100 - EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

100 - EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Jen@iowaschool… Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:44

100 - Legal Status of the School District

Iowa law authorizes the creation of a Common Schools System. As part of this Common Schools System, this school district is a school corporation created and
organized under Iowa law. This school district is known as the North Mahaska Community School District.

This school corporation is located in Mahaska County, and its affairs are conducted by elected school officials, the North Mahaska Community School District Board of
Directors. This school corporation has exclusive jurisdiction over school matters in the territory of the school district.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 274.1, .2, .6, .7; 278.1(9); 279.8; 594A (2007).

Cross Reference: 200 Legal Status of the Board of Directors

Approved     8-20-2007
Reviewed 7/17/23
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 10:02

101 - Educational Philosophy of the School District

As a school corporation of Iowa, the North Mahaska Community School District, acting through its board of directors, is dedicated to promoting an equal opportunity for
a quality public education to its students. The board’s ability may be limited by the school district's ability and willingness to furnish financial support in cooperation with
student’s parents and school district community. The board is also dedicated to providing the opportunity to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical
self-concept in a learning environment that provides guidance to and encourages critical thinking in the students for a lifetime.

The board endeavors, through the dedication of the school district's resources, to encourage students, who come to the school district from a variety of backgrounds, to
look forward to the time when they will have jobs, homes, families, places in the school district community, and attain recognition as individuals. In order to achieve this
goal, the board will seek qualified employees dedicated to development of their professional skills for the betterment of the education program and for the expertise for
educational productivity.

Instruction and curriculum are the key elements of a public education. Critical thinking and problem solving skills that will assist the students' preparation for life is
instructed as part of a sequentially coordinated curriculum. The school district strives to prepare students for employment, to discover and nurture creative talent and to
prepare them to meet and cope with social change in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The support and involvement of the home and the school district community are essential to achieve educational excellence in the school district. The school district
strives to maintain an active relationship with the home and the school district community to create within the students an awareness of dignity and worth of the
individual, civic responsibility and respect for authority.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A (2007).

Cross Reference: 102       Equal Educational Opportunity
   103       Long-Range Needs Assessment
   209       Board of Directors' Management Procedures
   600       Goals and Objectives of the Education Program
   602       Curriculum Development

Approved     8-20-2007
Reviewed   7/17/23
Revised

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 10:03

102 - Equal Educational Opportunity

The board will not discriminate in its educational activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, or disability.

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

The board is committed to the policy that no otherwise qualified person will be excluded from educational activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, or creed. Further, the board affirms the right of all students and staff to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, physical harm and harassment.

Note: The grievance procedure in 102.R1 is mandatory. The classifications listed are all mandatory.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221 et seq. (2004).
                                     20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq. (2004).
                                     20 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq. (2004).
                                     29 U.S.C. § 794 (2004).
                                     42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. (2004).
                                     34 C.F.R. Pt. 100 (2004).
                                     34 C.F.R. Pt. 104 (2004).
Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 256.11, .11A; 280.3 (2007).
                                     281 I.A.C. 12.

Cross Reference: 101       Educational Philosophy of the School District
                                     401.1    Equal Employment Opportunity
                                     500       Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
                                     506.1    Student Records

Approved     8-20-2007
Reviewed 7/17/2023
Revised

New Version:

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district. Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth. In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact [Name of Equity Coordinator(s), contact address, contact telephone number, contact email address].

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are 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.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Community School District, , Iowa ; or by telephoning .

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604 (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576 OCR.Chicago@ed.gov, the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, https://icrc.iowa.gov, (515) 281-4121 or the Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319. (515) 281-5294. This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

This is a mandatory policy.

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:46

102.E1 - Notice of Non Discrimination

Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the North Mahaska Community School District are hereby notified that this school
district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or
disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (except students), religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability in
admission or access to, or treatment in, its hiring and employment practices.

Any person having inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), § 504 or Iowa Code § 280.3 is directed to contact the Superintendent of Schools located at 2163 135^th Street in New Sharon, Iowa, 641-637-2295, who has been
designated by the school district to coordinate the school district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the ADA, § 504 and Iowa
Code § 280.3 (2007).

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:49

102.E2 - Grievance Form

GRIEVANCE FORM FOR COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION
OR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL OR STATE REGULATIONS
REQUIRING NON-DISCRIMINATION

I, , am filing this grievance because:

(Attach additional sheets if necessary)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Describe incident or occurrence as accurately as possible: (Attach additional sheets if necessary)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature_________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________

Phone Number ____________________________________________

If student,

Name ____________________________________________ Grade Level ______________

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:51

102.E3 - Grievance Documentation

Name of Individual Alleging Discrimination or Non-Compliance

Name _____________________________________________________________

Grievance Date _______________________

State the nature of the complaint and the remedy requested.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Indicate Principal's or Supervisor's response or action to above complaint.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Principal or Supervisor _______________________________________________________

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:53

102.E4 - Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

The North Mahaska Community School District does not discriminate in its educational programs and activities on the basis of a student's disability. It has been determined
that your child has a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made to meet his or her individual needs as adequately as the needs of other students.
As a parent, you have the right to the following:

participation of your child in school district programs and activities, including extracurricular programs and activities, to the maximum extent appropriate, free of
discrimination based upon the student's disability and at the same level as students without disabilities;

receipt of free educational services to the extent they are provided students without disabilities:

receipt of information about your child and your child's educational programs and activities in your native language;

notice of identification of your child as having a qualifying disability for which accommodations may need to be made and notice prior to evaluation and placement of
your child and right to periodically request a re-evaluation of your child;

inspect and review your child's educational records including a right to copy those records for a reasonable fee; you also have a right to ask the school district to
amend your child's educational records if you feel the information in the records is misleading or inaccurate; should the school district refuse to amend the records,
you have a right to a hearing and to place an explanatory letter in your child's file explaining why you feel the records are misleading or inaccurate;

hearing before an impartial hearing officer if you disagree with your child's evaluation or placement; you have a right to counsel at the hearing and have the decision
of the impartial hearing officer reviewed.

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:54

102.R1 - Grievance Procedure

Students, parents of students, employees, and applicants for employment in the school district will have the right to file a formal complaint alleging discrimination under
federal or state regulations requiring non-discrimination in programs and employment.

Level One - Principal, Immediate Supervisor or
Personnel Contact Person
(Informal and Optional - may be bypassed by the grievant)

Employees with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged
to first discuss it with their immediate supervisor, with the objective of resolving the matter informally. An applicant for employment with a complaint of discrimination
based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability are encouraged to first discuss it with the personnel contact
person. This paragraph is for employees and “marital status” isn’t a protected class for employees.

A student, or a parent of a student, with a complaint of discrimination based upon their gender, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender
identity or disability are encouraged to discuss it with the instructor, counselor, supervisor, building administrator, program administrator or personnel contact person
directly involved.

Level Two - Compliance Officer

If the grievance is not resolved at Level One and the grievant wishes to pursue the grievance, the grievant may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing on a Grievance
Filing Form, which may be obtained from the Compliance Officer. The complaint will state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal,
written complaint at Level Two must be within 15 working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance, or from the date the grievant could reasonably
become aware of such occurrence. The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Compliance Officer. A minor student may be
accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Compliance Officer will investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the
Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent to the involved parties within a reasonable time after receipt of the complaint.

Level Three - Superintendent/Administrator

If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may appeal it to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the superintendent within five working days after
the grievant receives the report from the Compliance Officer, the grievant may request a meeting with the Superintendent. The superintendent may request a meeting with
the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the superintendent within a reasonable time after the receipt of the written appeal. If, in cases of
disability grievances at the elementary and secondary level, the issue is not resolved through the grievance process, the parents have a right to an impartial hearing to
resolve the issue.

This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file formal complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the U.S. Department of Education Office for
Civil Rights or Office of Special Education Programs, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Iowa Department of Education for mediation or rectification
of civil rights grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.

Level Four - Appeal to Board

If the grievant is not satisfied with the superintendent's decision, the grievant can file an appeal with the board within five working days of the decision. It is within the discretion of the board to determine whether it will hear the appeal.

The Compliance Officer is:

Name: Secondary Guidance Counselor

Address: 2163 135^th Street
New Sharon, IA 50207

Phone Number: 641-637-4187

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:57

103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment

Long-range needs assessment enables the school district to analyze assessment data, get feedback from the community about its expectation of students and determine
how well students are meeting student learning goals. The board will conduct ongoing and in-depth needs assessment, soliciting information from business, labor,
industry, higher education and community members, regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation as responsible citizens and successful wage earners.

In conjunction with the in-depth needs assessment of the school district, the board will authorize the appointment of a committee, representing administrators, employees, parents, students and community members, to make recommendations and assist the board in determining the priorities of the school district in addition to the basic skills areas of the education program.

The North Mahaska Community School District will provide opportunities for local feedback on an ongoing basis in a variety of ways. The school district will report
progress to the community through the Warhawk Newsletter published six times each school year and mailed to every box holder in the school district. An annual report
will be distributed in the same manner. Community representatives will meet on the School Advisory Committee at least twice a year and make recommendations to the
board and the superintendent on district goals. Input will also be sought through parent-teacher conferences, grade level meetings, needs assessments, surveys, and
person-to-person contact. The District will utilize the Annual Report to disseminate information on state indicators, locally determined indicators, and locally established
student learning goals. Information will be posted on the school’s Internet web site.

Parent-teacher conferences will be held for grades K-12 in the fall and in the spring of each school year. During these conferences, K-3 parents will be informed of their
child’s performance with regard to their progress in reading as well as other areas of their academic, social, and extra curricular programs.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure the school district community is informed of students' progress on state and locally determined indicators. The superintendent will report annually to the board about the means used to keep the community informed. This will be done through the Annual Yearly Progress report
(AYP) and the Annual Progress Report (APR).

As a result of the board and committee's work, the board will determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to
meet the educational needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to attain the desired levels of student performance;
evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement
projects; and annually report the school district's progress made under the plan to the committee, community and Iowa Department of Education.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 21; 256.7; 280.12, .18 (2007).
281 I.A.C. 12.8(1)(b).

Cross Reference: 101       Educational Philosophy of the School District
    200       Legal Status of the Board of Directors
    208       Committees of the Board of Directors
    603.1    Basic Instruction Program
    801.1    Buildings and Sites Long Range Planning
    801.2    Buildings and Sites Surveys

Approved      8-20-2007
Reviewed 7/17/2023
Revised    4-22-2013

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:40

103.R1 - Long-Range Needs Assessment Process

School districts also need to develop a process for long-range needs assessment. The process needs to include three items.

provisions for collecting, analyzing and reporting information derived from local, state and national sources;

provisions for reviewing information acquired on the following:

state indicators and other locally determined indicators,

locally established student learning goals,

specific data collection required by state and federal programs;

provisions for collecting and analyzing assessment data on the following:

state indicators,

locally determined indicators,

locally established student learning goals.

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:44

104 - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all
students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place
policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of
bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not
be tolerated in the school or school district.

The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics,
including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or
mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based upon the
employee’s race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while
attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and
welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include suspension or
expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may
include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may
include exclusion from school grounds. “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

When looking at the totality of circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on
any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;
Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic”
includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar
technologies.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc.;
Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or
Unreasonable interference with a student's performance.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or benefits;
Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
The conduct has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student’s education
or participation in school programs or activities; and/or
Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or
criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who
knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is
also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by
appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this
policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject
to measures up to, and including, termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to,
and including, exclusion from school grounds.

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The Level I investigator or designee will be responsible for
handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The Level I Investigator or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees
alleging bullying or harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent also
is responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include
how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will
also develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school.

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

Inclusion in the student handbook,
Inclusion in the employee handbook
Inclusion in the registration materials
Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site,

and a copy shall be made to any person at the central administrative office at 2163 135^th Street, New Sharon, Iowa 50207.

Legal References: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221-1234i (2004).
                                     29 U.S.C. § 794 (1994).
                                 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d-2000d-7 (2004).
                                 42 U.S.C. §§ 12001 et. seq. (2004).
                                 Senate File 61, 1^st Regular Session, 82^nd General Assembly, (2007).
   Iowa Code §§ 216.9; 280.3 (2007).
                                 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross References: 403.6    Harassment
                                 502       Student Rights and Responsibilities
                                 503       Student Discipline
                                 506       Student Records

Approved     7-30-07
Reviewed 7/17/2023
Revised 11-19-07

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:07

104.E1 - Complaint Form

Name of complainant: _________________________________________________________________

Position of complainant: ________________________________________________________________

Name of student or employee target: _______________________________________________________

Date of complaint: ____________________________________________________________________

Name of alleged harasser or bully: ________________________________________________________

Date and place of incident or incidents: ___________________________________________________

Nature of Discrimination or Harassment Alleged (Check all that apply.)

___ Age ___ Physical Attribute ___ Sex

___ Disability ___ Political Belief ___ Sexual Orientation

___ Familial Status ___ Race/Color ___ Socio-economic Background

___ Marital Status ___ Religion/Creed ___ Other – Please Specify

___ National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

Description of misconduct: ______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Name of witnesses (if any) : ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Evidence of harassment or bullying, i.e., letters, photos, etc. (attach evidence if possible):

_________________________________________________________________

Any other information: _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: ________________________________

Date: / /

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:20

104.E2 - Witness Disclosure Form

Name of witness: ______________________________________________________________________

Position of witness: ____________________________________________________________________

Date of testimony, interview: _____________________________________________________________

Description of incident witnessed: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Any other information: _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: ___________________________________

Date: / /

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:26

104.E3 - Disposition of Complaint Form

Name of complainant: _________________________________________________________________

Position of complainant: ________________________________________________________________

Name of student or employee target: _______________________________________________________

Grade and Building of student or employee: _________________________________________________

Date of initial complaint: _______________________________________________________________

Name and position or grade of alleged perpetrator/respondent: __________________________________

Nature of Discrimination or Harassment Alleged (Check all that apply.)

___ Age ___ Physical Attribute ___ Sex

___ Disability ___ Political Belief ___ Sexual Orientation

___ Familial Status ___ Race/Color ___ Socio-economic Background

___ Marital Status ___ Religion/Creed ___ Other – Please Specify

___ National Origin/Ethnic Background/Ancestry

Summary of Investigation: ______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

I agree that all of the information on this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: ________________________________

Date: / /

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:30

104.R1 - Investigation Procedures

Individuals who feel that they have been harassed should:

Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so. If the individual wants assistance
communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.

If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:

-- tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

-- write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;

o what, when and where it happened;

o who was involved;

o exactly what was said or what the harasser did;

o witnesses to the harassment;

o what the student said or did, either at the time or later;

o how the student felt; and

o how the harasser responded.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

An individual who believes that the individual has been harassed or bullied will notify the high school / elementary counselor, the designated Level I investigator. The
alternate investigator is the elementary / high school counselor. The investigator may request that the individual complete the Harassment/Bullying Complaint form and
turn over evidence of the harassment, including, but not limited to, letters, tapes, or pictures. The complainant shall be given a copy of the completed complaint form.
Information received during the investigation is kept confidential to the extent possible.

The investigator, with the approval of the principal, or the principal has the authority to initiate an investigation in the absence of a written complaint.

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE

The investigator will reasonably and promptly commence the investigation upon receipt of the complaint. The investigator will interview the complainant and the alleged
harasser. The alleged harasser may file a written statement in response to the complaint. The investigator may also interview witnesses as deemed appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will make written findings and conclusions as to each allegation of harassment and report the findings and
conclusions to the principal. The investigator will provide a copy of the findings of the investigation to the principal.

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT

Following receipt of the investigator's report, the principal may investigate further, if deemed necessary, and make a determination of any appropriate additional steps
which may include discipline.

Prior to the determination of the appropriate remedial action, the principal may, at the principal's discretion, interview the complainant and the alleged harasser. The
principal will file a written report closing the case and documenting any disciplinary action taken or any other action taken in response to the complaint. The complainant,
the alleged harasser and the investigator will receive notice as to the conclusion of the investigation. The principal will maintain a log of information necessary to comply
with Iowa Department of Education reporting procedures.

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN THE INVESTIGATION

Evidence uncovered in the investigation is confidential.

Complaints must be taken seriously and investigated.

No retaliation will be taken against individuals involved in the investigation process.

Retaliators will be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion.

CONFLICTS

If the investigator is a witness to the incident, the alternate investigator shall investigate.

Student Handbook Provision

Initiations, Hazing, Bullying or Harassment

Harassment, bullying and abuse are violations of school district policies, rules and regulations and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The
school district has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.

Students who feel that they have been harassed or bullied should:

- Communicate to the harasser or bully that the student expects the behavior to stop, if the student is comfortable doing so. If the student needs assistance
communicating with the harasser or bully, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.

- If the harassment or bullying does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser or bully, the student should:

tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and

write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;

what, when and where it happened;

who was involved;

exactly what was said or what the harasser or bully did;

witnesses to the harassment or bullying;

what the student said or did, either at the time or later;

how the student felt; and

how the harasser or bullying responded.

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment or bullying on
the basis or 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 includes conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass,
distress, agitate, disturb or trouble persons when it:

places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;

has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;

has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or

has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;

pressure for sexual activity;

repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications; and

suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats.

Harassment or bullying based upon factors other than sex includes, but is not limited to:

verbal, physical, or written harassment or abuse;

repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;

implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, job, etc; and

demeaning jokes, stories or activities.

dawn.gibson.cm… Tue, 09/28/2021 - 09:34