501 Student Attendance

STUDENT ATTENDANCE
 
It shall be the policy of this school district to encourage regular attendance on the part of each student.   An accurate and consistently maintained record system is crucial to alerting the staff of the attendance pattern of each student.
 
The staff should use resources available to meet the goal of achieving regular attendance for all students.  It is imperative that:
 

  1. Teachers let students know they care for them and want them in attendance every day.

 

  1. Parents and guardians be aware that teachers expect their help in seeing that students attend school daily.

 

  1. Students realize that valuable information and training is provided each day by the teachers, and they will miss important learning opportunities if they do not attend school daily.

 
Students who are absent from school without a reasonable excuse as determined by the administration shall be subject to disciplinary measures which may include, but not be limited to, short-term and long-term suspension and expulsion.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code Sections 274.1;  279.8;  299.8
Court Cases:  Burdick v. Babcock, 31 Ia. 562 (1871)
DPI Decision:  In re Sandra Mitchell v. Benton Community School District, 
1 D.P.I,  App. Dec. 20,  June 1978
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:   March 1998                 
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 

501.1 Student Attendace Requirement

STUDENT ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
 
It shall be the policy of the Board of Directors to require that all persons over seven and under sixteen years of age be enrolled in:
 
      1.   A public school, or
      2.   An approved private school, or
      3.   An approved private instruction program.
 
Program attendance is required for a minimum of twenty-four weeks.
 
Exceptions to this policy are limited to:
 
      1.   Persons who are over fourteen year of age and regularly employed, or
      2.   Persons who have completed the eighth grade, or persons excused by any court of record or judge.
 
The District will verify that all persons within the age limits of this policy are in attendance in appropriate/equivalent educational programs.  Appropriate procedures for handling school truancy cases will be developed and implemented by the school administration.
 
 
Legal References:         Iowa Code Sections 279.10;  279.33;  299.1;  299.2;  299.5;
299.15  Attorney General Rulings:  78-1-12
 
Cross References:         507.5    Emergency Plans & Drills
601.2    School Calendar
 
 
Adopted:  May 12, 1986                        
 
Reviewed:   March 1998                       
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 

501.2 Entrance - Admissions

ENTRANCE - ADMISSIONS
 
Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five.  The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program.  The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.
 
The board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence before the student may enroll in the school district's education program.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.
 
Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by the superintendent is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3, .6 (2001).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 258.
 
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed: September 2006 
December 17, 2012      
 
Revised:  February 17, 2003
                                                                             
 

501.3 Compulsory Attendance

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
 
Parents within the school district who have children over age six and under age sixteen by September 15, in proper physical and mental condition to attend school, shall have the children attend the school district at the attendance center designated by the board.  Students shall attend school the number of days school is in session in accordance with the school calendar.  Students of compulsory attendance age shall attend school a minimum of 175 days.  Students not attending the minimum days must be exempted by this policy as listed below or, for students in grades 7-12, referred to the county attorney or, for students in grades K-6, referred to the Attendance Cooperation process.  Exceptions to this policy include children who:
 
1)         have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or have obtained              a high school equivalency diploma;
2)         are attending religious services or receiving religious instruction;
3)         are attending an approved or probationally approved private college preparatory school;
4)         are attending an accredited nonpublic school; or,
5)         are receiving competent private instruction.
 
It is the responsibility of the parent of a child to provide evidence of the child’s mental and physical inability to attend school or of the child’s qualifications for one of the exceptions listed above. 
 
The principal shall investigate the cause for a student’s truancy.  If the principal is unable to secure the truant student’s attendance, the principal should discuss the next step with the school board.  If after school board action, the student is still truant, the principal shall refer the matter over to the county attorney for students in grades 7 - 12.  Truant students who have not yet completed sixth grade will be subject to the Attendance Cooperation Process outlined in the supporting administrative regulation.
 
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney.  The superintendent shall represent the school district in mediation.  The school district will monitor the student’s compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney.
 
Legal References:         Iowa Code §§ 239.5B; 259A; 279.10-11; ch 299; 299A (1997)
441 I.A.C. 41.25(8)
1978 Op. Att’y. Gen. 379
 
Cross References:         501       Student Attendance
601.2    School Calendar
602.16  Equivalent Instruction
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:  January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 
Revised: March 1998
                                                                              
 

501.4 Student Attendance Records

STUDENT ATTENDANCE RECORDS
 
As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.
 
It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
506       Student Records
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:  March 1998
September 2006
December 17, 2012
                  
Revised:  February 17, 2003
                                                                        
 

501.5 Resident Students

RESIDENT STUDENTS
 
Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.
 
The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents.  However, a student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education.  Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.
 
Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.
 
Legal Reference:           Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
 Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4 (2001).
1956 Op. Att'y Gen. 185.
1946 Op. Att'y Gen. 197.
1938 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.
1930 Op. Att'y Gen. 147.
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:  March 1998 
September 2006
December 17, 2012
                 
Revised:  February 17, 2003
                                                                                
 

501.6 Nonresident Students

NONRESIDENT STUDENTS
 
Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.
 
Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in the school district may be permitted to attend without the payment of tuition at the discretion of the superintendent and approval of the board.  Students who plan to open enroll to the nonresident district may complete the school year without approval of the superintendent or board.  These students, other than students in grades eleven and twelve, must have the recommendation of the principal, as well as an adult who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.
 
Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition.  These students must have an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.
 
Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to the third Friday in September may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.
 
Legal Reference:           Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .24 (2001).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:  March 1998 
September 2006
December 17, 2012
           
Revised:  February 17, 2003
                                                                               
 

501.7 International Students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
 
Qualified international students may be enrolled and attend school if they are recommended by the American Field Service, Youth for Understanding, or an approved local organization and reside within the boundaries of this district.  Proper I-20 forms and other required papers must be processed by the district, the student, and the sponsoring organization before an international student can be formally admitted to school.
 
Cross Reference:          501.5    Resident Students
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:   March 1998                 
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 

501.8 Shared-Time Students

SHARED-TIME STUDENTS
 
Students enrolled in private school may attend public schools on a shared-time basis, provided that (1) courses to be taken in the public school are not offered in the home institution; and (2) any prerequisites for such courses have been satisfied.
 
The Board of Directors has the authority to govern and regulate the attendance of shared-time students in the public school.
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code Section 257.26
Attorney General Rulings:  May 9, 1972
 
Cross Reference:          603.9    Shared-Time Enrollment
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:   March 1998                 
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 

501.9 Pregnant Students

PREGNANT STUDENTS
 
The board encourages pregnant students to continue to attend the education program as long as they are physically able to do so.  The pregnant student may notify the principal or the guidance counselor as soon as she is aware of the pregnancy.  The school may require that a pregnant student provide the principal with a written note from her doctor relative to special conditions that might exist and specific suggestions as to how long the student may continue to attend classes.  If the student is unable to attend school because of her pregnancy, the student may be excused and arrangements made to continue her studies during her absence.  The student will resume classes upon the recommendation of her physician.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 216; 279.8; 280.3 (2001).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:  March 1998
September 2006
December 17, 2012
                  
Revised:  February 17, 2003
                                                                       
 

501.10 Homeless Children and Youth

HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
 
The board will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth within the district, encourage their enrollment and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving an education which may exist in district policies or practices.  The designated coordinator for identification of homeless children and for tracking and monitoring programs and activities for these children is the Superintendent.
 
Legal Reference:           No Child Left Behind, Title X, Sec. 722, P.L. 107-110 (2002).
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq. (1994).
281 I.A.C. 33 (2005).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
503.3    Fines - Fees - Charges
506       Student Records
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
603.3    Special Education
711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility
 
Adopted: November 12, 1990              
 

Reviewed:  March, 1998
September 2006                         
December 17, 2012 
 
Revised: August 15, 2005
                                                                   

501.10E Adopted Definition of Homeless Children and Youth

HARTLEY-MELVIN-SANBORN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
ADOPTED DEFINITION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
 
The term “homeless children and youth” –
 
(A) means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence…; and
 
(B) includes—
            (i) children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;
            (ii) children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings…
            (iii) children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
            (iv) migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii). 
 

501.11 Student Transfers In

STUDENT TRANSFERS IN
 
Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.  The school district reserves the right to deny admission to any nonresident student unless the student is complying with open enrollment procedures.
 
The school district shall request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination.  The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.
 
The superintendent shall determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.
 
The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.
 
Legal Reference:        20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1988).
Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 282.1, .3; 299A (1995).
 
Cross Reference:       501             Student Attendance
505.3          Student Honors and Awards
507             Student Health and Well-Being
 
Previously Policy No. 505.7
 
Adopted:  February 8, 1988                   
 
Reviewed:   March 1998
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012
 
Revised:   July 17, 1995
                                                                       
 

501.12 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals

STUDENT TRANSFERS OUT OR WITHDRAWALS
 
If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they will notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc. 
 
The notice will state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.
 
If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents will notify the superintendent in writing.  This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent.  If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.
 
If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.
 
Legal Reference:           20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A (2001).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
506       Student Records
602.16  Equivilant Instruction
 
 
Adopted:  February 17, 2003                 
 
Reviewed: September 2006                   
December 17, 2012
 

501.13 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District

OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A SENDING DISTRICT
 
The school district will participate in open enrollment as a sending district.  As a sending district, the board will allow resident students who meet the requirements to open enroll to another public school district.
 
Parents requesting open enrollment out of the school district for their student will notify the sending and receiving school district no later than March 1 in the school year proceeding the first year desired for open enrollment.  The notice is made on forms provided by the Department of Education.  The forms are available at the central administration office.
 
Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in the school district are exempt from the open enrollment March 1 deadline.  Parents of children who will begin kindergarten will file in the same manner set forth above by September 1.  Parents who have good cause as defined by law for failing to meet the March 1 deadline may make an open enrollment request by September 1 unless another deadline applies.
 
The receiving district will approve open enrollment requests according to the timelines established by law.  The parents may withdraw the open enrollment request prior to the start of the school year.  The receiving district’s superintendent will notify the parents and sending school district by mail within five days of the school district’s action to approve or deny the open enrollment request. 
 
The board may approve a student's request to allow the receiving district to enter the school district for the purposes of transportation.
 
An open enrollment request out of the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factor for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the receiving school district is appropriate for the student's needs.  The area education agency director of special education serving the receiving district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the school district until the final determination is made.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to maintain open enrollment request applications and notice forms.  It will also be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2005).
House File 882, 2005 General Assembly
281 I.A.C. 17.
1990 Op.  Att'y Gen. 75.
 
Cross Reference:   501  Student Attendance
506   Student Records
 
Adopted:  July 17, 2000                         
 
Reviewed: September 2006
December 27, 2012                   
 
Revised:  October 16, 2000
February 17, 2003
November 17, 2003
August 15, 2005
 

501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

OPEN ENROLLMENT TRANSFERS - PROCEDURES AS A RECEIVING DISTRICT
 
The school district will participate in open enrollment as a receiving district.  As a receiving district, the board will allow nonresident students, who meet the legal requirements, to open enroll into the school district.  The board will have complete discretion to determine the attendance center of the students attending the school district under open enrollment.
 
The board will take action on the open enrollment request no later than March 1 in the year preceding the first year desired for open enrollment.
 
The superintendent will notify the sending school district within five days of the board's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  The superintendent will notify the parents within fifteen days of the board's action to approve or deny the open enrollment request.  The superintendent will also forward a copy of the board's action with a copy of the open enrollment request to the Iowa Department of Education.
 
Open enrollment requests into the school district will not be approved if insufficient classroom space exists.  Open enrollment requests into the school district will also not be approved for students who have been suspended or expelled by the administration or the board of the school district the student is or was attending until the student has been reinstated into the school district from which the student was suspended or expelled.  Once the student is reinstated, the student's open enrollment request will be considered in the same manner as other open enrollment requests provided the required timelines are met.
 
Open enrollment requests into the school district that, if denied, would result in students from the same nuclear family being enrolled in different school districts, will be given highest priority.  The board, in its discretion, may waive the insufficient classroom space reason for denial for students of the same nuclear family to prevent the division of a nuclear family between two school districts.  Other open enrollment requests into the school district are considered in the order received by the school district with the first open enrollment request given a higher priority than the second open enrollment request and so forth.
 
Generally, students in grades ten through twelve open enrolling into the school district will not be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics during the first ninety days of open enrollment into the school district.
 
Parents of students whose open enrollment requests are approved by the board are responsible for providing transportation to and from the receiving school district without reimbursement.  The board will not approve transportation into the sending district.
 
An open enrollment request into the school district from parents of a special education student is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  The determining factors for approval of such an open enrollment request will be whether the special education program available in the school district is appropriate for the student's needs and whether the enrollment of the special education student will cause the class size to exceed the maximum allowed.  The area education agency director of special education serving the school district will determine whether the program is appropriate.  The special education student will remain in the sending district until the final determination is made.
 
The policies of the school district will apply to students attending the school district under open enrollment.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop appropriate office procedures and administrative regulations necessary for open enrollment requests.
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 139.9; 274.1; 279.11; 282.1, .3, .8, .18; 299.1 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 17.
1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 75.
 
Cross Reference:          501.11  Student Transfers In
501.12  Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals
501.13  Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Sending District
506       Student Records
507       Student Health and Well-Being
 
 
Adopted:  July 17, 2000                         
 
Reviewed:  October 13, 2003
September 2006  
December 17, 2012                                                  
 
Revised:   October 16, 2000
February 17, 2003
August 15, 2005

501.15 Truancy - Unexcused Absences

TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
 
Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
 
Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse.  These absences will include, but not be limited to, tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations and employment.  Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.
 
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.  The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
503       Student Discipline
504       Student Activities
506       Student Records
 
 
Approved:  November 11, 1991             
 
Reviewed: March 1998  
September 2006
December 17, 2012
                                                                           
Revised: February 17, 2003
                                                                            
 

501.15R Truancy - Unexcused Absences Regulation

TRUANCY - UNEXCUSED ABSENCES REGULATION
 
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program.  The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime.  More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking attendance records for absences and tardies.  They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
 
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student.  Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting, and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work.  In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary.  Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only retards their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance.  Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents and school.
 
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to detention, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction.  Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities.  Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation.  Detention, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction will be assigned on a two-for-one basis.
 
Parents are expected to telephone the school office to report a student's absence prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.  Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator.
 
In the event the student has not completed all of the student's assignments while in in-school suspension, the student may remain out of class and in in-school suspension until caught up in every class.
 
The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.
 
Students will be allowed to make up all work missed due to any absence and will receive full credit for make-up work handed in on time.  Teachers will not have attendance or grading practices that are in conflict with this provision.
 
 
 

501.16 Student Absences - Excused

STUDENT ABSENCES – EXCUSED
 
Regular attendance by student is essential for student to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
 
Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences.  Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.
 
Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student’s teacher to complete the work missed. 
 
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school 3/4 of the day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent. 
 
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day.  The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence. 
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code 294.4; 299 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance

  1. Student Discipline
  2. Student Activities
  3. Student Records

 
 
Adopted:  February 17, 2003                 
 
Reviewed:  September 2006                  
December 17, 2012
 
Revised:  July 27, 2015
 

501.17 Students of Legal Age

STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE
 
Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.
 
Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes.  In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.
 
 
Legal Reference:           20 U.S.C. § 1232g (1994).
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
506       Student Records
 
 
Adopted:  February 17, 2003                 
 
Reviewed: September 2006              
December 17, 2012
 

501.18 Student Release During School Hours

STUDENT RELEASE DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
 
Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.
 
Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.
 
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
 
 
Legal Reference:           Iowa Code § 294.4 (2001).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
 
Cross Reference:          501       Student Attendance
503       Student Discipline
504       Student Activities
506       Student Records
 
 
Adopted:  February 17, 2003                 
 
Reviewed: September 2006             
December 17, 2012
 
Revised:  July 27, 2015
 

501.19 Student Work Permits

STUDENT WORK PERMITS
 
The superintendent of schools shall, when requested, issue age and work permits to students in accordance with provisions of the state and federal child labor laws.
 
 
Legal References:         Iowa Code Section 92.11
 
 
Previously Code No. 504.6
 
 
Adopted:  November 11, 1985               
 
Reviewed:   March 1998                 
January 20, 2003
September 2006
December 17, 2012