Index items:

Chapter 102 – Reporting of Child Abuse
Public Notice: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Americans with Disabilities Act
Compulsory Education
Truancy
Maintenance of Orderly Conduct
Conduct on School District Premises
Anti-Bullying/Harassment
Iowa Sex Offender Registry
Search and Seizure
Illegal Items Found in School or in Students’ Possession
Tobacco/Nicotine-Free School Environment
Weapons
Co-curricular Activities Eligibility
Student Expressions and Appearance
School Fees
Gifts to School Personnel
Weather-related Decisions
Reserved Time for Non-School Student Activities
Use of Video Cameras on District Premises and District Transportation
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options
Annual Notice Regarding Student Records
Release of Student Directory-Type Information
Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
No Child Left Behind Legislation
Student Support Services
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment Applications
In-District Attendance Permits – Regular Education
Competent Private Instruction, Independent Private Instruction, Home School Assistance Program
Asbestos Notification
Student Health and Well-Being
Communicable Diseases
Provision of Emergency Care
Administration of Medication Policy
Immunizations
Health Screenings – Hearing, Dental, SEB, and Vision
Metro Care Connection
Physical Examinations
Health Insurance
Head Lice
Special Diet Requests
Wellness Policy
Wellness Fundraising Guidelines
Guidelines for Fragrance-Free Products
Student Social-Emotional Learning Survey

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Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination

The District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources

√ Arts, Communications, and Information Systems

√ Applied sciences, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, including transportation, distribution, logistics, architecture, and construction.

√ Health Sciences

√ Human Services, including law, public safety, corrections, security,
government, public administration, and education and training.

√ Business, Finance, Marketing and Management.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other applicable state and federal laws, the Cedar Rapids Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status (for programs) in any of its education programs, activities, or employment opportunities. This prohibition on discrimination applies to admission and employment.

The District has adopted a grievance procedure for resolving formal and informal Title IX sex discrimination complaints and other discrimination complaints. Inquiries regarding Title IX or the District’s nondiscrimination policy may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education (attn. Assistant Secretary, Office for Civil Rights; 400 Maryland Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20202; 800-421-3481; OCR@ed.gov) or the District’s Title IX Coordinator:

Darius Ballard
Chief of Human Resources
Educational Leadership & Support Center
2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
(319) 558-2000

Objectives For Equal Educational Opportunities For Students
It is the goal of the Board of Education to enhance social, emotional, behavioral, intellectual, and physical well-being of the students enrolled in the District. Students will have the opportunity to use the school and the school’s educational program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same opportunity.

The Board supports the delivery of the education program and services to students free of discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, socio-economic status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or disability. This concept of equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to District facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students.

Employees, students and parents will be reminded annually of the District’s written statement in appropriate publications such as calendars, handbooks, newsletters, newspapers or educational brochures.

There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, shall be directed to the student’s principal or to the Affirmative Action Coordinator for Students/Director of Student Equity by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator for Students/Director of Student Equity, Cedar Rapids Community School District, 2500 Edgewood Rd N.W., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52405, or by telephoning 319-558-2000.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the address below or Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA. (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.
Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the District’s central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center and on the District website

CHAPTER 102 – REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

Chapter 102 of the Iowa Administrative Code establishes procedures for investigating incidents of abuse of students by school employees. The procedures include the designation of investigators for the 2023-2024 School Year. The following are the designated Level I investigators for the CRCSD. Any of the following persons may serve as an investigator.

Any person may file a Level I complaint against a Cedar Rapids Community School District employee by completing a Level I complaint form and turning it into his/her building principal. The complaint may be turned in to any of the individuals on the list below. These forms may be obtained in any school’s main office or at the Educational Leadership and Support Center, 2500 Edgewood Road NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the Human Resources Office.

LEVEL I INVESTIGATORS
PRIMARY:
Adam Zimmerman, Executive Director, Student Services – 319/558-4261

ALTERNATES:
Daniel DeVore, Principal, Iowa Big/High School Magnet – 319/558-2193
Greg O’Connell, Principal, West Willow Elementary School – 319/558-2167
Trista Manternach, Principal, Harrison Elementary School – 319/558-2269
Linda Reysack, Principal, Harding Middle School – 319/558-2254

LEVEL II INVESTIGATORS

• Dickinson Law Firm, Des Moines, IA
• John Stulke, Independent Investigator
• Cedar Rapids Police Department

Distributed by: Human Resources: 6/2022
Revised: Board Secretary: 6/13/2022
Approved by Board of Education: 6/13/2022

Public Notice: Section 504 of
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973/
Americans With Disabilities Act

Section 504 and ADA is an Act which prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability by any institution receiving federal financial assistance. These Acts define a person with a disability as anyone whom: has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working, etc.); has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill obligations under Section 504, the Cedar Rapids Community School District has the responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability should knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and/or practices of the school system.

The school district has responsibilities under Section 504, which include the obligation to identify, evaluate, and if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services.

A parent may request a form to initiate a referral for any student by contacting the principal or Section 504 Coordinator (typically the school counselor) of any school.

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact the Cedar Rapids Community School District Section 504 Compliance Officer (319-558-2000).

Handbook Definitions
In this handbook, the word “parent” also means “guardian” unless otherwise stated. An administrator’s title, such as superintendent or principal, also means that individual’s designee unless otherwise stated. The term “school grounds” includes the school district facilities, school district property, property within the jurisdiction of the school district or school district premises, school-owned or school-operated buses or vehicles and chartered buses. The term “school facilities” includes school district buildings and vehicles. The term “school activities” means all school activities students are involved in whether they are school-sponsored or school-approved, whether they are an event or an activity, or whether they are held on or off school grounds.

Jurisdictional and Behavioral Expectations Statement
The Board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, and/or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises. Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.
Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age & maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the District.

Students who fail to abide by the District’s policies, regulations, and procedures and the applicable student handbook will be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the District or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.

The District may impose a range of disciplinary measures for acts of misconduct. Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension from school, suspension from participation in extracurricular activities, and expulsion. The discipline imposed will be based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and the student’s record. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances. The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline. In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the District’s administration of discipline. The District reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.

Teachers and/or others who are in charge of a classroom must be the administrators of classroom discipline. Therefore, minor disciplinary offenses are the responsibility and obligation of the classroom teacher. When a situation arises wherein the educational process is substantially interfered with, it then becomes the responsibility of the administration to assist in the disposition of the discipline problem.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal’s office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

Detention means the student’s presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal, disciplining the student.

Suspension means either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility. As in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more class while under supervision. An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.

Expulsion means an action by the Board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the Board.

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

Legal Reference:
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).
Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).
Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147
N.W.2d 854 (1967).

Iowa Code §§ 279.8;282.3, 282.4, 282.5; 708.1.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Compulsory Education

(Code of Iowa Chapter 299A, 299.2, 299.1 and 299.1A)

Attendance Requirements:

All children who have reached the age of six and are under sixteen years of age by September 15 are of compulsory attendance age. A child who is age five by September 15 and is enrolled in a school district is also of compulsory age. The only exception to this is if the parent notifies the district, in writing, of their intent to withdraw the child from the school district. A child enrolled in the District who reaches the age of 16 on or after September 15 remains of compulsory age until the end of the regular school calendar. The parent, guardian, or legal/actual custodian of a child who is of compulsory attendance age shall cause the child to attend the public school, an accredited nonpublic school, or receive competent private instruction in accordance with provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 299A during the school year. Exceptions to this regulation must meet the requirements set forth in the current Code of Iowa Chapter 299.2.

Student Attendance

Punctuality and regular attendance are necessary for students to derive optimum benefit from school. Students and parents/guardians are required to follow District and school rules and procedures regarding attendance. The district policy should be applied as consistently as possible among and within grade levels throughout the District, and should be administered to serve the best interests of children and to align to the Iowa Code.

Code of Iowa: 279.11, 299

Student Absences

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as their parent knows their student will not be attending school. If the school is not notified of the reason for the absence, it will be counted as unexcused. The parent may rectify this by giving verbal notice within two days of the reason for the absence, or provide necessary documentation. The administrator reserves the right to verify an absence as excused or unexcused and may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence. Student absences approved by the administrator are excused absences. Excused absences may include, but are not limited to:

• Illness – as long as an attendance contract is not in place
• Medically documented chronic or extended illness, hospitalization, or doctor’s care, or school nurse’s approval
• Medical or dental care
• Religious observances requiring absences from school
• Court appearance or other legal proceedings beyond the control of the family
• Class time missed because of attendance at a school-sponsored trip or activity
• Other verified emergency as approved by the building administrator
• Other reasons which can be justified from an educational standpoint and which are approved in advance by the building administrator

If a student is consistently arriving late or leaving early and it is documented, the information will be considered at the District and County Attorney levels. This time will be included in the cumulative hours a student is absent.

Students who are absent from school for any reason will be expected to make arrangements with appropriate school staff for lost instruction and submitting missed assignments.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school at least one-half day on the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the administrator for the student to be absent.

Code of Iowa §§ 294.4; 299
Iowa Administrative Code 281 12.2(4)

Responding to Excessive Absenteeism

School staff will follow District procedures to address attendance concerns:

• Maintain written documentation of absences
• Establish contact with parents/guardians
• Engage staff to create and implement intervention and communication plan(s)
• Consult the appropriate Learning Supports staff when illness is reported as a reason for excessive absenteeism
• Access other agencies and partners, as appropriate

If a student has been absent for 70 hours of instructional time, for reasons other than a health condition verified by a school nurse, and the building level administration has exhausted every means available (phone calls, letters, home visits, etc.) to the school to assure that the student is in regular attendance, the following should occur:

1. The school administrator will inform the parents/guardians in writing that due to the lack of improvement in the attendance of their child, the school will be referring the student and the parent/guardian to the District Truancy Officer for further action.
2. A Request for Action will be made to the District Truancy Officer.
3. The District Truancy Officer will request a meeting with the parent/guardian to mediate a plan of action to correct the attendance problem.
4. If the parent/guardian does not respond, and/or the above plan of action fails to produce an improvement in attendance, and/or the student accumulates 108 hours of unexcused absences, the Request for Action packet may be forwarded to the County Attorney’s Office.
5. The County Attorney’s Office will make the final decision in regard to prosecution or course of action to get and keep the student in school.
6. A district-level administrator will make the final decision regarding removal of a student from the student information system.

Truancy

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents/Guardians and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.

Truancy is the act of being absent without an excuse which occurs through the failure to regularly attend school hours as established by the Board in the school calendar.

If a student turns sixteen prior to September 15, he or she is no longer of compulsory attendance age and may seek alternative forms of education without risk to the student’s parent/guardian. If a student turns sixteen on or after September 15, he or she is of compulsory age and is compelled to attend during that school year.

Code of Iowa: §§ 299.1, 299.2, 299.8

Anti-Bullying/Harassment

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state, and local policy and are not tolerated by the Cedar Rapids Community School District. The District 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. Policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment and to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment are in place. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school District.

The 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 against employees based upon the employee’s, race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, or disability is also prohibited.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students 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 may be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension or expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If, after an investigation, a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include exclusion from school grounds. A “volunteer” is an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

As defined by the Code of Iowa, when looking at the totality of the circumstances, the District considers harassment and bullying to be any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on the student’s actual or perceived 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 and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property;
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Electronic” is any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, social media and apps, cell phones, electronic text messaging, or similar technologies.

A hostile school environment is defined as a situation in which the bullying / harassment conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school.

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

• Verbal, nonverbal, physical or written harassment, bullying, hazing, or other victimization that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the target;
• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the target;
• 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 target;
• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student that have the purpose or effect of causing injury, discomfort, fear, or suffering to the target; and/or
• Unreasonable interference with a student’s performance or creating of an intimidating, offensive, or hostile learning environment.

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

• Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or
• Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student

A student (or adult on student’s behalf) who believes they have suffered bullying and/or harassment will report such matters to a teacher, principal, or counselor. The information will be given to the designated building investigator(s) as outlined in Procedure 612.1a. Complaints alleging acts of intentional physical or sexual abuse by school employees, including inappropriate sexual behavior toward students, should be reported to the Level I Investigator as outlined in Procedure 506.6a. Formal complaints and informal reports of conduct constituting sexual harassment will also be referred to the Title IX Coordinator and handled pursuant to the provisions of Procedure 102c.

The building principal or designee will be responsible for promptly and reasonably investigating all complaints by students alleging bullying and/or harassment unless they have a conflict of interest, at which time the District will assign a secondary investigator.

Investigators will consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes harassment or bullying. If after an investigation a staff member is found to be in violation of this policy, the staff member shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination.

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

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

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

It is the responsibility of the District to develop procedures regarding this regulation. The District is also responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize bullying and/or harassment; what to do in case a student is alleged to have been bullied and/or harassed; and proven effective bullying and/or harassment prevention strategies. The District also will develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and/or harassment in the District. The administration shall report to the Board on the progress of reducing bullying and/or harassment in the District.

The District will annually publish the regulation. The regulation may be publicized by the following means:

• Inclusion in parent/student handbook
• Inclusion in the employee handbook
• Inclusion in registration materials
• Inclusion on the school District’s website and a copy shall be made available to any person at the central administrative office

Legal References:
20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i
29 U.S.C. § 794
42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7
42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. seq.
Senate File 61, 1st Regular Session, 82nd General Assembly
Code of Iowa §§ 216.9; 280.3
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), (13).
Morse v. Frederick, 127 S.Ct. 2618
34 C.F.R. Part 106

Sexual Offender Registry

Iowa law requires sexual offenders to be registered with the State. Parents/guardians seeking information about sex offenders residing in the community are directed to the state Web site at www.iowasexoffender.com.

Search and Seizure

School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities. School officials may also conduct periodic inspections of all, or a randomly selected number of, school lockers, desks, and other facilities or spaces owned by the district and provided as a courtesy to a student.

The only staff members with authority to conduct searches and/or seize items are employees who are certified administrators and School Resource Officers (SRO), unless there is an emergency. In emergencies, such as situations in which the health or safety of a student or employee is compromised or evidence of misconduct could be lost or destroyed, another school official may conduct a search and/or seize items.

A. Lockers/Desks

1. The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.
2. Lockers and desks remain at all times the property of the District and are temporarily assigned to individual students.
3. The District has a reasonable and valid interest in ensuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained. For this reason, lockers and desks are subject to maintenance inspections and/or other unannounced inspections.
4. Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted in the presence of the student or another individual.
5. The contents of a student’s locker or desk may be searched when there is reasonable and articulable suspicion that a District policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.

B. Personal Searches

1. A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, cell phone or other electronic device, or other container used for carrying personal items) may be searched when there is reasonable and articulable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated a District policy, rule, regulation or law. Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.
   Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering such factors as:
   a. eyewitness observations by school personnel;
   b. information received from reliable sources;
   c. suspicious behavior by the student; or
   d. the student’s past history and school record, although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion; or
   e. as a contracted condition of student’s attendance.
   A search is reasonable in scope when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on:
   a. the age of the student;
   b. the gender of the student;
   c. the nature of the infraction; and
   d. the existence of an emergency situation requiring the search without delay.
2. Personally intrusive searches shall require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable. When feasible, the administrator will attempt to notify the parent/guardian of a search which may be considered personally intrusive.
   a. A pat-down search or a search of a student’s person and/or clothing (including shoes) will be conducted in private by a school official of the same gender with another adult witness present.
   b. Strip searches, body cavity searches, and the use of a drug-sniffing animal to search a student’s body are prohibited.
   c. Every reasonable effort should be made to have the student voluntarily produce contraband materials thought to be concealed. Force should not be used when students resist search efforts unless there is strong cause to believe the contraband constitutes an immediate threat to the student or other persons. In the event a student resists or appears to resist a search, an effort should be made to detain the student and the police should be called.

C. Vehicle Searches

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. Designated school employees may conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student’s vehicle, when on school premises, may be searched if there is a reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that a District policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. (Reasonable suspicion is defined in this regulation. Such searches should be conducted in the presence of the student driver when feasible and/or another adult witness when feasible.

D. Searches by Law Enforcement Officers

The search of a student or of protected student areas by a law enforcement officer or by an administrator at the invitation or direction of such an officer shall be governed by statutory and common law requirements.

E. Contents of Search

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property. Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials. The Board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

Legal References:
Code of Iowa Chapter 808a.2
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)
U.S. Const. amend. IV
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325
Cason v. Cook, 810 F.2d 188 (8th Cir. 1987), cert. den., 482 U.S. 930

Use/Possession of Alcohol, Tobacco, Nicotine, or Any Illegal or Medically Unauthorized Substance

The District prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and/or illegal or medically unauthorized substances, or “look alike” substances that appear to be tobacco, nicotine, beer, wine, alcohol or and/or illegal or medically unauthorized substances by students while on District property or on property within the jurisdiction of the District; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the District.

Students who violate the terms of this regulation may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse evaluation, assistance and/or rehabilitation program approved by the Board. The program may include age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco, drug and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students. If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

Legal Reference:
34 C.F.R. Pt. 86
Iowa Code §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8, .9; 453A
281 I.A.C. 12.3(9); .5(3)(e), .5(4)(e), .5(5)(e), .5(21).

Weapons

The Board of Education believes firearms, other weapons, other dangerous objects and look-a-like weapons on District property or at school-sponsored activities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment, and present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors. Firearms, other weapons, other dangerous objects, and look-a-like weapons are prohibited on District property and at school-sponsored activities.

Any object which could be used to injure or threaten another person and which has no school-related purpose may be considered a weapon. This includes specifically, but is not limited to, firearms of all types, knives of all types, fireworks, metal pipes, metal knuckles, and explosives. The term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, or otherwise defined by applicable law. An object that serves as a facsimile of a weapon may be considered a weapon in the enforcement of this policy. An object that has a school-related purpose but is used to threaten or inflict injury may also be considered a weapon.

Weapons shall be confiscated from persons who bring them onto District property or to school-sponsored activities. The parents/guardians of a student shall be notified if a student is found in possession of a weapon, or is responsible for bringing a weapon, onto District property or to school-sponsored activities. Possession or confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects will be reported to law enforcement officials. The student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

A student bringing a firearm onto District property or to a school-sponsored activity, or knowingly possessing a firearm on District property or at a school-sponsored activity shall be expelled for not less than one year and the student will be referred to law enforcement authorities. However, the Superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis.

Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy. The appropriate administrator may allow authorized persons to display weapons, unloaded firearms, or other dangerous objects for educational purposes.

Legal Reference:
18 U.S.C. § 921.
McClain v. Lafayette County Bd. of Education, 673 F.2d 106 (5th Cir. 1982).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21B; 724
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Suspension

In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision. In-school suspensions may be imposed by the building administrator for infractions of school rules which are serious, but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school. Credit for work made up while under suspension will be determined by the building administrator. Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment and is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.

A student may be suspended for commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules or when the presence of the student will cause substantial interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school. The building administrator may suspend students after conducting an informal investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:

1. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student.
2. The basis in fact for the charges, and
3. The opportunity to respond to those charges.

Should the building administrator find it advisable, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or hear witnesses on behalf of the student.

The notice to the student, investigation, and informal hearing must precede removal of the student from school. However, nothing should prevent the immediate suspension of a student when the student’s continued presence on the school grounds endangers the student’s safety or well-being, the safety or well-being of other members of the school community or substantially interferes with the proper functioning of the school.

Notice of the suspension will be provided to the student’s parents or legal guardians and entered in the student information system within five (5) school days following the day of determination of misconduct. Notification will also be provided to the Superintendent/designee and Board President. A reasonable effort shall also be made to notify the student’s parents by telephone or personal contact and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact. Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement shall take place. The student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) shall be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension. If a special education student’s suspension, either in-school or out-of-school, equal ten (10) days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the student’s IEP is appropriate. Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student’s suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.

Code of Iowa: Chapter 282
Reference: Regulation 603.4

Expulsion – Regular Education Students

Students may be expelled for violations of Board policy, school rules or the law. The long-term removal of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school. It is within the discretion of the Board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the Board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only the Board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student. The building administrator will keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board’s records.
When a student is recommended for expulsion, the student will be provided with:

1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion written with sufficient specificity to enable the student to prepare a defense;
2. Notice of the date, time, and place of the expulsion hearing sufficiently in advance of the hearing to enable the student to obtain the assistance of counsel and to prepare a defense;
3. Notice that the student is entitled to a closed hearing unless an open hearing is specifically requested;
4. The names of the witnesses the superintendent will present, if available and a statement of the facts to which each witness will testify;
5. Notice that the student will be given an opportunity to present a defense against the charges; to provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses; to present documents; to be given copies of documents which will be introduced by the administration, and to cross-examine adverse witnesses, if available and if appropriate; and
6. Notice that the student has the right to be represented by counsel.

At the hearing, the student will have all the rights given in the notice and may give an opening and closing statement in addition to calling witnesses and cross-examining adverse witnesses. The Board hearing the expulsion matter must be impartial, have no prior involvement in the situation, have no stake in the outcome, and have no personal bias or prejudice.

After the Board has heard the expulsion matter, it shall go into deliberations. No one who advocated a position at the hearing of the matter should be present during the Board’s deliberations unless the other party or parties are also permitted to attend deliberations. The student has a right to a decision based solely on the evidence presented at hearing. There must be an adequate factual basis for the Board’s decision. A preponderance of the evidence standard is sufficient to find the student violated the rule or policy at issue. Following the Board’s deliberations, the Board shall reconvene in open session and render its decision on the superintendent’ recommendation for expulsion. The student is entitled to a written decision setting out the Board’s findings and conclusions as to the charges and the penalty.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures. A determination should be made of whether the student has actually participated in the misconduct. A staffing team should determine whether the student’s behavior is caused by the student’s disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement.

If the special education student’s conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the District’s expulsion hearing procedures. If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the District. If a change in placement is not recommended, a determination shall be made within the student’s IEP and the law as to how to manage the student’s behavior to prevent the student’s possible future misconduct.

Legal Reference:
Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).
Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5
281 I.A.C. 12.3(8)

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY

The Cedar Rapids Community School District offers a variety of voluntary activities designed to enhance the classroom education of students. Co-curricular activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for a lifetime. Participation in school activities is a privilege. Students desiring to participate in co-curricular activities must meet the participation requirements established by the District.

Students who participate in co-curricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school/district 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, both away from school and at school. Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in co-curricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain at all times from activities that are illegal, immoral, or unhealthy.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures. The principal/designee shall keep records of violations of the co-curricular activities eligibility requirements.

Co-curricular activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Athletics, instrumental and vocal music performances, drama productions, speech contests, state contests and performances for cheerleading and drill team, mock trial, Academic Decathlon, or any other activity where the student represents the school /district outside the classroom in a competition or performance.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Good Conduct Rule

To retain eligibility for participation in the Cedar Rapids Community School District 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.

If an employee of the district learns that a student may have violated the good conduct rule, the student shall be confronted with the allegation, the basis for the allegation and given an opportunity to tell the student’s side. If a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the student has violated the good conduct rule, the student will be deemed ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities for a period of time, as described below. The following are violations of the Good Conduct Rule:

• possession, use, or purchase of tobacco products, regardless of the student’s age;
• possession, use, or purchase of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine (“use” includes having the odor of alcohol on one’s breath, (this includes “near beer” labeled non-alcoholic beer);
• possession, use, or purchase of illegal drugs or the unauthorized possession, use, or purchase of otherwise lawful 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 was cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act(s);
• inappropriate or offensive conduct including but not limited to fighting, insubordination (talking back or refusing to cooperate with authorities), hazing or harassment of others.

If a student transfers in from another school district and the student had not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of a Good Conduct Rule in the previous school or school/district, then the student will be confronted regarding that ineligibility and will be given the opportunity to tell the student’s side. Violations of Good Conduct Policies in other school districts may result in loss of eligibility in the Cedar Rapids Community School District as described below.

Penalties:

Any student, who, is found to have violated the Good Conduct Rule, at any time, is subject to a loss of eligibility as follows:

First Offense within the student’s High School Athletic Career: up to one-third of season ineligibility with referral for professional evaluation.
Non-athletic: up to four weeks or longer if necessary to include being ineligible for a minimum of one public performance with referral for professional evaluation.

Second Offense within the Student’s High School Athletic Career: up to one-half the season of ineligibility with professional evaluation and/or treatment prior to reinstatement.
Non-athletic: up to six weeks with professional evaluation and/or treatment prior to reinstatement or longer if necessary to include a minimum of two public performances.

Third or more offense within the Student’s High School Athletic Career – up to twelve (12) calendar months of ineligibility with professional evaluation and/or treatment prior to reinstatement.
Non-athletic: up to twelve (12) calendar months with professional evaluation and/or treatment prior to reinstatement.

The period of ineligibility attaches immediately upon a finding of a violation if the student is currently engaged in a co-curricular activity. If the student is not currently engaged in a co-curricular activity, or if the period of ineligibility is not completed during the current activity, the period of ineligibility begins or is carried over to the time the student seeks to go out for the next activity or contest. However, if the period of time between a violation and an activity is 365 days or more, the student shall not serve an ineligibility period for the violation. When a student begins a season with an ineligibility period from a previous violation the student is expected to complete that activity to the coach’s/administrator’s satisfaction
or the penalty will attach when the student next seeks to go out for another activity, subject to the 365-day limitation above. An ineligible student shall attend all practices or rehearsals but may neither “suit up” nor perform/participate.

Voluntary Admission:

The voluntary admission provision is in place to allow students to seek help with substance abuse. It is designed for students and parents as a tool for treatment without penalty of losing eligibility. This admission is not intended as a loophole to avoid consequences for students found to have violated the good conduct rule. This provision may only be used once during a student’s high school career. This admission may prevent the loss of eligibility.

The purpose of the provision is to create honesty and openness when dealing with code of conduct violators. It is designed to help violators, not punish them.

Violators, or their parents/guardians, must approach building administrators acknowledging the student offense. To remain eligible, the student must:

1. Be referred by the school to a substance abuse agency for evaluation.
2. Complete all appointments with the agency.
3. Fully cooperate with all recommendations made by the agency.

The student shall provide a copy of the recommendations from the agency to the school and evidence of compliance with completion.

The voluntary admission provision does not apply to violations of the good conduct rule when:

1. The violation occurs at school or a school sponsored event.
2. Law enforcement officials are involved.
3. Investigations into a specific incident of student violations have already begun.

A voluntary admission is considered a first offense of the Good Conduct Policy, even if there is no period of ineligibility.

Cost of Evaluation and Treatment:

In cases of either violation of the Good Conduct Rule or Voluntary Admission, the District will provide a professional evaluation through a provider of the District’s choice. If treatment is recommended as a result of that evaluation, the District will provide only for a basic level of outpatient services through that provider, and not pay for any in-patient treatment. By completing the evaluation and treatment provided by the District, the student will be in compliance with the evaluation and treatment requirements of this Policy.

Letters and Awards:

Students who are ineligible at the conclusion of an activity shall not receive a letter or award for that activity.

Appeals:

Any student who is found by the administration to have violated the Good Conduct Rule may appeal this determination to the associate superintendent by contacting the superintendent within 3 days of being advised of the violation. The penalty will be in effect pending the associate superintendent’s decision.

If the student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the Board of Education 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 Board of Education 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.

General Requirements for Athletic Eligibility

To be eligible for an activity, students participating must:

1. be enrolled or dual-enrolled in school;
2. be under 20 years of age;
3. be enrolled in high school for a maximum of eight semesters, 12 trimesters;
   • (students retained academically are not granted extra eligibility)
4. 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;
5. 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.

Academic Eligibility Requirements for Co-curricular Activities

To be academically eligible for an activity, students must:

1. have earned passing grades in at least 20 credits the previous term/trimester;
2. be earning passing grades in at least 20 credits in the current term/trimester at the grade reporting times;
3. be making adequate progress toward graduation
4. Students in co-curricular activities failing to meet 1, 2, or 3 above will not be allowed to participate in the next performance/competition during the current/ following trimester as determined by the school administration.
5. Per Iowa Law 36.15 (2) “The Scholarship Rule,” all students participating in athletics shall pass ALL classes at the END of each term in the past 12 months to be eligible.

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

Code of Iowa: §§ 279.8
Iowa Administrative Code: 281-36
Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555, 564 (Iowa 1972)

Student Expressions and Appearance

Expression

Students will be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions as long as the expression is responsible. The expression will not, in the judgment of the administration, encourage the breaking of laws, defame others, be obscene or indecent, or cause a material and substantial disruption to the educational program. The administration, when making this judgment, will consider whether the activity in which the expression was made is school-sponsored and whether review or prohibition of the students’ speech furthers an educational purpose. Further, the expression must be done in a reasonable time, place, and manner that is not disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of the District. Students will be permitted to distribute materials in designated areas before and after school and during the lunch period, as long as it does not create a disturbance, disrupt normal operations, or produce excess littering, and the material content does not violate reasonable standards of decency or advocate the violation of laws. Assembly of students will be allowed unless they are designed or may be reasonably expected to disrupt classes, interfere with school activities, or intrude upon the lives and rights of others. Materials concerning non-school events or activities shall be posted or distributed only with prior approval of the building principal/designee.

Appearance

The District believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors. Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment. The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.
The District expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place, and occasion. Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, weapons, or reference to prohibited conduct are not allowed. While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with students and their parents/guardians, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated. When, in the judgment of a principal, a student’s appearance or choice of clothing disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications or be subject to disciplinary action. The wearing of gang-related attire or insignia by students is prohibited.

Legal Reference: U.S. Const. amend. I.
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).
Bethel School District v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985).
Tinker v. Des Moines Ind. Comm. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Bystrom v. Fridley High School, 822 F.2d 747 (8th Cir. 1987).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.22; (2013).

Cross Reference: Regulation 604.1 “Maintenance of Orderly Conduct”
Regulation 604.2 “Bullying and Harassment of Students”

Official School Publications

An official school publication is a curricular or co-curricular student publication or broadcast, including but not limited to newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines, television, radio, website or cable television programs produced in curricular or co-curricular journalism or journalism-related activities under the sponsorship of the school district and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee. Each school determines its own production and distribution schedule.

Freedom of Expression

Students have the right to exercise freedom of speech. Student publications are instruments through which students, staff, administrators, and the public can gain insight into student thinking and concerns.

School journalists may write about controversial issues in the school, community, and world. Student editors and writers, however, must observe the same legal responsibilities as those imposed upon conventional news media. Specifically, school journalists must refrain from publication of material that:

• Is obscene or vulgar
• Is libelous
• Causes material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school
• Infringes on the rights of others
• Encourages students to commit unlawful acts
• Encourages students to violate school rules

Student Publications

A. Official school publications defined.

An “official school publication” is a curricular or co-curricular student publication or broadcast, including, but not limited, to newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines, television, radio or cable television programs produced in curricular or co-curricular journalism or journalism-related activities under the sponsorship of the school district and distributed to the student body either free or for a fee.

B. Prior Restraint of Material Prepared for an Official School Publication

No student shall publish in an official school publication material which:

• is obscene
• is libelous/slanderous
• causes material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school
• infringes on the rights of others
• encourages students to commit unlawful acts
• encourages students to violate school/District polices, regulations and procedure

Definitions

For purposes of an audience of students, forms of expression that are vulgar, indecent, lewd, or sexually explicit may be considered obscene.

“Obscene material” means that which the average person, applying community standards, finds as a whole to appeal to a minor’s prurient interest in sex, and depicts or describes in an offensive way sexual conduct or sexual acts, and which lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

“Encourage” means to spur on, stimulate, or foster. Note: mere factual reporting of controversial issues shall not be considered encouragement.

“Libelous” statements are false, unprivileged statements the average reader would interpret as statements of fact and which damage the reputation of an individual or business.

“Material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school” means student actions or behaviors that can reasonably be believed or feared to significantly interrupt school activities or intrude unreasonably in school affairs. The phrase also includes interference with the rights of others.

Student journalists shall be provided the opportunity to inform, entertain, investigate, interpret and evaluate in their work. Student journalists are entitled to the protection of the “fair comment rule,” which provides that all persons are free to express opinion on matters of common interest. Students are free to comment responsibly on school policies and the performance of school administrators, teachers, or other employees provided the comments or criticisms are statements of opinion and are not libelous. However, student journalists are not entitled to a wholesale defamation exemption under the fair comment rule merely by including the disclaimer “In my opinion” or a similar phrase in conjunction with a false and damaging statement.

Students and other interested persons shall have an opportunity to express their attitudes and views as long as those expressions do not violate the above prohibitions.

Responsibilities of Faculty Advisors.

Schools have a substantial educational interest in teaching student writers journalistic skills. Journalism advisors will supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with Iowa law, including the restrictions in the Code of Iowa. The duties of the advisor include:

• to teach and implement accepted, responsible journalism;
• to teach students the mechanical procedures in publishing a media project;
• to supervise any fundraising activities, including advertising;
• to advise and to counsel the students in the implementation of the criteria for the inclusion of stories and other material in the publication;
• to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with Iowa law, including the restrictions in Iowa Code;
• to read the students’ work prior to publication to ensure that it adheres to Iowa law.

Appeal Procedure.

Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in the exercise of their freedom of expression in official student publications have the right to appeal the decision by invoking the student grievance process outlined in Board Policy.

Any person aggrieved by the content of official student publications is directed to use the complaint procedure as outlined in Board Policy.

Legal Reference: Code of Iowa §§ 280.22

C. Responsibilities of Student Journalists

Student journalists who participate in official school publications are responsible for the content of those publications.

It is the responsibility of student journalists to provide news and commentary that achieve professional standards of accuracy, fairness, objectivity and thoroughness in each and every aspect of the publication and that also achieve professional standards of grammar, usage, punctuation and spelling.

Student journalists must also accept responsibility for the journalistic publication to serve the need and interests of the school as well as the reading public.

D. Responsibilities of Faculty Advisers

Schools possess a substantial educational interest in teaching student writers journalistic skills. Journalism advisers shall supervise student writers to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with Iowa law, including the restrictions in Iowa Code section 280.22. The duties of the adviser shall include:

to teach and implement accepted responsible journalism;

to teach students the mechanical procedures in publishing a media project;

to supervise any fundraising activities, including advertising;

to advise and to counsel the students in the implementation of the criteria for the inclusion of stories and other material in the publication;

to maintain professional standards of English and journalism and to comply with Iowa law, including the restrictions in Iowa Code section 280.22;

to read the students’ work prior to publication to ensure that it adheres to Iowa law.

E. Appeal Procedure

Students who believe they have been unreasonably restricted in the exercise of their freedom of expression in official student publications have the right to appeal the decision by invoking the student grievance process outlined in Board Policy 601.a.

Any person aggrieved by the content of official student publications is directed to use the complaint procedure as outlined in Board Policies 501a or 601a, whichever is applicable.

Prior Restraint of Material Prepared for an Official School Publication

No student shall publish in an official school publication material which is obscene or vulgar, libelous, encourages students to commit unlawful acts or to violate school rules, causes material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school, or infringes on the rights of others.

Safe and Responsible Student Use of Networked Technology Resources
The Cedar Rapids Community School District offers students structured access to the District’s computer network, including electronic resources such as file, print, and graphic tools as well as Internet access. This network enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards and to exchange messages and instructional information with others throughout the world.

The internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The District makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the internet. Although students may be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Internet use through District resources will be monitored by the District. The District will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.

A. Safety and security of students
Electronic communication will be provided to the degree appropriate for the age and maturity of the students involved.

Electronically controlled and/or monitored communications
Electronic research and communication through web-based sites will be supervised by staff and controlled through filtering of identified restricted sites. (For details, see items D and E.)

Managed Communications/District-Provided Email Accounts
District staff will have authority to control and monitor student access to various modes of managed communication, including District-provided email accounts, established in support of educational activities. Students may participate in educational networking sites in monitored environments. Educational networking sites are used by students, and by educators as teaching tools and for professional development. These sites are usually restricted to selected users and are not available to the general public. Students will be restricted from accessing non-educational social networking and media sharing websites.

B. Responsible use issues
Access to the electronic information network is provided as a resource through which students may conduct school-related tasks, research, and communication. All access should be in support of and consistent with the District’s strategic plan and educational objectives.

Users of District networked resources may not engage in activities that are illegal, utilize inappropriate language, engage in plagiarism or copyright infringement, or that jeopardize the security of the system.

Electronic access is a privilege that entails responsibility. In conjunction with Board policies and procedures for student rights, responsibilities, and conduct, the following standards of behavior will be expected from all networked computer services users:

1. Students will access the system for educational purposes.
2. Students will restrict their access to material deemed appropriate by staff and parents.
3. Students will use appropriate language and will be respectful of others.
4. Students will understand and respect license and copyright agreements.
5. Students will keep passwords and personal information confidential.

C. Instruction on appropriate use
The District will instruct staff and students on the appropriate use of the Internet. Access to network services will be given only to students who act in a considerate and responsible manner. Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

The District will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyber-bullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:

• The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Internet Safety Policy;
• Student safety with regard to:
  • safety on the Internet;
  • appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and
  • in chat rooms; and
  • cyber-bullying awareness and response.
• Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act

D. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information
District networked resources will be used in a manner that protects the confidentiality of information about students and is fully in accord with the student confidentiality protection requirements of federal law, state law, and District policy (Regulation 606.2 -Release of Student Records.)

• Parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to authorize electronic publication of a student’s work.
• Student names, telephone numbers, and addresses will not be revealed to the public over the network without parental permission.

E. Access to inappropriate material
Staff and parents should be aware that some material accessible via the network may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. Prohibited material may not be accessed by the students or staff. This includes child pornography, material that is obscene and material that is considered harmful to minors as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Technology Protection Measure
A filter is used to protect against access to inappropriate material. The categories of sites and the degree to which sites are routinely blocked will be reviewed periodically.

Site blocking status may be changed based on a verified request by a staff member.

Although the District applies supervision and technology protection measures, students acting independently or irresponsibly may find ways to access inappropriate materials. Although such misuse is possible, this disadvantage is offset by the benefits to be gained from accessing legitimate information resources and by the opportunities for collaboration.

Age appropriate instruction will be provided regarding strategies for avoiding the inadvertent access of inappropriate material and what to do if students accidentally access such material.

Family and personal values
There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not correspond with the particular values of individuals or families. Parents/guardians are encouraged to convey to their children the standards they should follow when using electronic media and information sources.

F. Monitoring of on-line activity
Communications on the network are public in nature. In an attempt to maintain system integrity and to help guard against irresponsible use, District personnel may review student files and other communications at any time. Due to the very nature of the medium, however, the District may not always be completely successful in managing, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Supervision and monitoring
Student use of networked resources will be supervised and monitored by teachers in a manner that is appropriate for the age of the students and circumstances of use. Notice is provided to students regarding District monitoring, and students will be made aware that they have a very limited expectation of privacy when they use network resources at school. Routine monitoring that reveals evidence of inappropriate activities may result in an individualized search of a student’s activities or personal files.

Discipline
Misuse of the networked technology resources by students will be addressed in accord with District policies regarding Student Rights and Responsibilities (603) and Student Conduct (604). Violations may result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Damaged or Lost Property/Materials
Students who have attained the age of majority or the parent/legal guardian of minor students may be assessed the cost for damage to school property resulting from wanton, willful, or malicious acts. Also, they may be required to reimburse the District for the replacement costs of lost equipment or materials furnished by the school.

School Fees

The Cedar Rapids Community School District charges fees for certain items, such as consumable materials, summer school, and musical instrument rental. Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price meals, directly certified students eligible for Food Assistance and 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 enrolled in a CEP (Community Eligibility Program) school that are not on a Free and Reduced application or directly certified, must complete a Household Economic Survey for consideration. This waiver does not carry over from year to year; it must be applied for annually.

Student Fee Waiver

To be considered for reduced or waived school fees, you must complete the Free and Reduced Application, be directly certified, or complete a Household Economic Survey and complete the permissions section within annual verification.

Gifts to School Personnel

No Board member, employee, or immediate family member of a Board member or employee, shall accept a gift of more than three dollars ($3.00) in value in any one calendar day, and falling within the statutory definition of gift as it relates to public employees and officials. This regulation applies only to “restricted donors” as defined by the Code of Iowa §§ 68B.2

Weather-related Decisions

Every weather-related event is unique and requires the consideration of multiple factors in determining whether a delay of classes, early dismissal, or cancellation might be necessary. The final decision is made by the Superintendent/designee.

When hazardous weather threatens: The Superintendent/designee will consider input from the Transportation Manager, Custodial and Grounds Manager, area superintendents, and information from local meteorologists and online weather resources.

When a late start is deemed necessary: A decision is usually determined by 5:30 a.m. Late start times may vary depending on the weather conditions. There will be no morning early learning preschool or morning alternative kindergarten classes. In the event of a late start on a regularly-scheduled early dismissal day, the early dismissal will be cancelled and school will follow the regular dismissal times.

When a cancellation of classes is deemed necessary: A decision is usually determined by 5:30 a.m. All District schools, preschool/early learning program sites, and before- and after-school programs will be closed. Decisions regarding high school activity and athletic events will be made by the building administrator. As a general rule, elementary and middle school activities are cancelled. All weather-related cancellations must be made up. Make-up dates are part of the District calendar.

When an early-dismissal is deemed necessary: A decision is generally made by 10 a.m. Early-dismissal times may vary depending on the weather conditions. There will be no afternoon early learning preschool or afternoon alternative kindergarten classes. Children normally transported on buses will be returned by bus according to the early dismissal schedule unless other arrangements have been previously made and communicated to the child’s school. Decisions regarding high school activity and athletic events will be made by the building administrator/designee. As a general rule, elementary and middle school activities are cancelled.

Announcements of District weather-related decisions are communicated by the Community Relations Office through local media outlets and multiple District communication platforms.

Announcements of school activity and athletic event decisions are communicated by the building administrator/designee.
The District must make one decision that is appropriate for more than 16,000 students. We recognize that this decision may not always fit with individual circumstances. Therefore, we support parents/guardians in making the decision that is best for their family.

Reserved Time for Non-School Student Activities

Wednesday evenings and Sundays will be reserved for non-school sponsored student activities. On Wednesday, no public school-sponsored activity will detain elementary students after 4:30 p.m., middle school students after 5:45 p.m., and high school students after 7:00 p.m. Exceptions will be made only for compelling reasons, and will be approved by the building principal and the Superintendent/designee at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance.

At least annually, building principals will notify students and parents regarding the provisions of this regulation, and confirm that students may be excused without penalty from the Wednesday activities scheduled in accord with this regulation.

Use of Video Cameras on District Premises and District Transportation

The District will annually provide the following notice to employees
The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on District premises and video cameras and audio recording equipment on District transportation. The video cameras and audio recording equipment will be used to monitor and record employee behavior to maintain order on District premises and District transportation and to promote and maintain a safe environment. Employees are hereby notified that the content of the video and audio recordings may be used in an employee disciplinary investigation and/or proceeding. The content of the video and audio recordings may be confidential employee records and may be retained with other employment records. Video and audio recordings may be retained if necessary for use in an employee disciplinary investigation and/or proceeding or other matter as deemed necessary by the administration. Employees may request to view video and audio recordings involving them if the video and audio recordings are used in an employee disciplinary investigation and/or proceeding involving them.

The District will annually provide the following notice to students and parents:
The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of video cameras on District premises and video cameras and audio recording equipment on District transportation. The video cameras and audio recording equipment will be used to monitor and record student behavior to maintain order on District premises and District transportation and to promote and maintain a safe environment. Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the video and audio recordings may be used in a student disciplinary investigation and/or proceeding. The content of the video and audio recordings may be confidential student records and may be retained with other student records. Video and audio recordings may be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary investigation and/or proceeding or other matter as deemed necessary by the administration. Parents may request to review video and audio recordings of their child if the video and audio recordings are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options

Senior Year Plus legislation permits eligible high school students to take and receive college credit for courses at any public, private, or community college during the school year. Students in grades 11-12 who have exhausted the courses available in the District Program of Studies and meet eligibility requirements as set forth by Senior Year Plus legislation are eligible for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options. Courses that are successfully completed may apply toward graduation requirements and the District will pay up to $250 of the cost of a course. If a student fails or drops a course, the student will be responsible for paying all expenses incurred. Students interested in participating in this program should contact their school counselor. The school district does not pay for the cost of summer school courses.

Annual Notice Regarding Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’ education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of receipt of the request
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believe are inaccurate or misleading.
Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff, law enforcement unit personnel and certain volunteers); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employees, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
(4) The right to inform the District that the parent or eligible student does not want the District’s designated directory information, as defined below, to be released to the public.
To object to the designation and release of student records as directory information, the parent or eligible student must notify the principal in writing, prior to September 1 of each school year (or two weeks from the date of enrollment in the District if such enrollment occurs after September 1). This object on the release of directory information must be renewed annually. THIS FORM MAY BE PICKED UP IN THE SCHOOL’S MAIN OFFICE.
Directory information means information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The Cedar Rapids Community School District has designated the following student information as directory information: Student name, the most recent previous school or institution attended by the student, grade level, parent name, address, telephone number, district-issued email address, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees and awards received, and distinguished academic performance or public service.
In addition, two federal laws require local school districts receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents or eligible students have advised the school district that they do not want their student’s information disclosed to military recruiters without their prior written consent annually.
(5) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20202-8520 or visit their web site at: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OII/fpco/ for more information.
(6) The District may share information contained in a student’s record with officials of the juvenile justice system if such information will assist in their ability to serve the student.
(7) The District has contracted with Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to provide driver education instruction for high school students. Information relating to eligibility for full or partial waivers of school fees will be released to Kirkwood for students taking driver education during the school year. If a parent wishes to opt out of this disclosure, the parent will be expected to pay 100 percent of the cost of the driver education course.
(8) Teachers utilize online platforms to administer learning. Establishing a data feed from the student information system to the platform is needed for class rostering, student login, and student access in the classroom. Enrolled courses, sections, teachers, and directory data could be shared with the following online platforms depending on your student’s school and grade: Seesaw, HeadSprout, MobyMax, Code.org, GoGuardian, Fossweb, Edgenuity, IXL, Lexia Core5, McGraw Hill, DreamBox, Goodheart-Wilcox, National Geographic / Cengage Learning, ST Math, Happy Numbers Stemscopes, HMH, Mind Research Institute, Gizmos, SuperKids.

Release of Student Directory-Type Information

Information designated by District Regulation 606.2 as student directory-type information is considered to be public record, open to public inspection as outlined in Chapter 22, Code of Iowa.

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the District. For purposes of this regulation, and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in district-sponsored child care programs, if any. Directory information is defined in the Annual Notice. It may include the student’s name, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, photograph or other likeness.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, including those open-enrolled out of the District and parents of children home-schooled in the District, will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child’s information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

To object to the designation and release of student records as directory information, the parent or eligible student must notify the principal in writing, prior to September 1 of each school year (or two weeks from the date of enrollment in the District if such enrollment occurs after September 1). This objection to the release of directory information must be renewed annually. THIS FORM MAY BE PICKED UP IN THE SCHOOL’S MAIN OFFICE.

Notice shall be published yearly stipulating that such student directory-type information will be released upon request. (See Regulation 606.2)
U.S. Code 20, Section 1232g
P.L. 93-380 as amended
Code of Iowa: Chapter 22

Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
   • Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –

Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;

2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law;
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
   • Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the education curriculum.
   These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:

1. Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
2. Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
3. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, and 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-8520

No Child Left Behind Legislation

The “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB), 2001 grants parents the right to know the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teachers. It is the right of a parent to ask for the following information about each of the child’s classroom teachers:

• Teacher state qualifications and licensing criteria for subject areas and grade level
• College major, degrees, and certifications held by teacher and are of discipline.
• Information about teachers who are teaching with conditional licenses.
  If you would like to receive information regarding your child’s teacher, please contact your child’s school administrator. In addition, parents have the right to:
• Information on student’s performance level on state assessments
• Timely notice of four or more weeks regarding teaching by teacher not fully qualified
• Qualifications of paraprofessionals who provides services to students

Student Support Services

Additional support services are available to assist teachers when concerns arise with students. These services include building staff (special education teacher, counselor, nurse, health secretary, etc.) and Grant Wood Area Education Agency staff (psychologist, social worker, consultant, speech-language pathologist, occupational and physical therapist, work experience coordinators, and others.) Teachers and families may use input on an informal basis or request formal assistance in identifying strategies to address a concern, in carrying out these strategies, or in monitoring individual student progress. These services are available for all students by teacher or parent request through the counselor at the student’s school.

Open Enrollment

Parents/guardians making use of the open enrollment option to request enrollment of their children in another public school district in the State of Iowa must submit an Open Enrollment Application to both the requested district and resident district for approval. Transportation shall NOT be provided to students who enter the District under the Open Enrollment Law of 1989 as amended, unless such transportation is required by law. The District has the right to assign an open enrolled student to a particular school. Parents should be aware that open enrollment may result in the loss of high school athletic eligibility. Forms may be obtained by calling 558-2414.
Complete information is available on line from the Iowa Department of Education;
https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/options-educational-choice/open-enrollment

Open Enrollment Applications

It is the intent of Iowa Code section 282.12 to maximize parental choice in providing a wide range of educational opportunities that are not available for students in the district of residence. Open enrollment is the procedure allowing a parent/guardian to enroll a child in a public school district other than the district of residence at no tuition cost. The “resident district” is the district of residence for school purposes of the parent/guardian and the district in which an open enrollment pupil will be counted for the purpose of generating state aid regardless of the District in which the pupil is enrolled. The “receiving district” is the non-resident public school district in which a parent/guardian desires to have the pupil enrolled. A parent/guardian residing in a
school district may apply to enroll the parent’s or guardian’s child in a public school in another school district in accordance with the prescribed deadlines and procedures.
Free transportation will not be provided to students who enter the District under the Open Enrollment Law of 1989 as amended, unless such transportation is required by law. The District maintains the right to assign an open enrolled student to a particular school. Athletic restrictions may apply in some instances.
Requests to open enroll a child requiring special education will only be granted if the receiving district maintains a special education instructional program which is appropriate to meet the child’s educational needs, and enrollment of the child in the receiving district’s program would not exceed the maximum class size in rule adopted by the State Board of Education for that
program.
A parent/guardian may appeal the decision of the Board of Education of a school district (resident or receiving) on any matter related to open enrollment. This appeal is to the Iowa Department of Education and shall comply with the provisions of Iowa Code section 290.1. The appeal will be filed within 30 days of the decision of the Board of Education. It will be in the form of an affidavit signed by the parent/guardian, and it will state in a plain and concise manner what the parent/guardian feels to be the basis for appeal.
Code of Iowa: 282.18
Iowa Administrative Code: Chapter 17

Open Enrollment Into the District

The parent/guardian of the student requesting to open enroll into the Cedar Rapids Community School District will submit an open enrollment request to both the Cedar Rapids Community School District and the student’s resident district. The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board/designee will then act upon the request. Notification of either approval or denial of the request will be provided to the parent/guardian and the resident district of the disposition of the application.

A request to open enroll into the District will be approved if:

• The student is in good standing with their current district and is not currently suspended or expelled.
• Classroom space is sufficient
• The appropriate instructional program is available

Open Enrollment Out of the District

Parents/guardians requesting open enrollment out of the Cedar Rapids Community School
District for their student will notify the resident district (Cedar Rapids Community School District)
and receiving school districts. The notice is made on forms developed by the Iowa Department
of Education and available at each school site. The open enrollment request will be forwarded
by the parent/guardian to the receiving school district’s Board or their designee, who will act on
the request.

Applications filed will be acted upon within thirty days of receiving the request. Board action is
required on all denied open enrollment applications.

Reference:
Iowa Code § 282.18(3)
Iowa Administrative Code 17.6(2)
Iowa Department of Education Open Enrollment Handbook

In-District Attendance Permits – Regular Education

Parents/guardians may request an In-District Attendance Permit for their student to attend a school outside of their resident attendance area for students that meet one of the following criteria.

• Student requires a transfer for documented reasons.
• Student has moved to a different school outside of their attendance zone and would like to continue at their current school.
• Student has a sibling currently attending the requested school.

Application forms are available on the District’s website. Each attendance permit application will be evaluated and either
approved or denied by the appropriate administrator, who may consult with the receiving and resident school administrators.

The following guidelines are in effect beginning with the 2019-2020 school year regarding promotion/transitional years
(elementary to middle and middle to high):

In-district attendance permits granted during Elementary School:

• When a student transitions from elementary to middle school they will attend the designated middle school.  If the designated middle school to which the student is permitted feeds to a single high school, the student will attend that high school without the need to permit.

         In-district attendance permits granted during Middle School:

• If the middle school to which the student is permitted feeds to a single high school, the student will attend that high school without need to renew the permit.
• If the middle school to which the student is permitted feeds to multiple high schools, the student will attend their high school of residence or reapply for a permit.

**These guidelines during promotion/transitional years also apply to students who have participated in the lottery process at our magnet schools.

The following are additional considerations:

• In-district permits must be filled out for each student requesting a transfer.
• Families are required to provide their own transportation for the student(s) when voluntarily transferring.
• If a request for an in-district attendance permit is denied, an appeal may be made in writing to the Chief of Schools (Area 1 or Area 2, or Area 3) overseeing your student’s grade level, whose decision on the matter shall be final.

All In-District Permits Are Subject to Cancellation Upon:

• Changes to in-district permit policies.
• Changes to boundaries/attendance areas.
• Change in student transportation needs.
• Failure of the student to maintain adequate attendance and/or behavior patterns.
• Verification that voluntary school transfer request information provided was inaccurate or incomplete.
• In-district permits are subject to administrative revocation for reasonable cause by mutual agreement of the principals involved and the appropriate level administrator.

In-District Attendance Permits – Special Education

Parents/Guardians may request an In-District Attendance Permit for their students in special education to attend a school outside of their resident attendance area. Application forms are available at each school site and on the District’s website. Completed forms must be submitted to the school in their attendance area for initial review. Once permit applications have been reviewed at the school level they will be submitted to the Office of Learning and Leadership.

Each attendance permit application will be evaluated and either approved or denied by the appropriate administrator in the Office of Learning and Leadership in consultation with the Executive Director of Special Services as well as the receiving and resident school administrators.

Special Education permit approval will first be based on the same criteria and conditions as regular education permits. Additional conditions for special education permit approval include space in the appropriate special education program and the availability of the appropriate program and services in the requested building. The Executive Director of Special Services or designee will determine the availability of space and an appropriate program and services. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team may be called upon to review appropriateness of the program placement when such placement is being considered or after a permit placement has occurred for a student.

Parents with approved attendance permits will be responsible for the transportation of students not attending their resident area school, or the special education assigned school.

Competent Private Instruction
Independent Private Instruction
Home School Assistance Program

The parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of any child who has reached the age of 6 and has not yet turned 16 by September 15 of the current school year, and is not enrolled in either a public school or an accredited nonpublic school, must file the Competent Private Instruction (CPI) form annually. The form is due to the resident district by the first day of classes of the public school or 14 calendar days after removal from an accredited school or moving into the District. Evidence that the child has had the immunizations required by law must be provided at the time the child is first placed under competent private instruction. All required information must be provided or the application will be invalid and students will be counted absent/truant if they are not currently attending a public or an accredited nonpublic school.

The Home School Assistance Program offers home-schooling parents/guardians teacher-assisted services and resources. For information, contact the Home School Assistance Office at 558-2088.
The deadline for dual enrollment and/or Home School Assistance Program (if space is available) is September 15 or within 14 calendar days after moving to the district, or within 14 calendar days after removing the child from school. Home school or home school assistance program students enrolled in classes or participating in school activities in the school district are subject to the same policies, rules and regulations as other students and are disciplined in the same manner as other students.

The District shall refer a child who may be in need of special education to the area education agency division of special education. (CRCSD 602.2a) CPI forms may be obtained by calling 558-2414.
Independent Private Instruction is also an option.
Complete information is available online from the Iowa Department of Education;
https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/options-educational-choice/home-schooling-private-instruction 

Asbestos Notification

Asbestos has been an issue of concern for many years. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) was designed to determine the extent of asbestos concerns in the schools and to act as a guide in formulating asbestos management policies for the schools.

The CRCSD has been surveyed for asbestos every three years since 1986. As is the case for most public schools and commercial buildings in Iowa, asbestos-containing products were found in our buildings: except for Maple Grove Elementary, Viola Gibson Elementary, West Willow Elementary, the New Maintenance Shop at Kingston and the Educational Leadership and Support Center, which are newer buildings.

Wherever the potential exists for damaged materials to cause asbestos fibers to be released in to the air, we have encapsulated or enclosed the material. Most of these materials are in areas that are inaccessible to students, such as mechanical rooms or pipe tunnels.

An Asbestos Management Program has been developed to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are maintained in a condition in which they do not pose a health hazard. As part of this program, these material are periodically inspected.

As part of our annual maintenance and repair projects some asbestos-containing materials will be removed by a licensed contractor and under AHERA guidelines. The list of schools that currently have projects scheduled are:

• List planned or in progress projects

• Kennedy High School floor tile – floor tile removal
• Washington High School – floor tile removal
• Erskine Elementary School – floor tile removal
• Kingston Stadium – pipe insulation removal

Anyone wishing to know more about the Asbestos Management Program or the asbestos-containing materials found in the Cedar Rapid Schools may request to read the Asbestos Management Plan which is on file in the school office.

Our school district facilities have been inspected by a certified asbestos inspector as required by AHERA. The inspector located, sampled and determined the condition and hazard potential of all material in the school facilities suspected of containing asbestos. The inspection and laboratory analysis records form the basis of the asbestos management plan.

A certified management planner has developed an asbestos management plan for the school district facilities which includes: notification letters, training for employees, a set of procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, and plans for regular surveillance of the materials. A copy of the management plan is available for inspection in the main office of each school.

STUDENT HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Student Illness or Injury during the School Day

Students are sent to the health office if they are injured or appear ill. Health office staff will attend to the student’s complaint. This may include providing first aid, asking the student questions about how he/she feels, taking a temperature, making observations, talking to the teacher, and contacting the school nurse. Students will be sent home for:

• A temperature of 100.4º F. or higher
• Active, illness related vomiting or diarrhea,

The parent/guardian will be called and the student will be sent home. Other symptoms that influence the decision to send the student home include general appearance and functioning in the classroom.  After a period of observation a decision will be made to do one of the following: 

• Notify the parent/guardian for symptoms of illness or injury of a serious nature as determined by the school nurse and/or health secretary. Not all student visits to the health office will result in parents/guardians being contacted.
• Allow the student to rest in the health office for a brief period then return to class.

Students are to be fever-free without fever reducing medication before returning to school. During times of high rates of illness, such as during influenza season, the length of time a student must remain home after fever/symptoms of illness may change as recommended by Linn County Public Health.

Communicable Diseases

(CRCSD Procedure 605.3c)
Students with communicable disease will be allowed to attend school as long as their attendance does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to the students or staff.  The term “communicable disease” will mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.  Parents are advised to notify the school whenever their child has a communicable disease. All health information of students is strictly confidential. Exceptions are provided in Regulation 606.1 “Student Records”.

A student will be excluded from school when the student’s condition has been determined to create a health risk to others in the District environment or when the student is too ill to attend school.  Such determination shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the student’s physician, the school nurse, appropriate school staff members, the State Department of Public Health and/or the Linn County Public Health. 

Provision of Emergency Care

(CRCSD Procedure 605.3a)
Staff trained in first aid/emergency care techniques may provide emergency care or first aid to sick or injured students whenever they are under District supervision. For severe or life-threatening injuries and illnesses, the Emergency Assistance Number (911) will be called, and the student will be transferred to an appropriate source of medical care as rapidly as possible.

During the published school-calendar year, each building will have designated, trained building medical responders. Written guidelines for medical emergencies will be reviewed and updated annually and will be available in every building. Medical responder teams will meet yearly to clarify procedures and update medical emergency practices.

Incidents requiring assessment by a healthcare provider will be documented according to Health Services reporting procedures. Medical responder teams will meet after emergency incidents for debriefing of the event.

Annually, parents are requested to provide emergency information, including the phone numbers of parents/guardians and alternative numbers to call in case of injury or illness at school.

The District will obtain epinephrine auto-injectors so if trained school personnel are available it can be administered to a student or individual who may be experiencing a suspected anaphylactic reaction.

Concussion

CRCSD Board Regulation 410:

In accordance with Iowa Code 280.13C and Iowa Administrative Code 641-54, the Cedar Rapids Community School District implements and mandates both the Return To Learn and Return To Play policies for all students who participate in an extracurricular interscholastic activity in grades seven through twelve.

In addition, Return to Learn and Return to Play guidelines will be implemented when school staff become aware of any student, PK through 12, who has been diagnosed with a concussion by a healthcare provider or shows signs/symptoms of concussion. This includes concussions resulting from home/non-school sponsored activities/injuries/accidents. If signs or symptoms of concussion are present, Return to Learn and Return to Play procedures will be implemented. School nurses will contact parent/guardian, student and counselor as soon as possible for follow up. Teachers, parent/guardian and student, if age appropriate, will be provided concussion symptom checklists. In order to return to play, which includes athletics, other sanctioned and school sponsored events/activities, PE and recess, the student must be 100% symptom free at school and at home.

• See the district website for specific Concussion Return to Learn/Play guidelines

Administration of Medication Policy

Prescription Medication. Only medication prescribed by a legal prescriber shall be administered during the time the student is at school.  The parent/guardian shall provide written authorization and instructions. The medication (in original container) must be kept in the school health office unless the school nurse authorizes otherwise. By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication with approval of their parents and prescribing health care provider.  Permission forms are available in each school health office or on the District’s website

Over-the-Counter Medication. A legal prescriber’s signature is required on the District’s medication permission form, or a prescription from a legal prescriber, before any over-the-counter medications will be given- including lotions and cough drops etc. Middle and high school students, in accordance with Health Services protocols for common complaints of pain, may have school supplied limited, over-the-counter medication with written parental consent.

Supplements and Natural Remedies: All medications administered at school must be FDA approved. Experimental, off-label supplements, herbal, alternative, complementary and homeopathic medications, including all forms of essential oils, CBD products and medical cannabidiol under the Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Act, are unable to be administered at school because the substances are not FDA approved and there are not evidenced based safety parameters for school personnel to administer at school.

Stock Life Saving Medications (Epinephrine, Albuterol, Narcan/Naloxone): Iowa law allows that a school district may obtain a prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers in the name of the school district or accredited nonpublic school for administration to a student or individual who may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction or may require treatment for respiratory distress, asthma, or other airway constricting disease. In addition, a school district may obtain a valid prescription for an opioid antagonist (Narcan/Naloxone) and maintain a supply of opioid antagonists in a secure location at each location where a student may be present.

**A Legal Prescriber is a physician, dentist, podiatrist, licensed physician assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner.

Immunizations

(CRCSD Regulation 602.1)

All students new to the District shall present evidence they have received state mandated immunizations, or meet the exception as outlined in the Code of Iowa, before they may enroll in our schools. Students may be admitted conditionally for 60 days to the attendance center if they have completed provisional requirements. Failure to meet state immunization requirements will be grounds for denial of admission or exclusion. Exemptions from the requirement will only be allowed for medical or religious reasons recognized by law. The student must provide a valid Iowa State Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption to be exempt from this policy. Forms are available here.

Health Screenings – Hearing, Dental, and Vision

According to Iowa Code 279.76: Each school district is prohibited from administering or conducting an invasive physical examination of a student, or a student health screening that is not required by state or federal law, without first acquiring the written consent of the student’s parent or guardian. This does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening. If you do not want your child to participate in vision or hearing screenings, please notify the health office in writing at the beginning of the year.

Hearing Screening: Hearing Screening: Grant Wood Area Education Agency (GWAEA) screens all PK, K, 1 and 5th grade students. Follow up testing may occur periodically if previous hearing test results were not within normal limits. Parents/guardians with concerns about their child’s hearing may contact their school nurse or Grant Wood Area Education Agency to schedule a hearing test at any time, (319)399-6700.

Dental Screening: I-smile @ School will be visiting schools during the 2023-24 school year. Johnson County Public Health in collaboration with HACAP will send a Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant to screen children for decay, place sealants, and apply fluoride varnish if they have a signed consent marked yes for your child. The consents will go home with a letter detailing the process in advance. If you wish to have your child participate in one or all of these services, it must be indicated on the consent form and signed and returned to school. These services are provided at no cost to families and are a great tool in finding/preventing dental concerns. HACAP is also great at connecting families with much needed resources to ensure your child has a dental home and gets scheduled for treatment if concerns are noted during the dental screening.

• Iowa law requires that any student entering kindergarten and ninth grade provide a valid Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Dental. (This form is available from your school nurse, dentist, or on the CRCSD Web site in the Student Services/Health Services section.) The goal of this legislation is for each student to receive the benefit of early and regular dental care including prevention, and to establish a dental home for children who may not have one.

Vision Screening: All PK, AK and K (ages 6 and younger) students are screened by the Lion’s Club and results are analyzed by Kidsight at the U of I. Written parent/guardian consent is required by the Lion’s Club.

• Iowa law requires that the parent or guardian of a child who is to be enrolled in a public or accredited nonpublic elementary school shall ensure the child is screened for vision impairment at least once before enrollment in kindergarten and again before enrollment in grade three.

To be valid, a child vision screening shall be performed on a child no earlier than one year prior to the date of the child’s enrollment in kindergarten and no later than six months after the date of the child’s enrollment in kindergarten.
The requirement for a child vision screening may be satisfied by any of the following: a. A vision screening or comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. b. A vision screening conducted at a pediatrician’s or family practice physician’s office, a free clinic, a child care center, a local public health department, a public or accredited nonpublic school, or a community-based organization or by an advanced registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

A Certificate of Vision Screening Form is available on the district website.

Parents/guardians with concerns about their child’s vision should contact the school nurse/health office.

Metro Care Connection

Metro Care Connection is the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s expanded school-based health services provided by district nurse practitioners. The program focuses on removing barriers to learning for youth and strives to meet diverse student needs, improve well-being, increase student attendance and achievement, and ensure connectedness. Services include health care such as physicals, immunizations and minor illness treatment. A consent form signed by a parent/guardian is required for students to receive services. To learn more about these services or access the services please call 558-2481, talk to your school nurse or go to the District website.

Physical Examinations

Yearly physical exams are required for participation in Preschool and 7th through 12th grade athletics and certain sanctioned activities. Failure to provide proof of medical eligibility for full participation will make the student ineligible for athletic/activities participation or enrollment in preschool. Students who cannot afford the cost of the physical examination should contact the coach of their sport or the school nurse for assistance. In addition, Metro Care Connection offers health care and service to students by Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners at no cost to uninsured or underinsured families.

Health Insurance

Parents/guardians 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 under age 19, who meet certain criteria, are eligible.  The coverage includes doctor visits, hearing services, dental care, prescriptions, immunizations, physical therapy, vision care, speech therapy, hospital services, mental health and substance abuse care.  More information and applications are available online at www.dhs.iowa.gov/hawk-i. Parents/guardians may also call 1-800-257-8563 to have an application mailed or contact the Linn County Outreach Specialist at 319-739-1510 for additional assistance. More information is available at: https://dhs.iowa.gov/hawki

Head Lice

The Cedar Rapids Community School District head lice procedures follow recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Education and Centers for Disease Control. The District’s role is to support parents by emphasizing prevention, early detection and education. Students with signs and symptoms of head lice will be referred to the health office for assessment. Parents/guardians of students found to have live lice, will be notified and provided with information regarding treatment and management. Students are not excluded from school for live head lice or nits. It is important that families check their child’s head for lice on a routine basis.  Regular home screening is the most effective measure in preventing, identifying, and controlling head lice.

Special Diet Requests

If your child has been determined by a licensed health care provider to have a medical condition that restricts their diet and requires dietary accommodations, a Diet Prescription Form must be completed by a medical authority and returned to the health office.  All meal modifications require a completed and signed Diet Prescription Form on file.  The Diet Prescription Form must be completed by a medical authority that is authorized by state law to write medical prescriptions; in Iowa this includes only MD, DO, PA, ARNP, or Dentists. The Diet Prescription Form is available on the district website at: https://crschools.us/students-and-families/school-meals/menus/ and your school’s health office.  A soy milk alternative to fluid cow’s milk is available to those with a medical condition when prescribed by a medical authority. There will be no additional cost to a modified meal due to a medical condition. Notice of procedural rights are available here and here on the District website. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Food and Nutrition Department at 319-558-2305.

Wellness Policy

The Cedar Rapids Community School District supports a culture and climate of wellness for all students and staff. The district promotes the development of healthy students by supporting a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health, academic achievement, and quality of life of students.

Nutrition Education and Promotion
The District will provide nutrition education andThe District will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion to influence lifelong healthy eating behaviors.

Physical Activity
The District will provide students with physical education using an age-appropriate physical education curriculum consistent with national and state standards for physical education. The District will promote the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and will help students develop skills to engage in lifelong healthy habits.

Other School Based Activities that Promote Wellness
The District will support the efforts of students, staff and parents/guardians to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The District will promote strategies to support students and staff in actively promoting and modeling healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

Nutritional Standards for all Foods Available on Campus
All schools within the District are committed to offering school meals through Federal Child Nutrition Programs that meet current nutrition requirements established by local, state and federal regulations. The District requires that foods and beverages offered on campus and for school activities during the school day (midnight until 30 minutes after dismissal) meet applicable, local, federal and state guidelines.

Plan for Wellness Policy Implementation and Effectiveness

The District Wellness Committee will:
1) Develop, review, and monitor the implementation of wellness initiatives as guided by the Board Policy
and Regulations.

The District Wellness Policy Leadership team will:
1) Inform and update staff and the public about the content and implementation of the policy
2) Ensure each school implements and complies with the Wellness Policy
3) Conduct a Triennial Assessment and Summary

Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Provided/Sold on Campus and for School Activities:

District Nutrition Guidelines for foods and beverages reflect the federally regulated Smart Snack nutrition standards. All foods and beverages provided/sold on campus during the school day, outside of the Federal meal programs, should meet the District Nutritional Guidelines. (Federal meal programs must adhere to meal pattern regulations). This includes a la carte, school stores, celebrations, fundraisers, student accessible vending machines etc.

• The school day is defined by USDA as the period from midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.
• Competitive foods may not be sold or offered one-half hour prior to, during, or one-half hour after the meal shifts of food service programs unless permission has been granted by the Manager of the Food and Nutrition Department.
• If food is brought to school to be shared, it must be prepackaged and prepared by a vendor, with the exception of whole fruits and vegetables.
• Foods and beverages, provided/sold outside of the school USDA defined school day are encouraged to meet District Nutritional Guidelines. This includes groups in the school community who offer foods and beverages for sale at school sponsored events outside of the school day.
• All foods and beverages made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines. For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the food service operations are limited to child nutrition staff.
• Foods and beverages sold during fundraisers with the clear intention for later consumption. (ex: frozen pizza/pastry fundraisers) can be exempt from the District Nutritional Guidelines, though it is encouraged that fundraising activities meet District Nutritional Guidelines.

It is the responsibility for each building to ensure District Nutritional Guidelines are met when foods are made available during the school day outside of the Federal meal programs.

Guidelines for Fragrance-Free Products

It is imperative that the District ensure the wellbeing and safety of all its staff and students to support a positive learning environment.  In order to create a safer learning environment, the District must work to protect the indoor and outdoor air quality of its campuses.  Strong scents and fragrances can contribute to poor indoor air quality that can be unhealthy to students and staff. There are many people who experience unpleasant physical effects from scented products and a growing number of people who suffer more severe reactions to these types of products and chemicals. People with sensitivity to chemicals can experience a range of debilitating physical reactions, some even life-threatening, used in a variety of scented materials, including fragrances and chemical products. Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odors, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an episode. Some people may report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many ‘normal’ activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).

All teachers, students, and staff members are asked to refrain from bringing cleaning products, air deodorizers, or other personal care products into the classroom unless they are identified as fragrance-free. The use of essential oils, in all manners of delivery, is prohibited in any setting where students are, or may be, present. In addition, cleaning products with strong scents should only be used during off-
peak school hours.

Staff should also limit or refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance-free environment.  Fragrance products can include: hand sanitizers, cologne, perfume, scented lotions, hair products, candles, air fresheners, plug-ins, and similar products.