accessed at the NHS website (http://www.nhs.us/Membership.aspx) Membership in Honor Society will be rescinded if the student has a violation of the Good Conduct Policy or if the student’s GPA falls below 3.25

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS CONCERNS Policy No. 603.12

Students or parents have the right to preview all instructional materials, including Human Growth and Development state-mandated instruction. Arrangements to review curriculum can be made by calling Principal, Steve Ratzlaff, Ext. 1000. A student will be exempted from specific instruction when a written request is filed in the principal’s office by the parent/guardian. Alternative instruction will be provided for the student to maintain credit in the course.

STANDARDIZED TESTING Policy 605.2

Standardized tests, such as Iowa Assessments, are important in assessing educational programs and reporting our school’s academic achievement to the state and federal Department of Education. These tests can identify strengths and weaknesses of individual students. They also provide us feedback concerning areas where students, as a group, need more instruction.

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TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE USE Policy 603.15

Vision Statement - Technology Applications in the Spirit Lake Community School District

The Spirit Lake Community School District is taking bold and innovative steps to dramatically transform teaching and learning. By infusing, integrating and making technology accessible to every student, the Spirit Lake Community School District will become a model for K-12 education in the 21st Century. Technology is an integral component in the lives of students; Technology also directly impacts the future of students. All students must have access to technology and technology must be a safe and appropriate tool for learning. A sound technology foundation for each and every student needs to be based on continual professional development, appropriate acquisition and maintenance of technological resources.

Statement of Purpose - Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

The Spirit Lake Community School District, hereinafter referred to as the “District” uses technology as one way of enhancing its mission to teach the skills, knowledge and behaviors students will need as successful and responsible adults in the community and as life-long learners. Technology includes, but is not limited to, the electronic transfer of voice, video, data and internet connectivity. Technology provides unequaled opportunities to explore and use a varied and exciting set of resources. In order to make these resources available to everyone, those who use the school’s available technology must do so in a way that is consistent with the District’s educational mission.

This Acceptable Use Policy for Technology is intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses, but does not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users.Students and employees will sign a form acknowledging that they have read and understand the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology,that they will comply with the policy, and understand the consequences for violation of the policy.

Expectation of Privacy

The District retains control, and supervision of all technology including computers, networks and Internet services owned or leased by the school. The District reserves the right to monitor all use of technology.

Each person has no expectation of privacy in their use of the District technology, including email and stored files. All communications and information received via the district technology shall be considered the property of the district. Each person will respect the rights of others to the protection of the files they store on a computer and will not alter or damage such files.

Acceptable Uses

Access to the District’s technology is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school district’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals. The same rules and expectations which govern conduct and communication shall also govern individual use of technology. Individuals are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions utilizing the

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school district’s technology. Technology use is a privilege, not a right.

Unacceptable Uses

Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inappropriate Use of Technology (24/7) - Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, down loading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal;

• Inappropriate Use of Technology During the School Day - Accessing sites for personal financial gain (i.e. online gambling), commercial transactions (i.e. online shopping, eBay, etc.), or gaming software or sites except with direct teacher authorization;

• Unauthorized access to Social Networking/Chat Rooms/News Groups During the School Day - Accessing social networking sites or software, chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization;

• Inappropriate Use of Cameras or Other Recording Devices - Computers and other technology are not to be used to take pictures or video without the consent of all persons being photographed or recorded;

• Illegal Activities - Using the District’s technology, including computers, networks, Internet services and other technology equipment for any illegal activity or that violates other Board policies, procedures and/or school rules;

• Violating Copyrights - Copying or downloading copyrighted material without the owner’s permission (i.e. using copyrighted music in a project);

• Plagiarism - Representing as one’s own work any material obtained from other sources (such as term papers, articles, etc). When Internet sources are used, the author, publisher and Web site must be identified;

• Copying Software/Media Files - Copying or downloading unauthorized software; illegally downloading music, photos, movies, games or other such files;

• Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords without permission and/or accessing other user accounts;

• Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the District’s computers, networks, Internet services, and technology resources, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses;

Consequences

The use of the District’s technology, including laptops, Internet access, is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with the District’s Acceptable Use Policy for Technology is mandatory. Users who violate

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this policy may have their computer/technology privileges limited, suspended, or revoked. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action. The building principal or his/her designee shall have the final authority to decide whether a user’s privileges will be limited, suspended or revoked based upon the circumstances of the particular case, the user’s prior disciplinary record and any other pertinent factors.

Responsibility

The District utilizes electronic systems which are Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant and other methods to regulate student and employee technology use. These monitoring methods do not guarantee compliance with this policy. The user understands that their activities may be monitored when logging onto district owned technology. The District assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information found on the internet or for any unauthorized charges made by users, including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

It is the sole responsibility of the user to backup data as necessary.

The security of the school’s technology resources including computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify his/her teacher or network administrator immediately. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material. Any user who attempts to breach system security, causes a breach of system security or fails to report a system security problem shall be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action in addition to having his/her computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.

All users of District technology agree to indemnify the school or district against any losses or damages that occur out of violations of this Acceptable Use Policy for Technology.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Policy No. 501

At Spirit Lake High School, every student in the classroom is an important part of the learning community. Good attendance is essential for all students to receive the benefit of the teacher’s instruction, and to participate in the exchange of ideas with peers in the collaborative learning process. There are few factors in education over which students and their families have such direct control. A student’s attendance is correlated to their sense of connectedness with school, which in turn will have an impact on their academic effort, achievement and grades. Excessive absences or tardiness usually results in incomplete or unsatisfactory coursework and a reduced ability to meet curricular standards and learning goals.

Parents/guardians are important partners with the school in encouraging and promoting good attendance and promptness for our students. Parents must notify the attendance monitor, Lyn Van Wyhe by telephone (336-3707 ext. 1380) or email (lvanwyhe@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us) within 24 hours of an absence, or it will be recorded as unexcused. The school makes every effort to record accurate classroom attendance each period, and to communicate promptly with parents and students when absences become excessive. The attendance policy has been put into place to support the learning community to:

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• establish the importance of attendance as it relates to the 21st Century Skills identified in the Iowa Common Core, particularly Employability Skills.

• assure that information regarding a student’s attendance record is communicated promptly between the teacher, the student and the parents/guardians in order to support the learning process with timely interventions.

• provide a mechanism to accommodate legitimate absence or tardiness with minimal administrative procedures.

• define the responsibilities of students, educators and parents regarding absences, tardiness and dismissals.

Key Aspects in the SLHS Attendance Plan:

1. Students are expected to be in school every scheduled day, and to report to every class meeting. Teachers report attendance each class period on JMC, which can be accessed by parents or students on the school website.

2. Student absences should be reported to Lyn in Student Services (336-3707 ext. 1380) or email (lvanwyhe@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us) within 24 hours of an absence to be excused. Parents/Guardians should leave a telephone number where they can be reached, and report the reason for the student’s absence. Please call or email as soon as possible to facilitate the recording process.

3. Students who arrive to class (without a pass) after the bell are considered tardy. If students arrive more than fifteen minutes late for class, they are considered absent.

4. Students must attend at least half day (periods 5-8) to participate in any school sponsored extra-curricular activities the same day.

5. Excessive unexcused absences will result in a loss of credit for the class.

Excused Absences:

Students are responsible for make-up work associated with excused absences. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for make-up assignments and to hand in work that they missed during an excused absence. Students with scheduled absences should make every effort to make up assigned work BEFORE their absence. Make-up homework is generally given an extended due date, depending upon the duration of the absence. Students should communicate with individual teachers to determine a reasonable deadline for make-up work. Students may be expected to submit long-term assignments or to take an exam on the specified date if notice of the assignment or exam was given prior to the excused absence. Classroom assignments that are missed during a Disciplinary Suspension are due upon completion of the suspension, unless other specific arrangements are made on an individual basis with teachers or as approved by administration.

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Even excused absences can have a negative impact on student achievement, since classroom interactions are missed. If absences become a factor in a student’s academic progress, a conference will be arranged with the parent/guardian and students. The following will be approved as excused absences if verified by the parent/guardian and confirmed by the attendance monitor:

Hospitalization or extended medical treatment, illness, mandatory court proceedings, college visits, religious ceremonies or services, school sponsored activities, school imposed in-school or out-of-school suspension.

Excused Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals:• If students have doctors’ appointments or other obligations that require them to arrive late at

school, the parents/guardians are to call prior to the student’s arrival at school to excuse the late arrival. Upon arrival at school, students must check in at the Student Services Office to receive a pass to class. Oversleeping is NOT an excused absence.

• Once the school day has begun and a student is in attendance, s/he may be dismissed via a parent/guardian phone call. Early dismissal phone calls must be received prior to the student’s departure. NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE WITHOUT PRIOR PARENT SIGNATURE NOTE, EMAIL (lvanwyhe@spirit-lake.k12.ia.usk, Lyn Van Wyhe), OR PHONE PERMISSION.

• If the school does not receive timely (24 hours) notification of a late arrival or early dismissal, the student’s absence from any class will be recorded as unexcused.

• Students with “closed lunch” (all 9th and 10th graders) must have a parent sign them out of school from the Student Services office. Students MUST sign back into school at the Student Services offices when they return from lunch. Late arrival to 6th period from lunch will be counted as a TARDY.

• If the parent/guardian notifies the school, the student may return to school for a portion of the day after a dismissal. If the returning student will be entering a class late, s/he must check in at the Student Services Office to receive a pass to class.

• It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the teacher regarding missed work if s/he has missed a class due to an excused dismissal.

Unexcused Absences:

When in school, students are expected to attend all classes and assigned meetings unless they are excused by a teacher, an administrator or the nurse

• If a student is in school, fails to attend a class, and does not have such an excuse, the absence is unexcused.

• If a student arrives more than 15 minutes late to a class without a pass, the tardy converts to an unexcused absence.

• If a parent fails to call a student within 24 hours of an absence, the school will classify the absence as unexcused.

If a student has three unexcused absences, s/he will serve a lunch detention (to be served in the Student Services office during lunch) and parents/guardians will be notified by email or postal letter. During the “lunch detention” students will discuss the importance of good attendance for academic success and will work to develop a plan to improve attendance. For each and every unexcused absence, students will earn zeroes for work due or completed in class on the day they missed.

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After six periods of unexcused absence, the SLHS attendance office will send a second notice to the parent/guardian to inform of the absences, and a meeting will be arranged including the student, the parent/guardian, an administrator and a school counselor. SENIOR students will forfeit open campus privileges if they accumulate six unexcused absences in any class. An appeal of any absences may be made at this time, and a plan to improve attendance will be developed. This meeting will serve as notice that when the student reaches the 11th unexcused absence, he/she will be referred the Dickinson County Attorney. Loss of driving privileges is a possible consequence according to the Compulsory Attendance Law 299.1B. The student will be dropped without credit from any class in which eleven unexcused absences have accumulated, and alternative supervision will be provided for that period.

Unexcused Tardiness:

If a student arrives at class without a pass after the bell, s/he is tardy. Teachers will inform students when they are tardy, and the student will record the unexcused tardy on a Google Tardy Form that will email the parents, student, teacher and office of the tardiness and the reasons for the tardy. The tardy will be recorded in the JMC electronic attendance record. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by email for each tardy. In addition, for the fourth and subsequent tardy, students will be contacted to arrange a meeting with a counselor, administrator or teacher to discuss attendance/promptness expectations.

Iowa Compulsory Attendance Law (https://www.edinfo.state.ia.us/web/law.asp): 299.1 Attendance requirements.

Except as provided in section 299.2, the parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian of a child who is of compulsory attendance age, shall cause the child to attend some public school, an accredited nonpublic school, or competent private instruction according to the provisions of chapter 299A, during a school year, as defined under section 279.10. The board of directors of a public school district or the governing body of an accredited nonpublic school shall set the number of days of required attendance for the schools under its control.

The board of directors of a public or the governing body of an accredited nonpublic school may, by resolution, require attendance for the entire time when the schools are in session in any school year and adopt a policy or rules relating to the reasons considered to be valid or acceptable excuses for absence from school.

299.1A Compulsory attendance age.

A child who has reached the age of six and is under sixteen years of age by September 15 is of compulsory attendance age.

299.1B Failure to attend--loss of driver's license.

A person who does not attend a public school, an accredited nonpublic school, competent private instruction in accordance with the provisions of chapter 299A, an alternative school, adult classes, or who is not employed at least twenty hours per week shall not receive a motor vehicle operator's license until age eighteen. A person under age eighteen who has been issued a motor vehicle operator's license who does not attend a public school, an accredited nonpublic school, competent

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private instruction in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 299A, an alternative school, or adult education classes, shall surrender the license and be issued a temporary restricted license under section 321.215. Absence Reasons and Impact of Absence

CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIOR Policy 502.1

Students must conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district. Students who fail to abide by this policy and the rules supporting it may be disciplined by measures including, but not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

The school reserves and retains the right to modify, eliminate, or establish school district policies, rules, and regulations as circumstances warrant, including those that follow in the Good Conduct and Discipline sections of the handbook.

The following guidelines will help ensure a good learning environment for all:

1. Treat the school building and equipment with respect. Graffiti, vandalism, or theft will not be tolerated. Repair or replacement costs will be recovered from the student. Detention and/or suspension will normally result, and law enforcement officials may be notified.

2. Weapons and other dangerous objects cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors. Weapons or dangerous objects will be confiscated and reported to law enforcement officials, and the student will be subject to suspension or expulsion. A student who brings a firearm to school will be expelled for not less than twelve months. Policy No. 502.8

3. Fighting (both physical and verbal) will not be tolerated in school. Both parties involved in a fight will normally be suspended out of school for up to five days, and law enforcement officials will be notified. Please enlist the help of a trusted friend, teacher, coach, counselor, school nurse, dean of students, or principal to help you resolve the conflict, before it gets out of hand.

4. Vulgar or offensive gestures or language, whether directed at a staff member or a student or used casually in conversation where others may be offended by it, will not be tolerated in school and will normally result in suspension. "Any taunting and the use of obscene or inappropriate gestures or language at an athletic event will result in removal from the gym" per Lakes Conference rules.

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ANTI-BULLYING / ANTI-HARASSMENT

Harassment and bullying are against federal, state and local policy and are not tolerated by the Spirit Lake Community School District. The school is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. There are policies, procedures, and practices designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment.

Harassment is the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group. Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Bullying is the activity of repeated, one-sided behavior intended to hurt another person, physically or mentally. The Spirit Lake School District prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:• Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written remarks, repeated, with the purpose or effect of causing injury,

discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;• Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc. that have the purpose

or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim;• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student that have the purpose or effect of causing

injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the victim; and/or Harassment and bullying include any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student, which creates an objectively hostile school environment. If a student feel that they have been harassed or bullied, they should communicate to the harasser to stop. The student may involve an appropriate school employee to help. If the harassment does not stop, the student should tell an appropriate school employee and write down exactly what happened, where it happened, who was involved and who witnessed the harassment. This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the school district, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities, and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any student cheating on test or assignments or plagiarizing written material from the Internet or other sources will be given a zero ("0") for the assignment, test, or activity, and parent/guardian may be notified. Continued cheating/plagiarism may result in suspension.

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5. Keep public displays of affection to a minimum and limit to handholding.

6. The use of Electronic Devices during school hours should not interfere with academics. Students are not to use cellular phones during class time. Laser devices present a threat to health and safety and are not allowed in school or at school activities, and will be confiscated immediately. Classroom teachers have the discretion to allow or disallow the use of headphones, CD players, or MP3 players in their classrooms.First Offense: Confiscation and return of electronic device at end of school daySecond Offense: Confiscation and parent/guardian required to retrieve item

9. Appropriate dress is expected in school. The following items of clothing are not acceptable for school:• Clothing with a sexually suggestive look, message, or design, including but not limited to:

halter tops, tube tops, visible undergarments, shirts that show midriff, explicit messages on T-shirts, overalls worn with no shirt, clothing with revealing holes, low cut blouses for girls.

• Clothing or jewelry that advertises tobacco, alcohol, or other illegal substances • Hats, caps, and head-covering bandanas• Shoes or boots that leave black rubber marks on walls and floors

A student violating any of these guidelines may be asked to go home and change clothes. Repeated offenses may result in detention or suspension.

Hats and other garments covering the head or face will be taken away and kept in the office.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

DUE PROCESS

In the case of a violation of school policy, all students are entitled to due process, which includes the right of students to be:

notified of charges given the opportunity to admit or deny such charges given an explanation of the evidence against the student if he/she denies the charges given the opportunity to explain the situation

DISCIPLINARY DEFINITIONS Policy No. 502.2, 502.3

1. Lunch Detention: the student’s presence is required during lunch for disciplinary purposes.

2. Suspension: the student is temporarily removed from school (classes and activities) or classes; instead of suspension from classes and the loss of instruction, detention is the preferred sanction; suspension may be assigned for up to 10 days and may be in-school suspension (I.S.S. – student attends school but is temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision), out-of-school suspension (O.S.S. – student is removed from the school environment, including classes and activities), or a combination of both, depending upon the severity of the violation;

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all suspensions shall be reported to the Board president.

Following suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement shall take place to determine whether the Individual Education Program (IEP) needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension. If a special education student’s suspensions, either in or out of school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, the staffing team shall meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.

3. Expulsion: the student is removed by the Board from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the Board but no longer than one school year.

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PHYSICAL RESTRAINT Policy No. 502.5

Corporal punishment will not be administered at SLHS. However, reasonable physical force not designed or intended to cause pain or harm to a student may be used when necessary for self-defense, to maintain order, to obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object, to remove a disruptive student from class or a school-sponsored activity or from any area of school property, or to prevent a student from harming himself/herself, other students, school personnel or school property. The level of force required may be only that force which is necessary to accomplish these goals. All situations involving physical contact with a student shall be reported immediately to the principal.

STUDENT LOCKERS/SEARCHES Policy No. 502.6, 502.9

Students' lockers are the property of the Spirit Lake Community School District. Students shall use the lockers assigned to them for storing their school materials and personal items necessary for attendance at school. It shall be the responsibility of each student to keep the student's locker clean and undamaged. Any expense to repair damage to a student's locker is charged to the student. All students are encouraged to bring locks and should lock their lockers. The school is not responsible for the contents of the locker. Anything lost or stolen is the student's responsibility.

The student is also responsible for anything which appears inside the locker or on the locker door or walls. Students are asked to use common sense. Inappropriate pictures, signs, or posters which promote such things as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and nudity will not be allowed.

A student, the student's belongings, locker, or car may be searched by school officials whenever they have a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated or is violating either the law or school rules bearing on order or safety and that the search will produce evidence of the violation. The student will be invited to be present for the search when feasible. Any contraband (items possessed in violation of law or school rules) will be confiscated and may be turned over to law enforcement.

Students will not be subjected to the following: strip searches, body cavity searches, searches of their bodies or clothing by a person of the opposite sex, or having their bodies subjected to a search by a drug-sniffing dog.

Locker inspections may be conducted by school officials without any suspicion of wrongdoing by students. Either the student whose locker is being inspected or another person shall be present when a school official conducts a locker inspection.

Upon reasonable suspicion that a violation of the school's rules or policies has occurred, including violation of the substance abuse policy, or upon reasonable suspicion that a person is in possession of contraband or unauthorized items, authorized school officials may inspect lockers, desks, and work areas and anyone on entering, or leaving the school premises, including students, school employees, employees of contractors or their subcontractors or agents doing business with the school, and others such as visitors and guests. Entry onto school property is deemed consent to inspection of person, vehicle, and personal effects.

From time to time, school officials will patrol the parking lot. Items of contraband that are visible when a person looks into a student's vehicle may create a reasonable suspicion for further search. If the

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apparent contraband is illegal, law enforcement will be contacted. The administration will, to the degree possible, protect the identity of any individual who provides information to school administration suggesting the need to search a student, his/her belongings, a locker, or vehicle.

CONSEQUENCES FOR SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS Policy No. 502.2

1. Inappropriate/Disruptive Behavior:

• 1st offense: Removal from class by classroom teacher, parental notification by classroom teacher. The student must resolve the matter with the teacher and take responsibility for his/her misbehavior before re-entering the class.

• 2nd offense: One day in-school suspension the next day with class time spent under principal's/dean’s supervision, unless the student has resolved the inappropriate behavior with the instructor (apology); assignment must be completed, as directed by instructor; parental contact; instructor, student, and principal/dean resolve the behavior.

• 3rd offense: In-school suspension for up to three days with class time spent under principal's/dean’s supervision; instructor, student, parent, principal/dean conference to resolve the issues.

• 4th offense: Extended suspension from same class. In extreme circumstances, a student may be dropped from the class with no credit and assigned to a study center. If inappropriate/disruptive behavior occurs in a study center, the student may be suspended immediately.

2. Violating closed lunch for freshmen and sophomores: 9th & 10th grade students leaving campus during lunch will be considered truant.

• 1st offense: Lunch Detention, parental contact• 2nd offense: 5 school days of lunch in the Student Services Office; parental contact• 3rd offense: Parent conference; possible suspension.

3. Use or possession of mood-altering chemicals, drugs, including alcohol and "look-alikes," and devices used to consume drugs at school, at a school-sponsored activity, or any time on school grounds or use of before attending school or activity

Policy No. 502.4, also see Good Conduct Policy

• 1st offense: Law enforcement officials notified; parental contact; 3 – 5 days O.S.S.• 2nd offense: Law enforcement officials notified; parental contact; 5 days O.S.S.; hearing with

Superintendent which may lead to expulsion.

4. Delivering or intending to deliver mood-altering chemicals, drugs, including alcohol and “look-a-likes,” and prescription and non-prescription drugs. Policy No. 502.4

• 1st offense: Law enforcement officials notified; parental contact; 3 – 5 days O.S.S. depending upon the circumstances; depending upon the circumstances, a hearing with Superintendent which may lead to expulsion

• 2nd offense: Law enforcement officials notified; parental contact; 5 days O.S.S.; hearing with the Superintendent which may lead to expulsion.

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5. Use or possession of tobacco any time on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity Policy No. 502.4

• 1st offense: Law enforcement officials notified; parental contact; 3 days O.S.S. • 2nd offense: Law enforcement notified; parental contact; 3 – 5 days O.S.S.; hearing with

Superintendent which may lead to expulsion

6. Theft or possession of property reported stolen: any items that do not belong to you should be turned into the office. Failure to do so will normally be grounds for suspension and notification of law enforcement. A second offense will result in another suspension &/or a hearing with the Superintendent which may lead to expulsion.

7. Fighting with another student or with a staff member or threatening the safety or life of another student or staff member

• 1st offense: Law enforcement officials will be contacted; up to 5 days O.S.S.; conference with parent(s), student(s), and principal/dean; a psychological evaluation may be required before returning to school; and/or a hearing with the Superintendent which may lead to expulsion

INTERROGATION BY OUTSIDE AGENCY Policy No. 505.5

As a general rule, students may not be interrogated by individuals other than school staff. Exceptions must come through the administrative office. That request will only be honored if the administration deems it to be in the best interest of the student or that request is mandated by the legal system. Prior to the interrogation, the administrator shall attempt to contact the parent/guardian to ask if they wish to be present (unless forbidden by the legal system to do so).

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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Policy No. 503.5

A. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES LIST

1. Academic Decathlon: For students 9-12 with an A, B, or C average GPA; a competitive academic team which performs in 10 different areas such as math, science, literature, social studies, fine arts, interviewing, speech-making, and essay-writing.

2. Athletics: Men-football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, soccer, track, golf, tennis, and baseball. Women -volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, golf, soccer, tennis, and softball. All students are welcome to participate. State law requires any student participating in a contact sport or interscholastic contest to have a yearly athletic physical and Concussion Information. Swimming is available through a sharing agreement with Spencer and ice hockey with Worthington.

3. Cheerleading: For the following sports: football, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, and wrestling. Tryouts are held in the spring for the following school year. Mrs. Toews and Mrs. Parriott are the sponsors.

4. Dance: All students interested in precision dance performance and competition are invited to sign up in the spring. See Ms. Kathy Thate.

5. Debate: All students are welcome to participate in this research and persuasive speech-making activity which commences each fall. Contact Mr. Stevens if you are interested.

6. Drama: Students interested in participating in a dramatic production should contact the drama coach. Both on-stage and behind-the-scenes positions are available.

7. Music: The Music Department offers three core classes: Concert Choir, Meistersingers, and Marching/Concert Band. The music department also offers Show Choir, Vocal Jazz and Jazz Band. See Mr. Ites (vocal) or Mrs. Ingwersen (band) for more information.

8. Quiz Bowl: All interested students are invited to sign up for a 4-person team for the school-wide quiz bowl tournament in the fall. SLHS also hosts a tournament in December with other schools. A travelling team attends out-of-town tournaments. See Mr. Schmidt for more details.

9. Skills USA: Competition at the state and national level in such events as welding, construction, and food preparation.See Mr. Kirchner or Mrs. Parriott.

ELIGIBILITY Policy No. 503.9

Students must have a current physical on record in the office for athletics, meet the state’s academic requirements, and be in good standing with the Good Conduct Code. During ineligibility, the student may practice, but may not compete or perform in extra-curricular activities.

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ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

Academic eligibility is now determined by a state law known as the Iowa Scholarship Rule, which basically states the following:

All contestants shall be enrolled students of the school in good standing. Each contestant shall be passing all coursework for which credit is given. If at the end of the semester, a student earns a failing grade, the student is ineligible to dress for and compete in their sport or activity for the next 20 - 30 consecutive days.

For greater clarification, go to the web site: http://www.ighsau.org/general/newscholarship.pdf

If an “I” (incomplete) is entered into the semester grade for any particular course the student will have up to two weeks to change the final letter grade by completing unfinished assignments, performance tasks, or assessments to maintain co/extra curricular eligibility.

ATTENDANCE Requirement for Participation

A student must be in school 1/2 of the day of a performance, practice, scheduled contest, program, or trip if he/she expects to participate. The student should be present in the afternoon. Any exception to this requirement must be approved by the administration.

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS TO AND FROM ACTIVITIES

All participating students will normally be provided transportation by the school to and from out-of-town, school-sponsored activities. If a parent is not at the activity and that parent wishes to have the student use other transportation, the following conditions must be met:

1. The student must provide a written note from his/her parent describing the request. This request should be presented prior to the time of departure.

2. The driver of the vehicle to transport the student must be the student's parent or the parents of another student. Other drivers will be considered, at the parent's request.

3. Approval from the supervising instructor/coach must be secured.

4. The written note from the parent must state that the school district is released from liability if the request is to be granted.

5. A coach/sponsor will have the option of allowing a student to ride home from a school-sponsored activity with the student's own parent, if a verbal request is made by the parent to the coach/sponsor at the event.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

In the event that a student is a participant in two school activities scheduled for the same date/time, it is the student's responsibility to inform both activity sponsors/coaches of the conflict. The student is

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expected to attend a "state" competition first. Coaches/sponsors will inform students in advance of any consequences for missing a scheduled event. Coaches/sponsors will work out the conflict without putting the student in the uncomfortable position of making a choice

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Athletic Training ServicesLakes Regional Healthcare will collaborate with the Spirit Lake School District on our athleteswell being and health as well as provide a licensed athletic trainer to oversee the preventionand care of injuries to athletes and to provide coverage of events periodically. The athletictrainer be our official trainer for evaluation and recommendation purposes for parents andathletes. (Note: This does not mean that we will have an athletic trainer at all events.)

Concussion:The Iowa Legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2011, regarding students in grades 7 – 12 who participate in extracurricular interscholastic activities. Please note this important information from Iowa Code Section 280.13C,Brain Injury Policies:(1) A child must be immediately removed from participation (practice or competition) if his/her coach or a contest offi cial observes signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or brain injury in an extracurricular interscholastic activity.(2) A child may not participate again until a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and other brain injuries has evaluated him/her and the student has received written clearance from that person to return to participation.(3) Key definitions:“Licensed health care provider” means a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist, or athletic trainer licensed by a board.“Extracurricular interscholastic activity” means any extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest, or practice,including sports, dance, or cheerleading.

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GOOD CONDUCT POLICY Policy 503.9

Policy Development: The following good conduct regulations have been offered in a February 1999 model policy by the School Administrators of Iowa and the Iowa Association of School Boards. The regulations have been revised to meet the needs of the Spirit Lake community with input from parents,

students, instructional and non- instructional professional staff, and community members. (281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(8))

Policy Explanation: Spirit Lake High School offers a variety of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for high school students, designed to enhance their classroom education. Participation in these activities is a privilege, requiring eligibility established by the Board of Education, the administration, and individual activity coaches and sponsors. Students who choose to participate in these activities serve as ambassadors of the high school throughout the calendar year, whether away from or at school. They must follow Board policies and refrain from activities that are illegal, immoral, unhealthy, or highly inappropriate. Any violations of the Good Conduct Rule will be documented and administered by the Activities Director.

The following activities are covered by the board's policy and these rules:

Extra-curricular activities: school-related activities and events outside the school day in which the student represents the school; these activities (e.g., all types of competitive sports, speech contest) are optional to students and do not affect a student's grade in a course. In this category are also some events that are considered to be “public events” that result in prohibition from participation. An example is the Grand March prior to Prom. Students who have violated the Good Conduct Policy will not be permitted to participate in the Grand March. The Prom Dance is not a public event so a student would not be prohibited from attending the dance.

Co-curricular activities: course-related activities and events which may be outside or during the school day in which the student represents the school and participation is expected or recommended as part of a curricular class; being withheld from such activities (e.g., marching band performance, Pan Am Club activities) for a Good Conduct Rule violation will not affect the student's grade in the course, although alternative activities may be required to maintain the student's grade

Academic Eligibility: To be eligible for an activity, students participating must:

• be enrolled or dual-enrolled in school;

• be passing all classes

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First Offense within the student's high school career: 3 event suspension

Second Offense within the student's high school career: 6 event suspension

Third or Subsequent Offense within the student's high school career - 12 calendar months of ineligibility

--midterm checkpoint every three weeks --weekly monitoring if student is failing more than one class --tutoring and study centers available to all students --student and teacher will develop a plan for improvement describing responsibilities of both --any failing grades at the end of a semester will result in ineligibility for 30 calendar days.

• have earned passing grades in all classes in the previous semester;

• for students in athletics, music, or speech activities, be under 20 years of age;

• for students in athletics, music, or speech activities, be enrolled in high school for eight semesters or less;

• for students in athletics, have not been a member of a college squad nor trained with a college squad, nor participated in a college contest nor engaged in that sport professionally;

• have met all transfer requirements, if the student is a transfer student, or be eligible under state law and regulations if the student is an open enrollment student.

• have been in attendance in school for one-half of the day of a performance, practice, competition, program, or trip, in order to participate. Any exception must be cleared through the administration.

Special education students or students covered by a Section 504 plan shall not be denied eligibility on the basis of scholarship if the student is making adequate progress, as determined by the staffing team, towards the goals and objectives on the student's IEP or accommodation plan.

Good Conduct Rule:

To retain eligibility for participation in Spirit Lake High School extracurricular and co-curricular activities, students must conduct themselves as good citizens both in and out of school at all times. Students who represent the school in an activity are expected to serve as good role models to other students and to the members of the community.

Upon being confronted by the administration with the allegation and the basis of the allegation of a good conduct violation, students will have the opportunity to tell their side.

A student may lose eligibility under the Good Conduct Rule for any of the following behaviors:

• possession, use, or purchase of tobacco products, regardless of the student's age

• possession, use, or purchase of alcoholic beverages, or any substance containing alcohol

• possession, use, or purchase of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or the unauthorized

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possession, use, or purchase of otherwise lawful (prescription) drugs

• engaging in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenile court system, excluding minor traffic offenses, regardless of whether the student is cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act(s), including joint possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances

• inappropriate or offensive conduct at school or school events which results in an out-of-school (O.S.S.) suspension, including, but not limited to, threatening another student or staff member; vandalism to, theft of, or unauthorized possession of the property of any school; or harassment of others. Any events during the O.S.S. would count towards the Good Conduct Rule penalties.

If a student transfers to Spirit Lake High School from another school or school district and the student has not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of a Good Conduct Rule in the previous school or school district, the student shall be ineligible at SLHS until the full period of ineligibility has been completed. Once that time period of ineligibility has been completed, the student is then immediately eligible at Spirit Lake High School as far as the Good Conduct Rule is concerned.

Penalties:

When the administration believes it is more likely than not that the student violated the Good Conduct Rule, during the school year or summer, the student is subject to a loss of eligibility as follows:

The period of ineligibility from extra-curricular and co-curricular activities begins immediately upon a finding of a violation, and events must be missed in the order in which they occur, without student selection, unless the student is already under violation, in which case the second violation starts after the first one is completed. An ineligible student shall attend all practices or rehearsals, but may not "suit up" nor perform/participate. If a student drops out of an activity prior to completion of the period of ineligibility, the penalty or remainder of the penalty will attach when the student next seeks to go out for another activity, subject to a 12-month limitation above. When a student under suspension for a violation seeks to join a new extra-curricular activity without completing the previous activity, the coach of the new activity will have discretion whether to allow the student to participate, the decision subject to review by the Activities Director.

Reduction in Penalty:

1. Evaluation and Treatment: A student who has a SECOND violation of the Good Conduct Rule for the same type of offense, as his/her first offense (e.g., the drug or alcohol provision, an O.S.S. for threatening another student or staff member, shoplifting) may elect to seek an evaluation and, if recommended, treatment from a recognized substance abuse facility or health professional at the student's or student's parent’s/guardian's expense. If the student seeks the evaluation and agrees to waive confidentiality to allow the facility or health professional to report back to the superintendent or designee regarding recommendations for treatment or follow-up care, the student's penalty for the second violation may be reduced by one-third. The reduction is not available for first or third violations.

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2. Admission (Self-Reporting) Prior to Determination: If a student comes forward to a coach, administrator, or activity sponsor to admit (self-report) a violation of the Good Conduct Rule prior to a finding of guilt by the administration and by the next school day by noon or within 72 hours of the violation, whichever comes first, the student's penalty may be reduced by one-third.

3. A one-third reduction in penalty means: one (1) event less for the first violation, two (2) events less for a second violation, or four (4) months less for a third violation within the student's high school career.

4. The reductions available in Items #1 and #2 of this section may not be combined.

5. If a student competes in an activity knowing he/she has a violation and before self-reporting or seeking evaluation for a second like offense, no reduction in penalty will be allowed.

Academic Consequences:

Unless the student violated the Good Conduct Rule while on school grounds or at a school event or activity off school grounds, there will be no academic consequences (e.g., detention, suspension from school) for the violation.

Appeals:

Any student who is found by the administration to have violated the Good Conduct Rule may appeal this determination to the superintendent by contacting the superintendent within three days of being advised of the violation. The penalty will be in effect pending the superintendent's decision.

If the student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the school board by filing a written appeal with the board secretary at least 24 hours prior to the next board meeting. The review by the board will be in closed session unless the student's parent (or the student, if the student is 18) requests an open session. The grounds for appeal to the school board are limited to the following: the student did not violate the Good Conduct Rule; the student was given inadequate due process in the investigation and determination; or the penalty is in violation of the Handbook Rule or Board Policy. The penalty will remain in effect pending the outcome of the meeting with the board. If the school board reverses the decision of the administration, the student shall be immediately eligible and shall have any record of the ineligibility period and violation deleted from the student's record.

Good Conduct Policy Addendum: Joint Possession of Drugs and Alcohol

Question: What is "joint possession"?

Answer: A student who is in a car or in attendance at a function or party where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors and who has "knowledge" of the alcohol or other drugs but "fails to leave," despite having ample opportunity to do so, is in "joint possession." The student knows there is alcohol and/or illegal drug use at the function and may not be participating in the illegal activity, but he/she has chosen to stay. This student could be charged by law enforcement and is in violation of the Good Conduct Rule.

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Reasons behind including "joint possession" in the Good Conduct Rule:

*Even in moderate amounts, alcohol and drugs have an unhealthy impact on growing bodies.

*Federal and state laws require schools to educate students about drug and alcohol use and abuse. Many laws have been passed and grant money has been made available to impress upon students the message against any type of chemical involvement.

*The message sent, when a student attends a party where drugs and alcohol are being used by minors, even if the student doesn't participate him/herself, is one of approval. This is true for the so-called responsible activity of declaring a "designated driver" who will abstain from use while his/her peers engage in illegal consumption of the chemicals.If a student finds him/herself in a situation where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors, the student's options are:

1. Leave immediately. An "intention" to leave is not a defense, nor is being the "designated driver."

2. Apply "reverse" peer pressure to convince the persons responsible for bringing the contraband substances to leave the party and take the drugs/alcohol with them.

3. Otherwise get rid of the offending substances. (Flush or pour, but do not consume!)

4. Stay and risk loss of eligibility for extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

Scenarios:

1. If a student without transportation calls home or calls someone else for a ride and waits outside the party, and off the property, that will be interpreted as "leaving."

2. A student who accepts a ride from an adult, who has groceries in the car, including beer, is not in violation.

3. A student would have to be drinking or using drugs or in attendance at a social function or party where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors to be in violation.

4. A minor who drinks wine at the family Christmas dinner or takes a drink of champagne at a wedding, assuming the student's parent/guardian is also present, is not in violation, because parents can legally provide alcohol to their minor children.

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DISTRICT INFORMATION

MULTICULTURAL AND GENDER-FAIR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY Policy No. 600

Enrolled students have an equal opportunity for a quality public education without discrimination, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status (for programs), race, creed, sex, marital status, color, religion, national origin, ability, or disability. The educational program is free of such discrimination and provides equal opportunity for the participants. The educational program fosters knowledge of and respect and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. It also reflects the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provides equal opportunity to both sexes.

Any complaints or grievances concerning equal educational opportunity should be handled in the following manner:

Any student or employee of the Spirit Lake Community School shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging non-compliance with regulations outlined in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973.

I. Level One - Principal or Immediate SupervisorAny employee with a grievance of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin, or disability may first discuss it with his/her Principal or immediate supervisor, with the object of resolving the matter informally. A student with a complaint of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin, or disability may discuss it with his/her teacher, counselor, or building administrator.

II. Level Two - Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 Compliance OfficerIf the grievance is not resolved at level one, and the employee or student wishes to pursue the grievance, the employee or student may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing on a Compliance Violation Form, which may be obtained from the Compliance Officer (Steve Ratzlaff, Ext. 1000). The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested.

The filing of the formal, written complaint at level two must be within fifteen (15) working days from date of the event giving rise to the grievance or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Compliance Officer. A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Compliance Officer shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint.

Level Three - SuperintendentIf the complaint is not resolved at level two, the grievant may process it to level three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within ten (10) working days after the grievant receives the report from the Compliance Officer. The grievant may request a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee.

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The Superintendent or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the Superintendent or his/her designee within ten (10) working days after receipt of the written appeal.

This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file formal complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, other agencies available for mediation or rectification of affirmative action grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION Policy No. 401.1

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding negotiated agreements or professional agreements with the Spirit Lake Community School District are hereby notified that this district does not discriminate on the basis of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status (for programs), creed, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.

Any person having inquiries or wishing to file a grievance concerning the Spirit Lake Community School District's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, American with Disability Act or Sections 504 is directed to contact Karen Oleson, 2701 Hill Ave., Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360 or phone 712-336-2820, Ext. 3010.

Any person having inquiries or wishing to file a grievance concerning the district's compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action is directed to contact Karen Oleson, Administration Building, 2701 Hill Ave., Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360 or phone 712-336-2820, Ext. 3010. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 268-0550, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, (515 281-5294).

DISTRICT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The following people have been assigned by the Spirit Lake Community School District as contact people in the event you have concerns in the following areas:

EQUITY COORDINATOR Karen Oleson, Ext. 3010

504 COORDINATOR Karen Oleson, Ext. 3010

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COORDINATOR Donna Sebert, Ext. 3020

HARASSMENT INVESTIGATOR Steve Ratzlaff, Ext. 1000 Donna Sebert, Ext. 3020

LEVEL ONE SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATOR Elaine Greer, Ext. 1740 Steve Ratzlaff, Ext. 1000 Claudia Nichols, Ext. 4380

TITLE I CONTACT Shane Boeve, Ext. 4000

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HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH Policy No. 501.10

The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment, eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices, and comply with all state and federal policies on homelessness.

A homeless child is defined as a child or youth between the ages of 5 and 21 who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes a child or youth who is living on the street, in a car, tent, or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designed as a permanent home; who is living in a community shelter facility; or who is living with non-nuclear family members or with friends, who may or may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.

ABUSE OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEE Policy No. 405.15

If a student feels there has been an example of abuse by a school employee toward a student, the student should share the information with Mrs. Nichols, school nurse, the district's Level I Investigator, at the high school (336-3707, Ext. 1970). The Alternate Level 1 Investigators are Mrs. Greer (Ext. 1740) and Steve Ratzlaff (Ext 1000). The Level II Investigator is Greg Baloun, Dickinson County Sheriff.

HARASSMENT REPORTING PROCEDURE Policy No. 502.7 R1

Harassment of any kind, as set forth under “Conduct and Behavior,” will not be tolerated. The school district has set the following procedures for reporting harassment. The school district also has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.Students who feel they have been harassed should:

Communicate to the harasser that the student expects the behavior to stop, if the student is comfortable doing so. If the student needs assistance communicating with the harasser, the student should ask a teacher, counselor, dean of students, or principal to help.

If the harassment does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the student should:

1. Tell a teacher, counselor, or principal; and

2. Write down exactly what happened, keep a copy, and give another copy to the teacher, counselor, or principal, including:

what, when, and where it happened; who was involved; exactly what was said or what the harasser did witnesses to the harassment what the student said or did, either at the time or later; how the student felt; and how the harasser responded

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If the harassment continues, the student should file a harassment complaint with Donna Sebert, the district’s harassment investigator, at 336-2820, Ext. 3020. Investigation Process: The investigator may request that the student complete the Harassment Complaint form and turn over evidence of the harassment, including but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures. The investigator will proceed promptly with the investigation and will interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The alleged harasser may file a written statement refuting or explaining the behavior outlined in the complaint. The investigator may also interview witnesses. The investigator will submit a written report of her findings to the principal. Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible. The investigator or principal has the authority to initiate an investigation without a written complaint.

Resolution of the Complaint: The principal, upon receipt of the investigator’s report, may conduct further investigation &/or determine disciplinary measures, which may include suspension and expulsion. The principal may interview both the complainant and the alleged harasser. The principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action or other action taken.

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