502.01

STUDENTS

Physical Examination

A student enrolling in kindergarten, or first grade if the student did not attend kindergarten, shall be strongly encouraged to have a medical examination from a personal physician and submit the completed form to the school showing that the exam has been completed.

The principal shall be responsible for distribution of the forms and informing parents of the District policy.

• Cross References: Board Policy 501.04 Entrance Requirements; Administrative Regulation 502.01A, Administrative Regulation 502.01B, Administrative Regulation 502.01C, Administrative Regulation 502.01D

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 4/11/83; Revised 6/10/96; Revised 3/15/99; Reviewed 12/10/07 

• Edited 12/07

502.02

STUDENTS

Vision Screening

The District shall provide a program of vision screening for children in the schools. Age appropriate tests shall be administered by the school nurse for all students in kindergarten, second, fourth, and seventh grades and students in other elementary and intermediate grades who are new to the District.

Parents or guardians should receive notification when vision screening is being done at the school. A student may be excused from taking these examinations upon presentation of a note from parent or legal guardian to the school administration.

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 4/11/83; Revised 6/10/96; Revised 8/14/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.03

STUDENTS

Physical Examination for Athletes

Students participating in interscholastic athletics must be examined by a physician or doctor of chiropractic before competing or practicing in any athletic program. The cost of this physical examination shall be borne by the parents of the athlete. Only one examination card for all sports with a physician's or doctor of chiropractic's signature shall be maintained on file with the school nurse.

This program shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Iowa Boys' High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls' Athletic Associations and the Iowa Department of Education.

• Legal Reference: 281 Iowa Admin. Code § 36.14(1)

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 4/10/78; Revised 4/11/83; Revised 3/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.04

STUDENTS

Communicable Diseases: Students

Students with a communicable disease shall be allowed to attend school provided their presence does not create a substantial risk of illness or transmission to other students or employees. The term "communicable disease" shall mean an infectious or contagious disease spread from person to person, or animal to person, or as defined by law.

Prevention and control of communicable diseases shall be included in the District's Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. The procedures shall include scope and application, definitions, exposure control, methods of compliance, universal precautions, vaccination, post-exposure evaluation, follow-up, communication of hazards to employees, and record keeping. This plan shall be reviewed annually by the Superintendent or superintendent's designee and school physician.

The health risk to immunodepressed students shall be determined by their personal physician. The health risk to others in the school district environment from the presence of a student with a communicable disease shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the student's personal physician, a physician chosen by the school district, or public health officials.

The parent or guardian will notify the principal or the school nurse when they learn their child has a communicable disease. The administration will notify the Iowa Department of Public Health concerning any reportable communicable diseases investigated for students. Health data of a student are confidential; such data shall not be disclosed to third parties.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or superintendent's designee, in conjunction with the school physician, to develop administrative regulations stating the procedures for dealing with students with a communicable disease. Students who are identified as being unable to attend the normal school setting shall be placed on Home Instruction.

• Legal References: School Board of Nassau County v. Arline, 480 U.S. 273; 29 U.S.C. §§ 701; Iowa Code Chapter 139; 641 I.A.C. 1.2, 1.5

• Cross References: Board Policy 401.41 Communicable Diseases: Employees; Board Policy 501.10 Home Instruction; Administrative Regulation 502.04A, Administrative Regulation 502.04B, Administrative Regulation 502.04C

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 4/11/83, 9/15/86; Revised 8/26/96; Revised 6/26/00 ; Revised 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.05

STUDENTS

Injury or Illness at School

When a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the District will attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as possible. In case of medical emergency the District, while not responsible for medical treatment of an ill or injured student, will have employees present administer emergency or minor first aid if possible.

It is the responsibility of the principal to file an accident report with the Superintendent within 2 hours after the student is injured.

Annually parents are required to complete a medical emergency authorization form indicating procedures to be followed, if possible in an emergency involving their child.

The Superintendent is responsible for development of administrative regulations governing the procedure in the event a student should become ill or injured at school.

• Legal References: Iowa Code § 613.17

• Cross Reference: Board Policy #502.16 Administration of Medicine to Students; Administrative Regulation 502.05A

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 4/11/83, 10/12/87; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Revised 03/13/06

• Edited 03/06

502.06

STUDENTS

Use of Motor Vehicles

Student vehicles driven to school shall be regulated by state motor vehicle laws in addition to rules established by the building principal.

The privilege of driving a car to school may be withdrawn from a student for failure to observe specific rules and regulations developed by the administration regarding the use of motor vehicles on school property.

• Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8A, 321.236

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 4/11/83, Revised 3/11/91; Reviewed 5/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Revised 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.07

STUDENTS

Work Permits

The Superintendent or superintendent's designee shall issue age and work permits to students when requested in accordance with provisions of State and Federal Child Labor Laws. 

Application for these work permits may be made at the office of each secondary school in the District.

• Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 92.11

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 4/11/83; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.08

STUDENTS

Use of Bicycles              (Formerly 502.11)

The principal of each building shall make regulations concerning the riding of bicycles to and from school. The privilege of riding a bicycle to school may be withdrawn from a student for failure to observe these regulations.

• Legal References: Iowa Code §§ 279.87; 321.236

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 4/11/83; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 3/27/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.09

STUDENTS

Student Insurance

General

The Board shall make a student accident insurance and dental insurance plan available to all students attending the District.

The insurance company shall provide all the personnel necessary to make this program available with a minimum of teacher-principal-clerical time to all students attending the District.

The administration shall establish procedures for the program.

The cost of such insurance shall be the responsibility of the family of the student.

Athletic

The Board strongly recommends that a student participating in interscholastic athletics be adequately insured. A policy from an insurance company determined by the Superintendent or superintendent's designee may be obtained through the school.

If a parent or legal guardian wishes the child to participate without insurance, the parent or guardian must submit a written statement accepting full responsibility for all accidents and related costs for injuries.

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 4/11/83; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 3/13/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.10

STUDENTS

Emergency School Closings

The Superintendent or superintendent's designee shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergency conditions for the length of time the emergency exists. School closings shall be announced via mass communication media as soon as possible after the decision to close has been reached.

Every reasonable effort shall be made to have the students attend the number of days annually as specified by the Iowa Department of Education rules and local school board policy.

• Cross Reference: Board Policies 601.02 School Calendar, 502.13 Bomb Threats, 502.14 School Procedures During Severe Weather; and 502.15 Drills for Emergency

• Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.10

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 4/11/83; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Revised 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.11

STUDENTS

Student Special Health Services

The Board recognizes that some special education students need special health services during the school day. These students shall receive special health services in conjunction with their individualized education program.

The Superintendent or superintendent's designee, in conjunction with the licensed health personnel, shall establish administrative regulations for the implementation of this policy.

• Cross Reference: Board Policy 602.11 Special Education

• Legal Reference: Board of Regulation v. Rowley, 458 U.S. 176 (1982); Springdale School District # 50 v. Grace, 693F.2d41(8^th Cir.1982); Southeast Warren Comm. School District v.Dept. of Public Instruction, 285; N.W.2d 173 (Iowa 1979); 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (1994); 34 C.F.R. Pt. 300 et seq. (1996); Iowa Code §§ 256.11(7); 256B; 273.2, .5, .9(2)-(3): 280.8 (1999); 281 I.A.C. 12.3(7), 41.96

• By action of the Board: Adopted 4/23/01; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.12

STUDENTS

Artificial and Real Trees

Decorative and planted trees may be permitted in school buildings, but no real trees may be permitted in corridors or in classrooms. There shall be no candles or electric lights on planted trees inside a building and no electric lights on artificial trees of all metal construction. The administrator of each building is responsible to see that the placing of a tree or other decoration does not block a corridor, course of travel, or building exit .

As soon as school dismisses for the winter break, any decorations on planted trees should be removed from the buildings. This is to prevent trees from becoming a fire hazard during the vacation period.

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 6/13/83, Revised 3/11/91; Revised 12/9/96; Revised 11/12/01; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.13

STUDENTS

Bomb Threats

As a general rule, the building is not to be evacuated unless a bomb or explosive device is found. The principal of a school may decide to evacuate the building if, in the principal's judgment, special circumstances make this action advisable.

The administration shall maintain and update a Security Manual to be kept in each building outlining procedures to be followed in case of a bomb threat or other type of threat to the students, staff, community members, or facilities in the District. District personnel shall receive annual training for emergency situations and what procedures should be used in various situations.

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 6/13/83; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 8/12/02; Reviewed 12/10/07 with further consideration in 2007-2008

• Edited 12/07

502.14

STUDENTS

School Procedures During Severe Weather

The Superintendent or superintendent's designee has the authority to decide whether or not to dismiss students during severe weather or when severe weather is imminent.

Children shall not be released from school during severe weather simply by a telephone call being made to the office. Parents or legal guardians who want their children released must come to the school and pick them up.

Parents or legal guardians who do not want their children kept at school under this plan must provide the principal with written notice in advance. The parent's notice will be placed in the student's file prior to the occurrence of any severe weather.

• Cross Reference: Administrative Regulation 502.14A

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 6/13/83, Reviewed 3/11/9; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 2/14/00; Revised 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.15

STUDENTS

Drills for Emergency

Each principal shall see that all possible precautions are taken to protect against damage, personal injury, or panic. Each principal is responsible to see that the fire alarm system is in good working order that adequate fire extinguishers are available and in good working order, and appropriate personnel are trained in their proper use. 

Four fire drills and four tornado drills shall be conducted each year in each school building with at least two drills of each type conducted between July 1 and December 31 of each year and two of each type conducted between January 1 and June 30 of each year.  At least one fire drill each year shall be observed by Fire Department personnel at each building so as to assure the best and most up-to-date practices are in use.

The principal shall report the hour and date of each drill and the time occupied in emptying the building.

• Cross Reference: Board Policy 502.13 Bomb Threats

• Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 100.31

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 6/13/83, Reviewed 3/11/91; Revised 5/13/96; Revised 3/13/00; Reviewed 12/10/07

• Edited 12/07

502.16

STUDENTS

Administration of Medication to Students

The District understands that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program.

Nonprescription medication ordered by a parent or guardian (hereafter “parent”) may be administered when the registered nurse determines that the use of over-the-counter medication is the appropriate care for the student.

Prescription medication shall be administered when the student's parent provides:

1. A signed and dated written statement by the parent or guardian requesting medication administration;
2. A written order signed by the attending physician; and
3. The medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container.

Persons administering medication shall include the licensed registered nurse, parent, physician, and persons who have successfully completed a medication administration course reviewed by the Board of Pharmacy Examiners. A medication administration course and periodic update shall be conducted by a registered nurse or licensed pharmacist, and a record of course completion shall be kept on file at the agency.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional assessment and monitoring due to the serious nature of the illness, or medication side effects, an Individual Health Care Plan may need to be developed by licensed health personnel with the student and the student's parent.

By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication upon written consent of the parents and the prescribing physician regardless of competency. The written statement by the parent and prescribing physician requesting student self-administration shall be kept on file in the nurse’s office.

• Cross Reference: Board Policy #502.05 Injury or Illness at School

• Legal Reference:  §124.101(1), Code of Iowa; §147.107, Code of Iowa; §147.107, Code of Iowa; §155A.4(2), Code of Iowa; §152.1, Code of Iowa; §280.23, Code of Iowa; §280.16, Code of Iowa; Education [281]—§41.12(11) IAC; Pharmacy [657]—§8.32(124, 155A), IAC; Nursing Board [655]—§6.2(152), IAC

• By Board Action: Adopted 4/11/05

• Edited: 4/05

502.17

STUDENTS

Wellness Policy

The District is committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices. We believe physical well-being has a direct impact on student learning and behavior; therefore, the District will develop administrative regulations using standards designed to promote student wellness, as mandated by federal law.

These guidelines will establish goals for physical activity, nutrition education, nutrition and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness and will include the following measures:/

1. Maximize physical education activities, teach physical activity skills, and promote lifelong fitness.
2. Provide age-appropriate nutrition education, nutrition-related skills, and nutrition guidelines for all foods. Food and Nutrition Services must be in compliance with and meet any federal regulations required by law.
3. Adopt nutritional guidelines for foods and beverages provided or sold on school campuses during the instructional day. The District will consider the benefits of setting limitations and guidelines for all foods served or sold during the school day and will encourage availability of fresh fruits/vegetables.
4. Monitor vending machine sales to assure they are in compliance with and meet any federal regulations required by law.
5. Require the Superintendent or superintendent’s designee to engage a district-level committee of stakeholders who will monitor and provide input for implementation of the wellness policy.

• Legal Reference Note: In accordance with Public Law 108-265, Section 204 enacted June 30, 2004 and will take effect not later than the first day of the school year beginning after June 30, 2006.
• Cross Reference: Scott County School Wellness Policy developed by a School Health Advisory Committee 2005-06.
• By Action of the Board: Adopted 3/20/06
• Edited: 03/06