ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS
District Information and Educational Policies
It is the intention of Shenandoah CSD to comply with all federal and state regulations controlling
asbestos and to take necessary steps to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe
environment in which to learn and work. Alex Dailey is our designated asbestos program
coordinator, all inquiries regarding the asbestos plan and asbestos-related issues should be
directed to him at 712-246-1581.
Physical or sexual abuse of students, including but not limited to sexual or physical relationships, grooming behavior, and otherwise inappropriate relationships with students by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of employees for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district. Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
The school district will respond promptly to allegations of abuse of students by school district employees by timely reporting to all relevant agencies as required by law. The processing of a complaint or allegation will be handled confidentially to the maximum extent possible. Employees are required to assist in the investigation when requested to provide information and to maintain the confidentiality of the reporting and investigation process. If the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports to the board of directors of the district that an allegation of abuse of a student has been made against a school employee, the district will place the employee on administrative leave until the resolution of the investigation. The employee will be prohibited from entering school property while on administrative leave.
The Community School District is committed to providing all students, employees, and volunteers with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school employees to maintain a safe and civil environment, and the ability of students to learn and succeed.
Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, employees, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board.
Accordingly, school employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school property, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so.
Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy. The superintendent is responsible for implementation of this policy and all accompanying procedures. Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame. Within 24 hours of receiving a report that a student may have been the victim of conduct that constitutes bullying and/or harassment, the district will notify the parent or guardian of the student.
If as a result of viewing surveillance system data or based on a report from a school district employee, the district determines that a student has suffered bullying or harassment by another student enrolled in the district, a parent or guardian of the student may enroll the student in another attendance center within the district that offers classes at the student’s grade level, subject to the requirements and limitations established in Iowa law related to this topic.
A school employee, volunteer, or student, or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, in compliance with the procedures in the regulation, to the appropriate school official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report.
Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in an investigation is prohibited.
Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:
- “Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging.
- “Harassment” and “bullying” mean any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward an individual that creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual’s person or property.
- Has a substantial detrimental effect on the individual’s physical or mental health.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s academic or career performance. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
- “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.
Complaint, Witness and Diposition Forms
Filing a Complaint
An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied may file a complaint with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee. The complaint form is available at the administration office. An alternate investigator will be designated in the event it is claimed that the superintendent or superintendent’s designee committed the alleged bullying or harassment, or some other conflict of interests exists. Complaints shall be filed within 180 days of the event giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The complainant will state the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested. The Complainant shall receive assistance as needed.
Investigation
The school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment upon receipt of a written complaint. The Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee (hereinafter “Investigator” will be responsible for handling all complaints alleging bullying or harassment.
The investigation may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Interviews with the Complainant and the individual names in the complaint (Respondent);
- A request of the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint;
- A request for the Respondent to provide a written statement;
- Interviews with witnesses identified during the course of the investigation;
- A request for witnesses identified during the course of the investigation to provide a written statement, and;
- Review and collection of documentation or information deemed relevant to the investigation.
The Investigator shall consider the totality of circumstances presented in determining whether conduct objectively constitutes bullying or harassment as defined in Board policy. Upon completion of the investigation, the Investigator shall issue a report with the respect to the findings, and provide a copy of the report to the appropriate building principal or Superintendent if the investigation involved the building principal.
The complaint and identity of the Complainant, Respondent, or witnesses will only be disclosed as reasonably necessary in connection with the investigation or as required by law or policy. Similarly, evidence uncovered in the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible.
Additional suggestions for administrative procedures regarding this policy include:
- Organizing training programs for students, school employees, and volunteers regarding how to recognize bullying and harassing behavior and what to do if this behavior is witnessed; and
- Developing a process for evaluating the effectiveness of this policy in reducing bullying and harassing behavior.
Decision
The investigator, building principal or superintendent, depending on the individuals involved, shall inform the Complainant and the accused about the outcome of the investigation. If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of the policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension and 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.
Individuals who knowingly file false bullying and/or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including exclusion from school grounds.
Your Life Iowa is the statewide crisis line that provides information and referral, counseling,
crisis service coordination and linkages to crisis screening and mental health services, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Your Life Iowa
Call: 855-581-8111
Text Message: 855-895-8398
Website: yourlifeiowa.org
501.9 Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
The district believes that school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. Students who are present in school and engaged active learners take greater ownership over their educational outcomes. For this reason, it is the priority of the district to foster regular student attendance throughout the school year and reduce barriers to regular attendance for students in the district.
Chronic absenteeism/absences means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days in the semester] established by the district.
Truant/truancy means a child of compulsory attendance age who is absent from school for any reason for at least twenty percent of the days in the semester.
Chronic absenteeism and truancy do not apply to the following students who:
- have completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma
- are excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge;
- are attending religious services or receiving qualifying religious instruction in accordance with relevant laws;
- are unable to attend school due to legitimate medical reasons;
- have an individualized education program than affects the student's attendance;
- have a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. §794, that affects the child's attendance;
- are attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited;
- are excused under Iowa Code §299.22;
- are exempt under Iowa Code §299.24;
- are a military applicant undergoing military entrance processing;
- are engaged in military service;
- are traveling to attend a funeral; or
- are traveling to attend a wedding.
Evidence may be shown in written or verbal communications with the building level administration. Reasonable travel time will be afforded for engaging in the exceptions listed above. 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 designated school officials, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations will indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
501.9 (R)1 Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Regulation
Daily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience. The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and absences can cause disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits 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 the school.
This regulation is divided into two sections: Section I addresses legal requirements related to chronic absenteeism and truancy and Section II addresses additional academic, disciplinary and extracurricular consequences students face due to chronic absenteeism and truancy. It is important for students to recognize that chronic absenteeism and truancy impacts all these facets of their educational experience.
SECTION I – Legal Requirements
Chronic Absenteeism
When a student meets the threshold to be considered chronically absent, the school official will send notice by mail or e-mail to the county attorney where the district’s central office is located. The school official will also notify the student, or if a minor, the student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian via certified mail that includes information related to the student’s absences from school and the policies and disciplinary processes associated with additional absences.
School officials will send notice when the student’s absences meet the threshold, but before the student is deemed chronically absent.
School Engagement Meeting
If a student is absent from school for at least fifteen percent of the days or hours in the grading period, the school official will attempt to find the cause of the absences and start and participate in a school engagement meeting. All of the following individuals must participate in the school engagement meeting:
- The student;
- The student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian if the student is an unemancipated minor; and
- A school official.
The purpose of the meeting is to understand the reasons for the student’s absences and attempt to remove barriers to the student’s ongoing absences; and to create and sign an absenteeism prevention plan.
A letter will be sent after 7 days in the grading period notify the student and the student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian if the student is an unemancipated minor of attendance concerns. A formal designation letter will be sent when a student is absent 10 % of the days or hours in the grading period. A meeting will be requested with the student; the student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian if the student is an unemancipated minor; and a school official.
Absenteeism Prevention Plan
The absenteeism prevention plan will identify the causes of the student’s absences and the future responsibilities of each participant. The school official will contact the student and student’s parent/guardian at least once per week for the remainder of the school year to monitor the performance of the student and the student’s parent/guardian under the plan. If the student and student’s parent/guardian do not attend the meeting, do not enter into a plan or violate the terms of the plan, the school official will notify the county attorney.
SECTION II – Academic and Disciplinary Requirements
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned to [supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, 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 approved by the building principal if the student's work is finished prior to the trip or vacation. [Supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary sanction] will be assigned on a two-for-one basis.
A student who is unexcused for one or more classes for less than a whole school day, will be assigned to [supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction] for the next days during the class period(s) missed. If a student is unexcused for a whole day of classes, he or she will spend the next two days in [supervised study hall, detention, early bird school, Saturday school, in-school suspension or other appropriate disciplinary sanction]. 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.
School work missed because of absences must be made up within two times the number of days absent, not to exceed 5 days. 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.
The district values and prioritizes providing high-quality curriculum and instructional materials
for our students aligned with Iowa education standards and best practices.
Elementary Instructional Resources
Middle School Instructional Resources
High School Instructional Resources
Parents can view instructional materials and books in the library consistent with the district’s
Board Policy 605.2 Instructional and Library Materials Inspection and Display.
Board Policy also includes a process to object to instructional materials or ask for
reconsideration of instructional materials in use.
605.3 OBJECTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
605.3E2 RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Human Growth and Development
Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education,
instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival
skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-
use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human
sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social
health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases,
including acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve, and
maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being. The areas stated above are included in
health education, and the instruction are adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the
students. Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development
may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction. The written request
will include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent. The
superintendent will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.
603.5E1 Excused From Human Growth & Development Request Form
Religious- Based Exclusion from a School Program
Board policy 604.5 allows for parents to request their child be excluded from a school program
based on a religious belief. Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program
because of religious beliefs must inform the superintendent. The board authorizes the
administration to allow the exclusion if it is not disruptive to the education program and it does
not infringe on a compelling state or educational interest. Further, the exclusion must not
interfere with other school district operations. Students who are allowed to be excluded from a
program or activity which violates their religious beliefs are required to do an alternate
supervised activity or study. In notifying the superintendent, the parents will abide by the
following:
• The notice is in writing;
• The objection is based on religious beliefs;
• The objection will state which activities or studies violate their religious beliefs;
• The objection will state why these activities or studies violate their religious beliefs; and
• The objection will state a proposed alternate activity or study.
The superintendent will have discretion to make this determination. The factors the
superintendent will consider when a student requests to be excluded from a program or activity
because of religious beliefs include, but are not limited to, staff available to supervise a student
who wishes to be excluded, space to house the student while the student is excluded, available
superintendent-approved alternative course of study or activity while the student is excluded,
number of students who wish to be excluded, whether allowing the exclusion places the school in
a position of supporting a particular religion, and whether the program or activity is required for
promotion to the next grade level or for graduation.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are
18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education
records. These rights are:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the
school district receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should
submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect.
The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of
the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent
or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the
student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the [School] to amend their child’s or
their education record should write the school principal [or appropriate school
official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it
should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the
parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the
decision and 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.
- The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally
identifiable information (PII) from 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. The criteria for determining who
constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest
must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA
rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school
district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including
health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the
school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or
consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service
or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is
under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII
from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist;
a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting
another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically 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 school discloses education records without consent to officials of
another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is
already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or
transfer.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by the [School] to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The
name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
[NOTE: In addition, a school may want to include its directory information public notice, as
required by § 99.37 of the regulations, with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]
See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without
consent.
Per Board Policy Section 506.1E8 and Iowa Code §22:279:9B, 280.24, .25, 622.10 (2005), the
following information about your student may be released to the public including; a student’s
name; grade, level, enrollment status; participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees and awards received; photograph and
likeness; and other similar information. Any parent or guardian who does not want this
information released to the public must make objection in writing to the principal of the
appropriate school no later than September 15th of each school year.
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the
parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the
FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some
judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and
disclosures to the parent or eligible student, § 99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school
to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the
record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without
obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –
- To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or
institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests.
This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school
has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed
in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
- To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary
education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already
enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or
transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
- To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney
General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities,
such as the State educational agency (SEA) in the parent or eligible student’s State.
Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of § 99.35,
in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education
programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements
that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to
outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to
conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf,
if applicable requirements are met. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
- In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the
student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes as to determine
eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the
aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
- To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed
to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system
and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose
records were released, subject to § 99.38. (§ 99.31(a)(5))
- To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a)
develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs;
or (c) improve instruction, if applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
- To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§
99.31(a)(8))
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if applicable
requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
- To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §
99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
- Information the school has designated as “directory information” if applicable
requirements under § 99.37 are met. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
- To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare
agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when
such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal
law, for the care and protection of the student in foster care placement. (20 U.S.C. §
1232g(b)(1)(L))
- To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and
Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and
performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain
conditions. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(K))
The District offers breakfast and lunch each day school is in session. Meal prices are listed
below.
Breakfast
Elementary $2.00
Middle School $2.00
High School $2.00
Lunch
Elementary $2.45
Middle School $2.65
High School $2.85
Your child may qualify for free or reduced priced meals. You can access the application form for
free or reduced cost meals here. If you need further assistance, please contact Bryan Manley at
(712) 246-3773 or email manleyb@shenandoah.k12.ia.us. This is a confidential process so
please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
It is the District’s policy to strive to identify homeless children and youth within the District,
encourage their enrollment in school, and ensure they have equitable access to public education,
including public preschool, is available at the District Offices, 304 W. Nishna Road, Shenandoah,
IA 51601 and on the District website.
Home School Liaisons are available at each school site and are assist homeless children and
youth.
Sonia Leece: Elementary & Middle School
Natalie Denton: High School
Chapter 33 in Iowa Administrative Code requires the District to give written notice to homeless
children and families before denying their access to educational programs. Homeless children
and families may obtain free legal services by contacting: Iowa Legal Aid Southwest Iowa
Regional Office. 532 1st Avenue, Suite 300 Council Bluffs, IA 51503 phone: 1-800 -532-1275.
Immunization records are required as part of the school registration process. Information about required immunizations and exemptions can be found here.
Iowa School Immunization Requirements
Certificate of Immunization
Medical Exemption Form
Religious Exemption Form
Provisional Certificate of Immunization
Approved Alternate Certificate of Immunization
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex,
sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs,
activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and
216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP
Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E.
14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416;
website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.
The school district maintains a school library in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day. Materials for the libraries are acquired consistent with all applicable laws and board policy, "Instructional Materials Selection." The district provides access to all parents and guardians of students enrolled in the district to an online catalog of all books available to students in the school libraries. The access is displayed as a quick link on the parent/student site and is available here. Any challenges to library materials will be handled following the process for handling challenges to instructional and library materials as established by board policy.
Request to Prohibit a Student From Accessing Specific Instructional Materials Form
It is the policy of the Shenandoah Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of
race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status
(for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its
educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for
processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this
related to this policy, please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator: Aaron Burdorf, 601 Dr.
Creighton Cir., Shenandoah, IA 51601, (712) 246-2520, burdorfa@shencsd.com
The Shenandoah Community School District offers career and technical programs in the
following areas: Agricultural Science, Automotive Technology, Business Education, Family
Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Technology. It is the policy of the Shenandoah
Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual
orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs
and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of
discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this related to this policy, please
contact the district’s Equity Coordinator: Aaron Burdorf, 601 Dr. Creighton Cir., Shenandoah,
IA 51601, (712) 246-2520, burdorfa@shencsd.com.
If you are interested in attending Shenandoah CSD and are a nonresident student you will need
to complete the open enrollment form. Once the form is completed you will need to submit it to the
central office for approval. This can be submitted to Cori Feller by email or sent to the Logan
Administration Building located at 304 W. Nishna Road, Shenandoah, IA 51601. Resident students who
want to attend a different school district must complete the same process. If you have questions about
the form or the process please contact Cori Feller or call 712-246-1581.
Open Enrollment
We encourage you to ask questions and arrange to visit our schools. If you have questions or
would like to discuss program services, please contact the following people.
Mr. Ty Ratliff, High School Principal
Mrs. Denise Green, IGNITE Online and Personalized Learning Principal
Mr. Luke Buttry, Middle School Principal
Mr. Jordan Newberg, Elementary School Principal
Dr. Kerri Nelson, Superintendent, District Services, Schools and Programs
In the 2021 legislative session, Governor Reynolds signed House File (HF) 868 into law. The
new law creates Iowa Code section 279.8B, i which outlines the process for eligible voters
within the school district to petition their local school board. With that, the purpose of this Iowa
Department of Education (Department) guidance is to provide school districts, local school
boards, and eligible district voters with information related to the petition process.
Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct
of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.
These include, but are not limited to, 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)–
- Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
- Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
- Sex behavior or attitudes;
- Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
- Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
- Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
- Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
- 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;
- 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;
and - Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected
from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
(This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information
collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or
providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational
institutions.)
·Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
- Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
- Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above
marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and - Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor
under State law.
District 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 noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her
child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will make this
notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific
or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities
scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the
planned activities and surveys listed below 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
direct notification requirement:
- Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for
marketing, sales, or other distribution. - Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
- Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
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503.8R REPORTING A THREAT OF VIOLENCE OR INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE
In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4).
An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level, and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4).
A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The school district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5).
Threat of Violence
Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage or assault.
Incident of Violence
Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault.
Injury
Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981).
Property Damage
Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)).
Assault
Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following:
an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.
The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).
Levels of Behavior
The following levels are used to determine the school district’s response to situations where the school district has determined that a student has made a threat of violence or caused an incident of violence. The school district’s response will be based upon the administration’s investigation into reports of a threat of violence or an incident of violence, the administration’s application of this policy to the particular facts of each situation, and the administration’s determination of the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence.
Escalating Responses by Grade Band
Grades PK-2
|
Level |
Escalating Response |
|
Level 1 |
Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class |
|
Level 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Grades 3-5
|
Level |
Escalating Response |
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
Grades 6-8
|
Level |
Escalating Response |
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
Grades 9-12
|
Level |
Escalating Response |
|
Level 1 |
Suspension of transportation if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle |
|
Level 2 |
Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate |
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
Definitions
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.
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.
In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days.
Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.
Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff, and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district.
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.
Elementary School 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM
Middle School 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM
High School 8:00 AM to 3:25 PM
The Shenandoah Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of a student’s disability. It has been determined that your child has a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made to meet his or her individual needs as adequately as the needs of other students.
As a parent, you have the right to the following:
• Participation of your child in school district programs and activities, including extracurricular programs and activities, to the maximum extent appropriate, free of discrimination based upon the student’s disability and at the same level as students without disabilities;
• Receipt of free educational services to the extent they are provided students without disabilities; • Receipt of information about your child and your child’s educational programs and activities in your native language;
• Notice of identification of your child as having a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made and notice prior to evaluation and placement of your child and right to periodically request a re-evaluation of your child;
• Inspect and review your child’s educational records including a right to copy those records for a reasonable fee. You also have a right to ask the school district to amend your child’s educational records if you feel the information in the records is misleading or inaccurate should the school district refuse to amend the records, you have a right to a hearing and to place an explanatory letter in your child’s file explaining why you feel the records are misleading or inaccurate;
• Hearing before an impartial hearing office if you disagree with your child’s evaluation or placement; you have the right to counsel at the hearing and have the decision of the impartial hearing office reviewed.
It is the policy of the Shenandoah Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Aaron Burdorf, 601 Dr. Creighton Cir., Shenandoah, IA 51601, (712)246-2520, burdorfa@shencsd.com.
STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY
It is the goal of the district to provide a safe and supportive educational environment in which all students may learn. As part of creating that safe educational environment, no employee of the district will provide false or misleading information to the parent/guardian of a student regarding that student’s gender identity or intention to transition to a gender that is different from their birth certificate or certificate issued upon adoption.
If a student makes a request to a licensed employee to accommodate a gender identity, name, or pronoun that is different than what was assigned to the student in the student’s registration forms or records, the licensed employee is required by Iowa law to report the request to an administrator. The school administrator receiving the report is required by Iowa law to report the request to the student’s parent/guardian. This requirement also applies to all nicknames.
To maintain compliance with Iowa law and also provide efficiency in the reporting requirements listed above, the Superintendent will provide the opportunity for parents and guardians to list in the student’s registration paperwork any and all nicknames used for students.
Code No. 503.7E1 REPORT OF STUDENT DISCLOSURE OF IDENTITY
Dear (Parent/Guardian) _________________,
This letter is to inform you that your student (student’s name listed on registration) ________________ has made a request of a licensed employee to (check all that apply):
______ make an accommodation that is intended to affirm the student’s gender identity as follows:
___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ______ use a name, pronoun or gender identity that is different from the name, pronoun and/or gender identity listed on the student’s school registration forms. The name, pronoun, or gender identity requested is _________________________________________________________________________.
If you would like to amend the student’s registration paperwork to permit the student’s requested accommodation and/or include the use of the above-referenced name/pronoun/gender identity, please complete the attached form and return it to the district administration office.
Sincerely, ____________________________________________ __________________ Date
Administrator
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The Shenandoah Community School District is committed to the overall development of the
whole child and has adopted the following wellness policy