503 - Student Discipline

503 - Student Discipline dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 18:56

503.1 - Student Conduct

503.1 - Student Conduct

The board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on school premises.  Appropriate classroom behavior allows teachers to communicate more effectively with students.

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to participate in or obtain their education; conduct that is violent or destructive; or conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.

A student who commits an assault against an employee on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; or while attending or engaged in school district activities will be suspended by the principal. Notice of the suspension is sent to the board president. The board will review the suspension and decide whether to hold a disciplinary hearing to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion. In making its decision, the board shall consider the best interests of the school district, which shall include what is best to protect and ensure the safety of the school employees and students from the student committing the assault. Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as, when, without justification, a student does any of the following:

•  an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or

•  any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or

• intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office.  It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student. This policy is not intended to address the use of therapeutic classrooms or seclusion rooms for students.

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

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

Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded.  The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms shall result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.

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

Discipline of special education students, including suspensions and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
                             
          Brands v. Sheldon Community School District, 671 F. Supp. 627 (N.D. Iowa 1987).
                                       Sims v. Colfax Comm. School Dist., 307 F. Supp. 485 (Iowa 1970).                     
                            
          Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).            
                                      
Board of Directors of Ind. School Dist. of Waterloo v. Green, 259 Iowa 1260, 147 N.W.2d 854 (1967).                              
                            
          Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 282.3, 282.4, 282.5; 708.1.
                             
          281 I.A.C. 12.3(6)

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance                                          
                
                      502 Student Rights and Responsibilities                 
                
                      504 Student Activities                                             
                
                      603.3 Special Education                                          
                 
                      903.5 Distribution of Materials                               

Approved:  Oct. 11, 1993, Dec 16, 2013, Feb 20, 2017, June 18, 2018, February 15, 2021        
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, Dec 7, 2016, May 21, 2018, January 25, 2021  

Revised:  Oct. 10, 1994, Dec. 13, 2010, Oct 28, 2013, Dec 7, 2016, May 21, 2018, January 25, 2021  

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:26

503.1R1 - Student Suspension

503.1R1 - Student Suspension

Administrative Action

A.    Probation

       1.    Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

       2.    The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probation.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  Written notice and reasons for the probation will be sent to the parents.

 

B.    In-School Suspension

       1.    In-school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision.  In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.

       2.    The principal will conduct an investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in-school suspension.  The investigation will include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond.  In-school suspension will not be imposed for more than ten school days.  Written notice and reasons for the in-school suspension will be sent to the student's parents.

 

C.    Out-of-School Suspension

1.     Out-of-school suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration.  Out-of-school suspension is to be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.

2.    A student may be suspended out of school for up to ten school days by a principal for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school.  The principal may suspend students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:

               a.   Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student and

               b.   The opportunity to respond to those charges.

               At the principal's discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student or present witnesses on behalf of the student.

        3.    Notice of the out-of-school suspension will be mailed no later than the end of the school day following the suspension to the student's parents and the superintendent.  A reasonable effort is made to personally notify the student's parents and such effort is documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact.  Written notice to the parents will include the circumstances which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to the suspension.

 

D.    Suspensions and Special Education Students

  1.    Students who have been identified as special education students may be referred for a review of the student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  The IEP may be revised to include a continuum of intervention strategies and programming to change the behavior.

        2.    Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student has a disability and is in need of special education.

 

 

Approved June 18, 2018 
Reviewed May 21, 2018
Revised    May 21, 2018 

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:29

503.2 - Expulsion

503.2 - Expulsion

Only the board may remove a student from the school environment.  The removal of a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, is an expulsion from school.

Students may be expelled for violations of board policy, school rules or the law.  It is within the discretion of the board to discipline a student by using an expulsion for a single offense or for a series of offenses depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to recommend to the board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes.  Only the board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student.  The principal will keep records of expulsions in addition to the board's records.

When a student is recommended for expulsion by the board, the student shall be provided with:

            1.         Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;

           2.         The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness testifies unless the witnesses are students whose names may be    released at the discretion of the superintendent;

            3.         An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's       behalf;

            4.         The right to be represented by counsel; and,

            5.         The results and finding of the board in writing open to the student's inspection.

In addition to these procedures, a special education student must be provided with additional procedures.  A determination should be made of whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct.  A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement.  Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.

If the special education student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long-term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the school district's expulsion hearing procedures.  If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the school district.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
    
                                  Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).
    
                                  Southeast Warren Comm. School District v. Dept. of Public Instruction, 285 N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979).
    
                                  Iowa Code §§ 21.5; 282.3, .4, .5 (2013).
    
                                  281 I.A.C. 12.3 (6).

Cross Reference:  502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
    
                                  503 Student Discipline

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, Sept. 26, 2016, June 18, 2018       
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, Jul 25, 2016, May 21, 2018
Revised:  March 10, 1997, Dec. 13, 2010, Sept.19, 2016, May 21, 2018

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:15

503.2R1 - Expulsion Procedure

503.2R1 - Expulsion Procedure
  1.  Suspension of a student

The superintendent, principal, or associate principal, after hearing, may temporarily suspend any student for violation of the regulations, rules and discipline policy of the Fairfield Community School District and will give notice of such temporary dismissal will not exceed ten (10) days out of school or recommend to the board that the student be expelled.  Some acts, on campus or at any school function, for which suspension or expulsion should be considered are:

  1. Persistent absence or tardiness;
  2. Open or persistent defiance of authority and/or rules and regulations;
  3. Threatening, striking or assaulting any school employee;
  4. Threat or use of physical force upon another student which is not used in the defense of one’s safety;
  5. Threat of physical assault on another pupil to obtain money or materials of value;
  6. Damaging school property;
  7. Habitual profanity;
  8. Theft;
  9. Failure to abide by corrective discipline measures such as detention, etc.;
  10. Possession of a weapon;
  11. Use, possession or sale of liquors, narcotics;
  12. Smoking;
  13. Any act committed by a student which is detrimental to the health or physical wellbeing of another.

2.           Procedure for hearing of expulsion recommendation

    1. The administration will prepare a statement/notice in writing in duplicate, duly describing the alleged misconduct, and the reason the administration is recommending that the student be expelled from school, and advising the student of the time and place of hearing, at which the student, the student’s parents, or anyone the student chooses as a representative may appear and present such facts and statements which seem to be pertinent.  At which time and place, the Board of Directors will hear all facts presented and will take such action which it deems necessary and proper, pursuant to the rules and regulations and the discipline policy of the Fairfield Community School District and the laws of the State of Iowa.  Evidence must be given to student's family 3 business days prior to hearing.
    1. One copy of the notice will be filed with the president of the Board of Directors and another served upon the student.  The administration will endeavor to obtain service upon the student by serving the student personally, in which case the person serving the notice will make proper acknowledgment of service himself or herself, or by obtaining the student’s acknowledgment of service.  If the administration is unable to obtain such an acknowledgment, it may mail the complaint by registered mail to the student’s last local address, according to the records of the school district. Once there is a decision to recommend expulsion, the parent and student will be notified of such in writing. The hearing will be held on a date not later than ten (10) school days subsequent to the date of temporary suspension.
    2. Promptly following the receipt of a copy of the notice and of the acknowledgment or certification of service, the school board will schedule an expulsion hearing. Discussion of student discipline matters is in closed session, in accordance with Iowa Code, unless the parent and student request open session.
    3. At the hearing, the student may be accompanied by the student’s parents, by legal counsel, or by any other advisor of the student’s choice.  The school district may also  be advised by its legal advisor.  The hearing panel, in its discretion, may postpone the  hearing upon request when it deems such postponement necessary or appropriate; but a request for postponement for the convenience of legal counsel will ordinarily be refused.
    4. If the student should desire a more expeditious and informal procedure, the student may so indicate.  The hearing panel will make every effort to work out such a procedure with the student.
    5. At the hearing, the student may respond to the complaint orally or in writing. The response may admit or deny the allegations of the notice in whole or in part. The student may also offer any explanation or comment that the student believes relevant or appropriate.   
    6. The parties to the hearing, directly or through their legal advisors, may introduce evidence, witnesses to testify, or statements in writing; and they may testify in their own behalf.  To the extent that either party may rely on written statements as evidence, the party will clearly indicate how and from what source the evidence has been obtained.  Each party will have an opportunity to question   any witnesses, either directly or through legal counsel, or other advisor.  If the hearing panel should find it necessary to limit the number of witnesses in order to protect the hearing against disruption, confusion or unwarranted dilatory tactics, it will have the authority to do so.  The proceeding will be administrative and will not be conducted as an adversary proceeding.
    7. If the student will fail to appear at the hearing or if, having appeared, make no response to the complaint, the hearing panel will nevertheless invite the school administration to submit evidence in support of the complaint.
    8. If a party to the hearing should deliberately conduct itself in a manner disruptive of the hearing, the hearing panel will be authorized to exclude the party and    to proceed with the hearing as if the party had not personally appeared.
    9. Provisions will be made either for a transcript or for a verbatim record in the form of a tape recording of the hearing.  The complaint, the student’s response, the transcript or record, and all other papers in the proceeding except the final disposition of the case, will be for use only in the proceeding and in the internal processes of the school district related thereto; and that no such transcript, record or papers will  be voluntarily disclosed to any person outside the school district, except with the student’s consent.
    10. The hearing panel will consider all relevant evidence introduced at the hearing and make its findings of facts.  No matter not introduced as evidence at the hearing will be considered in making such findings.  Improperly acquired evidence will be excluded.
    11. Within five (5) days after the hearing, the school board will consider the relevant evidence and determine such disciplinary action as it deems to be appropriate, based upon the relevant evidence and the findings of facts of the hearing panel, together with the student’s prior record, as submitted by the school administration, and consistent with the rules and regulations and the discipline  policy of the school district and the laws of the State of Iowa.  The entire record, as submitted, will be open to the student for inspection.  The school board will properly notify the student, as well as the superintendent, or the person designated  by him, concerning the board’s findings of facts and determination.
    12. Within three (3) days after receiving notice of expulsion or other disciplinary action,   the student may request reconsideration by the school board stating the reasons.  The school board, in its discretion, may deny such request and proceed to give effect to the expulsion or other disciplinary action; or it may grant the request and, after reconsideration, either amend or confirm its determination.  It will then proceed to give effect to its final determination.

 

 

Approved: Sept 26, 2016, June 18, 2018          
Reviewed:  Jul 25, 2016, May 21, 2018
Revised:  Jul 25, 2016, May 21, 2018

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:17

503.3 - Fines - Fees - Charges

503.3 - Fines - Fees - Charges

The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others.  Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for the materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, for participating in activities, or for misuse of school property.

The superintendent will inform the board of the dollar amount to be charged to students or others for fines, charges, or fees annually.  Parents of students meeting specific financial eligibility standards will be eligible for a waiver of student fees or a reduction of student fees based upon the request of the parent.  It will be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.7(20); 279.8; 280.10, .11; 282.6; 285.1; 301.1 (2013).
    
                                  281 I.A.C. 18.
    
                                  1994 Op. Att'y Gen. 23.
    
                                  1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.
    
                                  1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 227.
    
                                  1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 532.

Cross Reference:  501.16 Homeless Children & Youth
    
                                  502      Student Rights and Responsibilities
    
                                  503      Student Discipline

Approved:  Sept. 16, 1996, Feb 20, 2017, June 18, 2018        
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Oct 28, 2013, Dec 7, 2016, May 21, 2018      
Revised:  Dec 7, 2016, May 21, 2018      

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:14

503.4 - Good Conduct Rule

503.4 - Good Conduct Rule

Participation in school activities is a privilege.  School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes.

Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school.  Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy and must refrain from activities which are illegal, immoral or unhealthy.

Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures.  The principal will keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop rules and regulations for school activities.  Students wanting to participate in school activities must meet the requirements set out by the school district for participation in the activity.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Bunger v. Iowa High School Athletic Assn., 197 N.W.2d 555 (Iowa 1972).
 
                                      In re Jason Clark, 1 D.P.I. App. Dec. 167 (1978).
    
                                        Iowa Code §§ 280.13, .13A (2013).
 
                                      281 I.A.C. 12.3(6); 36.15(1).

Cross Reference:  502  Student Rights and Responsibilities
    
                                  503  Student Discipline
    
                                  504  Student Activities

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, May 20, 2013, Dec 15, 2014, June 18, 2018        
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Sep. 17, 2012, Apr. 5, 2013, Oct 27, 2014, May 21, 2018          
Revised:  Mar. 10, 1996, Aug. 9, 1999, Jan.10, 2000, Sep. 17, 2012, Apr. 5, 2013, Oct 27, 2014, May 21, 2018    

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:07

503.4R - Good Conduct Rule Regulation

503.4R - Good Conduct Rule Regulation

ACADEMIC/ATTENDANCE ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for an activity, students participating must

  • be enrolled or dual-enrolled in FHS;
  • have good school attendance and attend classes at least one half of a day on the day of the contest/game/performance, unless prior arrangements are made with the administration;
  • have earned passing grades in all courses: eligibility will be determined at the end of each grading periods
  • be under twenty years of age to participate in athletics, music or speech activities;
  • be enrolled in high school for four consecutive years or less to participate in athletics, music or speech activities;
  • have not been a member of or trained with or participated in college athletic contests or professional sports;
  • have met all transfer requirements, or be eligible under state law and regulations if the student is an open enrollment student.

 

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

  • Academic Eligibility will be determined at the end of each grading period. Per state rule, “if at the end of any grading period a contestant is given a failing grade in any course for which credit is awarded, the contestant is ineligible to dress for and compete in the next occurring interscholastic athletic contests and competitions in which the contestant is a contestant for 30 consecutive calendar days.”      

 

LETTERS AND AWARDS

All lettering and end-of-season awards will be determined by the coaches/sponsors of each activity.   

 

GOOD CONDUCT RULE

Students who participate in extra curricular activities are representing their school through school sponsored events and therefore are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that represents the ideals, principals and standards of the Fairfield Community School District.  Students who choose not to follow the Extracurricular Activities Policy regulations will be subject to disciplinary procedures as set forth in the guidelines below. 

A student may lose eligibility under the Extracurricular Activities Policy for any of the following behaviors:

  • possession, use, or purchase of tobacco or tobacco look-alike products, regardless of the student’s age, if the offense results in a suspension;
  • possession, use, or purchase of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine; 
  • being in a car or in attendance at a function/gathering/party where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors (joint possession);
  • possession, use, or purchase of illegal drugs or the unauthorized possession, use, or purchase of otherwise lawful drugs, including look-alike drugs;
  • engaging in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in the criminal or juvenile court system, excluding minor traffic offenses, regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, convicted, or adjudicated for the act (stealing, damage to school property or that of school personnel, etc.);
  • inappropriate or offensive conduct such as fighting, insubordination, hazing or harassment of others if the offense results in  criminal charges.
  • Fairfield High School administration may determine that there has been a violation of its good conduct policy whether or not criminal charges have been filed, whether a student’s trial is pending, or whether or not the student is found guilty by a court of law as long as there is reasonable evidence to support the finding of a good conduct policy violation.

**      Involvement in acts of a more serious nature will be dealt with more severely.

During his/her high school career, a student who, after a hearing, is found to be in violation of the Extracurricular Activities Policy will be deemed ineligible for extracurricular contests / performances for a period of time as described below.         

1st offense – ¼ of contests/performance dates, and if available and appropriate then the student and the parent/guardian/head of household will be required
         to complete school approved treatment programs

2nd offense – ½ contest/performance dates of the season, and if available and appropriate then the student and the parent/guardian/head of household will be required to complete school approved treatment programs

3rd offense – 1 calendar year of ineligibility. A student who has a third violation of the Good Conduct Policy may elect to complete a more extensive school approved treatment program at the student’s / parent / guardian / head of household’s expense. If the student completes treatment and agrees to waive confidentiality (allowing information to be available to school officials); the student’s discipline for the third violation may be reduced by up to 50%.

4th offense – No longer able to participate in high school activities

**     These regulations are "minimum" and a coach/sponsor may impose a stronger form of discipline depending on the situation.

**     Multiple offenses cannot be served concurrently.

**     ¼ and ½ contests/performance dates will be calculated using the total number of regular season contest / performance dates scheduled for the activity. The calculation will be rounded down to a whole number. For example, if the football team has 9 regular season games scheduled then ¼ of the football season would be calculated as 2 games.

**     If a contest is cancelled during a student’s period of ineligibility for a good conduct violation and this contest is not rescheduled then the cancelled contest will count as a part of the student’s ineligibility period. If during a student’s period of ineligibility, however, a contest is cancelled and rescheduled then the student’s ineligibility period can either be extended to the next scheduled event or served on the rescheduled date of the cancelled event.

                

INELIGIBILITY

The period of ineligibility begins immediately upon a finding of a violation if the student is currently engaged in an extracurricular activity.  If the student is not currently in an activity, or if the discipline cannot be completed during the current activity, the discipline will be carried over and completed when the student decides to go out for the next activity or contest. A student ineligible for contests / performances will attend and participate in all practices or rehearsals at the direction of the coach/sponsor.

**       A student with an academic or good conduct violation will not be allowed to join an extracurricular activity in process unless the coach/sponsor of the activity in process provides written permission for them to do so. If the coach/sponsor provides written permission for them to do so then the student will begin serving their ineligibility period in this activity.

**       A student who is serving an academic or good conduct ineligibility period in an     extracurricular activity must complete the entire season in order for the ineligibility period    to count as served. If the student does not remain out for the entire season after serving an   ineligibility period then the same ineligibility period will carry over to the next   extracurricular activity in which the student participates.

**       If a student with an academic or good conduct violation is participating in multiple extracurricular activities during the same season then the ineligibility period will be applied to all activities. For example, a student with a 1st offense of the good conduct policy who is currently participating in track and soccer at the same time will be ineligible for ¼  of the track contests and ¼ of the soccer contests.

**       If a student with an academic or good conduct violation is participating in activities where seasons overlap, then the student will be ineligible for all overlapping activities until the ineligibility period is completely served. If the ineligibility period cannot be totally served in the 1st activity, then the remainder of the ineligibility period will be applied to and served in the next activity(ies). 

**      A student who is ineligible for a contest/performance for academic or good conduct reasons may travel with the team to away contests/performances
          as long as the travel does
not involve an early dismissal from school. If the travel involves an early dismissal then the ineligible student will remain
          in class and not travel with the team to the contest/performance.

**       A student with an academic or good conduct violation who does not participate in extracurricular activities for a calendar year from their violation will not be required to serve the ineligibility period if they choose to participate in an activity after a calendar year from the violation. Their violation, however, will still count towards their cumulative number of violations. For example, a sophomore who has their 1st good conduct violation but does not go out for an extracurricular activity until their senior year will not have to sit out ¼ of their contest. If this same student has another good conduct violation during their senior year then this violation would be considered a 2nd offense and result in 2nd offense consequences.

**       A student cannot serve an academic or good conduct ineligibility period as a team manager. School Administration and/or Coaches may choose to ban manager duties for students with academic or good conduct violations.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1.   Admission Prior to Determination: If a violation occurs prior to the official beginning of a season and law enforcement or school officials are not aware, or not involved with this violation, then students may self-report (turn themselves in) to the school officials without losing any eligibility.  The discipline for this student would be 15 hours of activity service that would be administered by the coach/sponsor of the sport/activity in which the student would next be involved.  These hours must be completed prior to the first contest/performance in order for the student to be eligible.  When completed, the coach/sponsor will file a copy with the administration.  This situation can only happen one time during any given school year and only prior to the official beginning of the season for that sport/activity.

**   It should be noted, however, that if students turn themselves in for a violation of this policy, and the school official already has this information, or this student has already been charged or contacted by the police, then the discipline will be handled as if it were after the official beginning of the season.  This activity service is counted as the student’s first violation.

               2.  If a student finds himself/herself in a situation (vehicle, room, function, gathering, party, etc.) where alcohol or other drugs are being consumed illegally by minors, the student’s options are

                     a.       leave immediately or

                     b.        stay and risk the loss of eligibility as determined by the Good Conduct Policy.

 

STUDENT TRANSFER

If a student transfers in from another Iowa school district and the student had not yet completed a period of ineligibility for a violation of the Extracurricular Activities Policy in the previous district, the student shall be ineligible if the administration determines that there is general knowledge in our district of this violation.  In all cases the school administration, activities director and coach/sponsor or the activity/sport will discuss each situation before a decision is made.

 

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURE

In carrying out these regulations, all students will be afforded due process, which includes procedures for a committee to discuss with a student their involvement in a possible violation of the Extracurricular Activities Policy.  The following procedure is set up to ensure that all students are afforded due process:

               1.   The high school administration will meet with the student and listen to his/her possible involvement. 

2.   If the student admits to being involved, the high school administration/activities director will notify the student and parent of the appropriate discipline.

3.   If the student denies the involvement, a hearing committee consisting of, at a minimum, the activities director and the high school administration will meet with the student and student's parents to further explore the violation.  If the committee determines that the student was involved, then the administration will notify the student and parents of the decision and resulting discipline.

4.  Parent notification related to paragraphs 2 and 3 above.

  • Administration will call parent/guardian/head of household and send home a notification letter via U.S. Mail. When the parent/guardian/head of household cannot be reached by phone, then the school will consider the notification process complete by the notification letter sent home.

 

APPEAL PROCESS

Step I       Any student who is found by the hearing committee to have violated the

                 Extracurricular Activities Policy may appeal by contacting the superintendent.  The discipline will be in effect pending the superintendent’s decision.

 

Step II      If the student is still dissatisfied, he or she may appeal to the school board by filing a written appeal with the board secretary at least 24 hours prior to the next board meeting.   The review by the board will be in closed session unless the student’s parent (or the student, if the student is 18) requests an open session.  The grounds for appeal to the school board are limited to the following: the student did not violate the Extracurricular Activities Policy; the student was given inadequate due process in the investigation and determination; or the discipline is in violation of the Handbook Rule or Board Policy.  The discipline will remain in effect pending the outcome of the meeting with the board. 

                

If the school board reverses the decision of the hearing committee, the student shall be immediately eligible and shall have any record of the ineligibility period and violation deleted from the student’s record.

 

 

PARENT AND STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We have read these Extracurricular Activities Policy Regulations and agree that when our son/daughter participates in the Fairfield High School activity/athletic program he/she will be expected to abide by these regulations.

 

 

______________________                                  __________________________
Parent                                                                                 Student

 

 

_________________                                                ____________________
Date                                                                                     Date

 

 

 

 

** THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED TO COACH/SPONSOR PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION OF ACTIVITIES.

 

 

Approved:  Feb. 11, 1985, Oct. 15, 2012, May 20, 2013, June 16, 2014, Dec 15, 2014, April 12, 2021
Reviewed:  Aug. 8, 2005, Sep. 17, 2012, Apr. 5, 2013, Apr.28,2014, Oct 27, 2014, May 21, 2018, March 15, 2021
Revised:  Mar. 10, 1996, Aug. 9, 1999, Jan. 10, 2000, Sep. 19, Sep. 17,2012, Apr. 5, 2013, Apr.28,2014, Oct 27, 2014, May 21, 2018, March 15, 2021

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:09

503.5 - Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint

503.5 - Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint

The use of corporal punishment, mechanical restraint and/or prone restraint is prohibited in all schools. Corporal punishment is defined as the intentional physical punishment of a student and is prohibited.  It includes the use of unreasonable or unnecessary physical force or physical contact made with the intent to harm or cause pain.  No employee is prohibited from:

  • Using reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain, in order to accomplish any of the following:

  --   To quell a disturbance or prevent an act that threatens physical harm to any person.

  --   To obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous object within a pupil’s control.

  --   For the purposes of self-defense or defense of others as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.3.

  --   For the protection of property as provided for in Iowa Code section 704.4 or 704.5.

  --   To remove a disruptive pupil from class or any area of school premises or from school-sponsored activities off school premises.

  --   To protect a student from the self-infliction of harm.

  --   To protect the safety of others.

  •   Using incidental, minor, or reasonable physical contact to maintain order and control.

Mechanical restraint means the use of a device as a means of restricting a student’s freedom of movement. Mechanical restraint does not mean a device used by a trained individual for specific approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the device was designed and, if applicable, prescribed, including restraints for medical immobilization, adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without use of such devices or mechanical supports; and vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle.

Prone restraint means any restraint in which the student is held face down on the floor.

Reasonable physical force should be commensurate with the circumstances of the situation.  The following factors should be considered in using reasonable physical force for the reasons stated in this policy:

          1.         The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;

          2.         The nature of the student's behavior or misconduct provoking the use of physical force;

          3.         The instrumentality used in applying the physical force;

          4.         The extent and nature of resulting injury to the student, if any;

          5.         The motivation of the school employee using physical force.

Upon request, the student's parents shall be given an explanation of the reasons for physical force.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Ingraham v. Wright, 430 U.S. 651 (1977).
    
                                  Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
    
                                  Tinkham v. Kole, 252 Iowa 1303, 110 N.W.2d 258 (1961).
    
                                  Lai v. Erickson, PTPC Admin. Doc. 83-12 (1983).
    
                                  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21 (2013).
    
                                  281 I.A.C. 12.3(8); 103.
    
                                  1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.

Cross Reference:  402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
    
                                  502    Student Rights and Responsibilities
    
                                  503    Student Discipline

Approved:  June 12, 1989, June 18, 2018, February 15, 2021         
Reviewed:  Aug. 24, 2005, Nov. 8, 2010, Oct 28, 2013, May 21, 2018, 
January 25, 2021          
Revised:     Oct. 11, 1993, May 21, 2018, January 25, 2021          

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:05

503.6 - Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students

503.6 - Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation.

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact. 

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction. 

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

  • To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
  • To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
  • When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
  • When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
  • When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law. 

 

NOTE:  There are specific requirements for school districts to fulfill before and after using physical restraint and seclusion with students.  Administrators should thoroughly read and understand the requirements listed in Chapter 103 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.21.
    
                                    281 I.A.C. 103.

Cross Reference:  402.3    Abuse of Students by School District Employees
    
                                     502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
     
                                    503       Student Discipline
    
                                     503.5    Corporal Punishment
Approved    February 15, 2021        
Reviewed   January 25, 2021 

Revised                   

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 18:57

503.6E1 - Physical Restraint or Physical Confinement Documentation

503.6E1 - Physical Restraint or Physical Confinement Documentation

Student Name:  _______________________      Date of Occurrence: _______________________

 

Building of Attendance: ___________________________________

Beginning of Occurrence: __________________ 

End of Occurrence: _______________________           

                                                                                           

IEP?  (check one)     Yes____             No___         

 

 

Name of staff members involved:

 

Describe the actions of the student and employees involved before the occurrence:

 

Describe the actions of the student and the employees involved during the occurrence:

 

Describe the actions of the student and the employees involved after the occurrence:

 

Describe student and staff debriefing:

 

Describe alternatives to physical restraint or physical confinement attempted before the occurrence: 

 

Describe future approaches to the student’s behavior, including any consequences or disciplinary actions:

 

Describe any injuries to the student, employees or others, and any property damage:  

 

Describe future approaches to the student’s behavior:

 

If the occurrence involved a period of physical confinement that exceeds 15 minutes, the name of the administrator or designee who authorized any additional period of physical confinement.

 

Date and time of the debriefing meeting if needed (held within 5 days of letter):

 

Student’s Parent or Guardian Contacted by:

 

Date: 

Time:     

Method:

 

If the parent or guardian is not contacted on the same day of occurrence, describe attempts to notify the parent or guardian that day:                                                                      __________________________

                                                                                                                                                           

 

Date that a copy of this documentation was provided to the parent or guardian (must be within 3 school days of the occurrence):

Documentation provided (check one):

Sent home with student:  ___

By mail (postmarked within 3 school days of occurrence): ___

By electronic mail: _____

By facsimile transmission upon written request of parent/guardian: ____

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:03

503.6E2 - Debriefing Letter to Guardian of Student Involved in an Occurrence Where Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion was Used

503.6E2 - Debriefing Letter to Guardian of Student Involved in an Occurrence Where Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion was Used

[This letter and the enclosed report may be transmitted electronically via email or fax, picked up in person, or mailed.  If the district and the guardian do not agree on how to transmit this letter, it must be mailed via postage prepaid, first class mail to the guardian within 3 school days of the occurrence.]

 

Dear [Guardian],

Recently, your student [name] was involved in an occurrence at school that required the physical restraint and/or seclusion of your student as defined by 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  A report related to this occurrence is enclosed with this letter. 

The law requires debriefing meetings be held for such occurrences in the following circumstances:

  • following the first instance of seclusion or physical restraint during a school year;
  • When any personal injury occurs as a part of the use of seclusion or physical restraint;
  • When a reasonable educator would determine a debriefing session is necessary;
  • When suggested by a student’s IEP team;
  • When agreed to by the guardian and school officials; and
  • After seven instances of seclusion or physical restraint of the student.

This letter is intended to inform you that a debriefing meeting will be held on [date within 5 days of transmission of letter, time, place] because of [reason from bulleted list above].  The following employees will be in attendance at this meeting: [list names and titles of employees].  We are inviting you to attend this debriefing meeting to engage with us on topics related to this occurrence. 

If you would like to reschedule the debriefing meeting, please contact me as soon as possible via email [email address] or telephone [telephone number], and at least one school day prior to the date and time listed for this debriefing meeting.  Your student is allowed to attend this meeting with your consent, and you are welcome to bring a representative of your choosing if you wish.  If you plan to bring a representative to this meeting, please let us know at least one school day prior to the meeting so that we have an opportunity to make arrangements.

We look forward to working with you to foster the continued health, safety and educational growth of your student.

 

___________________________________                                ___________________________
[Administrator name], title                                                                        Date

 

Enclosure:  Report related to student occurrence

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:02

503.6E3 - Debriefing Meeting Document

503.6E3 - Debriefing Meeting Document

[The following individuals must attend the debriefing meeting: employees who administered physical restraint or seclusion; an administrator or employee not involved in the occurrence; the administrator or employee who approved continuation of the physical restraint or seclusion; other relevant personnel designated by the school; if indicated by student’s behavior in occurrence, an expert in behavioral/mental health or other discipline.  The following individuals must be invited to attend the debriefing meeting:  the parent or guardian of the student, the student with guardian’s consent.]

           

Student name:

Date of occurrence:

 

Date of debriefing meeting:

 

Time of debriefing meeting:

Location of debriefing meeting:

 

 

Names of individuals attending the debriefing meeting (must include the employees involved and at least one employee who was not involved):

Job title of employee and/or relation to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Documentation reviewed during meeting (must include at least the occurrence report; and BIP, IHP, IEP and/or safety plan if applicable):

 

 

 

 

 

Identification of patterns of behavior and proportionate response, if any, in the student and employees involved:

 

 

 

 

 

Possible alternative responses, if any, to the incident/less restrictive means, if any:

 

 

 

 

     

Additional resources, if any, that could facilitate those alternative responses in the future:

 

 

 

 

 

Plans for additional follow up actions, if any:

 

 

 

 

 

 

This form has been reviewed and completed by the undersigned employee.  A written copy of this form has been sent to the student’s guardian within three school days of the debriefing meeting

 

____________________________________                  ______________________________
Employee                                                                                              Date of delivered to Parent/Guardian

 

                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                        Method of Transmittal

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 19:00

503.6R1 - Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion with Students

503.6R1 - Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion with Students

The District will comply with 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103 for the use of physical restraint and seclusion with students, including, but not limited to:

  • Physical restraint and seclusion will be used only by employees who have been trained in accordance with applicable law unless a trained employee is not immediately available due to the unforeseeable nature of the occurrence.
  • As soon as practical after the situation is under control, but within one hour after either the occurrence or the end of the school day, whichever occurs first, the school will attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian using the school’s emergency contact system.
  • The seclusion or physical restraint is used only for as long as necessary based on research and evidence to allow the student to regain control of their behavior to the point that the threat or behavior necessitating the use of the seclusion or physical restraint has ended, or when a medical condition occurs that puts the student at risk of harm.  Unless otherwise provided for in the student’s written approved IEP, BIP, IHP or safety plan, if the seclusion or physical restraint continues for more than 15 minutes:
    • The student will be provided with any necessary breaks to attend to personal and bodily needs, unless doing so would endanger the child or others.
    • An employee will obtain approval from an administrator or administrator’s designee to continue seclusion or physical restraint beyond 15 minutes.  After the initial approval, an employee must obtain additional approval every 30 minutes thereafter for the continuation of the seclusion or physical restraint.
    • The student’s parent or guardian and the school may agree to more frequent notifications than is required by law.
    • Schools and district employees must document and explain in writing the reasons why it was not possible for the employees to obtain approval, notify parents, or take action within prescribed time limits.
    • Schools and district employees who begin and then end use of nonapproved restraints will document and explain in writing the reasons why they had no other option but to use this type of behavioral intervention.
  • The area of seclusion will be a designated seclusion room that complies with the seclusion room requirements in accordance with law, unless the nature of the occurrence makes the use of the designated seclusion room impossible, clearly impractical, or clearly contrary to the safety of the student, others, or both; in that event, the school must document and explain in writing the reasons why a designated seclusion room was not used.
  • An employee must continually visually monitor the student for the duration of the seclusion or physical restraint.
  • If an employee restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentive mode of communication as the student’s primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have the student’s hands free of physical restraint, unless doing so is not feasible in view of the threat posed.
  • Seclusion or physical restraint shall not be used:  as punishment or discipline; to force compliance or to retaliate; as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support; to prevent property damage except as provided in law; as a routine school safety measure; or as a convenience to staff.
  • The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee will investigate any complaint or allegation that one or more employees violated any provisions of 281 Iowa Administrative Code Ch. 103.  If the District determines a violation has occurred, corrective action will be taken up to and including termination of the employees involved.  If the allegation or complaint involves a specific student the District will notify the parents or guardian of the involved student about the results of the investigation.  If any allegation or complaint is also defined as abuse in 281 Iowa Administrative Code 102.2, the procedures listed in chapter 102 will apply.
  • The District must comply with and implement Chapter 103 whether or not a parent consents to the use of physical restraint or seclusion.

 

 

Approved:  February 15, 2021        
Reviewed:  January 25, 2020
Revised:

 

dawn.gibson.cm… Thu, 11/18/2021 - 18:59