General Admission Requirements

The District must provide free education to resident students between five and 21 years old.  Children seeking to enroll in a school District must meet all the residency, academic, age, immunization, and discipline pre-requisites.  Children who reach the age of five before August 1st are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten.  Within two business days of a child’s enrollment, the District will request the academic and discipline records from each school the child attended in the last 12 months.  If a child has been placed via a foster home, residential care facility, or child-placing agency, within 48 hours of the child’s enrollment, the District will request the academic and discipline records from all schools and facilities previously attended by the student.  For these students, the District will also request the academic and discipline records from the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and any entity involved with the placement of the student within the last 24 months.

Student Enrolling while on Suspension  

At the time of enrollment, the District will require parents/guardians to provide a signed statement indicating whether the student has been suspended or expelled from any school and affirm that the student has not been convicted or charged with any Safe School Act violations.  The child will be denied enrollment if he/she is on suspension/expulsion from another school at the time of enrollment, and the child’s conduct would have resulted in suspension/expulsion in the District.  The District will honor the suspension unless the Superintendent or designee has determined otherwise.  The District will inform the parents/guardians that they may schedule a conference with the Superintendent or designee to discuss the student’s conduct and how the District would have disciplined the conduct.  

Resident Student

Prior to admission, students must generally provide proof that they reside in the District.  A student is a “resident” of the District if they (1) physically reside in the District; and (2) are domiciled in the District – meaning the student’s parent/guardian physically resides in the District.  Numerous exceptions to the residency requirement exist under the law.  Students are exempt from the residency requirement by law if the student is:

• Homeless,
• Placed in a residential care facility within the District,
• A participant in an inter-District, court-ordered desegregation program,
• Assigned to the District by the commissioner of education due to an unusual or unreasonable transportation hardship (resident District pays tuition),
• Disabled and residing in the District for reasons other than accessing the District’s educational program,
• An orphan, has only one parent living, or their parents do not contribute to their support as long as the students are between the ages of six  and 20 years old and unable to pay tuition,
• For all school years ending on or before June 30, 2023, a child of parents/guardians who pay school taxes on property in the school District but do not live in the District (may attend on a tuition basis and school taxes paid to the District by the parents/guardians will be deducted from the tuition charge),
• For all school years ending on or before June 30, 2023, a child of parents/guardians who own real estate of which 80 acres or more are used for agricultural purposes and upon which their residence is situated (may attend school in any District in which a part of the real estate is contiguous to that upon which their residence is situated, lies, provided that 35 percent of the real estate is located in the District of choice),
• For all school years beginning on or after July 1, 2023, any current owner of residential or agricultural real property or a named beneficiary of a trust that owns residential or agricultural real property and pays school tax in a district or districts other than the district where such current owner/beneficiary resides may send up to four of their children to a school in any district in which such school tax is paid with exceptions and in accordance with law;
• Placed by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Missouri Department of Social Services or by court order in facilities or programs located within the District,
• Reside in a District that has been declared unaccredited by the Missouri State Board and that is located in the same county or adjoining county as the District (resident District must pay tuition),
• Placed in the care of another person living in the District because one or both parents/guardians are stationed or deployed out of state or deployed within Missouri by the military or on active duty military service,
• Placed in foster care outside the District, previously attended the District, and are placed in an adjacent District, or
• Children of District teachers and/or employees are permitted to attend without payment of tuition.

Non-Resident Students

A non-resident student is one who does not meet the requirements to be a resident of the District, as defined by the law and the District’s policies.  The Board, in its discretion and unless otherwise required by law, may admit non-resident students not entitled to free instruction and prescribe the tuition fee to be paid by them.  The District will set the rate of tuition based upon the per-pupil cost for the previous school year, including operation, maintenance, and debt service.  In some circumstances, the District may also charge transportation costs.  

Residency Waivers

Students who live in the District but who do not meet the residency requirements because their parents/guardians do not physically reside within the District, and who want to attend a District school, may request a waiver of proof of residency.  Parents must submit requests for a residency waiver to the Superintendent or designee for review.

The review process should first establish if the student physically resides in the District and if the student resides in the District for reasons other than attending the District’s school.  The District must then determine if hardship or good cause exists for the request.  The District will grant the residency waiver based upon the applicable factors but will not grant a waiver based on a student’s athletic ability. 

If the Superintendent/designee determines that a student is not entitled to a waiver, the Superintendent/designee will present the residency waiver to the Board for the Board’s review and consideration.  The Board will conduct this hearing to consider the request as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after receipt of the request.  While a waiver request is pending Board review and determination, the District will conditionally enroll the student unless there is reason to suspect that admission of the student will create an immediate danger to the safety of other students or employees.  If there is reason to suspect admission of the student will create an immediate danger to the safety of other students or employees, then the Superintendent or designee must conduct a hearing within five (5) working days of the request for a waiver to determine if the student will be permitted to register and attend school.  If the Board does not hold a hearing within 45 days, the request is automatically granted and the student will be allowed to enroll and attend school.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Missouri law requires students to attend school. To succeed in school, students must attend all classes regularly. The District will report attendance for every period, every day. The District will record all student absences on the student’s permanent record.  The District will excuse students with recorded absences for District-sponsored activities, such as but not limited to the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).  As required by law, absences for participation at the Missouri State Fair competitions for the Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and 4-H programs will be counted as school attendance when the student’s parents/guardians observe the reporting procedures.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Students who are Homeless, in Foster Care, or Disabled 

Students who are homeless or in foster care may attend their school of origin if it is in the student’s best interest.  The District may assign District students with disabilities (served under the provisions of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan (504)) to a school outside the student’s attendance area as determined by the IEP or 504 team.  In special circumstances, and at the mutual discretion of the participating school Districts, Districts may contract for necessary services for students with disabilities.  

Transfers Allowed by Law

The District will consider students placed into programs by the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Social Services (DSS), or by a court order a resident of the school District in which the program is housed.  The District will allow a student to attend another school within the District if that student is enrolled in a persistently dangerous school or becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense on school property as mandated by state regulations.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Education records are maintained on every student enrolled in the District.  Education records refer to materials maintained by the District that contain personally identifiable information about a student.  Education records may include, but are not limited to, date and place of birth, parental/guardian names and addresses, emergency contact information, enrollment and attendance records, academic records, special education records, discipline information, and health records.  The confidentiality of a student’s records, excluding general directory information as defined by the District, are protected by law, and only parents/guardians, eligible students (a student who is 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution to whom all rights formerly given to parents transfer to the student), and school officials who have a legitimate educational interest are provided access to records, unless specifically allowed by law.  The District establishes procedures and complies with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Safe Schools Act, and the Missouri Sunshine Law.  

The District will annually notify parent/guardians and eligible students of their rights under FERPA.  Parents/Guardians or eligible students may inspect and review their educational records, request amendments, provide consent for release of information, and file a complaint.  Records will be made available for inspection within the timeframe as defined by law.  In accordance with law, the District will share information without parental consent or notification with law enforcement, Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services, military recruiters, or a post-secondary institution.  

Parental requests for access to a student’s educational records may be made by contacting the building principal.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Some students require medication to attend and benefit from school.  Whenever possible, medication should be administered at home.  The District is not legally required to dispense medication to students unless specifically addressed in an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan (504).  

The Board authorizes the development of procedures in accordance with law that allow trained, qualified employees to administer medication and/or medical treatment to facilitate students’ attendance and participation in school.  District employees who administer first aid, medication, Narcan, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to District policy, procedures, and standard medical practices will be immune from civil liability.  Parents/Guardians who request that over the counter or prescription medications be dispensed to their child during the school day must contact the school nurse or designee and provide any requested, relevant information and authorization before medication will be administered.    

Under specific conditions and as required by law, a student may be authorized for the possession and self-administration of medication to treat a chronic health condition at school, during a school-sponsored activity, and in transit to or from school.  Parents/Guardians who request their student to self-administer medication must contact the school nurse or designee to ensure the proper information is received and processes are completed prior to permission to do so.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District will ensure students with allergies are safe at school through planned prevention and response to a student’s allergic reaction.  For purposes of this policy, an allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a typically harmless substance and may be mild to life-threatening.  This policy applies to all school locations, including nonacademic school-sponsored activities and transportation provided by the District.  The Board authorizes the Superintendent or designee to develop and implement procedures to protect the health and well-being of students with significant allergies. The District will coordinate with the school health advisory council, local health authorities, and other appropriate entities to ensure efficient promulgation of accurate information and to ensure that existing school safety and environmental policies do not conflict.          

Building-Wide and Classroom Approaches

The District will ask the person enrolling a student to provide information on any allergies the student may have.  The school nurse may request written permission from the parent to communicate with the health care provider as needed.  The District will annually train staff members on risk reduction strategies, symptom recognition, and response procedures.  The District will also ensure the school nurse has an emergency kit available and accessible in all school buildings containing prefilled auto syringes of epinephrine, Narcan, and asthma-related medications as allowed by District rules.  The District will provide age-appropriate education for all students, consistent with state learning standards, including potential causes of allergic reactions, information on avoiding allergens, symptoms of allergic reactions, and simple steps a student can take to keep classmates safe. 

All processed foods, including food sold in vending machines, will be labeled with a complete list of ingredients on each individual package.  Ingredient lists will be created for all food provided through the District’s nutrition program, including before- and after-school programs, which are available upon request.  This requirement will apply to items sold as part of concessions, fundraisers, and classroom activities.  Cleaning protocols to remove allergens and avoid contamination of classroom surfaces and cafeteria tables, particularly at tables where students with food allergies will be eating will be established.  District employees are only allowed to use cleaning materials provided or approved by the District.  All staff members must avoid using air fresheners, oils, candles or other items that add fragrance to District facilities.  

Individual Approaches

The District will evaluate and determine whether a student’s allergies rises to the level of a disability that require accommodations through the provisions of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan (504).  For those students who have allergies that do not rise to the level of disability, a designated team may develop an Individual Health Plan (IHP) and/or Emergency Action Plan (EAP).  Staff who have a need to know about a student’s allergies and plan will be informed and trained, and all staff members will follow any IEP, 504 Plan, IHP, and/or EAP.

A student’s health information and individualized plan will be kept confidential and not shared with those who do not have a need to know unless authorized by the parent/guardian or as allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The District will communicate and collaborate at least annually with parents/guardians regarding the student’s allergies, medications, restrictions/precautions, emergency contacts and any other relevant information to keep the student safe.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District will generally obtain parental consent before administering a physical examination or screening on a student. However, the District may forgo obtaining parental consent if there is a health or safety concern or by court order.

The District will notify parents and guardians, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when any nonemergency, invasive physical examinations or screenings of students are scheduled, or expected to be scheduled that is:

• Required as a condition of attendance;
• Administered by the District and scheduled by the District in advance; and 
• Not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students. 

Parents and guardians will be provided an opportunity to opt out of any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening of their student.

This policy does not apply to any physical examination or screening that is permitted or required by state law, including physical examinations or screenings that are permitted without parent notification. 

Policy Notification

Parents and guardians will be notified, at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, of the adoption or continued use of this policy, and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive changes in this policy.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District’s counseling program is designed and implemented to meet and address the social/emotional, academic and career development needs of students. The Board requires full implementation of the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program. The District will follow and effectuate its standards. The counseling program aligns with the District’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) and student performance data. The counseling program will be implemented through certified school counselors. 

The foundation for Individual Student Planning is established during the elementary school years through School Counseling Curriculum lesson activities such as career awareness. The District will establish an ISP process for students at every grade level. 

Each student no later than 8th grade will develop with help from the school’s counselors a personal plan of study or Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP), which will be reviewed regularly, as needed by school personnel and the student’s parent/guardian and updated based on the needs of the student. The requirements of this policy and the District’s counseling program will be waived for any student with a disability if recommended by the student’s IEP committee.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Surveys

Parents and guardians may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by the District to a student.   

Parents and guardians will be notified if a survey involves any of the following and provided an opportunity to opt out of such survey:

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
• Mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
• Sex behavior and attitudes. 
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, and demeaning behavior. 
• Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships. 
• Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers. 
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents.
• Income (other than required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program. 

Collection of Student Information

Parents and guardians may inspect, upon request, any instrument used in the collection of personal information for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose) before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student.

Parents and guardians will be notified of the collection of personal information described in this section and provided an opportunity to opt out of any such collection.

Instructional Materials

Parents and guardians may inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for a student. Instructional materials, for purposes of this policy, does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

Policy Notification

Parents and guardians will be notified, at least annually, at the beginning of the school year, of the adoption or continued use of this policy, and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive changes in this policy.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

All school employees and school officials are required to report possible abuse or neglect of children.  As mandated reporters, District staff and school officials will immediately report any child abuse or neglect they suspect or observe by calling the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 or reporting online (when applicable and available).  A mandated reporter may also make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to any law enforcement agency or juvenile office.  However, such report does not take the place of reporting to Children’s Division (CD).

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

Definitions

Act of violence or violent behavior - The exertion of physical force with the intent to do serious physical injury while on school property, including District-transportation and school activities. 

Corporal Punishment – The intentional infliction of physical punishment, usually in the form of spanking, as a method of student discipline.

Detention – A form of student discipline that requires students to attend a before and/or after school setting which monitors and restricts student activity. 

Expulsion – A form of student of student discipline which removes and excludes a student from school for an indefinite period of time.  Students who are expelled are entitled to due process rights.  

In-school suspension – A form of student discipline which consists of removing the student from normal classes during the day and assigning the student to an in-school suspension program or class for a specified period.

Need to know – A requirement to report acts of school violence to school personnel who are directly responsible for a student’s education and who otherwise interact with the student on a professional basis while acting within the scope of their assigned duties.

Out-of-school suspension – A form of student discipline that removes and excludes a student from school for a defined period.  Students who are suspended are entitled to due process rights.  

Physical Restraint – The use of person to person physical contact that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s torso, arms, legs, or head freely.  It does not include briefly comforting or calming a student, holding a student’s hand to transport the student for safety purposes, physical escort,  intervening in a fight, or using an assistive or protective device prescribed by an appropriately trained professional or professional team.

Restitution – The requirement of a student to return or pay for stolen goods or damaged property.

Seclusion – This is the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area that the student is physically prevented from leaving and that complies with the building code in effect in the school district. Seclusion does not include a timeout, in-school suspension, detention, or other appropriate disciplinary measures. Seclusion is limited to situations or conditions in which there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others.

Serious violation of the District’s Student Discipline Policy—Any act of violence or violent behavior, any drug-related activity, any offense listed in Section 160.261.2, RSMo, or any other violation of the District’s Student Discipline Policy resulting in the suspension of a student for more than 10 school days.

The District holds students accountable for their conduct in school, on District property, including District transportation, and during District-sponsored activities in order to ensure the safety of all students and maintain an atmosphere where orderly learning is possible and encouraged.  The District discipline policy will be provided to every student at the beginning of each year, be published on the District website, and made available in the office of the Superintendent during normal business hours.  Failure to obey standards of conduct may result in, yet is not limited to, verbal warning, community service, confiscation of property, principal/student conference, parent contact, loss of credit, grade reduction, course failure, removal from extracurricular activities, revocation of privileges, detention, in- or out of school suspension, expulsion, and report to law enforcement.  The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student who poses a threat of harm to others as determined by the principal or Superintendent.  

Any student who is suspended for any serious violation of the District’s Student Discipline policy shall not be allowed while suspended to be within 1,000 feet of any school property or any activity of the District, regardless of where the activity takes place, unless: 

   (1) Such student is under the direct supervision of the student’s parent, legal guardian, or custodian and the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee has authorized the student to be on school property;

   (2) Such student is under the direct supervision of another adult designated by the student’s parent, legal guardian, or custodian, in advance, in writing, to the principal of the school which suspended the student and the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee has authorized the student to be on school property;

   (3) Such student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within one thousand feet of a public school in the school district where such student attended school; or

  (4) Such student resides within one thousand feet of any public school in the school district where such student attended school in which case such student may be on the property of his or her residence without direct adult supervision.

If a student engages in an act of violence, a school administrator will report the information to teachers and other District employees who are responsible for the student’s education or otherwise interact with the student on a professional basis while acting within the scope of their assigned duties.  Additionally, school administrators will report to the appropriate law enforcement agencies any crimes as required and defined by law. 

Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited as a method of discipline.. Corporal punishment shall only be administered by a building administrator and only in the presence of at least one other adult employed by the District. Reasonable force may be used, when necessary, for the protection of a student or others or property. The District limits the use of seclusion or restraint to situations or conditions in which there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. 

Students with disabilities will be disciplined in compliance with state and federal laws per the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Plan, and any regulations and state and local compliance plans, which includes due process rights as afforded to all students.  Additionally, a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), including any portion that is related to past or potentially future violent behavior, will be disclosed to appropriate staff members with a need to know.

Information regarding a student’s misconduct and discipline is confidential and only shared with individuals who have a need to know.  Teachers and other authorized District personnel shall not be civilly liable when acting in conformity with District policies, including the discipline policy, or when reporting acts of school violence to a supervisor or other person as mandated by law.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District strictly prohibits bullying, including hazing, and cyberbullying on school grounds, at any school function, or on District transportation.  

Definitions

Bullying - Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of any student without exception; or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.  Bullying may consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral, cyberbullying electronic, or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying - Bullying as defined above through the transmission of a communication including, but not limited to a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager.  The District has jurisdiction to prohibit cyberbullying that originates on a school campus or at a District activity if the communication was made using District technological resources, if there is sufficient nexus to the educational environment, or if the electronic communication was made on the school’s campus or at a District activity using the student’s own person technological resource.  

Anti-bullying Coordinator – The Superintendent will ensure an individual at each school is designated to serve as the anti-bullying coordinator.  All anti-bullying coordinators will be teacher-level or above and a list of coordinators will be kept on file at the District administration office and updated annually.  Additionally, a District anti-bullying coordinator will be designated.

School Day – A day on the District calendar when students are required to attend school.

Reporting Bullying or Cyberbullying 

District employees are required to report any instance of bullying of which the employee has firsthand knowledge.  Any employee, substitute, or volunteer who witnesses an incident of bullying must report the incident to the building anti-bullying coordinator within two school days of witnessing the incident.  If the anti-bullying coordinator is unavailable or is the subject of the report, the employee should contact the District’s Compliance Officer.  In addition, all District employees, substitutes, or volunteers must direct all persons seeking to report an incident of bullying to the building anti-bullying coordinator.

Any individual making a verbal report of bullying will be asked to submit a written complaint to the anti-bullying coordinator.  If the person refuses or is unable to submit a written complaint, the anti-bullying coordinator will summarize the verbal complaint in writing.  

When an anti-bullying coordinator is informed about a possible bullying or cyberbullying incident, verbal, written, or otherwise, the District will conduct a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation to determine whether misconduct, including unlawful conduct, occurred.  The District will implement interim measures as necessary.  When it is determined that bullying or cyberbullying occurred, the District will take appropriate action for violations of District expectations and rules.  

Investigation

Within two school days of receipt of a report of bullying or cyberbullying, the anti-bullying coordinator or designee will initiate an investigation of the incident.  The school principal may appoint other school staff to assist with the investigation.  The investigation will be completed within 10 school days from the date of the written report unless good cause exists to extend the investigation.  A copy of the written report of the investigation and results will be sent to the District anti-bullying coordinator and included in the files of the victim and the alleged or actual perpetrator of bullying or cyberbullying.  All reports are confidential in accordance with law and District rules.   

Retaliation

The District prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying or cyberbullying, testifies, or participates in any manner with an investigation proceeding, or hearing.  The District will take appropriate remedial action for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who retaliates.

Consequences of Bullying, Cyberbullying, or Retaliation

When the District receives a report of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, interim measures to protect the victim(s) will be taken.  If an investigation determines that bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation occurred, the District will act to end the bullying, cyberbullying or retaliation.  Students who are determined to have participated in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation will be disciplined in accordance with the District discipline policy.  

Consequences may include, but are not limited to, loss of privileges, detention, in- or out-of-school suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement.  Any determination of consequences will consider factors such as the age of the student(s), developmental level of the student(s), degree of harm, severity of behavior, disciplinary history, and other educationally relevant factors.  

District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination.  Volunteers, visitors, patrons, or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from District property or activities, or other remedial action.  

Public Notice

This policy will be published on the District website and in the Student/Parent Handbook annually.  In addition, the District will:

1. Provide information and appropriate training to District staff who have significant contact with students regarding the policy.
2. Provide education and information to students regarding bullying, including information regarding the District policy prohibiting bullying, the harmful effects of bullying, and applicable initiatives to address bullying, including student peer-to-peer initiatives to provide accountability and policy enforcement for those found to have engaged in bullying, cyberbullying, and/or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying.
3. Instruct school counselors, school and licensed social workers, mental health professionals, and school psychologists to educate students who are victims of bullying on techniques for overcoming bullying’s negative effects.  Techniques will include, but are not limited to, cultivating the student’s self-worth and self-esteem; teaching the student to defend himself/herself assertively and effectively; helping the student develop social skills; and/or encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control.
4. Implement programs and other initiatives to address and respond to bullying in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim and makes resources or referrals available to victims of bullying.

Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of District policy will be referred for investigation to the District Compliance Officer.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District must strive to ensure students are safe at school, in part, by implementing suicide awareness and prevention programs and responding to students who are at possible risk of suicide.  Efforts will include, but are not limited to, training and education for District employees, identifying students at possible risk of suicide, implementing strategies for helping students at possible risk of suicide, and creating protocols for responding to a suicide.  The District authorizes the Superintendent or designee to develop procedures to prevent, assess risk for, intervene, and respond to suicide.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District takes measures to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports student engagement and development.  Therefore, educational programs are provided to help students cultivate healthy lifestyles and age-appropriate drug awareness.  All use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession, or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, illegal drugs, or counterfeit substances on any District property, vehicles, or at District-sponsored events is strictly prohibited.  Suspected or known violations of this policy should be immediately reported to school authorities.  Any incidents that violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action and notification to law enforcement.  Any confiscated substances will be turned over to law enforcement.  

In cases where it is necessary for a student to take prescription or over-the-counter medications during the school day, the medication must be documented by the nurse’s office in accordance with written label directions and parental permission in compliance with District rules.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The use of illegal drugs by students is a major problem facing the nation, and the District.  The administration has noted and documented, both formally and informally, an increase in the use of drugs by students, including those students participating in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.  

Students in 6th through 12th grade who represent the District in extracurricular and co-curricular activities and/or performances are leaders in the school environment.  Participation in these extracurricular and co-curricular activities/performances is a privilege, not a right, and it is essential that these student leaders uphold the highest possible standards of conduct as role models for the rest of the student body and as representatives of their school and community.  It is also paramount that students participating in these activities and who park on school property are able to do so safely and in a manner that will not endanger themselves or others.  A properly administered random drug testing program for all students who represent the District in extracurricular and co-curricular activities and/or performances, and who park on school property will promote these goals and objectives.

To this end, it is the District’s policy to have a random drug testing program as part of an overall physical conditioning and educational program.  The goal of the program is not to levy discipline, but rather to aid in the discovery and prevention of possible drug-related problems.  The specific procedures associated with the program, the applicability of the program, and the requirements of the program will be approved annually by the Board and included in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District strictly prohibits unauthorized possession or use of weapons on District property, at District-sponsored activities, either on- or off-campus, and District transportation.  Weapons will be confiscated and reported to law enforcement authorities.  The weapons that are prohibited at school by law are:

1. Blackjack

2. Concealable firearm

3. Explosive weapon

4. Firearm

5. Firearm silencer

6. Gas gun

7. Knife

8. Machine gun

9. Knuckles

10. Projectile weapon

11. Rifle

12. Shotgun

13. Spring gun

14. Switchblade Knife

Other prohibited weapons are:

1. Mace spray

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

Any student who possesses a weapon prohibited by law at school or on school property, including but not limited to the school playground or the school parking lot, brought a weapon on a school bus or brought a weapon to a school activity whether on or off of the school property, and violates this policy will be suspended from school for not less than one calendar year or permanently expelled.  The suspension or expulsion may be modified on a case-by-case basis upon recommendation by the Superintendent to the Board.  Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be reviewed under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District is committed to implement professionally accepted practices to protect the health and safety of students.  Therefore, as required by law, this policy comprehensively addresses the use of restrictive behavioral interventions for behavior management and student discipline.

Policy Applicability

This policy applies to all District school personnel and publicly contracted private providers.  School personnel assigned to facilities or programs not located on District premises (hospitals, detention centers, juvenile facilities, mental health facilities) will follow the policy and procedure of the facility/program where they work.

Definitions

Chemical Restraint - The use of medication for the sole purpose of controlling behavior and restricting freedom of movement.  This does not include medication prescribed by a physician and administered according to that physician’s directions (including but not limited to medication for disabilities and health conditions such as: seizure disorders, hyperactivity, bi-polar disorder, HIV, diabetes, etc.)

Emergency Situation - A situation in which a student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others.

Mechanical Restraint - The use of any device or equipment to restrict a student’s freedom of movement.  The term does not include devices implemented by trained school personnel or used by a student with a prescription for such device from an appropriate medical or related services professional and that are used for the specific and approved purposes for which such devices were designed, such as the following:

• Adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without the use of such devices or mechanical supports;
• Vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle;
• Restraints for medical immobilization; or
• Orthopedically prescribed devices that permit a student to participate in activities without risk.

Physical Escort - The temporary touching or holding of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder or back for the purpose of inducing a student to walk to a safe location.

Physical Restraint - A personal restriction such as person-to-person physical contact that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s torso, arms, legs, or head freely.  It does not include: 

• A physical escort;
• Comforting or calming a student;
• Holding a student’s hand to transport the student for safety purposes;
• Intervening in a fight;
• Using an assistive or protective device prescribed by an appropriately trained professional or professional team.  

Prone Restraint– Using mechanical or physical restraint or both to restrict a student’s movement while the student in lying with the student’s front or face downward.

Publicly contracted private providers – Any person working at a school function under a contract or written agreement with the District to provide educational, behavioral, or related services to students. 

Restraint – Includes, but is not limited to, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, and prone restraint.

School Personnel -   Any person employed by the District or any person paid or unpaid working on District property in an official capacity.

Seclusion - The involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area that the student is physically prevented from leaving and that complies with the building code in effect in the school district. Seclusion does not include:

• A time-out;
• In-school suspension;
• Detention; or
• Other appropriate disciplinary measures. 

Time-Out - A behavior management technique that is part of an approved program, involves the monitored separation of the student in a non-locked setting, and is implemented for the purpose of calming.

Use of Restrictive Behavioral Interventions

Time-Out – Nothing prohibits the use of time-out as defined in this policy. 

Seclusion – As defined in this policy, use of seclusion is limited to situations or conditions in which there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. Any student placed in seclusion shall be removed from seclusion as soon as the District or publicly contracted provider determines that the student is no longer an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. Each time seclusion is used for a student, the incident will be monitored by a member of the District or publicly contracted private provider personnel.

Restraint – As defined in this policy, use of restraint is limited to situations or conditions in which there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. Any student placed in a restraint shall be removed from the restraint as soon as the District or publicly contracted provider determines that the student is no longer an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. Each time restraint is used for a student, the incident will be monitored by a member of the District or publicly contracted private provider personnel.

Chemical Restraints – School personnel will never use chemical restraints.

The District or any District-contracted private provider will not use any mechanical, physical, or prone restraint technique that:

• Obstructs views of the student’s face;
• Obstructs the student’s respiratory airway, impairs the student’s breathing or respiratory capacity, or restricts the movement required for normal breathing to cause positional or postural asphyxia;
• Places pressure or weight on or causes the compression of the student’s chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, abdomen, or genitals;
• Obstructs the student’s circulation of blood;
• Involves pushing on or into the student’s mouth, nose, eyes, or any part of the face or involves covering the face or body with anything including, but not limited to, soft objects such as pillows, blankets, or washcloths;
• Endangers the student’s life or significantly exacerbates the student’s medical condition;
• Is purposely designed to inflict pain;
• Restricts the student from communicating. If an employee physically restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentative mode of communication as the student’s primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student’s hands free of restraint for brief periods unless an employee determines that such freedom appears likely to result in harm to self or others. 

Reflective Discussion and Review 

Following any situation involving the use of seclusion or restraint, School Personnel will hold a debriefing that will occur as soon as possible but no later than two (2) school days following the emergency situation. The meeting will include, but is not limited to, a discussion of events that led to the emergency and why the de-escalation efforts were not effective; any traumatic reactions on the part of the student, other students, or school personnel; what, if anything, could be done differently, and an evaluation process.    

Notice and Documentation Requirements

Parent/Guardian Notice 

In addition to the annual notice regarding the District’s discipline policy and corporal punishment procedures provided to students and parents at the beginning of each school year, following a situation involving the use of seclusion, or restraint the parent/guardian of the student will be notified through verbal or electronic means of the incident as soon as possible, but no later than one hour after the end of the day of the incident.  This notification will include a statement indicating the District will provide the parents/guardians a copy of the report described below within five (5) school days of the incident. The parent/guardian shall receive a written report of the emergency situation within five (5) school days of the incident.  The written incident report shall include all of the following:

• Date, time of day, location, duration, and description of the incident and any interventions taken;
• Any and all events that led up to the incident and the reason for using seclusion or restraint;
• A description of the methods of seclusion or restraint used;
• The nature and extent of any injury to the student;
• The names, roles, and certifications of each employee involved in the use of seclusion or restraint;
• The name, role, and signature of the person who prepared the report;
• The name of a District employee the parent/guardian may contact regarding the incident and use of seclusion or restraint;
• The name of an employee to contact if the parent/guardian wishes to file a complaint; and
• A statement directing parents/guardians to a sociological, emotional, or behavioral support organization and a hotline number to report child abuse and neglect. 

A copy of the report must also be provided to DESE within 30 days of the incident. 

District Documentation 

The District will maintain a copy of the report as an education record of the student.

Training Requirements

General and Specialized Training Requirements - The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all District personnel receive annual training and review the policy and procedures involving the use of seclusion and restraint as well as training on a continuum of prevention and de-escalation techniques, as well as environmental management techniques.

In addition to the training provided to all District personnel, those persons who may utilize seclusion and/or restraint shall receive annual training in:

• De-escalation practices;
• The appropriate use of seclusion and physical and mechanical restraint;
• Professionally-accepted practices in physical management and use of restraints;
• Methods to explain the use of restraint to the student who is to be restrained and to the individual’s family; and
• Information on the policy and appropriate documentation and notification procedures.

Retaliation

The District will not retaliate against any person for reporting violation of this policy or providing information regarding such violation. Providing student information must comply with FERPA and any other applicable law.

Students with Disabilities

The District will comply with all state and federal laws governing the education of students with disabilities, including the use of behavioral interventions, per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applicable regulations and state and local plans for compliance with the law.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024

The District prohibits the organization of or membership in a school fraternity, sorority, gang, or other such groups where the membership is determined by the members themselves and causes a substantial disruption to school and/or school activities.  The District will not sponsor or permit any such group or activities.  

No student on school property or at any school activity may wear clothing, jewelry, or visible insignias associated with such organization if it is worn in a manner that promotes disruptive behavior.  Non-verbal gestures, such as handshakes or signs, or verbal indication of affiliation with a prohibited group or gang, are prohibited.

Adoption Date(s): July 1, 2024