The goals and objectives of the school district are designed to achieve the mission statement of the school district.  Short-term and long-term objectives for the education program will be reviewed annually by the board. These objectives will reflect the results of the needs assessment, recommendations from the superintendent, changes in law, and any other relevant factors.  Annually, the board will report regarding the progress toward the achievement of the goals and objectives of the education program.

The student school day for grades one through twelve shall consist of a minimum of six hours, not including the lunch period. The school day consists of the schedule of class instruction and class activities as established and sponsored by the school district. Time during which students are released from school for parent/teacher conferences may be counted as part of the student's instructional time. The minimum school day shall meet the requirements as established for the operation of accredited schools. The board may define the number of days kindergarten will be held and the length of each school day for the students attending kindergarten. The school day shall consist of a schedule as recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.

The school district may also record a day of school with less than the minimum instructional hours if the total hours of instructional time for grades one through twelve in any five consecutive school days equals a minimum of thirty hours, even though any one day of school is less than the minimum instructional hours because of a staff development opportunity provided for the instructional staff or parent-teacher conferences have been scheduled beyond the regular school day. Parent-teacher conference time is included in the total of instructional hours for the day, week and calendar total hours or days. Schedule revisions and changes in time allotments will be made by the superintendent.

The superintendent has the authority to determine which continuous remote learning opportunities are appropriate in accordance with the district's Return-to-learn Plan, as approved by the Department of Education. The superintendent shall consult with the Iowa Department of Public Health, the _____________ County Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Center for Disease Control guidance, and may take additional precautions to keep staff and students as safe as reasonably possible. Instructional time shall be consistent with the district's approved Return-to-Learn plan for students, classrooms, attendance centers or the district as a whole when engaged in a method of continuous remote learning.

One of the following sentences will apply based on the district’s hour or day calendar: When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies that part of the day during which school was in session will constitute a school day if the districts is operating under a calendar based on 180 instructional days. When the school is forced to close due to weather or other emergencies those hours of the day during which school was in session will count toward the 1,080 total hours required.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to inform the board annually of the length of the school day.

If a parent or guardian of a student notifies the district in writing that the student, student's immediate family member or primary caretaker, has a significant health condition that increases the risk of COVID-19, documented by their doctor, the superintendent shall make reasonable accommodation, on a case-by-case basis, for the student to attend school through remote learning.

The superintendent of schools for the District or the superintendent’s designee shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the conditions exist. The superintendent shall make provisions to publicly announce such closings via available mass communication media as soon as possible after the decision to close. Every reasonable effort shall be made to have students attend the total amount of school days or hours annually as specified by statute, state departmental rules, the district's Return-to-Learn plan, and local school board policy. 

Curriculum development shall be an ongoing process in the school district. Each curriculum area shall be reviewed and revised when necessary according to the timelines set out by the superintendent. These timelines will provide for periodic review of each curriculum area.

The superintendent shall be responsible for curriculum development and for determining the most effective way of conducting research of the school district's curriculum needs and a long-range curriculum development program. In making recommendations to the board, the superintendent shall propose a curriculum that will:

• fulfill the mission, beliefs, and vision of the school district;
• reflect current research and best practice;
• reflect the educational and operational assessments of the school district;
• identity Standards, Benchmarks, and Critical Objectives for each course or grade level;
• articulate courses of study from kindergarten through grade twelve;
• provide for continual assessment of a student's progress;
• improve instructional practice;
• meet the long and short range student achievement goals found in the District's School Improvement Plan;
• meet the requirements of the Iowa Department of Education in meeting General Accreditation Standards.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of necessary curriculum changes and revisions and to develop administrative regulations for curriculum development. 

When deemed necessary by the superintendent and whenever a new program is proposed, the board will review the curriculum to determine its strengths and weaknesses. The board may authorize the superintendent to appoint an ad hoc advisory committee to review the curriculum.

The board shall review the student performance on standardized tests, district created assessments, courses, and other indicators of student achievement as it related to the District's Standards and Benchmarks and Critical Objectives. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to provide the board/parents/community with the assessment scores on an annual basis.

The board recognizes that the general objectives of post-high school and adult education programs shall be the same as those of other levels of public education. These general objectives include the preparation of individuals for democratic citizenship, providing individuals with means for economic improvement and cultural development, and the enrichment of the personal lives of all the participating individuals.

The post-high school and adult education programs shall be administered by the school district’s administrative staff.  The physical facilities of the school district shall be made available for use in these programs when there is no conflict with regular school activities.  Recommendations for extension and expansion of adult education programs shall be made through the prescribed lines of authority and shall be presented to the board by the superintendent. 

The board recognizes some students have different educational needs than other students.  The board shall provide a free appropriate education program and related services to students identified in need of special education.  Special education services will be provided from birth until the appropriate education is completed, age twenty-one or the maximum age allowable in accordance with the law.  Students requiring special education shall attend regular education classes, participate in non-academic and extracurricular services and activities and receive services in a regular education setting to the maximum extent possible appropriate to the needs of each individual student.

The appropriate education for each student shall be written in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).  Special education students shall be required to meet the requirements stated in board policy as modified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP) consistent with board policy, for graduation.  However, beginning with the graduating class of 2022, students receiving special education services shall meet the state requirement of completing four years of English-language arts and three years each of mathematics, science and social students, known as 4-3-3-3, aligned to state required standards, with support and accommodations as described in their IEP for graduation with a regular diploma.  A student’s IEP Team may determine how a particular student meets 4-3-3-3.

The superintendent may provide a certificate of completion/attendance to those students receiving special education services who do not complete requirements for graduation with a regular diploma, including 4-3-3-3.  Student who receive a certificate of completion/attendance remain eligible for special education services until they reach maximum age of twenty-one.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and the area education agency director of special education to provide or make provisions for appropriate special education and related services.

Children from birth through age 2 and age 3 through 5 shall be provided comprehensive special education services within the public education system. The school district shall work in conjunction with the area education agency to provide services, at the earliest appropriate time, to children with disabilities from birth through age 2. This shall be done to ensure a smooth transition of children entitled to early childhood special education services. 

Students will have an equal opportunity for a quality education without discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, color, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.  The education program will be free of discrimination and provide equal opportunity for students and will foster knowledge of, respect, and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society with special emphasis on Asian-Americans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and persons with disabilities. It will also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes. 

Students shall 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, nicotine, 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; communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; and current crucial health issues.  The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve, and maintain physical, emotional, and social well-being.

The instruction provided shall be adapted in 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 that instruction.  The written request shall include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent.  The superintendent shall have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

Students in grades one through twelve shall be required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center.  Students may be excused from physical education courses if the student presents a written statement from a doctor stating that such activities could be injurious to the health of the student or the student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student's religious beliefs, provided such excuse fits within federal and state laws.

Students in grades nine through twelve may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available or the student has obtained a physical education waiver for a semester because the student is actively involved in an athletic program.  Twelfth grade students may also be excused from physical education courses if the student is enrolled in a cooperative, work study or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student's absence from school.  Students who will not participate in physical education must have a written request or statement from the parents. 

Preparing students for careers is one goal of the education program.  Career education will be written into the education program for grades kindergarten through twelve.  This education shall include, but not be limited to, awareness of self in relation to others and the needs of society, exploration of employment opportunities, experiences in personal decision-making, and experiences of integrating work values and work skills into their lives.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to assist licensed employees in finding ways to provide career education in the education program.  Special attention should be given to courses of vocational education nature.  The board, in its review of the curriculum, shall review the means in which career education is combined with other instructional programs. 

The board believes students should have an opportunity to reach their own decisions and beliefs about conflicting points of view.  Academic freedom is the opportunity of licensed employees and students to study, investigate, present, interpret, and discuss facts and ideas relevant to the subject matter of the classroom and appropriate to and in good taste with the maturity and intellectual and emotional capacities of the students.

It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views or biased positions in the classroom or through teaching methods.  Teachers are not discouraged from expressing personal opinions as long as students are aware it is a personal opinion and students are allowed to reach their own conclusions independently.  It shall be the responsibility of the principal to ensure academic freedom is allowed but not abused in the classroom. 

A "controversial issue" is a topic of significant academic inquiry about which substantial groups of citizens of this community, this state or this nation hold sincere, conflicting points of view.  It is the belief of the board that controversial issues should be fairly presented in a spirit of honest academic freedom so that students may recognize the validity of other points of view but can also learn to formulate their own opinions based upon dispassionate, objective, unbiased study and discussion of the facts related to the controversy.

It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to present a full and fair opportunity and means for students to study, consider and discuss all sides of controversial issues including, but not limited to, political philosophies.  It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to protect the right of the student to study pertinent controversial issues within the limits of good taste and to allow the student to express personal opinions without jeopardizing the student's relationship with the teacher.  It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to refrain from advocating partisan causes, sectarian religious views or selfish propaganda of any kind through any classroom or school device; however, an instructor shall not be prohibited from expressing a personal opinion as long as students are encouraged to reach their own decisions independently.

The board encourages full discussion of controversial issues in a spirit of academic freedom that shows students that they have the right to disagree with the opinions of others but that they also have the responsibility to base the disagreement on facts and to respect the right of others to hold conflicting opinions.

Parents and other members of the school district community may view the instructional materials used by the students.  All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any federally funded programs must be available for inspection by parents.  The instructional materials must be viewed on school district premises.  Copies may be obtained according to board policy.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding the inspection of instructional materials.

Signature:_______________________________                  Date:____________________ 

A.         A member of the school district community may raise an objection to instructional materials used in the school district's education program despite the fact that the individuals selecting such material were duly qualified to make the selection and followed the proper procedure and observed the criteria for selecting such material.

1. The school official or employee receiving a complaint regarding instructional materials will try to resolve the issue informally. The materials generally will remain in use pending the outcome of the reconsideration procedure.
   1. The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the board's selection procedure, criteria to be met by the instructional materials, and qualifications of those persons selecting the material.
   2. The school official or employee initially receiving a complaint will explain to the individual the role of the objected material in the education program, its intended educational purpose, and additional information regarding its use. In the alternative, the employee may refer the individual to the teacher-librarian who can identify and explain the use of the material.
2. The employee receiving the initial complaint will advise the building principal of the initial contact no later than the end of the school day following the discussion with the individual, whether or not the individual has been satisfied by the initial contact. A written record of the contact is maintained by the principal in charge of the attendance center. Each building principal shall inform employees of their obligation to report complaints.
3. In the event the individual making an objection to instructional materials is not satisfied with the initial explanation, the individual is referred to the principal or to the teacher­-librarian of the attendance center. If, after consultation with the principal or teacher-­librarian, the individual desires to file a formal complaint, the principal or teacher-librarian will assist in filling out a Reconsideration Request Form in full and filing it with the superintendent.

B. Request for Reconsideration

1. A member of the school district community may formally challenge instructional materials on the basis of appropriateness used in the school district's education program. This procedure is for the purpose of considering the opinions of those persons in the school district and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process.
2. Each attendance center and the school district's central administrative office will keep on hand and make available Reconsideration Request Forms. Formal objections to instructional materials must be made on this form.
3. The individual will state the specific reason the instructional material is being challenged.  The Reconsideration Request Form is signed by the individual and filed with the superintendent.
4. The superintendent will promptly file the objection with the reconsideration committee for re-evaluation.
5. Generally, access to challenged instructional material will not be restricted during the reconsideration process. However, in unusual circumstances, the instructional material may be removed temporarily by following the provisions of Section B.6.d. of this rule.
6. The Reconsideration Committee
   1. The reconsideration committee is made up of eight members.
      1. One licensed employee designated annually, as needed, by the superintendent.
      2. One teacher-librarian designated annually by the superintendent.
      3. One member of the administrative team designated annually by the superintendent.
      4. Three members of the community appointed annually, as needed, by the board.
      5. Two high school students, selected annually by the high school principal.
   2. The committee will select their chairperson and secretary.
   3. The committee will meet at the request of the superintendent.
   4. Special meetings may be called by the board to consider temporary removal of materials in unusual circumstances. A recommendation for temporary removal will require a two-thirds vote of the committee.
   5. Notice of committee meetings is made public through appropriate publications and other communications methods.
   6. The committee will receive the completed Reconsideration Request Form from the superintendent.
   7. The committee will determine its agenda for the first meeting which may include the following:
      1.  Distribution of copies of the completed Reconsideration Request Form.
      2. An opportunity for the individual or a group spokesperson to talk about or expand on the Reconsideration Request Form.
      3. Distribution of reputable, professionally prepared reviews of the challenged instructional material if available.
      4. Distribution of copies of the challenged instructional material as available.
   8. The committee may review the selection process for the challenged instructional material and may, to its satisfaction, determine that the challenge is without merit and dismiss the challenge. The committee will notify the individual and the superintendent of its action.
   9. At a subsequent meeting, if held, interested persons, including the individual filing the challenge, may have the opportunity to share their views. The committee may request that individuals with special knowledge be present to give information to the committee.
   10. The individual filing the challenge is kept informed by the reconsideration committee secretary on the status of the Reconsideration Request Form throughout the reconsideration process. The individual filing the challenge and known interested parties is given appropriate notice of meetings.
   11. At the second or a subsequent meeting the committee will make its final recommendation. The committee's final recommendation may be to take no removal action, to remove the challenged material from the school environment, or to limit the educational use of the challenged material. The sole criterion for the final recommendation is the appropriateness of the material for its intended educational use. The written final recommendation and its justification are forwarded to the board, the individual and the appropriate attendance centers. The superintendent my also make a recommendation but if so, it should be independent from the committee's.

       Following the superintendent's decision with respect to the committee's recommendation, the individual or the chairperson of the reconsideration committee may appeal the decision to the board for review. Such appeal must be presented to the superintendent in writing within five days following the announcement of the superintendent's decision. The board will promptly determine whether to hear the appeal.

   12. A recommendation to sustain a challenge will not be interpreted as a judgment of irresponsibility on the part of the individuals involved in the original selection or use of the material.
   13. Requests to reconsider materials which have previously been reconsidered by the committee must receive approval of two-thirds of the committee members before the materials will again be reconsidered.
   14.  If necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the committee, the committee may appoint a subcommittee of members or nonmembers to consolidate challenges and to make recommendations to the full committee. The composition of this subcommittee will approximate the representation of the full committee.
   15. Committee members directly associated with the selection, use, or challenger of the challenged material are excused from the committee during the deliberation of the challenged instructional materials. The superintendent may appoint a temporary replacement for the excused committee member, but the replacement must be of the same general qualifications as the member excused.

The school district will maintain a school library in each building for use by employees and by students during the school day.  Materials for the centers will be acquired according to board policy, Instructional Materials Selection.  It is the responsibility of the principal of the building in which the school library is located to oversee the use of materials in the library.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop procedures for the selection and replacement of both library and instructional materials, for the acceptance of gifts, for the review of library and instructional materials, and for the handling of challenges to either library or classroom materials.

The board is committed to making available to students and staff members access to a wide range of electronic learning facilities, equipment, and software, including computers, computer-like equipment (such as tablets), computer network systems, and the internet.  The goal in providing this technology and access is to support the educational objectives and mission of the school district and to promote resource sharing, innovation, problem solving, and communication.  The District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and/or internet connection is not a public access service or a public forum.  The District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material accessed and/or posted through the use of its computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and/or internet connection.

Access to the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network, and internet shall be available to all students and staff within the District.  However, access is a privilege, not a right.  Each student and staff member must have a signed acceptable use agreement on file prior to having access to and using the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and the internet.  The amount of time and type of access available for each student and staff member may be limited by the District’s technology and the demands for the use of the District’s technology.  Even if students have not been given access to and/or use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and the internet, they may still be exposed to information from the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and/or the internet in guided curricular activities at the discretion of their teachers.

Every computer and/or computer-like equipment in the District having internet access shall not be operated unless internet access from the computer is subject to a technology protection measure (i.e. filtering software).  The technology protection measure employed by the District shall be designed and operated with the intent to ensure that students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are otherwise harmful to minors.  The technology protection measure may only be disabled for an adult’s use if such use is for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

The technology coordinator may close a user account at any time as required and administrators, faculty, and staff may request the technology coordinator to deny, revoke or suspend user accounts.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with computer systems may be denied access to the District’s computers, the District’s computer-like equipment, the District’s computer network systems and the internet.  Students and staff members will be instructed by the District’s technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel on the appropriate use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment computer network and the internet.

The use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and internet access shall be for educational purposes only.  Students and staff members shall only engage in appropriate, ethical, and legal utilization of the District’s computers, computer network systems, and internet access.  Student and staff member use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and internet access shall also comply with all District policies and regulations.  The following rules provide guidance to students and staff for the appropriate use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and internet access.  Inappropriate use and/or access will result in the restriction and/or termination of the privilege of access to and use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and internet access and may result in further discipline for students up to and including expulsion and/or other legal action and may result in further discipline for staff members up to and including termination of employment and/or other legal action.  The District’s administration will determine what constitutes inappropriate use and their decision will be final.  Inappropriate use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network and internet access includes, but is not limited to a violation of the following rules:

• Do not make or disseminate offensive or harassing statements or use offensive or harassing language including disparagement of others based on age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.  Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.  Be polite and follow the same privacy, ethical, educational, and other considerations observed regarding other forms of communication.
• Do not access, create or disseminate any material that is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; any material regarding products or services that are inappropriate for minors including products or services that the possession and/or use of by minors is prohibited by law; any material that constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; and/or any material that presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school aztivities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or will cause the violation of lawful school regulations.
• Do not disseminate or solicit sexually oriented messages or images.
• Do not transmit your credit card information or other personal identification information, including your home address or telephone number from any District computer without prior permission from the building principal, the superintendent or other appropriate personnel.  Do not publish personal or private information about yourself or others on the internet without prior written permission.  Do not repost a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent the message.  If any information is to be provided regarding students, it should be limited to the student’s first name and the initial of the student’s last name only.  Do not arrange or agree to meet with someone met online.
• Do not use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment and/or computer network systems to participate in illegal activities.  Illegal activities include, but are not limited to, gambling, fraud, and pornography.
• Do not subscribe to or access listservs, bulletin boards, online services, e-mail services, social networking sites (i.e., myspace, facebook, twitter) or other similar services without prior permission from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.
• Do not use, possess or attempt to make or distribute illegal/unauthorized copies of software or other digital media.  Illegal/unauthorized software or other digital media means any software or other digital media that has been downloaded or copied or is otherwise in the user’s possession or being used without the appropriate registration and/or license for the software or in violation of any applicable trademarks and/or copyrights, including the payment of any fees to the owner of the software or other digital media.
• Do not alter, modify, corrupt or harm in any way the computer software stored on the District’s computers or computer network systems.  Do not install any software on the hard drive of any District computer or on the District’s computer network systems or run any personal software from either floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, flash drives or other storage media or alter or modify any data files stored on the District’s computers, computer-like equipment or computer network systems without prior permission and/or supervision from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.
• Do not download any programs or files from the internet without prior permission from the District’s technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.  Any programs or files downloaded from the internet shall be strictly limited only to those that you have received permission from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel to download.
• Do not use any encryption software from any access point within the District.
• Do not access the internet from a District computer and/or computer-like equipment using a non-District internet account.
• Do not share a personal user account with anyone.  Do not share any personal user account passwords with anyone or leave your account open or unattended.
• Do not access the District’s computers, computer-like equipment or computer network systems or use the District’s internet connection from a non-District computer without prior authorization from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.
• Do not use an instant messenger service or program, internet relay chat or other forms of direct electronic communication or enter a chat room while using the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems and/or the District’ internet connection.
• Do not disable or circumvent or attempt to disable or circumvent filtering software without prior permission from the District’s technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel.
• Do not play any games or run any programs that are not related to the District’s educational program.
• Do not vandalize the District’s computers, computer-like equipment or its computer network systems.  Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm, modify, deface or destroy physical computer equipment, computer-like equipment or the computer network and any attempt to harm or destroy data stored on the District’s computer equipment, computer-like equipment or the computer network or the data of another user.  All users are expected to immediately report any problems or vandalism of computer equipment to the administration, the technology coordinator or the instructor responsible for the equipment.
• Do not commit or attempt to commit any act that disrupts the operation of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment or computer network systems or any network connected to the internet, including the use or attempted use or possession of computer viruses or worms or participation in hacking or other unlawful/inappropriate activities on line.  Users must report any security breaches or system misuse to the administration or technology coordinator.  Do not demonstrate any security or other network problems to other users; give your password to another user for any reason; and/or use another individual's account.  Do not attempt to log on to any device as a system administrator.
• Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users or would waste system resources (e.g. listening to internet radio, printing web pages without prior permission from the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel, staying on the network longer than is necessary to obtain needed information).
• Do not use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment and/or computer network systems for any commercial or for-profit purposes, personal or private business, (including but not limited to shopping or job searching), product advertisement or political lobbying.
• Do not use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems and/or the internet to access, download, transmit, and/or disseminate any material in violation of any federal or state law, copyrighted material, obscene material, hate literature, material protected by trade secret, computer viruses and/or worms, offensive material, spam e-mails, any threatening or harassing materials, and/or any material that will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities.  If a user encounters potentially inappropriate information, the user shall immediately terminate contact with such information and notify the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel of the contact with inappropriate information.
• Do not plagiarize information accessed through the District’s computer; computer-like equipment, computer network systems and/or the internet.  Students and staff shall obtain permission from appropriate parties prior to using copyrighted material that is accessed through the District’s computer, computer network systems, and/or the internet.

The District will, within the curriculum currently being offered, include age-appropriate content related to children’s use of the internet.  This may include anti-bullying and harassment considerations, social networking considerations and other considerations involving internet usage.

Although reasonable efforts will be made to make sure students will be under supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network.  Some students may encounter information that may not be of educational value and/or may be inappropriate.  If a student encounters such information, the student should terminate access to the information immediately and notify supervisory personnel or other appropriate personnel of what occurred.

Students will be able to access the District’s computers, computer-like equipment and computer network systems, including use of the internet, through their teachers and/or other appropriate supervisors.  Individual electronic mail addresses (will/will not) be issued to students.  Students will not be allowed to use e-mail except under very specific, limited educational circumstances.  If a student has an electronic mail address that has been set up outside of school, the student will not be permitted to access that e-mail account or use that address to send and receive mail at school.

Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems and the internet.  Students and staff members will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the District’s policies and regulations regarding appropriate use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems and the internet; that they will comply with the policies and regulations; and understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.  Prior to publishing any student work and/or pictures on the internet, the District will obtain written permission from the student’s parents to do so.

The District has the right, but not the duty, to monitor any and all aspects of its computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems and internet access including, but not limited to, monitoring sites students and staff visit on the internet and reviewing e-mail.  The administration and the technology coordinator shall have both the authority and right to examine all computer and computer-like equipment and internet activity including any logs, data, e-mail, computer disks and/or other computer related records of any user of the system.  The use of e-mail is limited to District and educational purposes only.  Students and staff waive any right to privacy in anything they create, store, send, disseminate or receive on the District’s computers, computer-like equipment and computer network systems, including the internet.

No warranties, expressed or implied, are made by the District for the computer technology and internet access being provided.  Although the District has taken measures to implement and maintain protection against the presence of computer viruses, spyware, and malware on the District’s computers, computer network systems, and internet access, the District cannot and does not warranty or represent that the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems or internet access will be secure and free of computer viruses, spyware or malware at all times.  The District, including its officers and employees, will not be responsible for any damages including, but not limited to, the loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries or service interruptions caused by negligence or omission.  Individual users are solely responsible for making backup copies of their data.  The District is not responsible for the accuracy of information users access on the internet and is not responsible for any unauthorized charges students or staff members may incur as a result of their use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and/or internet access.  Any risk and/or damages resulting from information obtained from the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and/or internet access is assumed by and is the responsibility of the user.

Students, parents, and staff members may be asked from time to time to sign a new consent and/or acceptable use agreement to reflect changes and/or developments in the law or technology.  When students, parents, and staff members are presented with new consent and/or acceptable use agreements to sign, these agreements must be signed for students and/or staff to continue to have access to and use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

The interpretation, application, and modification of this policy are within the sole discretion of the school district.  Any questions or issues regarding this policy should be directed to the Superintendent, any building principal or the technology coordinator.  The board will review and update this policy as necessary.  The district will maintain this policy at least five (5) years after the termination of funding pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe environment for students through the use of technology protection measures (i.e. filtering software) to enhance education in the school district.

The internet is an ever expanding resource that adds large quantities of content on a daily basis.  However, some of the content is inappropriate for student use and may even be harmful to students' health, safety and welfare.  Therefore, the school district has determined that it will establish this policy to limit student access to certain undesirable topics, including but not limited to, information and images that are obscene, constitute child pornography or are otherwise harmful to minors.  Since it is not feasible for the school district to continually monitor the content of the internet, the school district will employ technology protection measures in the form of internet filtering software in an attempt to block access to these types of harmful and inappropriate materials.

The school district’s implementation of internet filtering software does not guarantee that students will be prevented from accessing materials that may be considered inappropriate and/or harmful.  However, it is a meaningful effort on the part of the school district to prevent students from accessing inappropriate and/or harmful materials on the internet.  The school district makes no guarantee that the filtering software will be available at all times or that the filtering software will block all inappropriate and/or harmful material.

If there is an accessible Uniform Resource Locator [URL] that may be inappropriate, students, staff, and parents may request a review by designated district personnel, by completing an Add URL to Blocked Status Form.  Upon review, the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel will make a determination about blocking access to that site.  If there is an educationally valuable URL that is blocked, students, staff, and parents may fill out the Remove URL from Blocked Status Form.  The technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel will review the request and make a determination about unblocking the site.

Staff members may request that the internet filtering software be disabled for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  A Bona Fide Research Form will need to be filled out and reviewed by the technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel before the internet filtering software is disabled.

The school district has laptop computers and/or tablets for its faculty members and/or students to use inside and outside of school in order to enhance, enrich, and facilitate learning and teaching and to aid in administrative duties and school communications.  All laptop computers, tablets and related equipment are school district property.  The use of the district's laptop computers, tablets and related equipment shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions set out in the district's policies on appropriate use of computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

Faculty Members’ Use of District’s Laptop Computer and/or Tablet

Prior to using the district's laptop computers, tablets and related equipment, faculty members will sign a Staff Laptop Computer and/or Tablet Acceptance Form and Consent to Use of the District’s Computers, Computer-Like Equipment, Computer Network Systems, and Internet Access and agree to all outlined policies before being issued a laptop computer and/or tablet.  Faculty members shall not attempt to install software or hardware or change the system configuration, including any network settings, on any district laptop computer and/or tablet without prior consultation with the district's administration.  Faculty members shall not attempt to change or modify in any way any related equipment that they are issued with the district's laptop computer and/or tablet.

Faculty members shall protect district laptop computers, tablets and related equipment from damage and theft.  Each faculty member shall be responsible for any damage to the laptop computer, tablet and related equipment they have been issued from the time it is issued to them until the time it is turned back in to the district, including damage to the computer, tablet, related equipment or the computer's hardware and/or software (including labor costs).  Faculty members who choose to store school data, such as grades, tests or exams, on district laptop computers and/or tablets are required to back up this data on the district's network as a safety precaution against data loss.

Students’ Use of District’s Laptop Computer and/or Tablet

Prior to using the district's laptop computers, tablets and related equipment, a parent/guardian and/or the student will sign a Consent to Student Use of the District’s Computers, Computer-Like Equipment, Computer Network Systems, and Internet Access and agree to all outlined policies before being issued a laptop computer and/or tablet.

Students shall protect district laptop computers, tablets and related equipment from damage and theft.  Each student shall be responsible for any damage to the laptop computer, tablet and related equipment they have been issued from the time it is issued to them until the time it is turned back in to the district, including damage to the computer, tablet, related equipment or the computer's hardware and/or software (including labor costs). 

Name:______________________________                         Date:_______________

Computer and/or Tablet Serial #______________________________

Computer Equipment Description and Serial #______________________________

I hereby certify that I have received, read, understand and agree to all of the terms and conditions in the _______________ Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Computers, Computer-Like Equipment, Computer Network Systems, and the Internet policy.

I understand that the laptop computer, tablet, and related equipment I am being issued is the property of the _______________ Community School District.  I will return the laptop computer and/or tablet and any related equipment I am issued in the same condition in which receive it, excluding normal wear and tear and unforeseen system breakdowns, i.e. hard drive failure, etc.  I understand that I am responsible for any damage or loss of any component of the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment I am issued. In case of damage or loss, I agree that I will replace any damaged or lost component and/or equipment with components and/or equipment of equal value and functionality as approved by the District's administration.

I accept full responsibility for my use of the district’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet through the District in accordance with the terms, conditions, and guidelines as stated by the District in its policies and regulations and as set out in federal and state law.  I understand that violation of these provisions will result in the restriction and/or termination of my ability to use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment (such as tablets), computer network systems, and internet access and may result in further discipline up to and including termination of my employment with the District and/or other legal action.

I will not hold the District responsible in any way for materials accessed through the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and/or the District’s internet access.  I relieve the __________________ Community School District and its officers and employees from any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred by my use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

__________________________________

                                                                        Signature

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                        Printed Name

__________________________________

                                                                        Date

I, _________________________________, am the parent or guardian of _________________________________, who is in ______ grade.

I hereby certify that I have received, read, understand and agree to the _______________ Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Computers, Computer-Like Equipment, Computer Network Systems, and the Internet Policy.

I recognize that although the _______________ Community School District has taken measures to restrict access to controversial materials, it cannot guarantee that students will be protected from accessing any controversial materials during the student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

I accept full responsibility for my student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet through the District in accordance with the terms, conditions, and guidelines as stated by the District in its policies and regulations and as set out in federal and state law.  I relieve the __________________ Community School District and its officers and employees, from any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred by my student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

There is significant student use of Internet resources in our classrooms.  In selecting No, I acknowledge that my child may have limited access to instructional materials and resources making full mastery of 21st Century technology literacy skills and other assignments more difficult than if Internet access was allowed.

My child may have access to internet: _____ Yes    _____ No

I hereby give the District permission to publish my child’s work, picture, and/or first name on the internet through the District’s web site._____ Yes        ____ No

____________________________                                        __________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE                                                 DATE

If you have consented to your child’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and internet access, please have your child review and sign the following:

I have read the _______________ Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Computers, Computer-Like Equipment, Computer Network Systems, and the Internet policy and agree to abide by its provisions.  I understand that violation of these provisions will result in the restriction and/or termination of my ability to use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and internet access and may result in further discipline up to and including expulsion and/or other legal action.  I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any internet services that have a cost involved.

____________________________                                        __________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE                                                       DATE

• All copyright laws and publisher license agreements between the vendor and the school district shall be observed;
• Staff members shall take reasonable precautions to prevent copying or the use of unauthorized copies on school equipment;
• A back-up copy shall be purchased, for use as a replacement when a program is lost or damaged. If the vendor is not able to supply a replacement, the school district shall make a back-up copy that will be used for replacement purposes only;
• A copy of the software license agreement shall be retained by the technology director or librarian; and,
• A computer program may be adapted by adding to the content or changing the language. The adapted program may not be distributed.

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district are to be the property of the school district. Materials and services produced by students at the student's expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, are to be the property of the student. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to determine incidental expense.

Health services are an integral part of comprehensive school improvement assisting all students to increase learning, achievement, and performance. Health services coordinate and support existing programs to assist each student in achievement of an optimal state of physical, mental, and social well being. Student health services ensure continuity and create linkages between school, home, and community service providers. The school district's comprehensive school improvement plan, needs, and resources determine the linkages.

Student Health Services Administrative Regulations

I.          Student Health Services - Each school building may develop a customized student health services program within comprehensive school improvement based on its unique needs and resources. Scientific advances, laws, and school improvement necessitate supports to students with health needs to receive their education program.

1. Supports to improve student achievement include:
   1. qualified health personnel;
   2. school superintendent, school nurse, and school health team working collaboratively;
   3. family and community involvement;
   4. optimal student health services program with commitment to its continuing improvement.
2. Components provided within a coordinated school health program include:

   1.  health services;

   2.  health education;

   3. nutrition;

   4. physical education and activity;

   5. healthy, safe environment;

   6. counseling, psychological, and social services;

   7. staff wellness;

   8. family and community involvement.

Student health services are provided to identify health needs; facilitate access to health care; provide for health needs related to educational achievement; promote health, well-being, and safety; and plan and develop the health services program.

II.         Student Health Services Essential Functions

1. Identify student health needs:
   1. Provide individual initial and annual health assessments.
   2. Provide needed health screenings.
   3. Maintain and update confidential health records;
   4. Communicate (written, oral, electronic) health needs as consistent with confidentiality laws.
2. Facilitate student access to physical and mental health services:
   1. Link students to community resources and monitor follow through.
   2. Promote increased access and referral to primary health care financial resources such as Medicaid, HAWK-I, social security, and community health clinics.
   3. Encourage appropriate use of heath care.
3. Provide for student health needs related to educational achievement:
   1. Manage chronic and acute illnesses.
   2. Provide special health procedures and medication including delegation, training, and supervision of qualified designated school personnel.
   3. Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise individual health plans (IHPs) for all students with special health needs according to mandates in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
   4. Provide urgent and emergency care for individual and group illness and injury.
   5. Prevent and control communicable disease and monitor immunizations.
   6. Promote optimal mental health.
   7. Promote a safe school facility and a safe school environment.
   8. Participate in and attend team meetings as a team member and health consultant.
4. Promote student health, well-being, and safety to foster healthy living:
   1. Provide developmentally appropriate health education and health counseling for individuals and groups.
   2. Encourage injury and disease prevention practices.
   3. Promote personal and public health practices.
   4. Provide health promotion and injury and disease prevention education.
5. Plan and develop the student health services program collaboratively with the superintendent, school nurse, and school health team:
   1. Gather and interpret data to evaluate needs and performance.
   2. Establish health advisory council and school health team.
   3. Develop health procedures and guidelines.
   4. Collaborate with staff, families, and community.
   5. Maintain and update confidential student school health records.
   6. Coordinate program with all school health components.
   7. Coordinate with school improvement.
   8. Evaluate and revise the health service program to meet changing needs.
   9. Organize scheduling and direct health services staff.
   10. Develop student health services annual status report.
   11. Coordinate information and program delivery within the school and between school and major constituents.
   12. Provide health services by qualified health professionals to effectively deliver services, including multiple levels of school health expertise such as registered nurses, physicians, and advanced registered nurse practitioners.
   13. Provide for professional development for school health services staff.

Ill.         Expanded Health Services

These additional health services address learning barriers and the lack of access to health care. Examples include school-based services in the school, school-linked services connected to the school, primary care, mental health, substance abuse, and dental health.

The District considers child exposure to adverse childhood experience, child mental health, and suicide as serious matters which impact learning opportunities for students, classroom, and instructional challenges for staff and ultimately, if not addressed, can lead to lifelong struggles, attempted suicide and loss of life. The District will follow all laws and regulations regarding the training required to inform staff of identification and referral to services for students with mental health challenges. 

The District shall provide suicide prevention and postvention training and training on the identification of adverse childhood experiences and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response for all school personnel who hold a license, certificate, authorization or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners and who have regular contact with students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The training shall begin July 1, 2019, and occur annually between July 1 and June 30, thereafter.  The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.

“Adverse childhood experience” means a potentially traumatic event occurring in childhood that can have negative, lasting effects on an individual’s health and well-being.

“Postvention” means the provision of crisis intervention, support, and assistance for those affected by a suicide or suicide attempt to prevent further risk of suicide.

The suicide prevention and postvention training shall be evidence-based, evidence-supported and be at least one hour in length.  The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.

The identification of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response training shall be evidence-based, evidence-supported, and be at least one hour in length or as determined by the Superintendent. The content of the training shall be based on nationally recognized best practices.