Required Notices

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Tomah Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity) or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (“Protected Classes”) in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The Coordinator of the District’s efforts to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is Dr. Paul Skofronick, 1310 Townline Road, Tomah, WI 54660 – phone: (608) 374-7011. Any inquiries regarding the application of the District’s non-discrimination policy may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

The Tomah Area School District has adopted the Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts (ELA) and Common Core Math Standards. In the area of science, the Next Generation Science Standards have been adopted.  In the area of social studies, the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies have been adopted and for all other content areas, the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards have been adopted as the academic standards.

These academic standards were adopted by the Board of Education on July 17, 2023 and recorded in the Board minutes.

The Board is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students in the District.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student programs and activities. This policy is intended to support and promote nondiscriminatory practices in all District and school activities, particularly in the following areas:

1. use of objective bases for admission to any school, class, program, or activity;
    
2. prohibition of harassment towards students and procedures for the investigation of claims (see Policy 5517);
    
3. use of disciplinary authority, including suspension and expulsion authority;
    
4. administration of gifts, bequests, scholarships and other aids, benefits, or services to students from private agencies, organizations, or persons;
    
5. selection of instructional and library media materials in a nondiscriminatory manner and that reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society;
    
6. design and implementation of student evaluation practices, materials, and tools, but not at the exclusion of implementing techniques to meet students' individual needs;
    
7. design and configuration of facilities;
    
8. opportunity for participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities provided that separate programs for male and female students may be available provided comparable activities are made available to all in terms of type, scope, and District support; and
    
9. the school lunch program and other school-sponsored food service programs.

The Board is also committed to equal employment opportunity in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students. The Board’s policies pertaining to employment practices can be found in Policy 1422, Policy 3122, and Policy 4122 - Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity.

The District will identify, evaluate, and provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities who are determined eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).

The District's educational programs include the academic and nonacademic setting. Each qualified student with a disability shall be educated with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. In the nonacademic setting, a student with a disability shall participate with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.

Notice of the Board's policy on nondiscrimination and the identity of the District's Compliance Officer(s) (see below) will be published on the District's website, posted throughout the District, and included in the District's recruitment statements or general information publications.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), in its education programs or activities, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and its implementing regulations, not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment. The Board is committed to maintaining an education and work environment that is free from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment.

The Board prohibits sexual harassment that occurs within its education programs and activities. When the District has actual knowledge of sexual harassment in its education program or activity against a person in the United States, it shall promptly respond in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent.

Pursuant to its Title IX obligations, the Board is committed to eliminating sexual harassment and will take appropriate action when an individual is determined responsible for violating this policy. Members of the School District community who commit Sexual Harassment are subject to the full range of disciplinary sanctions set forth in this policy. Third parties who engage in sexual harassment are also subject to the disciplinary sanctions listed in this policy. The Board will provide persons who have experienced Sexual Harassment ongoing supportive measures as reasonably necessary to restore or preserve access to the District’s education programs and activities.

The Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, compensation, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, or any other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. The Board also does not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive them of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of the person as an employee, based on genetic information. Harassment of a person because of genetic information also is prohibited. Likewise, retaliation against a person for identifying, objecting to, or filing a complaint concerning a violation of this policy is prohibited.  The grievance procedure for complaints of discrimination in Policy 1422 applies to complaints of discrimination, including harassment, or retaliation prohibited by GINA and may be utilized if an employee alleges discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information or retaliation for identifying, objecting to, or filing a complaint concerning a violation of GINA or this policy.

In order to provide appropriate educational services and programming, the Board must collect, retain, and use information about individual students. Simultaneously, the Board recognizes the need to safeguard students’ privacy and restrict access to students’ personally identifiable information.

Except for data identified by policy as "directory data," student "personally identifiable information" includes, but is not limited to: the student's name; the name of the student's parent or other family members; the address of the student or student's family; a personal identifier, such as the student's social security number, student number, or biometric record; other indirect identifiers, such as the student's date of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name; other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or information requested by a person who the District reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.

Reference in this policy to "directory data," includes reference to "directory information," in the context of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Board is responsible for the records of all students who attend or have attended schools in this District. Only records mandated by the State or Federal government and/or necessary and relevant to the function of the School District or specifically permitted by this Board will be compiled by Board employees.

In all cases, permitted, narrative information in student records shall be objectively based on the personal observation or knowledge of the originator.

Student records shall be available only to students and their parents, eligible students, designated school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information, or to other individuals or organizations as permitted by law.

State and Federal laws require that the maintenance of student records assure confidentiality. Accordingly, the following shall apply in the District:

A. An eligible student, or the parent(s)/guardian of a minor student, has the right to inspect, review, and obtain copies of the student's school records upon request in accordance with established District procedures. Copies of the District's student records procedures are available upon request at the District Office, 129 West Clifton St. Tomah, Wisconsin 54660. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

B. An eligible student, or the parent(s) or guardian of a minor student, has the right to request the amendment of the student's school records if s/he believes the records are inaccurate or misleading. Complaints regarding the content of student records may be made in accordance with established District procedures. Copies of the District's procedures are available upon request as outlined above.

C. An eligible student, or the parent(s)/guardian of a minor student, has the right to consent to the disclosure of information contained in the student's school records, except to the extent that State and Federal laws authorize disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials determined to have legitimate educational interests, including safety interests, in the records. A "school official" is a person employed by the District who is required by the Department of Public Instruction to hold a license; a person employed by or working on behalf of the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and police-school liaison officers); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a specific task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a "legitimate educational interests" if the official needs to review a student record in order to fulfill his/her professional or District responsibility. The District shall transfer a student's record to another school or school district without consent upon request in accordance with State law. District procedures outline the specific reasons for disclosure without consent and are available upon request as outlined above.

D. An eligible student, or the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a minor student, has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education for alleged District noncompliance with Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requirements. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC 20202-4605.

Student progress records shall be retained permanently after the student ceases to be enrolled in the District. All student behavioral records will be destroyed one (1) year after the date the student graduates from or last attends a school in the District unless the student, or the parent/guardian of a minor student, gives permission that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time.

In accordance with Federal and State law, the Board shall release the names, addresses, District assigned e-mail addresses (if available), and telephone listings of secondary students to a recruiting officer for any branch of the United States Armed Forces or an institution of higher education who requests such information. A secondary school student or parent of the student may request in writing that the student's name, address, District assigned e-mail addresses (if available), and telephone listing not be released without prior consent of the parent(s)/eligible student. The recruiting officer is to sign a form indicating that "any information received by the recruiting officer shall be used solely for the purpose of informing students about military service and shall not be released to any person other than individuals within the recruiting services of the Armed Forces." The District Administrator is authorized to charge mailing fees for providing this information to a recruiting officer.

As a public entity, the District must comply with the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment requirement that the District neither establishes religion in the schools nor prohibit students’ free exercise of religion according to pertinent interpretation and application of those Constitutional provisions by the Courts. Accordingly, no Board of Education employee will promote religion in the classroom or in the District’s curriculum or compel or pressure any student to participate in devotional exercises.

Accordingly, no student shall be exempted from completion of a required course of study on the grounds that components of the instruction interfere with the free exercise of his/her religion. However, if after careful personal review of the program’s lessons and/or materials, a parent indicates to the school that either the content or activities conflict with his/her religious beliefs or value system, the school will honor a written request for his/her child to be excused from particular class periods for specified reasons.

Complaints by students or the public regarding any such course of study will be handled in accordance with Board Policy 9130.

The Board directs that students receive instruction in human growth and development, consistent with Chapter 118.019(2) Wis. Stats, to include the following:

The Board authorizes the curriculum to include separating students on the basis of gender as determined by the Committee.

A citizens' advisory committee shall be established, in accordance with Board Policy 9140 - Citizens' Advisory Committees and 118.019(5), Wis. Stats., which will provide for the effective participation of staff, parents, health-care professionals, members of clergy, and other residents of the District. The role of the advisory committee is to advise the Board on the design and implementation of the human growth and development curriculum and to review the curriculum.

The District shall provide parents annually with an outline of the human growth and development program used in their child's grade level as well as information regarding how the parent may inspect the complete program and instructional materials. Prior to use in the classroom, the program shall be made available to parents for inspection.

The District shall notify the parents, in advance of the instruction and give them an opportunity, prior to instruction, to review the complete program and instructional materials and of their right to have their child excused from the instruction. The notice shall state that, in the event a student is excused, that student will still receive instruction under Wis. Stat. 118.01(2)(d)2 c unless exempted and under Wis. Stat. 118.01(2)(d)8.

The Board respects the privacy rights of parents and their children. No student shall be required, as a part of the school program or the District's curriculum, without prior written consent of the student (if an adult, or an emancipated minor) or, if an unemancipated minor, their parents, to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

1. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or their parents;
2. mental or psychological problems of the student or their family;
3. sex behavior or attitudes;
4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
5. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
7. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student's parents; or
8. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program).

Parents have the right to inspect, upon request, any instrument used in the collection of personal information before the instrument is administered or distributed to the student. The parent will have access to the instrument within a reasonable period of time after the request is received by the building principal.

Where written consent is not required prior to administering or distributing the survey, the parent shall submit any objections to having their child participate in the survey to the building principal within five (5) days of inspecting the survey. The parent may also submit any concerns or complaints about the survey as provided under Policy 9130.

Tomah Area School District administers the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Bi-annually at Tomah High School and Tomah Middle School.

Guidelines for Matters Regarding Classroom Instructional Materials

Parents of children attending school in the District and District residents may request formal reconsideration of the inclusion of specific instructional materials.

Concerns about specific textbooks or other classroom materials should be raised first with the classroom teacher and then the Principal if necessary, in an effort to resolve the matter informally. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached, requests for consideration of removal of any instructional materials, shall be submitted in writing to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

If the request, suggestion, or complaint relates to classroom instructional materials, the following procedure shall be followed:

1. The criticism is to be addressed to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, in writing, and shall include:
   1. author;
   2. title;
   3. publisher;
   4. the complainant's familiarity with the material objected to;
   5. indicate in writing they have reviewed the entirety of the material being challenged;
   6. specific concerns upon which the request to reconsider is based. This should include a specific description of the offending material (e.g. contains content that is harmful to minors or prohibited under State law, violates the District's policy on nondiscrimination, is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for the grade level for which the material is used, or some other specified reason). This should include specific references to the text of the material by page number and excerpted text if known.
2. The request shall be reviewed and evaluated in consultation with the Principal and appropriate administrative personnel. The Director of Curriculum and Instruction shall provide a response to the requestor advising that individual of the decision on the request to reconsider classroom instructional materials, including an explanation of the reason for the decision.

The requestor may submit a written appeal of the decision of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, within ten (10) business days to the District Administrator.  The District Administrator shall respond in writing within ten (10) business days of their decision to the requestor including an explanation of the reason for the decision.

3. The requestor may appeal a decision of the District Administrator, within thirty (30) business days, to the Board through a written request to the District Administrator, who shall forward the request and all written material relating to the matter to the Board. The Board will determine how to evaluate the matter and reach a determination on the request. The Board may receive additional evidence or reach a determination based on the record.

The decision of the Board is final.

The material being reviewed based on a request under this policy shall remain available during the review process unless the District Administrator determines that the subject material poses a threat of harm to students considering the grade level involved and provided the determination is not made solely because the material presents ideas that may be unpopular or offensive to some. Any temporarily removed materials will be promptly returned if the final determination is to retain the material. Any action to remove material following a request reviewed under this policy will be explained in the review process records.

Decisions on reconsidered materials will stand for three (3) years before new requests for reconsideration of those items will be entertained.

No challenged material may be permanently removed from the curriculum or from a collection of resource materials except by action of the Board, and no challenged material may be removed solely because it presents ideas that may be unpopular or offensive to some. Any Board action to remove material will be accompanied by the Board's statement of its reasons for the removal.

The Board believes that school instructional material centers are a fundamental part of the educational process by providing a place to foster independent and collaborative learning and information-seeking skills in students and staff. This is accomplished through timely access to services and resources that both reflect the student body, the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society, and represent perspectives held in the world more broadly. Therefore, the Board shall provide sufficient materials and staff for instructional material centers in each school in the District.

Parents of children attending school in the District and District residents may request formal reconsideration of the inclusion of specific material in a school library. Requests made under this policy relate to library materials only and not to curriculum-related materials. Complaints concerning curriculum-related materials, such as textbooks, are governed by Policy 9130 - Public Requests, Suggestions, or Complaints.

The Board recognizes that the regular school program may not be appropriate for all students. Some students may need program or curriculum modifications to successfully meet the District’s academic goals and/or graduation requirements. (See Policy 5461 - Children At-Risk of Not Graduating from High School)

Any student's parent, or the student if the parent is notified, may submit a written request to the Board, to provide the student with program or curriculum modifications, including, but not limited to:

1. modifications within the student's current academic program; 
2. a schoolwork training or work-study program; 
3. enrollment in an alternative public school or program located in the School District in which the student resides; 
4. enrollment in any nonsectarian private school or program, or tribal school, located in the School District in which the student resides, which complies with the requirements of State and Federal law;
5. homebound study, including nonsectarian correspondence courses or other courses of study approved by the Board or nonsectarian tutoring provided by the school in which the child is enrolled; 
6. enrollment in any public educational program located outside the School District in which the student resides, pursuant to a contractual agreement between school districts.

The written request shall be provided to the building principal who will provide it to the Board or an administrator who is designated to handle such requests. The Board or appropriate staff member shall render a decision, in writing, within ninety (90) days of a request, except that if the request relates to a student who has been evaluated by an Individualized Education Program team and has not been recommended for special education, the decision must be made within thirty (30) days of the request. If the request is denied, the reasons for the denial must be included. A parent may request reconsideration of any decision made by the Board or the designated administrator in response to a request for program or curriculum modifications and such request must be reviewed by the Board. The Board is required to render its determination upon review in writing.

Title I Notice Requirements:

Parent and Family Engagement in Title I Policy 2261.01

Title I – Parents’ Right to Know Policy 2261.02

District and School Report Card Policy 2261.03

Student Assessment – Parental Opt Out of Assessments (students) Policy 2623

Annual Title I Report Card Information: School District Accountability Report

The Board shall provide appropriate identification and transition services for District students who are identified as English learners. The purpose of these services is to develop English language skills that will enable the students to function successfully in an all English classroom and complete the District's required curriculum.

These services shall include the identification of students who are English Learners (ELs), the implementation of curricular and instructional modifications, the assessment of the English Learner (EL) student's academic progress, identification of EL students that achieve English Language Proficiency (ELP), and continued monitoring of ELP students. The degree of modification, the duration, and the type of services shall be determined individually and shall be based on the needs of each student.

The Director of Pupil Services or designee shall be responsible for taking a count of limited-English proficient students in the District that shall be completed on or before March 1st of each school year. The District will also assess the language proficiency of such students and classify them by language group, grade level, age, and English language proficiency. The annual assessment will measure a student's oral language, reading, and writing skills in English.

The District shall submit the report of EL students to the Department of Public Instruction as required by law.

Please contact the office of Pupil Services for more information. (608) -374-7011.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as:

· Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes children and youth who are:

-        sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

-        living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations

-        living in emergency or transitional shelters

-        abandoned in hospitals

-        living in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings

-        living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

-        migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described above

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children or youth who may qualify according to the above criteria, the Tomah Area School District provides the following assurances to parents and guardians of homeless children and youth and unaccompanied homeless youth:

-        The child or youth shall be immediately enrolled and allowed to fully participate in school, even if unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (e.g., academic records, immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other documentation) or has missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.

-        Homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and have full and equal educational and related opportunities.

-        Meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children including special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.

-        Immediate enrollment and transportation to the school of origin. “School of origin” means the school that a child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled, including a preschool.

-        Written explanation of any decisions related to school selection or enrollment made by the school, the local educational agency, or the State educational agency involved, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to appeal and receive prompt resolution of such decisions.

Please contact Dr. Paul Skofronick, Homeless Liaison for the Tomah Area School District, at (608) 374-7011 or email paulskofronick@tomah.education for additional information about the rights and services described above.

This program is open to students enrolled at Tomah High School.

The Board recognizes the value to students and to the District of students participating in programs offered by University of Wisconsin system institutions, tribally controlled colleges and private, non-profit higher education institutions in Wisconsin. 

The Board will allow any high school student who satisfies the eligibility requirements to participate in the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) to enroll in an approved course at an ECCP-approved institution of higher education while attending in the District. Students will be eligible to receive college and high school credit for completing course(s) at authorized institutions of higher education provided they complete the course(s) and receive a passing grade. 

The School District's responsibility to pay for tuition, fees, books and other necessary materials shall be limited to eighteen (18) postsecondary credits per student.

Please contact Tomah High School for more information. (608) 374-7358.

The Board recognizes the importance of good nutrition to each student's educational performance.

The Board shall provide eligible children with breakfast and lunch at a reduced rate or at no charge to the student.

Children, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, shall be determined by the criteria established by the Child Nutrition Program. These criteria are issued annually by the Federal government through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's administration of the School Nutrition Programs.

Free and Reduced Meal applications and information is found on the district website. Free and Reduced Meals | Food Services (tomah.education). For additional information please contact the Tomah Area School District Food Service Department at (608) 374-7356.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The following statement applies to all programs administered by the District that are funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1.      Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2.      Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

E-mail: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Meal Charges

Lunches sold by the school may be purchased by students and staff members and community residents in accordance with the rules of the District’s school lunch program.

The food-service program may participate in the "Farm to School Program" using locally grown food in school meals and snacks.

No foods or beverages, other than those associated with the District's food-service program, are to be sold during food-service hours.

Good Standing Balance - Any account that has a monetary value greater than the low balance amount set will be considered to have a Good Standing Balance.

Low Balance – A Low Balance will be any High School or Middle School account equal to or less than $5.00 and any Elementary School account equal to or less than $3.00.

1. All students will be given a low balance notice when their account is equal to or less than the low balance value set by the District.

a. Students will be instructed to give the low balance notice to their parents/guardians.

2. The building administrator or designee at each elementary school building will run a low balance report every day, Monday through Friday, when school is in session.

3. High school and middle school students will receive a low balance notice at the point of service from the computer operator daily as they come through the breakfast or lunch line.

4. Parents/guardians can also set up a low balance email notices through their students’ Infinity account.

Ala Carte/Extra Items

1. Ala Carte/Extra Items are food items sold separately and are not part of a federally reimbursable complete meal.

a. Examples include milk consumed during milk break, extra milk, extra entrees, water, and juice.

2. Any account that has less than or equal to $0.00 shall not be permitted to purchase ala carte items.

3. Cash can only be used to purchase ala carte items if the account is equal to or greater than $0.00.

Negative Balance – A Negative Balance will be any account that is equal to or less than negative one cent (-$0.01).

1. Accounts will be allowed to reach a negative value of five (5) times the cost of a high school lunch.

a. For example if the cost of a high school lunch meal is $3.00, then a negative balance of $15.00 can be incurred. ($3.00 x 5 = $15.00)

b. Family accounts will be considered one account.

2. Once an account reaches the allowed negative value, the building administrator or designee will contact the parents/guardians of the account using phone or email, in addition to mailing a letter home to inform them the account/s must be in Good Standing.

a. At this time the building administrator or designee will determine if the family of the negative account holder is in need of assistance to help cover cost.

i. Examples of assistance are:

1. Providing a free and reduced meal application to see if they qualify. Note: This will help

to cover future costs but will not cover the current value owed.

2. Apply for money from the Krecji Fund.

3. Accessing any account setup by the building or district to help cover food service costs.

3. If assistance is not available, the parents/guardians of the account will be asked by the building administrator or designee to send a meal with their student until the account is in Good Standing.

Delinquent Debt – Delinquent Debt will be any account that has reached the negative value of ten (10) times the cost of a high school lunch or more (example: -$3.00 x 10 = -$30.00 or more).

1. Once an account is Delinquent the following procedures will be put in place until the account is in Good Standing:

a. Elementary School Students will be directed to the school office by the building administrator or designee before meal service to pick up a snack pack (a grain, fruit, protein, beverage) if they have not brought a meal.

b. Middle School Students will be directed to the Middle School office by the building administrator or designee before lunch to pick up a snack pack if they have not brought a meal.

c. High School Students in the morning will be directed to the school office by the building administrator or designee and informed of one of the options:

i. in order to eat a school provided meal they must pay in full, or

ii. provide a meal from home, or

iii. pick up a snack pack in the High School office before lunch.

2. The Delinquent Debt account will be passed onto the District Office for collection when it is delinquent for 30 days.

General Federal USDA Child Nutrition Program Information

1. The National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs, are programs the school district chooses to offer, to help reduce the cost of meals for families, it is not a required program for the district to participate in.

2. Families not meeting federal income guidelines for free meals are expected to pay the cost of the meals consumed by their children

3. The NSB and NSL Programs do not require children with an outstanding balance on their meal account be served a meal

4. Students who qualify for free meals shall not be denied a reimbursable meal even if they have a Negative Balance or Delinquent Debt.

5. No children will have a Federally Reimbursable Meal taken from them once they have been served.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The following statement applies to all programs administered by the District that are funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1.      Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2.      Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3.      E-mail: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

It is the policy of the Board to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of harassment. This policy applies to conduct occurring in any manner or setting over which the Board can exercise control, including on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.

The Board will not tolerate any form of harassment and will take all necessary and appropriate actions to eliminate it, including suspension or expulsion of students and disciplinary action against any other individual in the School District community. Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to stop and otherwise deal with any third party who engages in harassment against our students.

The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on the traits of sex (including gender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as 'Protected Classes'), and encourages those within the School District community as well as Third Parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems. Additionally, the Board prohibits harassing behavior directed at students, including at a group of students, for any reason, even if not based on one of the Protected Classes, through its policies on bullying (See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying).

The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment and in those cases where harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps designed to end the harassment, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Requests for paper copies of the student anti-harassment policy and procedure may be made at the building office.

The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property, including at any of the school buildings or other property used exclusively or in part, whether leased or owned by the District, for the purpose of school-related functions or events; or while traveling to or from school or to and from school-sponsored functions or events; in transporting vehicles arranged for by School District officials. The policy applies as well during activities that occur off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the supervision of school authorities, or where an employee is engaged in school business, or where there is otherwise a connection to the school such that the conduct at issue affects or is intended to affect the student’s educational environment. (see also Policy 3362.01 and Policy 4362.01 - Threatening Behavior Toward Staff Members)

Definitions

"Bullying"

Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be a repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Furthermore, it may be serious enough to negatively impact a student's educational, physical, or emotional well-being. The behavior may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion; gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social, economic, or family status; however this type of prohibited bullying behavior need not be based on any of those particular or other particular characteristics. It includes but is not necessarily limited to such behaviors as stalking, cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercing, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.

Some examples of Bullying are:

1. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling, taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking, or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact.
2. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name-calling, making threats.
3. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation.
4. "Cyberbullying" – the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal web sites, and defamatory online personal polling web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others."

The Board recognizes that cyberbullying can be particularly devastating to young people because:

4. 1. cyberbullies more easily hide behind the anonymity that the Internet provides;
   2. cyberbullies spread their hurtful messages to a very wide audience with remarkable speed;
   3. cyberbullies do not have to own their own actions, as it is usually very difficult to identify cyberbullies because of screen names, so they do not fear being punished for their actions; and
   4. the reflection time that once existed between the planning of a prank – or a serious stunt – and its commission has all but been erased when it comes to cyberbullying activity;
   5. cyberbullies hack into or otherwise gain access to another’s electronic accounts (e-mails, social media, etc.) and posing as that individual with the intent to embarrass or harm the individual. 

Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. posting slurs or rumors or other disparaging remarks about a student on a web site or on weblog;
2. sending e-mail or instant messages that are mean or threatening, or so numerous as to drive-up the victim’s cell phone bill;
3. using a camera phone to take and send embarrassing photographs of students;
4. posting misleading or fake photographs of students on web sites.

"Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature on the basis of sex, (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws. Harassment is prohibited by Policy 5517 – Student Anti-Harassment.

"Staff" includes all school employees and Board members.

"Third parties" include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter-district or intra-district athletic competitions or other school events.

For a definition of and instances that could possibly be construed as hazing, consult Policy 5516.

Complaint Procedures

Any student who believes they have s been or are the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the District Administrator. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator should be filed with the Board President.

Complaints against a Board member shall be filed with the Board President unless the complaint is against the President in which case the complaint shall be filed with the Board Vice President, who is authorized to contact District legal counsel for assistance in handling the complaint.

Every student is encouraged to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.

All school staff members and school officials who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report these acts to the building principal or assistant principal, or the District Administrator.

Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the report, including all pertinent details, will be made by the recipient of the report.

All complaints about behavior that may violate this Policy shall be investigated promptly by the Principal. The staff member who is investigating the report of bullying shall interview the victim(s) of the alleged bullying and collect whatever other information is necessary to determine the facts and the seriousness of the report.

If, during an investigation of a reported act of bullying in accordance with this Policy, the principal determines that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment, discrimination, and/or may have constituted harassment based on sex (transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or state civil rights laws, the principal will report the act of bullying to one of the Compliance Officers who shall assume responsibility to investigate the allegation in accordance with Policy 5517 – Student Anti- Harassment or Policy 2260 - Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity. Additionally, complaints alleging sexual harassment on the basis of sex are also covered by and subject to the investigation procedures in Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities. If the investigation under Policy 5517 - Student Anti-harassment, Policy 2260 - Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity or Policy 2266 - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities does not substantiate harassment based on one or more of the Protected Classes, the complaint of bullying shall still be investigated under this Policy.

If the matter or complaint involves the District Administrator or a member of the Board, it is appropriate to engage outside legal counsel to conduct the investigation consistent with this policy. Legal counsel shall conduct a prompt investigation. The Board attorney is authorized to designate an outside third party to conduct the investigation. The Board attorney or designee will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties after receipt of the information or complaint. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing as deemed appropriate by the Board attorney or designee. The Board attorney or designee conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents as appropriate when the investigation is concluded, and the findings made.

Parents of each student involved in the bullying report will be notified prior to the conclusion of the investigation. The District shall maintain the confidentiality of the report and any related student records to the extent required by law.

If the investigation finds that bullying has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action. This may include student discipline, including, but not limited to reprimand, suspension, or possible expulsion. Further, the result of an investigation that finds that bullying has occurred may result in discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been taken.

This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students (i.e., to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions, or debate, that is conducted at appropriate times and places during the school day and is protected by State or Federal law).

Retaliation/False Reports

Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying. Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally making a false report may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against who the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to inform parents, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

To the extent appropriate in conducting a thorough investigation and/or as legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process.

Notification

Notice of this policy will be annually distributed to all students enrolled in the School District and their parents. The policy will also be provided to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. Additionally, the policy or a summary will be incorporated into the teacher, student, and parent handbooks.

The School District will also provide a copy of the policy to any person who requests it.

Records and Reports

Records of investigations will be maintained in accordance with Policy 8330 - Student Records and State law.

Education and Training

In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of bullying behavior. The District Administrator shall provide appropriate training to all members of the School District community related to the implementation of this policy and its accompanying administrative guidelines. All training regarding the Board’s policy and administrative guidelines on bullying will be age and content appropriate.

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provisions of law regarding minors. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community.

Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty should be maintained in the schools of this District.

The District Administrator shall establish procedures to carry out Board policy and philosophy, and shall hold all school personnel, students, and parents responsible for the conduct of students in schools, on school vehicles, and at school-related events.

No student shall while on school premises, in school vehicles, or under school supervision engage in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances which such conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance or tends to endanger the health or safety of any person or persons.

Student conduct on or adjacent to school premises, on school vehicles, and at school-related events and activities shall be governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, student conduct on internet-based social media outlets when such conduct forms a sufficient connection to school or staff is governed by the Code of Conduct. This Code of Classroom Conduct shall include the following items: 

1. specification of what constitutes dangerous, disruptive, or unruly behavior that interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively, which therefore permits the teacher to remove the student from class;
2. other student conduct that may be used by a teacher as a basis to remove a student from class; and
3. procedures for notifying the parent of a student's removal and procedures for placement of a student that has been removed from class.

The Code of Conduct, developed by a committee created by the Board for that reason consisting of parents, students, Board members, school administrators, teachers, student services professionals, and other appointed residents, and, once created, shall be reviewed by the Board periodically.

Removal of a student from a class that is consistent with the Code of Conduct does not constitute a report under Policy 8462.01 - Threats of Violence. If the staff member believes in good faith that the threat represents a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of students, staff, or others, and the threat is a threat of violence made in or targeted at a school, staff must still report such threats as described in Policy 8462.01 - Threats of Violence.

The Board recognizes that each student's mode of dress, clothing, and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices interfere with the educational program of the schools.

Accordingly, the Board prohibits student dress, clothing, or grooming practices which:

1. present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school;
2. materially interfere with school activities, or substantially disrupt the educational environment; or
3. prevent students from achieving educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement. 

The principal or designee shall serve as the initial arbiter of student dress, clothing, and grooming.

Dress, clothing or grooming constitutes expressive speech if the individual wearing or displaying the dress, clothing, or grooming intends to convey a particularized message through the wearing or display and the likelihood was great threat the message would be understood by those who viewed it. This standard shall apply whether the message is conveyed by depiction, words, or a combination of the two. If the dress, clothing, or grooming does not constitute expressive speech, it can be regulated by school officials.

Expressive speech in the form of dress, clothing, or grooming will be regulated consistent with applicable legal principles.

Expressive speech in the form of dress, clothing, or grooming prohibited if such speech is not protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, such as dress, clothing or grooming that constitutes:

1. Obscenity;
2. Language or depictions intended to incite violence or incite the viewer to an immediate breach of the peace; 
3. Defamation; or
4. A true threat.

Consistent with the legal parameters established under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

School officials can also regulate and prohibit dress, clothing, or grooming containing otherwise expressive speech if the dress, clothing, or grooming:

1. Can reasonably be viewed as promoting illegal drug use; or
2. Is vulgar, lewd, indecent, or plainly offensive.

Additionally, school officials can regulate dress, clothing or grooming if they can reasonably forecast that it will materially interfere with or substantially disrupt a school activity, such an interference or disruption actually occurs, or if the expression intrudes on the rights of other students. Such prohibited dress, clothing or grooming may include dress, clothing, or grooming that includes the use of, discriminatory language including racial or ethnic slurs, or negative stereotypes, Under this standard, the wearing or display of the Confederate flag during the school day and on school property is prohibited.

No protected speech may be prohibited on the basis of disagreement by school officials with the specific point of view expressed if the topic is otherwise permitted by this policy (e.g. permitting depictions of support for one political party but prohibiting depictions of support for the other).

The District administration may establish the dress, clothing, or grooming requirements for members of the athletic teams, bands, and other school groups when representing the District at a public event or within the context of school-sponsored and controlled curriculum or activities. Where appropriate, a uniform or specific dress, clothing, or grooming requirement shall be used for students when representing the District as described.

Students who violate the foregoing rules will not be admitted to class and may be subject to additional consequences.

If the dress, clothing, or grooming cannot be removed or concealed, the student may be sent home after contact is made with the student's parent/guardian. 

Please review student handbooks for building specific dress codes developed by principals which comply with Board of Education Policy 5511.

"Personal communication devices" ("PCDs") as used in this policy are defined in Bylaw 0100 - Definitions.

While students may possess PCDs in school, on school property, during after school activities (e.g., extra‑curricular activities) and at school-related functions, they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight during school hours and during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities).

However, technology including, but not limited to, PCDs intended and actually used for instructional purposes (e.g., taking notes, recording classroom lectures, writing papers) will be permitted, as approved by the classroom teacher or the building principal. The use of a PCD to engage in non-education-related communications is expressly prohibited.

High school students may use PCDs before and after school, during their lunch break, and in between classes as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment.

Students may not use PCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students at school.

Students may use PCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other Board-provided vehicles or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, or sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. 

During after school activities, PCDs shall be powered completely off (not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight when directed by the administrator or sponsor.

Under certain circumstances, a student may keep his/her PCD “On” with prior approval from the building principal. 

Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip and while on district-provided transportation to and from school, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person unless a student has received the advance consent of the other individual(s).  Using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person shall have their PCD confiscated and held until a parent picks it up and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the parent is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity, the confiscated-PCD may be turned over to law enforcement.

PCDs, with cameras or any other recording capabilities, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The District Administrator and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.

Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.

Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.  See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying r.  In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to:  (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form.  Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action.  Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.

Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty.  Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.

Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). Discipline will be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circumstances surrounding a particular violation. If the PCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student's parent after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity in which case the PCD may be turned over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent or turned over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771 ‑ Search and Seizure.  If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.

A person who discovers a student using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building principal.

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs.  The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.

Parents are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.            

Students may use school phones to contact parents during the school day.

The Board has charged school authorities with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search school property such as lockers used by students or the person or property, including vehicles, of a student, in accordance with the following policy.

Except as provided below, a request for the search of a student or a student's possessions will be directed to the principal. Whenever possible, a search will be conducted by the principal in the presence of the student and a staff member. A search prompted by the reasonable suspicion that health and safety are immediately threatened will be conducted with as much speed and dispatch as may be required to protect persons and property.

Search of a student's person or intimate personal belongings shall be conducted by a person of the student's gender or in the presence of another staff member of the same gender, and in a manner that is minimally intrusive to the student based on the reasonable suspicion justifying the search.

School Property

The Board acknowledges the need for in-school storage of student possessions and shall provide storage places, including desks and lockers, for that purpose. Desks and lockers are public property and school authorities may make reasonable regulations regarding their use. The District retains ownership and possessory control of student desks and lockers and the same may be searched at random by school personnel at any time. A showing of reasonable cause or suspicion is not a necessary precondition to a search under this paragraph. Students shall not have an expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, or other school property as to prevent examination by a school official. The Board directs the Principal to provide students with written notice of this policy at least annually and that routine inspections be done at the discretion of the Principal of all such storage places.

The Board directs that the searches may be conducted by the District Administrator, building principals, assistant principals, School Resource Officer, or law enforcement officer when requested.

Student Person and Possessions

The Board recognizes that the privacy of students or their belongings may not be violated by unreasonable search and seizure and directs that no student be searched without reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either a particular law or a particular rule of the school. Any search under this paragraph must be reasonable in scope and reasonable in the manner in which it is conducted. The extent of the search will be governed by the seriousness of the suspected infraction, the student's age and gender, the student's disciplinary history, and any other relevant circumstances or information.

This authorization to search shall also apply to all situations in which the student is under the jurisdiction of the Board.  Under no circumstances shall a school official ever conduct a strip search of a student.

The principal shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each student search, including the reasons for the search; information received that established the need for the search and the name of informant, if any; the persons present when the search was conducted; any substances or objects found and the disposition made of them; and any subsequent action taken. The principal shall be responsible for the custody, control, and disposition of any illegal or dangerous substance or object taken from a student.

The District Administrator may request the assistance of a law enforcement agency in implementing any aspect of this policy. Where law enforcement officers participate in a search on school property or at a school activity pursuant to a request from the District Administrator, the search shall be conducted by the law enforcement officers at the direction of a District official. Law enforcement searches conducted independent of any District official request or direction shall be conducted based on standard applicable to law enforcement.
 
Anything found in the course of a search pursuant to this policy which constitutes evidence of a violation of a particular law or school rule or which endangers the safety or health of any person shall be seized and properly cataloged for use as evidence if appropriate. Seized items shall be returned to the owner if the items may be lawfully possessed by the owner. Seized items that may not lawfully be possessed by the owner shall be turned over to law enforcement.

Parking Permit Required

Permission for a student to bring a vehicle on school property shall be conditioned upon written consent of the search of the vehicle and all containers inside the vehicle by a school administrator with reasonable suspicion to believe the search will produce evidence of a violation of a particular law, a school rule, or a condition that endangers the safety or health of the student driver or others. If an Administrator determines a search is necessary, he or she should request consent to search the vehicle and all containers inside the vehicle. If consent is not given, a school administrator may proceed with the search. An administrator may contact the school resource officer or law enforcement agency for assistance in conducting a search.

Use of Dogs

The Board authorizes the use of specially trained dogs to detect the presence of drugs and devices such as bombs on school property under the following conditions:

1. The presence of the dogs on school property is authorized in advance by the District Administrator, except in emergency situations, or is pursuant to a court order or warrant. 
2. The dog must be handled by a law enforcement officer or certified organization specially trained to safely and competently work with the dog. 
3. The dog is represented by the Sheriff or Chief of the law enforcement agency providing the service as capable of accurately detecting drugs and/or devices.

Please review student handbooks for building specific student attendance information.

The Board will enforce regular student attendance in the District's program in which each student is enrolled as required pursuant to State law. Further, the Board recognizes that the District's educational program is predicated upon the participation of each student in the program of instruction in which the student is enrolled and required to attend. Student success requires continuity of instruction and program participation. For purposes of this policy, the regular period and hours of instruction including both those periods and hours a student's program require that they are in school as well as any attendance requirements defined as part of a course of virtual instruction, or a combination of the more than one type of instructional delivery.

All children between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session until the end of the term, quarter, or semester of the school year in which the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age unless they fall under an exception under State law, this policy, or administrative guideline issued under this policy. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.

Notice of Habitual Truancy

When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall provide a notice to the student's parent or guardian, by registered or certified mail, or by 1st class mail. The School Attendance Officer may simultaneously notify the parent of the habitually truant student by an electronic communication. The notice must contain the following:

1. a statement of the parent's or guardian's responsibility under State law to cause the student to attend school regularly
2. a statement that the parent, guardian, or student may request program or curriculum modifications for the student under State law and that the student may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children at risk
3. a request that the parent or guardian meet with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the student's truancy 

The notice shall include the name of the school personnel with whom the parent or guardian should meet, a date, time, and place for the meeting and the name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact to arrange a different date, time, or place. The date for the meeting shall be within five (5) school days after the date that the notice is sent, except that with the consent of the student's parent or guardian the date for the meeting may be extended for an additional five (5) school days.

4. a statement of the penalties, under State law or local ordinances that may be imposed on the parent or guardian if s/he fails to cause the child to attend school regularly as required by State law. 
5. if the student is attending the District through the Open Enrollment Program, each notification shall also inform the parent: 1) that the student's open enrollment may be terminated if the student is habitually truant; and 2) the process described in Board Policy 5113- Open Enrollment Program (Inter-District), which the parent or student may follow if they believe the student was erroneously marked truant.

The School Attendance Officer will also continue to notify the parent or guardian of a habitual truant's subsequent unexcused absences.

Referral to the District Attorney

Truancy cases will be referred to the District Attorney as provided in the County Truancy Committee Plan. The School Attendance Officer will ensure that appropriate school personnel have done the following before any case is referred to the District Attorney:

1. met with the student's parent or guardian to discuss the student's truancy or attempted to meet with the student's parent or guardian and received no response or were refused
2. provided an opportunity for educational counseling to the student to determine whether a change in the student's curriculum would resolve the student's truancy and have curriculum modifications under State law
3. evaluated the student to determine whether learning problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken steps to overcome the learning problems, except that the student need not be evaluated if tests administered to the student within the previous year indicate that the student is performing at his/her grade level
4. conducted an evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken appropriate action or made appropriate referrals

Note that paragraph A. is not required if the meeting between school personnel, the student, and the student's parent or guardian, which was requested in the Notice of Habitual Truancy to the parent or guardian, did not occur within ten (10) school days after the Notice was sent. Paragraphs B., C., and D. are not required if appropriate school personnel were unable to carry out the activity due to the student's absences from school.

If the Board determines that a student is habitually truant during either semester of the current school year, the Board may prohibit the nonresident student from attending in the succeeding semester or school year. The District Administrator shall assure compliance with DPI regulations pertaining to open enrollment termination found in Wis. Admin Code PI 36.09.

If the parent or nonresident student believes the student has been marked absent, tardy, or truant in error, the parent or student may contact the school attendance officer and provide a written explanation of the circumstances believed to be in error. The attendance officer shall review the matter and provide a response to the parent or student either correcting the attendance record, confirming the accuracy of the record, or requesting additional information upon which a decision will then be made. If additional information is requested, it must be provided within five (5) school days of the request or no additional information will be considered in the decision.

Open enrollment of a student in a virtual charter school may also be terminated if, on three (3) occasions during a single semester, the student has failed to respond to a school assignment or directive within five (5) school days not counting any days excused by the student's parents up to a maximum of ten (10) school days per year, and after each occurrence the virtual charter school notified the student's parents. After the third incident, the virtual charter school program shall notify the Board of the nonresident student’s failure to participate in the program. The Board may terminate the student's open enrollment.

The Board of Education recognizes that depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are problems of increasing severity among children and adolescents. A student who lives with a mental illness may not be able to benefit fully from the educational program of the schools, and a student who has engaged in or attempted self-harm poses a danger both to him/herself and to other students.

All school personnel should be alert and report to an administrator or school psychologist, school counselor, or school nurse regarding any student who exhibits symptoms or warning signs of depression or who threatens or attempts suicide. Any such signs or the report of such signs from another student or staff member should be taken with the utmost seriousness.

Additional professional development training in suicide risk assessment and intervention shall be provided to counselors, psychologists, and the school nurse. These pupil service staff will then provide professional development to district staff as needed.

The District Administrator shall develop and implement administrative guidelines whereby members of the professional staff understand how to use an intervention procedure which includes the following:

Step 1 - Stabilization

Step 2 - Assessment of the Risk

Step 3 - Use of Appropriate Risk Procedure

Step 4 - Communication with Appropriate Parties

Step 5 - Follow-up

Throughout any intervention, it is essential that Board policies and District guidelines regarding confidentiality be observed at all times.

The law provides that any officer, employee, or volunteer of this Board who, in good faith, attempt to prevent suicide by a student is immune from civil liability for acts or omissions in respect to the suicide or attempted suicide.

The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire school community. Any violation of this District policy in regard to the use of alcohol and other drugs is extremely serious. As a result, parents/guardians will be informed throughout the entire process.

Tomah Area School District should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive, means.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

1. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Wisconsin statute;
2. all derivates of hemp, Delta THC, (see Policy 5330 - Administration of Medication/Emergency Care);
   all other forms that cause psychosis; in all forms of delivery (i.e., inhalation, ingestion, injection, etc.).
3. all chemicals which release toxic vapors;
4. all alcoholic beverages;
5. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;
6. "look-alikes";
7. essential oils and oil-like products that may be mistaken for a drug unless medication form that has been signed by a provider is on file (see Policy 5330 - Administration of Medication/Emergency Care);
8. anabolic steroids;
9. any other illegal substance so designated and prohibited by law.

The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug and any drug-paraphernalia at any time on District property or at any District-related event.

The Board intends to adopt and maintain a plan for managing students with life-threatening allergies so as to permit each school to obtain a school prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors and to permit each school nurse and designated school personnel to administer them. Accordingly, the Board directs the school nursing staff in consultation with the District Administrator to develop a plan that meets the following:
 

1. specifies those designated school personnel that have agreed to receive training and that will be trained and authorized to perform the functions of the plan;
    
2. identifies the specific training program that will be implemented to prepare each school nurse and designated school personnel to identify the signs of anaphylaxis and to provide or administer epinephrine auto-injectors accordingly;
    
3. delineates the permissible scope of usage to include providing District-owned epinephrine auto-injectors to students who have a prescription on file with the school in the event the student is experiencing an anaphylactic event and/or administering epinephrine auto-injectors to such students, and/or administering epinephrine auto-injector treatment to any student, regardless of whether the student has a prescription on file or the staff member so trained is not aware of whether the student has a prescription on file, but believes in good faith the student is suffering from anaphylaxis, provided that the staff member immediately contacts emergency medical services;
    
4. identifies the number and type of epinephrine auto-injectors each school will keep on-site and identifies a member of the nursing staff or other school official who will be responsible for maintaining the epinephrine auto-injectors supply;
    
5. is approved by a physician licensed in the State of Wisconsin;
    
6. notes that the school and any school nurse or designated school personnel that provide or administer epinephrine auto-injectors under this plan are immune from civil liability for any harm that may result, regardless of whether there is a parental or medical provider authorization, unless the administration was a result of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct;

is published on the District's website or the website of each school on which it can be published.

The Board recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity affect the health and well-being of the students of the Tomah Area School District (hereto referred to as the District). Furthermore, research suggests that there is a positive correlation between a student's health and well-being and their ability to learn. Moreover, schools can play an important role in the developmental process by which students establish their health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks through the schools' meal programs, by supporting the development of good eating habits, and by promoting increased physical activity both in and out of school. 

School and District Performance Reports

The Board believes that a vital component of the District’s educational programs is ensuring that parents and other individuals are informed of the performance of the schools and the School District. To this end, the Board has adopted this policy.

School Performance Report (SPR)

The Board will publish an annual school and school district performance report including all information prescribed by statute. By January 1st of each year, the Board shall notify the parents of each student enrolled in the District of the right to request a school and school district performance report. 

Per the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the District shall use links to the WISEdash Public Portal to meet the electronic State School Performance Report requirements.

Title I Provisions of the School/District Accountability Report Card

In any year that the District receives Title I funding, the school/District accountability report card(s) must also include the information regarding the delivery of Title I services as described in Policy 2261.03.

State Accountability Report Card

A copy of each school's accountability report card, as prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, shall be provided by the District to the parent of each student enrolled in or attending the school on an annual basis. The report shall be provided with the Notification of Educational Options.

As part of the state accountability system, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has produced report cards for every school district in Wisconsin. These report cards provide data on multiple indicators for four (4) priority areas: student achievement, student growth, closing gaps, and on track and post-secondary readiness. View Tomah’s previous year accountability reports. Download the full 2022-2023 report with data for each school.  Additional information may be found on the WISEdash Public Portal.

The Board requires that a planned program of school counseling be an integral part of the educational program of the District. The plan shall be developed by licensed school counselors in collaboration with student services staff, teachers, parents, and community health and human service professionals. The developed plan will be adopted by the Board and maintained by the District. Such a program shall be available to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity), physical or mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes").

Information on academic and career planning services is available on the Tomah Middle School website Middle School | Middle School (tomah.education) and Tomah High School website Tomah High School | High School

Tomah Area School District’s education for employment program includes opportunities for career awareness at the elementary grade level, career exploration at the middle school level, and career planning and preparation at the high school level. A full-time Counseling Department at Tomah High School is available to assist students in areas school related and in personal, career planning, and educational planning. Tomah High School students participate in an Academic Career Plan (ACP) throughout all grade levels. Participating in an ACP assists students in understanding various career options, as well as taking time to make a future plan.  As stated on WI DPI website, "ACP is intended to equip students and their families with the tools necessary to make more informed choices about postsecondary education and training as it leads to careers" (Academic & Career Planning 2018). Information may be found on the Tomah High School Counseling website. Counseling Office | Counseling Department (tomah.education)

The mission of career and technical education is to provide an opportunity for students to develop knowledge needed for success in employment, to build foundations for further education and to acquire independent living skills.

The District’s curriculum will provide every student with the opportunity to participate in learning experiences, to explore potential careers, and, when appropriate, acquire the occupational skills necessary for the transition from school to the world of work.

The Board directs that any efforts to recruit students to participate in a particular career and technical education program must include literature and comparable recruitment efforts for students with disabilities in a format and context in which they can communicate. 

The work-study programs are available to students without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes"). The District Administrator is to ensure that application forms for work-study programs contain a notice of nondiscrimination and that each employer associated with a work-study program has provided assurance of nondiscrimination based on the Protected Classes prior to the time the students are selected and/or assigned.

The Tomah Area School District offers the following educational options for resident school aged children:

• Full-time Enrollment Opportunities which Include: Core Academic Education (English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics), Reading Instruction, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts Education (Visual, Musical, and Performing Arts), Physical and Health Education, Education for Employment Programs, Financial Literacy, English as a Second Language, Talented and Gifted Education, and Programs to Address the Needs of Students with Disabilities.
• Open Enrollment (http://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment)
• Part-Time Open Enrollment for Public High School Students
  • (https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment/ptoe)
• Early College Credit Program (ECCP) 
  • (https://dpi.wi.gov/dual-enrollment/eccp)
• Start College Now Program (https://dpi.wi.gov/dual-enrollment/start-college-now)
• Tomah Area Montessori School (TAMS)  Public Charter (TAMS website)
• Rural Virtual Academy (http://ruralvirtual.org/site/index.php)
• Advanced Placement Coursework
• Transcripted Credit with WTC (WTC Transcription Information)
• Industry Certifications (ACCT, CNA, Youth Apprenticeships)
• Summer PACK (Positive Adventures Creating Knowledge) Program (4K- 8)
  • (Summer PACK website)
• High School Summer School

Note: Currently Queen of The Apostles is the only private school participating in a parental choice program operating within the Tomah Area School District.

It is the intent of the Tomah Area School District that all Indian children of school age have equal access to all programs, services and activities offered within the school district. To this end, the Tomah Area School District will consult with local tribal officials and parents of Indian children in the planning and development of Indian Policies and Procedures (IPPs), general education programs, and activities. These policies and procedures will be revised annually, and revisions will be made within ninety (90) days of the determination that requirements are not being adequately met.

The Indian Education Committee (IEC) of the Tomah Area School District will meet quarterly for the purpose of addressing comments and concerns of parents of Indian children regarding the District’s educational programs and activities. The meeting agendas will be posted, and all meetings will be open to the public, allowing for tribal officials as well as parents of Indian children the opportunity to submit comments and recommendations for consideration.

For additional information and (IEC) meeting dates, please contact Bonnie Bird Title VI Indian Ed. Coord. /Hoocąk Language Teacher Tomah Area School District Tomah Senior High School 608-374-7879 bonniebird@tomah.education

The Board shall provide a free, appropriate public education to all eligible disabled persons ages three (3) through twenty-one (21) which complies with Federal and State laws and guidelines.

The District provides a continuum of special education services. The determination of the need and extent of services provided shall be subject to the Individual Educational Program (IEP) developed for the child.

The District adopts the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Model Forms and Policies and Procedures Manual as the Board’s official policy in all practices and procedures relating to the education of children with disabilities in this School District, in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations.  The Board further assures that all District employees shall comply with the procedures and responsibilities laid forth within this manual as updated periodically by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

The Board and Administration supports the requirements of State and Federal law that students with disabilities be educated, to the maximum extent appropriate, with children who are nondisabled. The Board further supports the State and Federal requirement that a continuum of alternative placements be available to meet the needs of students with disabilities eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The District identifies, locates and evaluates all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of the disability, who are in need of special education and related services. This includes children attending private schools, who are not yet three (3) years of age, highly mobile children such as migrant children and children and youth in transition, and children who are suspected of being a student with a disability even though they are advancing from grade to grade.

Students with disabilities will take state-required tests unless otherwise prescribed in their IEP. Test administration procedures may be modified as indicated in a student’s IEP.

Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible all young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an Early Intervention Program (Part C) or Early Childhood Special Education (Part B) services of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Parents, guardians and community partners may contact Tomah Area School District Pupil Services for more information. Dr. Paul Skofronick, Pupil Services Director. paulskofronick@tomah.education (608) 374-7011. Additional information may also be found on the Child Find process, screenings and evaluations on the Wisconsin PDI website Early Childhood: Child Find | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information Obtained through Child Find Activities:

Tomah Area School District is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year, Child Developmental Days. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.

The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.

The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.

• "Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
• "Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
• "Directory data" includes the student's name, date of birth, address, telephone number, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight/height (if a member of an athletic team), dates of attendance, date of graduation, and awards received.
• "Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:

• The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
• The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Tomah Area School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal; clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also, the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
• The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Special Education Procedural Notice to Parents of a Student with Disability:

At least annually, the TASD will notify parents and persons required to make referrals under state statute 115.77(1)(a) (i.e. physicians, nurses, social workers) of its referral and evaluation procedures.

Upon request, Tomah Area School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the District receives a referral, the TASD will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.

A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parent that the referral will be made.

Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.

Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting the Pupil Services Department.

Dr. Paul Skofronick, Pupil Services Director, paulskofronick@tomah.education (608)374-7011

Tomah Area School District must also provide parents/guardians of students with disabilities a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under state and federal law related to:

·         independent educational evaluation;

·         prior written notice;

·         parental consent;

·         access to educational records;

·         opportunity to present and resolve complaints, including the period in which the student’s parents may request a due process hearing and the opportunity for the TASD to resolve the issues presented by the request;

·         the student’s placement during pendency of due process proceedings;

·         procedures for students who are subject to placement in interim alternative educational settings;

·         requirements for the unilateral placement by parents of students in private schools at public expense; mediation;

·         due process hearings under section 115.80;

·         civil actions, including the period in which to file a civil action; and

·         attorney fees.

As noted in Board Policy 2460, students with disabilities shall be identified and provided educational services in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Services for these children shall be provided through the TASD-operated programs. For additional information, contact the Pupil Services Department. Dr. Paul Skofronick, Pupil Services Director, paulskofronick@tomah.education (608)374-7011

The Board welcomes and encourages visits to school by parents, other adult residents of the community and interested educators. But in order for the educational program to continue undisturbed when visitors are present and to prevent the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools, it is necessary to establish visitor guidelines.

In accordance with 120.13(35), Wis. Stats., the District Administrator or building administrator has the authority to establish conditions for entering or remaining in a District building, prohibit the entry of any person to a school of this District or to require a visitor to leave when there is reason to believe the presence of such person would be or is detrimental to the good order of the school. If such an individual refuses to leave the school grounds or creates a disturbance, the principal is authorized to request from the local law enforcement agency whatever assistance is required to remove the individual.

Parents who are registered sex offenders and wish to participate in their child's school activities may be allowed on campus at the discretion and under the direction of the principal. Such parents/guardians must inform the school administration of any time that they will be on school grounds. Conditions may be imposed upon participation, including but not limited to the following: must have prior permission, must check-in, must have approved escort in building or at event, must leave premises immediately upon conclusion of business, and may not visit while school is in session.

Nonstaff access to students and classes must be limited and only in accordance with a schedule which has been determined by the principal after consultation with the teacher whose classroom is being visited. Classroom visitations must be nonobtrusive to the educative process and learning environment and should not occur on an excessive basis.

Parent concerns about any aspect of his/her child's educational program should be presented through the procedure set forth in Board Policy 9130 - Public Complaints, a copy of which is available at the Board office and at each school.

The District Administrator shall promulgate such administrative guidelines as are necessary to protect students and employees from disruption to the educational program or the efficient conduct of their assigned tasks.

Individual Board members who are interested in visiting schools or classrooms on an unofficial basis shall make the appropriate arrangements with the principal.

The Board member shall be visiting as an interested individual in a similar capacity of any parent or citizen of the community. These visits should not be considered to be inspections nor as supervisory in nature.

If during a visit to a school or program, a Board member observes a situation or condition which causes concern, s/he should discuss the situation first with the District Administrator as soon as convenient or appropriate. Such a report or discussion shall not be considered an official one from the Board.

All visitors to a school of the District must comply with the visitor rules as set forth in Board Policy 7440, Facility Security.

The Board authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment at various school sites throughout the District and on school buses.  No audio surveillance is permitted within the District. No video surveillance is permitted within the District other than as authorized by the District Administrator consistent with this policy, and only if clear and visible notice is provided to any persons entering an area or building subject to video monitoring that such monitoring may occur. This policy does not restrict the collection of video or audio recording at events open to the public.

Placement of Surveillance

The District Administrator is responsible for determining where to install and operate fixed-location video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment in the District. The determination of where and when to use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will be made in a nondiscriminatory manner. Video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be placed in common areas in school buildings (e.g. school hallways, entryways, the front office where students, employees, and visitors are permitted to freely come and go, gymnasiums, cafeterias, libraries), the school parking lots and other outside areas, and in school buses. Except in extraordinary circumstances and with the written authorization of the District Administrator, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment shall not be used in areas where persons have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g. restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, private offices (unless there is express consent given by the office occupant), or conference/meeting rooms), or in individual classrooms during instructional times. Security staff and administrators are authorized to carry and use portable video cameras when responding to incidents. The Board authorizes security personnel to use body-worn video cameras while on duty but prohibits them from being operated while the individual is routinely patrolling restrooms and locker rooms unless the staff member is responding to a specific incident.

Any person who takes action to block, move, or alter the location and/or viewing angle of a video camera shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Notification of Surveillance

Wherever video surveillance or electronic monitoring are used, such notification shall identify that video or electronic surveillance is possible technology being employed. 

Legible and visible signs shall be placed at the main entrance to buildings and in the areas where video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment is in use to notify people that their actions/behavior are subject to being monitored/recorded, which may include video footage. Additionally, the District Administrator is directed to annually notify parents and students via the Student Handbook, and staff via the Staff Handbook(s), of the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems in their schools, which may include either video footage, or both. In cases approved by the District Administrator, camera surveillance may be used for investigatory purposes without staff, student, or public notice if the usage is calculated to further investigation into misconduct believed to have occurred or believed to be ongoing.

Uses of Surveillance

Any information obtained from video surveillance/electronic monitoring systems may only be used to support the orderly operation of the School District's schools and facilities, and for law enforcement purposes, and not for any other purposes. As such, recordings obtained through the use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment may be used as evidence in any disciplinary proceedings, administrative proceeding, or criminal proceeding, subject to Board policy and regulations. Further, such recordings may become a part of a student's education record or staff member's personnel file.

Ordinarily, video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment will not be used to make an audio recording of conversation occurring on school grounds or property.

The Board will not use video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment to obtain information for the purpose of routine staff appraisal/evaluation or monitoring; however, video footage captured in the normal course of surveillance which shows information pertinent to staff performance or conduct may be used for that purpose.  

Recordings of students will be treated as confidential. Consequently, because the Board is bound by Wisconsin Pupil Records Statute and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), copies of video recordings containing personally identifiable information about students shall not be released except as provided by law. Parents or guardians of minor students, and students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older, for whom a video constitutes an education or pupil record, as defined by applicable law, may request a copy of, or permission to view, such video, upon written request to the building principal, provided that receiving a copy or viewing the recording does not violate State and/or Federal law (i.e. the privacy rights of any other students whose images appear on the recording).

If the video also constitutes an education or pupil record of another student, as defined by applicable law, parents or guardians of minor students, and students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older will only be able to view, but will not receive a copy of the video, unless, in the discretion of the administration, the district can reasonably redact or segregate out the portions of that constitute the education or pupil records of other students.

Retention, Secure Storage, Access to and Disposal of Video Recordings

The Board shall maintain video surveillance/electronic monitoring recordings for a minimal period. Any request to view a recording under this policy must be made within seven (7) days of the event/incident in order to assure its availability. Inquiries after that time period may be available depending on current retention capabilities and applicable retention schedules. Unless a recording is separated and maintained for some reason by the District, any recording may be destroyed after seven (7) days or as otherwise provided by applicable retention schedule. If, however, action is taken by the Board/administration, as a result of a formal complaint or incident, recordings shall be kept consistent with the Board's applicable record retention policy depending on the nature of the video record retained, but for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the action taken. Recordings may also be kept beyond the normal retention period if they are going to be utilized for training purposes.

Video recordings, if stored on a removable/portable device or on a locally hosted server, when not in use, shall be stored in a locked, fire-resistant cabinet or room in an area to which students and the public do not normally have access. The recordings should be clearly and properly labeled and stored. Any video data stored on a cloud-based server system must be stored pursuant to a vendor agreement that assures the confidentiality of data accessible only to school officials consistent with applicable law.

Access to and viewing of video recordings is limited to authorized personnel.

The Administrator may authorize the viewing of recorded images in the event of an ongoing law enforcement investigation, an incident involving property damage or loss, or for other reasons deemed appropriate consistent with applicable law.

Video footage should not be removed from school officials' custody except as required by law or upon a request from law enforcement. All video surveillance/electronic monitoring recording media shall be considered legal evidence and treated as confidential or as directed by Board counsel. The release of original video recordings to individuals or outside agencies may only occur pursuant to subpoena or court order after the same has been reviewed by Board counsel.

Original video recordings shall never be edited or manipulated in any manner. When video recordings are requested by any law enforcement agency as part of an ongoing investigation, a duplicate may be provided for that purpose. The original media shall be protected from accidental overwrite or erasure during the duplicating process. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the redaction of personally identifiable information from duplicated media when appropriate under FERPA and state law.

Video recordings may never be sold publicly, viewed, or distributed in any other fashion except as provided for by Board policy and this guideline, and consistent with State and Federal law.

Devices containing video recordings, scheduled to be destroyed must be securely disposed of in such a way that the personal information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved (e.g. shredding, burning, magnetically erasing the personal information).

Surveillance on School Buses

School buses owned by the District or a contractor under contract with the District may be equipped with video recording equipment in specified locations within the vehicle as provided in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation regulations.

Exceptions 

This policy does not address or cover instances where school officials record a specific event (e.g. a play, music performance, athletic contest, graduation, or Board meeting), or an isolated instance where a classroom is videotaped for educational or research purposes. Authorized videotaping for educational, instructional, and/or research purposes is permitted and is not addressed by this policy.

Video surveillance is to be implemented in accordance with this policy and the related guidelines. The Board will not accept or tolerate the improper use of video surveillance/electronic monitoring equipment and will take appropriate action in any cases of wrongful use of this policy.

The Board recognizes its responsibility to maintain the public records of this District and to make such records available for inspection and reproduction. The Board designates the District Administrator as the District Records Custodian (DRC), to be the legal custodian of records for the District. The DRC shall safely keep and preserve the public records of the District and shall have the authority to render decisions and carry out duties related to those public records, including providing the notice required under 19.34(1) Wis. Stats., identifying the positions of the District that constitute a local public office pursuant to 19.32(1dm), and 19.42 (7w), Wis. Stats., and other required information. The DRC may deny access to records only in accordance with the law. The DRC is authorized and encouraged to consult with the District's legal counsel to determine whether to deny access to a records request in whole or in part.

Public notice is hereby given that public records may be requested from the Tomah Area School District in accordance with Board policy po8310 - Public Records. The District may also impose fees upon the requester in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law. All records requests should be submitted in writing to the office of the District Administrator by email or in person during business hours at the District Office located at 129 West Clifton Street, Tomah, Wisconsin, 54660.

Local Public Office Holders at the Tomah Area School District include Board of Education Members, the District Administrator, the Director of Curriculum & Instruction, the Director of Business Services, the Director of Pupil Services, the Director of Information and Technology, Principals, and Assistant Principals.

Asbestos Management Notice:

In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), please note that the TASD has an Asbestos Management Plan at the TASD District Office located at 129 W. Clifton St., Tomah, WI. The plan is available for inspection by the public, parents, and TASD employees. The TASD performs six-month periodic surveillance of asbestos in April and October and full re-inspections every three years. If you have any questions or need any information, please contact the Facilities and Grounds Department.

2009 WISCONSIN ACT 96 Indoor Environmental Quality Management Plan:

The Tomah Area School District would like to inform staff, students, parents, and the public of the district’s indoor environmental quality (IEQ) management plan. The plan was initially developed in 2013 and is reviewed as necessary. The plan was developed as deemed appropriate for the district. Questions and concerns should be directed to the IEQ Coordinator. Copies of the plan are available at the district office for a fee. The district office is located at 129 West Clifton St, Tomah, WI 54660