Student Code of Conduct

6608 Raytown Road • Raytown, MO 64133-5265 • Phone: 816-268-7008 • Fax: 816-268-7019

Office of the Superintendent
penelope.martin-knox@raytownschools.org

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I am confident this year will be filled with new and exciting opportunities that will yield exceptional learning, growth, and achievement for the Raytown Quality School District.

The Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student behavior and explains efforts to promote appropriate conduct and character-building. It also defines and identifies consequences for unacceptable conduct.
 

The code also focuses on collaboration with parents and guardians; partnering with you by engaging in constructive conversation to support each student, with a shared desire to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, and an environment of mutual respect that is conducive to teaching and learning.

Our Student Code of Conduct is an important step in our journey together toward successful outcomes for all students. We look forward to working with our families and community to ensure more consistent and supportive environments for every student.

Raytown Quality Schools is committed to the success of each student, both academically and behaviorally; we are focused on preparing them for their futures. I extend my very best and hope for a successful school year. I am grateful for your support and look forward to celebrating our achievements.

Please review with your child the expectations for conduct and attendance found in this handbook. Working together, we can continue to keep schools among the safest places in the community for children.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together for the betterment of our children.

For the Children,
Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox.

 

Description:
The Raytown Quality Schools Board of Education has established a comprehensive Code of Conduct that focuses on creating a supportive, safe, secure, and equitable learning environment while promoting the academic, social, and emotional development of students. Raytown Quality Schools’ approach to student conduct reflects our commitment to understand and address the causes of student behavior and teach students appropriate behavior while providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students.

The Raytown Quality Schools Board of Education’s Code of Conduct was designed and created to describe and frame discipline which will be in proportion to the severity of the behavior leading to the discipline, that the previous discipline history of the student during the current school year and other relevant factors will be taken into account, and that all due process procedures required by federal and state law will be followed.

A copy of the Code of Conduct is provided annually to each student in grades kindergarten through twelfth. Students who enroll in Raytown Quality Schools during the school year will receive the Code of Conduct at the time of enrollment.

Expectations

Each student is expected to:

• Read and become familiar with this Code of Conduct.
• Behave in a responsible manner at school, on school buses, at school bus stops, and at all school related functions on or off campus.
• Demonstrate courtesy and respect for others.
• Attend all classes, regularly and on time.
• Prepare for each class, take appropriate materials to class, and complete assignments.
• Obey all District rules and cooperate with school staff and volunteers in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.
• Communicate with his or her parent/guardian about school academic progress.

Each parent/guardian is expected to:

• Read and become familiar with this Code of Conduct.
• Make sure their student attends school regularly, on time, and notify the school before the school day if their student is going to be absent.
• Give the school accurate and current contact information and inform/update the contact information when and if it changes.
• Inform school officials about any concerns/complaints in a respectful and timely manner.
• Work with the school principal, teachers, and other staff to address any academic or behavioral concerns regarding their student.
• Talk with their student about the behavior that is expected at school.
• Support their student’s learning and school activities.
• Be respectful and courteous to staff, other parents, guardians, and students.
• Respect other students’ privacy rights.
• Give school any and all information to assist with the welfare and education of the student and the safety of operations. 

Each student may expect that Raytown Quality Schools will:

• Provide a free quality public education.
• Provide a safe learning environment.
• Ensure that all students are treated courteously, fairly, and respectfully.
• Provide students with the opportunity to respectfully express their opinions, concerns, and complaints.
• Address all complaints and concerns brought to the attention of school personnel and school staff.
• Inform students of the Code of Conduct and of disciplinary procedures related to disciplinary actions and/or appeals.

Each parent/guardian may expect that Raytown Quality Schools will:

• Ensure that parents or guardians are treated respectfully by school principals, teachers, and other staff.
• Provide access to information regarding their student and Raytown Quality School District’s policies and procedures.
• Promote and encourage active participation in their student’s education.
• Promptly notify parents or guardians if a student is disciplined and inform parents of procedures related to disciplinary actions and/or appeals.
• Inform parents or guardians about their student’s academic and behavioral progress.
• Provide access to information about Raytown Quality School District’s policies and procedures.

Board of Education policies, regulations and administrative procedures are listed in their entirety on the district’s website: www.raytownschools.org.

The Raytown C-2 School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Any person having inquiries concerning Consolidated School District No. 2 compliance is directed to contact the Director of Administrative Services, 10750 E. 350 Hwy, Raytown, MO 64138; 816-268-7000.

POLICY: AC
PROHIBITION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION

General Rule:
The Raytown C-2 School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Raytown C-2 School District is an equal opportunity employer.

The Board also prohibits:

• Retaliatory actions including, but not limited to, acts of intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against those who:
  • Make complaints of illegal discrimination or harassment.
  • Report illegal discrimination or harassment.
•      Participate in an investigation, formal proceeding or informal resolution, whether conducted internally or outside the district, concerning illegal discrimination or harassment.
• Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliatory actions.
• Discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any person because of such person’s association with a person protected from discrimination or harassment in accordance with this policy and law.

As used in this policy, “discrimination, harassment or retaliation” has the same meaning as “illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation” and is limited to acts prohibited by law. All employees, students and visitors must immediately report to the district for investigation any incident or behavior that could constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. If a student alleges sexual misconduct on the part of any district employee to any person employed by the district, that person will immediately report the allegation to the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services in accordance with state law.

Sexual Harassment Reporting and District Response
Sexual harassment is prohibited under this policy and policy ACA, but policy ACA applies only to a narrower category of sexual harassment under Title IX, as defined in the federal regulations. All sexual harassment reports must be made to the Title IX coordinator identified in policy ACA and evaluated for policy ACA applicability. If a sexual harassment report is made to any other district employee, the report must be promptly referred to the Title IX coordinator for intake. Incidents of alleged sexual harassment that are not investigated under policy ACA may be referred for processing under this policy.

Additional Prohibited Behavior
Behavior that is not unlawful or does not rise to the level of illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation might still be unacceptable for the workplace or the educational environment. The district encourages students, employees and the public to report such behavior so that it can be promptly addressed, but the grievance process in this policy is reserved for allegations of illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act
As required by law, the district will provide equal access to district facilities and related benefits and services and will not discriminate against any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Girls Scouts of the United States of America or any other youth group designated in applicable federal law.

School Nutrition Programs
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the district is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA. These programs include the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, the School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program.

Any person or representative alleging discrimination based on a prohibited basis has the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action with the USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights or the district's compliance officer using the process outlined in policy EF.

Interim Measures
When a report is made or the district otherwise learns of potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation, the district will take immediate action to protect the alleged victim, including implementing interim measures. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, altering a class seating arrangement, providing additional supervision or suspending an employee pending an investigation. The district will also take immediate steps to prevent retaliation against the alleged victim, any person associated with the alleged victim, or any witnesses or participants in the investigation. These steps may include, but are not limited to, notifying students, employees and others that they are protected from retaliation, ensuring that they know how to report future complaints, and initiating follow-up contact with the complainant to determine if any additional acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred.

Consequences and Remedies
If the district determines that discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred, the district will take prompt, effective and appropriate action to address the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined, which may include suspension or expulsion. Patrons, contractors, visitors or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from district property or otherwise restricted while on district property. The superintendent or designee will contact law enforcement or seek a court order to enforce this policy when necessary or when actions may constitute criminal behavior.

Students, employees and others will not be disciplined for speech in circumstances where it is protected by law.

In accordance with law and district policy, any person suspected of abusing or neglecting a child will be reported immediately to the CD.

Definitions:

Compliance Officer – The individual responsible for implementing this policy, including the acting compliance officer when performing the duties of the compliance officer.

Discrimination – Conferring benefits upon, refusing or denying benefits to, or providing differential treatment to a person or class of persons in violation of law based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law, or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists.

Grievance – A verbal or written report (also known as a complaint) of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made to the compliance officer.

Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, that occurs when the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough that it 5 unreasonably alters the employment or educational environment. Behaviors that could constitute illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, the following acts if based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists: graffiti; display of written material, pictures or electronic images; name calling, teasing or taunting; insults, derogatory remarks or slurs; jokes; gestures; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; physical acts of aggression, assault or violence; theft; or damage to property.

Sexual Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, on the basis of sex. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct that occurs when a) benefits or decisions are implicitly or explicitly conditioned upon submission to, or punishment is applied for refusing to comply with, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or conduct of a sexual nature; or b) the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is based on sex or is sexual in nature and that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of participation in the district’s programs and activities or the conditions of employment. Sexual harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite sex. The district presumes a student cannot consent to behavior of a sexual nature with an adult regardless of the circumstance. "Sexual Harassment under Title IX" is a subset of this definition, and the district's response to qualifying allegations is set forth in policy ACA.

1. Behaviors that could constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
2. Sexual advances and requests or pressure of any kind for sexual favors, activities or contact.
3. Conditioning grades, promotions, rewards or privileges on submission to sexual favors, activities or contact.
4. Punishing or reprimanding persons who refuse to comply with sexual requests, activities or contact.
5. Graffiti, name calling, slurs, jokes, gestures or communications of a sexual nature or based on sex.
6. Physical contact or touching of a sexual nature, including touching of intimate parts and sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching or rubbing.
7. Comments about an individual’s body, sexual activity or sexual attractiveness.
8. Physical sexual acts of aggression, assault or violence, including criminal offenses (such as rape, sexual assault or battery, and sexually motivated stalking) against a person’s will or when a person is not capable of giving consent due to the person’s age, intellectual disability or use of drugs or alcohol.
9. Gender-based harassment and acts of verbal, nonverbal, written, graphic or physical conduct based on sex or sex stereotyping, but not involving conduct of a sexual nature.

Working Days – Days on which the district’s business offices are open.

Compliance Officer
The Board designates the following individual to act as the district’s compliance officer:

     RQS Personnel
     Assistant Director of Human Resources
     6608 Raytown Road
     Raytown, MO 64133
     Phone: 816.268.7000 / Fax: 816.268.7009

     RQS Students
     Director of Student Support Services
     Raytown C-2 School District
     10750 E. 350 Hwy Raytown, MO 64138
     Phone: 816-268-7000 / Fax: 816-268-7079

In the event the compliance officer is unavailable or is the subject of a report that would otherwise be made to the compliance officer, reports should instead be directed to the acting compliance officer:
     Chief Executive Business Officer
     6608 Raytown Road
     Raytown, MO 64133-5265
     Phone: 816.268.7000 / Fax: 816.268.7009

For matters within the scope of this policy, the compliance officer of acting compliance officer will:

1. Coordinate district compliance with this policy and the law.
2. Receive all grievances regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation except as provided in policy ACA.
3. Serve as the district’s designated Title VI, Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, as well as the contact person for compliance with other discrimination laws.
4. Forward reports of sexual harassment and otherwise assist in Title IX compliance as directed in policy ACA.
5. Investigate or assign persons to investigate grievances; monitor the status of grievances to ensure that additional discrimination, harassment and retaliation do not occur; and recommend consequences.
6. Review all evidence brought in disciplinary matters to determine whether additional remedies appropriate, and recommend which interim measures should be implemented.
7. Determine whether district employees with knowledge of discrimination, harassment or retaliation failed to carry out their reporting duties and recommend disciplinary action, if necessary.
8. Communicate regularly with the district’s law enforcement unit or other law enforcement point of contact for the district to determine whether any reported crimes constitute potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
9. Oversee discrimination, harassment or retaliation grievances, including identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems and reporting such problems and patterns to the superintendent or the Board.
10. Seek legal advice when necessary to enforce this policy.
11. Report to the superintendent and the Board aggregate information regarding the number and frequency of grievances and compliance with this policy.
12. Make recommendations regarding changing this policy or the implementation of this policy.
13. Coordinate and institute training programs for district staff and supervisors as necessary to meet the goals of this policy, including instruction in recognizing behavior that constitutes discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
14. Periodically review student discipline records to determine whether disciplinary consequences are applied uniformly.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

Public Notice
The superintendent or designee will continuously publicize the district’s policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation and disseminate information on how to report discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Notification of the district’s policy will be posted in a public area of each building used for instruction or employment or open to the public. Information will also be distributed annually to employees, parents / guardians and students as well as to newly enrolled students and newly hired employees. District bulletins, catalogs, application forms, recruitment material and the district’s website will include a statement that the district does not discriminate in its programs, services, activities, facilities or with regard to employment. The district will provide information in alternative formats when necessary to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Reporting
Students, employees and others may attempt to resolve minor issues by addressing concerns directly to the person alleged to have violated this policy, but they are not expected or required to do so. Any attempts to voluntarily resolve a grievance will not delay the investigation once a report has been made to the district.

Reports Involving Sexual Harassment
In cases involving sexual harassment, all persons must report incidents directly to the Title IX coordinator for evaluation under policy ACA. All district employees will instruct all persons seeking to make a report or complaint to communicate directly with the Title IX coordinator. Even if the suspected victim of discrimination, harassment or retaliation does not report on their own behalf, district employees are required to report to the Title IX coordinator any observations, rumors or other information about actions prohibited by this policy and policy ACA.

All Other Reports
Unless the concern is otherwise voluntarily resolved, all persons must report incidents that might constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation directly to the compliance officer or acting compliance officer. All district employees will instruct all persons seeking to file a grievance to communicate directly with the compliance officer. Even if the suspected victim of discrimination, harassment or retaliation does not file a grievance, district employees are required to report to the compliance officer any observations, rumors or other information about actions prohibited by this policy. If a person refuses or is unable to submit a written complaint, the compliance officer will summarize the verbal complaint in writing. The grievance is not needed for the district to act upon finding a violation of law, district policy or district expectations.

Even if a grievance under this policy is not directly filed, if the compliance officer otherwise learns about possible discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including violence, the district will conduct a prompt, impartial, adequate, reliable and thorough investigation to determine whether unlawful conduct occurred and will implement the appropriate interim measures if necessary.

Student-on-Student Harassment
Building-level administrators are in a unique position to identify and address discrimination, harassment and retaliation between students, particularly when behaviors are reported through normal disciplinary process and not through a grievance. In general, administrators can immediately discipline a student for prohibited behavior in accordance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct. However, if sexual harassment is observed or alleged, the administrator must consult the Title IX coordinator to determine policy ACA's applicability to the reported facts or allegations prior to imposing discipline. Administrators will report all incidents as directed in the "Reporting" section of this policy and will direct the parent/guardian and student to the compliance officer for further assistance. In cases not being handled under policy ACA, the compliance officer may determine that the incident has been appropriately addressed or recommend additional action.

Investigation
The district will use the investigation process outlined in this section for any grievance filed under this policy (AC).

The district will immediately investigate all grievances submitted under this policy. All persons are required to cooperate fully in the investigation. The district compliance officer or other designated investigator may utilize an attorney or other professionals to conduct the investigation and/or serve in other roles and capacities under the procedures for grievance processing.

The district does not assume responsibility or liability for actions that are unrelated to the district's programs or activities. However, the district may investigate any behavior that occurs on or off district property to the extent that such as investigation is necessary for the district to meet its legal obligations to address discrimination, harassment and retaliation that negatively impact the education or work environment. The district will address such behavior only to the extent that the district has the legal authority to do so.

In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes discrimination, harassment or retaliation, the district will consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, the relationships between the parties involved, past incidents, the context in which the alleged incidents occurred and all other relevant information. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances. If, after investigation, school officials determine that it is more likely than not (the preponderance of the evidence standard) that discrimination, harassment or other prohibited behavior has occurred, the district will take prompt and effective corrective action in accordance with law.

Collaboration with Outside Enforcement Agencies
In the event an outside enforcement agency is investigating the same allegation of discrimination, harassment or retaliation or a similar allegation, the district will make a preliminary inquiry, then follow the outside enforcement agency's investigation and response procedures instead of the formal district grievance process. During the inquiry, if the district determines that a reasonable basis for concluding this policy was violated exists, it will enforce appropriate interim measures while ensuring due process to the alleged perpetrator when required. When requested by law enforcement, the district may reasonably delay its own investigation to permit law enforcement to conduct the criminal investigation process.

Grievance Process Overview

1. If a person designated to hear a grievance or appeal is the subject of the grievance, the compliance officer may designate an alternative person to hear the grievance, or the next highest step in the grievance process will be used. For example, if the grievance involves the superintendent, the compliance officer may designate someone outside the district to hear the grievance in lieu of the superintendent, or the grievance may be heard directly by the Board.
2. An extension of the investigation and reporting deadlines may be warranted if extenuating circumstances exist as determined by the district’s compliance officer. The person filing the complaint will be notified when deadlines are extended. If more than twice the allotted time has expired without a response, the appeal may be taken to the next level.
3. Failure of the person filing the grievance to appeal within the timelines given will be considered acceptance of the findings and remedial action taken.
4. To the extent permitted by law, the district will investigate all grievances, filed under this policy even if an outside enforcing agency such as the Office for Civil Rights, law enforcement or the CD is also investigating a complaint arising from the same circumstances.
5. The district will share information regarding an individually identifiable student or employee with the person filing the grievance or other persons only as allowed by law and in accordance with Board policy.
6. Upon receiving a grievance, district administrators or supervisors, after consultation with the compliance officer, will implement interim measures as described in this policy if necessary to prevent further potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation during the pending investigation.

Grievance Process
Level I – A grievance is filed with the district’s compliance officer. The compliance officer may, at, conduct the Level I investigation or assign an administrator or other qualified individual to conduct the investigation. If the compliance officer determines that the grievance allegations involve sexual harassment under policy ACA, the report will be routed accordingly.

An investigation will commence no later than five working days after the compliance officer receives the grievance. The investigator shall conduct a prompt, impartial, adequate, reliable and thorough investigation, including the opportunity for the person filing the grievance and other parties involved to identify witnesses and provide information and other evidence. The investigator will evaluate all relevant information and documentation relating to the grievance.

Within 30 working days of receiving the grievance, the investigator will complete a written report that summarizes the investigation and makes determinations as to the facts and whether the facts constitute a violation of this policy based on the appropriate legal standards. If someone other than the compliance officer conducted the investigation, the compliance officer will receive the report and either adopt the report as submitted or modify and complete the report upon further investigation and/or review of applicable policy and law. If a violation of this policy is found, the compliance officer will recommend corrective action to the superintendent to address the discrimination, harassment or retaliation; prevent reoccurrence; and remedy its effects. The person who filed the grievance, the victim if someone other than the victim filed the grievance and any alleged perpetrator will be notified in writing, within five working days of the completion of the report, in accordance with law and district policy, regarding whether the district’s compliance officer or designee determined that district policy was violated.

Level II – Within five (5) working days after receiving the Level I decision, the person filing the grievance, the victim if someone other than the victim filed the grievance, or any alleged perpetrator may appeal the compliance officer’s decision to the superintendent by notifying the superintendent in writing. The superintendent may, at his or her discretion, designate another person (other than the compliance officer) to review the matter when appropriate. Within ten (10) working days, the superintendent will complete a written decision on the appeal, stating whether a violation of this policy is found and, if so, stating what corrective actions will be implemented. If someone other than the superintendent conducts the appeal, the superintendent will review and sign the report before it is given to the person appealing. A copy of the appeal and decision will be given to the compliance officer or acting compliance officer. The person who initially filed the grievance, the victim if someone other than the victim filed the grievance and any alleged perpetrator will be notified in writing, within five working days of the superintendent’s decision, regarding whether the superintendent or designee determined that district policy was violated.

Level III – Within five (5) working days after receiving the Level II decision, the person filing the grievance, the victim if someone other than the victim filed the grievance or any alleged perpetrator may appeal the superintendent’s decision to the Board by notifying the Board secretary in writing. The person filing the grievance and the alleged perpetrator will be allowed to address the Board, and the Board may call for the presence of other persons the board deems necessary. The Board will issue a decision within 30 working days for implementation by the administration. The Board secretary will give the compliance officer or acting compliance officer a copy of the appeal and decision. The person who filed the grievance, the victim if someone other than the victim filed the grievance and the alleged perpetrator will be notified in writing, within five working days of the Board’s decision, in accordance with law and district policy, regarding whether the Board determined that district policy was violated. The decision of the Board is final.

Confidentiality and Records
To the extent permitted by law and in accordance with Board policy, the district will keep confidential the identity of the person filing a grievance and any grievance or other document that is generated or received pertaining to grievances. Information may be disclosed if necessary to further the investigation, appeal or resolution of a grievance, or if necessary to carry out interim or disciplinary measures. The district will disclose information to the district’s attorney, law enforcement, the Children’s Division and others when necessary to enforce this policy or when required by law. In implementing this policy, the district will comply with state and federal laws regarding the confidentiality of student and employee records. Information regarding any resulting employee or student disciplinary action will be maintained and released in the same manner as any other disciplinary record. The district will keep any documentation created in investigating the complaint including, but not limited to, documentation considered when making any conclusions, in accordance with the Missouri Secretary of State’s retention manuals and as advised by the district’s attorney.

Training
The district will provide training to employees on identifying and reporting acts that may constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation. The district will instruct employees to make all reports to the district’s compliance officer or acting compliance officer (or Title IX coordinator for sexual harassment, per policy ACA) and will provide current contact information for these persons. The district will inform employees of the consequences of violating this policy and the remedies the district may use to rectify policy violations. All employees will have access to the district’s current policy, required notices and complaint forms. The district will provide training to any person responsible for investigating potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

The district will provide information to parents/guardians and students regarding this policy and will provide age-appropriate instruction to students.

POLICY: EHB
TECHNOLOGY USAGE

The Raytown C-2 School District’s technology exists for the purpose of enhancing the educational opportunities and achievement of district students. Research shows that students who have access to technology improve achievement. In addition, technology assists with the professional enrichment of the staff and increases engagement of students’ families and other patrons of the district, all of which positively impact student achievement. The district will periodically conduct a technology census to ensure that instructional resources and equipment that support and extend the curriculum are readily available to teachers and students.

The purpose of this policy is to facilitate access to district technology and to create a safe environment in which to use that technology. Because technology changes rapidly and employees and students need immediate guidance, the superintendent or designee is directed to create procedures to implement this policy and to regularly review those procedures to ensure they are current.

Definitions:

Technology Resources – Technologies, devices and services used to access, process, store or communicate information. This definition includes, but is not limited to: computers; modems; printers; scanners; fax machines and transmissions; telephonic equipment; mobile phones; audio-visual equipment; Internet; electronic mail (email); electronic communications devices and services, including wireless access; multi-media resources; hardware; and software. Technology resources may include technologies, devices and services provide to the district by a third party.

User – Any person who is permitted by the district to utilize any portion of the district’s technology resources including, but not limited to, students, employees, School Board members and agents of the school district.

User Identification (ID) – Any identifier that would allow a user access to the district’s technology resources or to any program including, but not limited to, e-mail and Internet access.

Password – A unique word, phrase or combination of alphabetic, numeric and non-alphanumeric characters used to authenticate a user ID as belonging to a user.

Authorized Users
The district’s technology resources may be used by authorized students, employees, School Board members and other persons approved by the superintendent or designee, such as consultants, legal counsel and independent contractors. All users must agree to follow the district’s policies and procedures and sign or electronically consent to the district’s User Agreement prior to accessing or using district technology resources, unless excused by the superintendent or designee.

Use of the district’s technology resources is a privilege, not a right. No potential user will be given an ID, password or other access to district technology if he or she is considered a security risk by the superintendent or designee.

User Privacy
A user does not have a legal expectation of privacy in the user’s electronic communications or other activities involving the district’s technology resources including, but not limited to, voice mail, telecommunications, e-mail and access to the Internet or network drives. By using the district’s network and technology resources, all users are consenting to having their electronic communications and all other use monitored by the district. A user ID with e-mail access will only be provided to authorized users on condition that the user consents to interception of or access to all communications accessed, sent, received or stored using district technology.

Electronic communications, downloaded material and all data stored on the district’s technology resources, including files deleted from a user’s account, may be intercepted, accessed, monitored or searched by district administrators or their designees at any time in the regular course of business. Such access may include, but is not limited to, verifying that users are complying with district policies and rules and investigating potential misconduct. Any such search, access or interception shall comply with all applicable laws. Users are required to return district technology resources to the district upon demand including, but not limited to, mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

Technology Administration
The Board directs the superintendent of designee to assign trained personnel to maintain the district’s technology in a manner that will protect the district from liability and will protect confidential student and employee information retained on or accessible through district technology resources.

Administrators of district technology resources may suspend access to and/or availability of the district’s technology resources to diagnose and investigate network problems or potential violations of the law or district policies and procedures. All district technology resources are considered district property. The district may remove, change or exchange hardware or other technology between buildings, classrooms or users at any time without prior notice. Authorized district personnel may install or remove programs or information, install equipment, upgrade any system or enter any system at any time.

Content Filtering and Monitoring
The district will monitor the online activities of minors and operate a technology protection measure (“content filter”) on the network and all district technology with Internet access, as required by law. In accordance with law, the content filter will be used to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene or harmful to minors or are child pornography. Content filters are not foolproof, and the district cannot guarantee that users will never be able to access offensive materials using district equipment. Evading or disabling, or attempting to evade or disable, a content filter installed by the district is prohibited.

The superintendent, designee or the district’s technology administrator may fully or partially disable the district’s content filter to enable access for an adult for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. In making decisions to fully or partially disable the district’s content filter, the administrator shall consider whether the use will serve a legitimate educational purpose or otherwise benefit the district.

The superintendent or designee will create a procedure that allows students, employees or other users to request that the district review or adjust the content filter to allow access to a website or specific content.

Online Safety, Security and Confidentiality
In addition to the use of a content filter, the district will take measures to prevent minors from using district technology to access inappropriate matter or materials harmful to minors on the Internet. Such measures shall include, but are not limited to, supervising and monitoring student technology use, careful planning when using technology in the curriculum, and instruction on appropriate materials. The superintendent, designee and/or the district’s technology administrator will develop procedures to provide users guidance on which materials and uses are inappropriate, including network etiquette guidelines.

All minor students will be instructed on safety and security issues, including instruction on the dangers of sharing personal information about themselves or others when using e-mail, social media, chat rooms or other forms of direct electronic communication. Instruction will also address cyber bullying awareness and response and appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms.

This instruction will occur in the district’s computer courses, courses in which students are introduced to the computer and the Internet, or courses that use the Internet in instruction. Students are required to follow all district rules when using district technology resources and are prohibited from sharing personal information online unless authorized by the district.

All district employees must abide by state and federal law and Board policies and procedures when using district technology resources to communicate information about personally identifiable students to prevent unlawful disclosure of student information or records.

All users are prohibited from using district technology to gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; copy district files without authorization; interfere with the ability of others to utilize technology; secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; introduce computer viruses, hacking tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto district technology; or evade or disable a content filter.

Closed Forum
The district’s technology resources are not a public forum for expression of any kind and are to be considered a closed forum to the extent allowed by law. The district’s webpage will provide information about the school district, but will not be used as an open forum. All expressive activities involving district technology resources that students, parents/guardians and members of the public might reasonably perceive to bear the imprimatur of the district and that are designed to impart particular knowledge or skills to student participants and audiences are considered curricular publications. All curricular publications are subject to reasonable prior restraint, editing and deletion on behalf of the school district for legitimate pedagogical reasons. All other expressive activities involving the district’s technology are subject to reasonable prior restraint and subject matter restrictions as allowed by law and Board policies.

Inventory and Disposal
The district will regularly inventory all district technology resources in accordance with the district's policies on inventory management. Technology resources that are no longer needed will be disposed of in accordance with law and district policies and procedures related to disposal of surplus property.

Violations of Technology Usage Policies and Procedures
Use of technology resources in a disruptive, inappropriate or illegal manner impairs the district’s mission, squanders resources and shall not be tolerated. Therefore, a consistently high level of personal responsibility is expected of all users granted access to the district’s technology resources. Any violation of district policies or procedures regarding technology usage may result in temporary, long-term or permanent suspension of use privileges. User privileges may be suspended pending investigation into the use of the district’s technology resources.

Employees may be disciplined or terminated, and students suspended or expelled, for violating the district’s technology policies and procedures. Any attempted violation of the district’s technology policies or procedures, regardless of the success or failure of the attempt, may result in the same discipline or suspension of privileges as that of an actual violation. The district will cooperate with law enforcement in investigating any unlawful use of the district’s technology resources.

Damages
All damages incurred by the district due to a user’s intentional or negligent misuse of the district’s technology resources, including loss of property and staff time, will be charged to the user. District administrators have the authority to sign any criminal complaint regarding damage to district technology.

No Warranty/No Endorsement
The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services, products or access it provides. The district’s technology resources are available on an “as is, as available” basis. The district is not responsible for loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions. The district does not endorse the content nor guarantee the accuracy or quality of information obtained using the district’s technology resources.

POLICY: IGDBA
DISTRIBUTION OF NONCURRICULUAR STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

• I. Guidelines
  Students may distribute, at reasonable times and places, unofficial material, including but not limited to petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia. If the district allows students to use its technology resources for noncurricular purposes, any exchange of unofficial material which is delivered or accessed using district technology resources is also subject to this policy. However, students cannot distribute expressions which:
  • Are obscene to minors.
  • Are libelous.
  • Are pervasively indecent or vulgar or contain any indecent or vulgar language.
  • Advertise any product or service not permitted to minors by law.
  • Constitute insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person’s race, religion or ethnic origin).
  • Present a clear and present likelihood that, either because of their content or their manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school procedures.
• II. Procedures
  Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the principal or designee 24 hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information:
  • Name and phone number of the person submitting request.
  • Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended distribution.
  • Location where material will be distributed.
  • The grade(s) of students to whom the distribution is intended. Within 24 hours of submission, the principal (or his or her designee) will render a decision whether the material violates the Guidelines in Section I or the time, place and manner restrictions in Section III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial.

Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by the school, the administration, the Board, or the individual reviewing the material submitted.

If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within 24 hours of submission, the person shall contact the office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in Section III.

If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal (or designee), the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent of schools or his or her secretary.

If the person does not receive a response within three (3) days (not counting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of submitting the appeal, the person shall contact the office of the superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person.

If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in Section III.

At every level of the process, the person submitting the request shall have the right to appear and present the reasons supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the unofficial material is appropriate.

• III. Time, Place and Manner of Distribution
• The distribution of unofficial material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows:
  • No unofficial material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity.
  • Distribution of unofficial material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the schools or when it disrupts the use of the district technology resources.
    ​​​​​
• IV. Definitions
  The following definitions apply to the following terms as used in this policy:
  • “Obscene to minors” is defined as:
    • The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the unofficial material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested; and/or
    • The unofficial material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and/or
    • The unofficial material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.
  • “Minor” means any person under the age of 18.
  • “Material and substantial disruption” of a normal school activity is defined as follows:
    • Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, “material and substantial disruption” is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program.
    • Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), “material and substantial disruption” is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous conduct inappropriate to the event, participation in a school boycott, demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out or other related forms of activity. In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecast, including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the material in question.
  • “School activities” means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes – by way of example, and not by way of limitation – classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays, and in-school lunch periods.
  • “Unofficial material” includes all written or pictorial communications except school publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. Examples include leaflets, buttons, badges, insignia, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards, underground newspapers, websites, links to websites, and e-mails, whether created by students or others.
  • “Libelous” is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual’s reputation, or to lower him or her in the esteem of the community.
  • “Distribution” means circulation or dissemination of unofficial material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies or delivery via district technology. It includes displaying unofficial material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students.
     
• V. Disciplinary Action Distribution by a student of unofficial material prohibited in Section I or in violation of Section III may be treated as a violation of the student discipline code.
   
• VI. Notice of Policy to Students A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.

POLICY: JED
STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

The Board recognizes the importance of regular student attendance to a successful learning experience. Research supports the fact that attendance is crucial to improving student achievement. At least one (1) study identified attendance as the single greatest indicator of student achievement. The Board further recognizes that:

• Frequent absences of students from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process.
• The benefits of the classroom instruction, once lost, cannot be entirely regained.
• The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences and study in order to meet the district’s student achievement goals.
• Holding students and their parents/guardians responsible for attendance is part of the district’s larger mission to train students to be productive citizens and employees.
• State law reflects the importance of regular attendance by establishing compulsory school attendance and charging this Board to enforce that law.
• State law authorizes school boards to make all needful rules for organization and government in the district.

Therefore, regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be expected of each student enrolled in the Raytown C-2 School District.

Development of Rules and Procedures
The superintendent, with the assistance of building-level administrators and other administrative and professional staff, shall establish rules and procedures for student attendance within the district. The primary purpose of the district’s attendance rules and procedures shall be to change behavior, not to punish students. Such rules and procedures shall be published on the district’s website and in appropriate handbooks and shall be subject to review by the Board of Education. The administration will develop rules and procedures that minimally include:

1. Clear and reasonable attendance standards with consistently enforced consequences for violating those standards.
2. Early intervention strategies for students in primary and elementary grades.
3. Targeted intervention strategies.
4. Strategies to increase engagement with students and families.

In developing these rules and procedures, the administration will collect data to determine why students are absent. Data collected will include, but not be limited to:

1. Reasons for student absences.
2. Family attitudes toward school attendance.
3. The extent to which family members of students who are frequently absent feel engaged in student learning.
4. The extent to which family members of students who are frequently absent feel engaged in student learning.
5. Academic needs of frequently absent students.
6. Nonacademic service needs of frequently absent students.

In response to the data collected, the superintendent or designee will implement one (1) or more of the following strategies:

1. Academic support programs for students and families.
2. Use of alternative educational methods, such as distance learning and homebound instruction.
3. Use of available, appropriate community resources.
4. Staff-Student advisory or mentoring programs designed to increase student engagement with the school.
5. Procedures for student and family contact with students are absent.

No rule or procedure will preclude a student from making up work missed due to any type of absence, including absences due to suspension. Procedures and rules must include a due process component that includes notice before consequences are imposed and that allows students and their parents/guardians to appeal any imposed consequence to the superintendent. The Board will not hear appeals of consequences for excessive absences.

The district will maintain a comprehensive system of attendance records for each student. Each teacher is responsible for the accurate reporting of daily attendance in the classroom. The building principal is responsible for supplying information to parents/guardians about student absences and for submitting attendance information to the superintendent’s office.

The district will contact the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services or the local prosecutor in cases where the district has reasonable cause to suspect that a student’s lack of attendance constitutes educational neglect on the part of the parents/guardians or that parents/guardians are in violation of the compulsory attendance law. No such action will be taken unless other strategies and interventions have been implemented and proven ineffective.

If a student in foster care is absent from school due to a decision by a court or child-placing agency to change the student’s placement or due to a verified court appearance or related court-ordered activity, the grades and credit of the student will be calculated as of the date the student left school, and no lowering of the student’s grades shall occur as a result of the absence under these circumstances.

POLICY: JFCA
STUDENT DRESS CODE

It is important for the district to provide an education environment that is safe and welcoming to all students and free from disruption. To further these goals, building principals will establish student dress codes for all grade levels that meet the district's goals and legal requirements. The superintendent or designee will establish dress code procedures to guide building principals in formulating building level rules. The board authorizes the superintendent or designee to consult the district's attorney for guidance on legal issues.

Goals:
The student dress code(s) must align with the district's goals, which include, but are not limited to:

1. Promoting health and safety;
2. Preventing student distraction and disruption tot he learning environment;
3. Teaching students civility and tolerance of others;
4. Preparing students for the workplace and other places where dress is requlated;
5. Protecting students from drug and alcohol advertisements and vulgar, indecent, and obscene pictures and language.

POLICY: JFCC
STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Students, parents/guardians, bus drivers and school officials must work together to provide for the safe transportation of students. The school buses, bus stops, and all other forms of transportation provided by the district or provided incidental to a school activity are considered school property. Students are subject to district authority and discipline while waiting for, entering and riding district transportation. The superintendent or designee will create and enforce administrative procedures detailing the conduct expected of students and will make that information available to students and parents.

Students who fail to observe district rules or fail to contribute to a safe transportation environment will be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension of the privilege of riding the bus. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or applicable law. The bus driver or other authorized personnel shall report all misbehavior or dangerous situations to the principal as soon as possible.

POLICY: JFCE
SECRET ORGANIZATIONS

The Board of Education prohibits the organization of school-sponsored fraternities, sororities or secret organizations wherein membership is determined by members themselves rather than on the basis of free choice. The Board considers those organizations or memberships in those organizations detrimental to the good conduct and discipline of the school. Interference with the instructional program of the Raytown C-2 School District by those groups will not be condoned, and no organizational activities are permitted under the sponsorship of the school district or its personnel.

POLICY: JFCF
BULLYING

General
In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Raytown C-2 School District prohibits all forms of bullying. The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.

Definitions:

Bullying – In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying – A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager. The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district's technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.

School Day – A day on the school calendar when students are required to attend school.

Designated Officials
The principal of each building is hereby designated as the individual to receive and investigate reports of bullying. Each building principal shall designate at least two teachers or administrators in the building who are authorized to receive and investigate reports of bullying in the principal's absence or at the principal's discretion.

The district compliance officer appointed in policy AC will serve as the district wide antibullying coordinator. The antibullying coordinator will receive all completed investigative reports from all buildings and analyze the reports to identify any information that would inform the district's antidiscrimination and antibullying education and training programs. In addition, the antibullying coordinator will assist in making any relevant reports as required by state and federal law.

Reporting Bullying
School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action. Any school employee, substitute or volunteer who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee. Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal or designee.

If the bullying incident involves students from more than one district building, the report should be made to the principal or designee of the building in which the incident took place or, if more appropriate, to the principal or designee of the building attended by the majority of the participants in the incident.

Investigation
Within two school days of receiving a report of bullying, the principal or designee will initiate an investigation of the incident. Reports that involve students from multiple buildings will be investigated cooperatively by the principals of each building involved, or those principals may request that the district's compliance officer designated in policy AC conduct the investigation. If at any time during the investigation the principal determines that the bullying involves illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation as described in policy AC, the principal will report the incident to the compliance officer designated in that policy, who will assist in the investigation. If the alleged bullying involves a special education student or a student with disabilities, the principal will also notify the special education director. The investigation shall be completed within ten school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the principal will decide whether bullying or harassment occurred and, if so, whether additional discipline is warranted in accordance with the district's student discipline code. The principal will generate a written report of the investigation and findings and send a copy of the completed report to the district's antibullying coordinator. The principal or designee will document the report in the files of the victim and the alleged or actual perpetrator of bullying. All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.

If the incident involved allegations of illegal discrimination or harassment, the principal's decision may be appealed in accordance with policy AC. Student discipline may be appealed when allowed by law in accordance with Board policy.

The principal or other appropriate district staff will work with victims and their families to access resources and services to help them deal with any negative effects that resulted from the incident.

Consequences
Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district's discipline code. Such discipline may include detention, in-school suspension, out-ofschool suspension, expulsion, removal from participation in activities, exclusion from honors and awards, and other consequences deemed appropriate by the principal or superintendent. The district will also contact law enforcement when required by law or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when appropriate.

Even in situations where the district does not have jurisdiction to discipline a student for bullying, such as when the acts take place off campus and there is an insufficient nexus to the district, the principal or designee will take appropriate actions to assist student victims. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, contacting the parents/guardians of the victim and the alleged perpetrators, communicating that this behavior is not allowed on district grounds or at district activities, notifying the appropriate district staff to assist the victim, and taking additional action when appropriate, such as notifying law enforcement or social media companies of inappropriate online activity.

District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be disciplined or terminated. Discipline may include suspension with or without pay, a negative evaluation, prohibition from being on district property or at district activities, mandated training or other appropriate remedial action. Volunteers who violate this policy will no longer be permitted to volunteer.

Policy Publication
The district shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and the district's prohibition against bullying. A copy of this policy shall be included in student handbooks and posted on the district's website.

Training and Education
The district's antibullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying.

The district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year. The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for facilitating the discussion. Methods may include, but are not limited to: assemblies; homeroom presentations; class meetings; team or club meetings; special presentations by counselors, social workers or mental health professionals; and open-house events. When practical, parents/guardians will be invited to attend.

In addition to educating students about the content of this policy, the district will inform students of:

1. The procedure for reporting bullying.
2. The harmful effects of bullying.
3. Any initiatives the school or district has created to address bullying, including student peer-to-peer initiatives.
4. The consequences for those who participate in bullying or engage in reprisal or retaliation against those who report bullying.

School counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, school psychologists or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to:

1. Cultivating the student's self-worth and self-esteem.
2. Teaching the student to defend him- or herself assertively and effectively without violence.
3. Helping the student develop social skills.
4. Encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control.

Additional School Programs and Resources
The Board directs the superintendent or designee to implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying. Such initiatives may include educating parents/guardians and families on bullying prevention and resources.

POLICY: JFCG
HAZING

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Raytown C-2 School District prohibits all forms of hazing.

For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds, that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity.

Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental stress including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or criminal activity, or other stress-inducing activities.

Hazing may also include, but is not limited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to the elements; forcing inhalation or consumption of any food, liquor, drug, tobacco product, or other substance; or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual.

Hazing can occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Hazing does not occur when a student is required to audition or try out for an organization when the criteria are reasonable, approved by the district and legitimately related to the purpose of the organization.

District staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers will not permit, condone or tolerate any form of hazing or plan, direct, encourage, assist in, engage in or participate in any activity that involves hazing. District staff will report incidents of hazing to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy. District staff who violate this policy may be disciplined or terminated.

Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with JG-R1. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from participation in activities. The district will report hazing incidents to law enforcement when required by law. Students who have been subjected to hazing are instructed to promptly report such incidents to a school official.

The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing.

The district shall annually inform students, parents/guardians, district staff and volunteers that hazing is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by a coach or sponsor at the start of a season or program.

POLICY: JFCH
STUDENT ALCOHOL / DRUG USE

Definitions:

Controlled Substances – Substances listed in schedules I, II, III, IV, and V of the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812. For the purposes of this policy, a controlled substance shall also include any controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or imitation controlled substance as defined in § 195.010, RSMo., and any chemical substances structurally similar to and treated as controlled substances under state law.

District Activity – Any activity, event, or function that is sponsored or approved by the district and where students are under district supervision, such as field trips or athletic events.

District Property –Any property owned or leased by the district, including any vehicle owned, leased, or used for district purposes, and any location where a district-sponsored or district-approved activity takes place.

Prohibited Substances – For the purposes of this policy, a prohibited substance shall include:

1. Alcohol
2. Controlled substances for which the student does not have a valid prescription.
3. Unauthorized inhalants.
4. Counterfeit or imitation controlled substances.
5. Marijuana or marijuana-infused products.
6. Any other illegal drug.
7. Any drug or medicine prohibited on district property by law or policy.
8. Substances intended to create a false negative on a drug test.

Prohibited Substances
The district is concerned with the health, welfare, and safety of its students. Therefore, the district prohibits individuals from manufacturing, using, selling, transferring, distributing, possessing, or being under the influence of prohibited substances on district property, at district activities, and in any district-owned or district-approved vehicle used to transport students to or from district activities. The use, sale, transfer, or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited.

Marijuana
Because marijuana and marijuana-infused products are prohibited under federal law, the district does not permit their possession, use, or administration for medicinal or other purposes on district property or at district events even with a valid, Missouri-issued medical marijuana card.

Under the Influence
If there is evidence that a student is under the influence of a substance prohibited by this policy, the student may be removed from school or activities and may be disciplined depending on the circumstances. The student will be given an opportunity to explain the apparent impairment prior to being removed. The district may conduct student drug testing in accordance with policy JFCI.

Consequences
Students who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with the district's code of student conduct. In accordance with law, the district is required to immediately notify law enforcement when a student is in possession of a controlled substance and will also notify law enforcement when a student is in possession of any other illegal substance or illegal drug paraphernalia.

The board encourages the superintendent or designee to consider alternative discipline for students who are willing to seek treatment or counseling options.

POLICY: JFCJ
WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

A safe educational environment is essential for students, employees and patrons of the district.

The district prohibits weapons on district property unless allowed by this policy or specifically authorized during a school-sponsored or school-sanctioned activity permitting weapons.

Definitions
School or District Property utilized, supervised, owned, rented, leased, or controlled by the school district including but not limited to school playgrounds, parking lots, school transportation, and any property on which any school activity takes place.

A weapon is defined to mean one or more of the following:

1. A firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921.
2. A blackjack, concealable firearm, firearm, firearm silencer, blasting agent, detonator, explosive weapon, gas gun, knife, knuckles, machine gun, projectile weapon, rifle, shotgun, spring gun, switchblade knife, as these terms are defined in § 571.010, RSMo.

Students who bring or possess these weapons on school property will be suspended from school for at least one (1) calendar year or expelled and the incident will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement, as required by law. The superintendent may modify the suspension or expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Students who are suspended under this provision may be educated in an alternative school.

Other Prohibited Weapons

In addition to the weapons prohibited by state law as described above, the district also prohibits weapons that fall into one of the following categories:

1. A dangerous weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2), which includes instruments that are used for or are readily capable of causing death or serious injury. 

2. All knives, including all pocketknives. 

3. Any other instrument or device used or designed to be used to threaten or assault, whether for attack or defense. 

4. Any object designed to look like or imitate a weapon as defined in this policy unless specifically authorized by the principal for an educational purpose. 

5. Ammunition or components of a prohibited weapon. 

Students who bring or possess these weapons on school property will be disciplined in accordance with the relevant student discipline code. The district may report the incident to law enforcement when appropriate or required by law.

Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy JGE. 

Reporting 

The district will report all school safety incidents and credible school safety threats that involve a firearm, explosive, knife, or other weapon defined in § 571.010, RSMo., to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and will make other reports as required by law.

POLICY: JFG
SEARCHES OF STUDENTS

To maintain a safe learning environment and properly investigate potential misconduct, district personnel may search student property and district property used by students. In some limited situations, the district may require students to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing. All searches will be conducted professionally and in accordance with law. The superintendent or designee is directed to provide staff with appropriate training and is authorized to contact the district's attorney for advice prior to conducting any search.

Searches by District Personnel
Searches of District Property
Students do not have an expectation of privacy in district-provided property. Lockers, desks, technology and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, are subject to periodic inspection in accordance with law.

Searches of Student Property
Student property, including vehicles parked on district property, may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of law, district policy or other rules applicable to students. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. Searches of student property shall be limited in scope based on the original justification for the search and shall be carried out in the presence of an adult witness when possible. Students’ privacy and dignity shall be respected.

Searches of Students
If reasonable under the circumstances, district administrators performing a search may require students to empty pockets or remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles of exterior clothing that when removed do not expose undergarments not otherwise observable.

The district administrators will contact law enforcement officials to perform a search if they reasonably suspect that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime beneath their clothing and the student refuses to surrender such items. District administrators may contact law enforcement officials for assistance in performing a search in any case in which a student refuses to allow a search or in which the search cannot be conducted safely.

District employees, administrators and volunteers, other than commissioned law enforcement officials, shall not strip search students, as defined in state law, except that an administrator may conduct such a search if a commissioned law enforcement officer is not immediately available and the administrator has reason to believe that the student possesses a weapon, explosive or substance that poses an imminent threat of physical harm to the student or.

If a student is strip searched, as defined in state law, by an administrator or a commissioned law enforcement officer, the district will attempt to notify the student’s parents/guardians as soon as possible.

For the purposes of this section, the term "strip search" shall not include the removal of clothing in order to investigate the potential abuse or neglect of a student, give medical attention to a student or screen a student for medical conditions.

A designated district employee will notify parents/guardians if a search involving their student has occurred, and they will also be notified of the outcome of the search.

Drug-Detection Dogs
The district may arrange for law enforcement officials to use professionally trained dogs to detect the presence of drugs on district property. A drug-detection dog alerting to the presence of drugs will constitute reasonable suspicion for district administrators to conduct a search. Drug-detection dogs will not come into direct contact with students. The superintendent or designee shall develop procedures for the use of drug-detection dogs.

Student Drug and Alcohol Testing
If district personnel have reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the district may require the student to take a drug or alcohol test. Students who refuse to participate in drug or alcohol testing may be disciplined as if they tested positive for the substance. Drug and alcohol testing are not a necessary or exclusive means of determining form the available evidence that a violation of district policy has occurred.

In accordance with law, the district may implement a random student drug-testing program for students in extracurricular activities.

School Safety Officers
A school safety officer (SSO) may accompany district officials executing a search or may perform searches under the direction of district officials based on the reasonable suspicion standard. However, the SSO may choose not to participate in the search if the SSO believes that such participation might interfere with the successful future criminal prosecution of the student.

POLICY: JFGA
INTERVIEWS WITH OR REMOVAL OF STUDENTS

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to set rules for entities other than district employees who request to interview students at school. This policy does not apply to the day-to-day conversations between students and district employees. Such conversations will be conducted in accordance with board policy governing communications between students and staff, board policy governing parent and family involvement, and state and federal law.

School Safety Officers (SSOs) An SSO's
role in interviewing students or taking students into custody will be addressed in the agreement between the district and the law enforcement agency commissioning the SSO.

Crimes Committed on District Property or at District Activities
If a student is suspected of committing a crime on district property or at a district activity, school officials will contact law enforcement as required by law and Board policy. School officials will also contact the student's parent/guardian. District staff will interview the student as part of the misconduct investigation and student discipline process, but law enforcement will not be allowed to interview the student except as described below.

Law Enforcement Interviews
Law enforcement officials requesting to interview a student at school will provide the principal or designee the reason for the interview and provide any applicable warrant or court order. The principal or designee will record the identity of the law enforcement officials and the stated reason for the interview.

The district will not allow law enforcement officials to interview students at school unless one of the following applies:

1. The law enforcement official has presented an applicable warrant or court order authorizing the official to take custody of the student or interview the student.
2. Consent for the interview is provided by the parent/guardian or the student if the student is 18 or older and is otherwise competent to consent.
3. Exigent circumstances exist that school officials consider sufficient to justify the interview. Exigent circumstances are sufficient if the law enforcement officials demonstrate that delaying the interview may pose a danger to the health or safety of the student, other students, district employees or others.

If the interview is permitted, the principal or designee will be present during the interview. Unless the parent/guardian was already contacted, the principal or designee will attempt to contact the parent/guardian immediately after the interview.

Removal of Students from School by Law Enforcement Officials
If a law enforcement official or other legally authorized person wishes to remove a student from school, the principal or designee must take the following steps:

1. Verify the identity of any law enforcement official or other legally authorized person before they are allowed to take a student into custody.
2. Verify, to the best of their ability, the official's authority to take custody of the student before they are allowed to take a student into custody.
3. Require officials who are determined to have the authority to take custody of a student to remove the student in a manner that minimizes disruption to the school environment.
4. Notify the student's parents/guardians that the student is being removed from school.

Children's Division (CD) Interviews
CD representatives may meet with students on campus. The district liaison will work with the CD to arrange such meetings to be minimally disruptive to the student's schedule. If the student is an alleged victim of abuse or neglect, the CD may not meet with the student in any school building or childcare facility where the abuse of the student allegedly occurred. The principal or designee will verify and record the identity of any CD representatives who request to meet with or take custody of a student.

Guardian Ad Litem and Court-Appointed Special Advocate Interviews When a court-appointed guardian ad litem or special advocate finds it necessary to interview a student during the school day or during periods of extracurricular activities, the principal or designee must be notified prior to the scheduled interview. The principal or designee will verify and record the individual's identity through the court order that appointed the individual. The interview must be conducted in a private setting and with the least disruption to the student's schedule.

Critical Student Records Access
Student records will be provided only in accordance with state and federal law.

POLICY: JG
STUDENT DISCIPLINE

It is essential that the district maintain a safe school environment and a climate that allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to learn. Discipline will be equitably applied and viewed as a learning opportunity with the ultimate goal of improving behavior, safety and the school climate. The district seeks to minimize the unnecessary exclusion of students from classrooms and school and encourages the superintendent and district staff to exclude students only when necessary to maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment. The superintendent or designee is authorized to contact the district's attorney for advice on the legality of district discipline or the discipline process. The Board encourages the superintendent to recommend changes to Board policy related to student discipline as needed.

Discipline Code
To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary education environment, the Board of Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences for students whose conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or impairs the moral or good conduct of other students.

The district’s comprehensive written code of conduct includes, but is not limited to, JG-R1, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE JGF, and associated procedures. The district’s comprehensive written code of conduct will be placed on the district's website, and a copy will be available in the superintendent's office during normal business hours. The district will distribute the code of conduct to all students, parents/guardians, and the district staff at the beginning of each school year, which may be accomplished by directing them to the district's website. These policies, regulations and procedures will apply to all students in attendance in the district's instructional and support programs as well as at district-sponsored activities.

Equity

All district staff are required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is consistent, developmentally appropriate and equitable. The district prohibits the use of any zero-tolerance disciplinary policy, and district administrators retain the discretion to modify disciplinary consequences on a case-by-case basis. District   administrators who increase or decrease the consequences for student misconduct based on individual circumstances must document the reasons for the variance. The superintendent or designee will regularly review district discipline data to determine whether district policies are being equitably enforced and, when necessary, make recommendations to the Board for policy changes, training or resources to further the district's goals for providing equitable education to all students.

Discipline for Off-Campus Misconduct
Students may be disciplined for misconduct that occurs off district grounds and outside a district activity when allowed by law including, but not limited to, the following situations:

1. The district's technology is used.
2. The student's conduct negatively impacts the education environment or there is a nexus to the education environment and the conduct is not otherwise protected by law.
3. The student has been charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty to the commission of a felony in a court of general jurisdiction (not a juvenile court). The Board may suspend such students after a hearing in accordance with law.
4. The student has been indicted on, charged with or convicted of one of the specific crimes listed in § 167.171, RSMo. (see in policy JEC) or a petition has been filed or adjudicated in juvenile court involving one of the specific crimes listed in § 167.171, RSMo. The district shall exclude such students from school or from the general education environment after appropriate due process.
5. The student transfers to the district during a suspension or expulsion from another public school or a private or parochial school, and the district determines that the conduct would have resulted in a suspension or expulsion in this district. The district may honor a student's suspension or expulsion in such cases after providing appropriate due process when necessary.

Immediate Removal
The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student. Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process procedures and in accordance with law.

Enforcement
Building principals are responsible for the development and enforcement of additional student conduct rules needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision. All such rules shall be consistent with Board-adopted discipline policies and regulations.

Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for discipline in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom.

All district staff enforcing student discipline should seek to minimize, as much as possible, the amount of instructional time the student loses.

Training
All district employees shall annually receive instruction related to the specific contents of the district’s comprehensive code of conduct and any interpretations necessary to implement its provisions including, but not limited to, confidentiality requirements and the approved methods for dealing with acts of school violence, and disciplining students with disabilities.
 

DISCIPLINE LEVELS

Any conduct not included herein, any aggravated circumstance of any violation, or any action involving a combination of violations may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law. This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on school property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off school district property. The district may also discipline students for off campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.

The Code of Conduct is generally organized into five (5) levels of prohibited behaviors: Level 1 Discipline, Level 2 Discipline, Level 3 Discipline, Level 4 Discipline and Level 5 Discipline. It is important for students and parents to note that the circumstances of a particular discipline level violation may warrant more severe consequences, even on the first violation. The School District reserves the right, in administration’s sole and exclusive discretion, to take any and all action necessary to protect its students, provide a safe and secure learning environment, and to ensure the orderly operation of all educational facilities, including without limitation, treating a violation as a higher level violation and/or providing for more severe consequences. Additional information regarding prohibited behaviors and disciplinary actions follows these sections.

Level I Discipline Response: In general, minor acts of misconduct or inappropriate behaviors which interfere with the good order of the school will result in a Level 1 Discipline response. Level 1 violations are typically minor violations, and may represent a failure to demonstrate universally accepted expectations or social skills. It is the responsibility of all staff to address minor violations as soon as practicable within the environment in which the misbehavior occurred. Following appropriate teacher interventions, the student may be referred to an administrator. The accumulation of multiple Level 1 violations could result in more severe consequences.

Level II Discipline Response: Intermediate acts of misconduct generally result in a Level 2 Discipline response. Level 2 violations are typically mid-level infractions. Mid-level infractions are addressed by administrators. Repeated (two or more) violations of any Level 2 violation can result in that violation being considered a Level 3 violation.

Level III Discipline Response: Level 3 Discipline violations are generally serious acts of misconduct including, but not limited to, repeated misbehaviors of a similar nature, serious disruptions of the school environment, threats to health, safety, or property, and other acts of serious misconduct. Level 3 violations are generally major infractions and are serious safety violations. Major infractions should be reported to the school administrator immediately after the incident, and may result in the immediate removal of a student from school. Level 3 violations may result in a referral to a Disciplinary Hearing. Administrators will notify the appropriate district personnel, school safety officers, and law enforcement or state agencies deemed appropriate and required by law.

Level IV Discipline Response: Level 4 Discipline violations are the most egregious acts of misconduct and generally constitute a serious violation of the law (for example, conduct which would be considered a serious felony criminal act if the student were an adult), and pose a significant safety risk or result in serious bodily injury. Committing a Level 4 violation will result in a referral to a Disciplinary Hearing.

Level V Discipline Response: Depending on the severity of the violation, school administrators have the authority to send a student to a Student Discipline Hearing for any violation regardless of the level of disciplinary violation. If the action is a Safe Schools Act Violation - 10 days Out-of-School Suspension and a Student Discipline Hearing through the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education.

ELEMENTARY MATRIX LEVELS

SECONDARY (MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL) MATRIX LEVELS
 

Regulation: JG-R1
STUDENT DISCIPLINE

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others, and to provide for the orderly operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not included herein, any aggravated circumstance of any offense, or any action involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law. This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on school property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off school district property. The district may also discipline students for off campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.

Reporting to Law Enforcement
It is the district’s policy to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement, including, but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF.

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district’s policy. In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten (10) days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

Documentation in Student’s Discipline Record
The principal, designee or other administrators or school staff will maintain all discipline records as deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the schools and in accordance with law and policy JGF.

Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences
All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity, regardless of location, or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. When appropriate, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student’s access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school Likewise, a student may become ineligible for or be required to forfeit any honors and awards as a disciplinary consequence.

In accordance with the law, any student who is suspended for any offense listed in § 160.261, RSMo., or any act of violence or drug-related activity defined by policy JGF as a serious violation of school discipline,shall not be allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any district property or any activity of the district, regardless of whether the activity takes place on district property, unless one (1) of the following conditions exist:

1. The student is under the direct supervision of the student’s parent, legal guardian, custodian or another adult designated in advance, in writing, to the student’s principal by the student’s parent, legal guardian or custodian, and the superintendent or designee has authorized the student to be on district property.
2. The student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district.
3. The student resides within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district and is on the property of the student’s residence.

Students who violate the prohibitionsin this section may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, “Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences,” listed below.

Pursuant to law, no student will be confined in an unattended locked space except in an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel.

Academic Consequences
Students who are suspended from school will be expected to complete course work assigned during the term of suspension. Students will receive full credit earned for the work they completed and returned in accordance with district policy JED: Student Absences and Excuses. Students will receive assignments from their classroom teachers for suspensions of ten days or less. Students will be given an alternative placement for suspensions longer than ten days.

Prohibited Conduct
The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct and potential consequences for violations. Building-level administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in the building within the ranges established in this regulation. In addition to the consequences specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement and document violations in the student’s discipline file pursuant to law and Board policy.

 

POLICY: JGA-2
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

For the purposes of this policy, corporal punishment is the use of physical force as a method of correcting student behavior. No person employed by or volunteering on behalf of the district shall administer corporal punishment or cause corporal punishment to be administered upon a student attending district schools.

A staff member may, however, use reasonable physical force against a student for protection of the student or other persons or to protect property. Restraint of students in accordance with the district’s policy on student seclusion and restraint is not a violation of this policy.

POLICY: JGB
DETENTION AND/OR IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS

The provisions of detention or an in-school suspension program for student violations of policies, rules and procedures shall provide principals with an additional alternative for dealing with disciplinary problems that occur in the schools. When this alternative is appropriate, students will be assigned to serve a specified time period in the in-school suspension program. These assignments, and the determination of the time period for them, shall be determined by the principal, or his or her designee.

POLICY: JGD
STUDENT SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

The following procedures apply to all students. However, additional procedures for discipline for students with disabilities are sometimes required, as discussed in policy JGE, Discipline of Students with Disabilities.

The Board of Education believes that the right of a child to attend free public schools carries with it the responsibility of the child to attend school regularly and to comply with the lawful policies, rules and procedures of the school district. This observance of school policies, rules and procedures is essential for permitting others to learn at school.

Therefore, the administration may exclude a student from school because of the violation of school rules and procedures, conduct which materially or substantially disrupts the rights of others to an education, or conduct which endangers the student, other students or the property of the school. Furthermore, if a student poses a threat to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student, the administration may immediately remove the student from school. Such actions will be taken in accordance with due process and with due regard for the welfare of both the student and the school.

The terms “suspension” and “removal” refer to an exclusion from school that will not exceed a specific period of time and shall be subject to the due process procedures set forth for “suspension” in this policy. The term “expulsion” refers to exclusion for an indefinite period. The district may honor suspensions and expulsions from another in-state or out-of-state school district including a private, charter or parochial school or school district pursuant to law and policy JEC, Student Admissions. Before making any decision to honor such suspensions or expulsions, the superintendent or designee will consider whether the student has received the due process required by law.

Suspensions
In Missouri, a principal may suspend a student for up to ten (10) school days. A superintendent may suspend a student for up to 180 school days. Procedures for suspending a student are outlined below.

1. Before suspending a student, a principal or superintendent must (a) tell the student, either orally or in writing, what misconduct he or she is accused of; (b) if the student denies the accusation, explain, either orally or in writing, the facts that form the basis of the proposed suspension; and (c) give the student the opportunity to present his or her version of the incident.
2. If the principal or superintendent concludes that the student has engaged in misconduct punishable by suspension, the procedures described below apply. If the student has a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as amended or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, additional procedural safeguards described in the policy dealing with the discipline of students with disabilities apply.
3. The principal or superintendent should determine whether the student should be suspended or whether less drastic alternative measures would be appropriate. In many cases, the principal or superintendent may decide not to suspend a student unless conferences (between the teacher, student and principal and/or between the parent, student and principal) have been held and have failed to change the student’s behavior.
4. If suspension is imposed, the student’s parents or guardians must be promptly notified of the suspension and the reasons for the action.
5. Any suspension by the principal must be reported, immediately and in writing, to the superintendent, who may revoke the suspension, either part or in full, at any time.
6. If a student is suspended for more than ten (10) school days, the following rules also apply:
   1. The student, his or her parents, guardians or others having custodial care have a right to appeal the superintendent’s decision to the Board or a committee of the Board appointed by the Board president.
   2. If the student gives notice that he or she wishes to appeal the suspension to the Board, the suspension shall be stayed until the Board renders its decision, unless in the superintendent’s judgment, the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process.
   3. All notices of appeal shall be transmitted, either by the appealing party or by the superintendent, to the secretary of the Board. Oral notices, if made to the superintendent, shall be reduced to writing and communicated to the secretary of the Board.
   4. The superintendent, when notified of an appeal, shall promptly transmit to the Board a full written report of the facts relating to the suspension, the action taken by the superintendent, and the reasons for the action.
   5. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal, the Board will schedule a hearing and within a reasonable time in advance of the scheduled date, will notify, by certified mail, the appealing party of the date, time and place of the hearing and of the right to counsel, to call witnesses, and to present evidence at the hearing.
   6. Hearings of appealed suspensions will be conducted as described in the section of this policy dealing with student disciplinary hearings.

Suspensions For More Than 180 School Days and Expulsions
Only the Board may expel a student or suspend a student for more than 180 school days. The applicable procedures are outlined below.

1. Before recommending to the Board that a student be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the superintendent must (a) tell the student, either orally or in writing, what misconduct he or she is accused of; (b) if the student denies the accusation, explain, either orally or in writing, the facts that form the basis of the proposed suspension/expulsion; and (c) give the student an opportunity to present his or her version of the incident.
2. If the superintendent concludes that the student has engaged in misconduct and should be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days, the procedures described below apply unless the student has a disability. (In the case of a student with a disability, the procedures described in the policy dealing with the discipline of students with disabilities shall apply.)
   1. The superintendent will recommend to the Board that the student be expelled or suspended for more than 180 school days. The superintendent may also immediately suspend the student for up to 180 school days.
   2. Upon receipt of the superintendent’s recommendation, the Board will follow the procedures described in the section of this policy dealing with student disciplinary hearings.
3. If the student is expelled, he or she may later apply to the Board for readmission. Only the board can readmit an expelled student.

Student Discipline Hearings
The Board of Education may originate student discipline hearings upon recommendation of the superintendent. In such cases, the Board of Education will review the superintendent’s report and determine whether to conduct a discipline hearing. In addition, student discipline hearings also will be held upon written request of the student or the student’s parents to consider appeals from student suspensions in excess of ten (10) school days. A discipline hearing will always be held in cases of suspensions in excess of 180 school days or expulsions, unless after meeting with the superintendent or designee, the parent or guardian waives, in writing, the right to an expulsion hearing. In all hearings, whether initiated by the Board of Education or by appeal, the following procedures will be adhered to:

1. The student and the parents/guardians will be advised of the charges against the student; their right to a Board hearing; the date, time and place of the hearing; their right to counsel; and their procedural rights to call witnesses, enter exhibits and cross-examine adverse witnesses. All such notifications will be made by certified mail, addressed to the student’s parents or guardians. The Board shall make a good-faith effort to have the parents or guardians present at the hearing.
2. Prior to the Board hearing, the student and the student’s parents/guardians will be advised of the identity of the witnesses to be called by the administration and advised of the nature of their testimony. In addition, the student and the student’s parents/guardians will be provided with copies of the documents to be introduced at the hearing by the administration.
3. The hearing will be closed unless the Board decides otherwise. The hearing will only be open with parental consent. At the hearing, the administration or their counsel will present the charges and such testimony and evidence to support such charges. The student, his or her parents/guardians or their counsel shall have the right to present witnesses, introduce exhibits, and to cross-examine witnesses called in support of the charges.
4. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board of Education shall deliberate in executive session and shall render a decision to dismiss the charges; to suspend the student for a specified period of time; or to expel the student from the schools of the district. The administration or its counsel, by direction of the Board of Education, shall promptly prepare and transmit to the parents/guardians written notice of the decision.

Re-Engagement Conference
Prior to the readmission or enrollment of any student who has been suspended out of school or expelled in accordance with this policy for any “act of school violence” as defined in § 160.261.2, RSMo., and Board policy JGF, a conference must be held to review the student’s conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion and any remedial actions needed to prevent future occurrences of such conduct or related conduct. The conference shall include the appropriate school officials including any teacher directly involved with the conduct that resulted in the suspension or expulsion, the student, and the parent or guardian of the student or any agency having legal jurisdiction, care, custody or control of the student. The Board of Education shall notify, in writing, the parents or guardians and all other parties of the time, place and agenda of any such conference. Failure of any party to attend this conference shall not preclude holding the conference. This requirement applies to enrolling students transferring from another school as well, regardless of whether the “act of school violence” was committed at a public school or at a private school in Missouri, provided that such act shall have resulted in the suspension or expulsion of such student in the case of a private school.

       Raytown C-2 School District

Student Re-Engagement Plan Process

The Raytown C- 2 School District will follow a re-engagement process to help ease a student's transition back to the classroom after being suspended for a disciplinary violation at Level III and above or when returning to school after a medical or mental health crisis. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a student specific plan to support the student’s ability to be successful, addressing issues related to academic, behavioral, social, emotional, physical and/or mental health needs.

Administrators have the responsibility to identify all appropriate parties who should be present for the reengagement meeting based upon the length of the removal/absence from school, the frequency or intensity of actions, which caused the disciplinary action, and/or the circumstances of the medical or mental health absences.

The following participants are REQUIRED at the meeting:

• Meeting Facilitator - Administrator and/or Counselor/Social Worker
• Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
• Student
• Interpreter (for either student and/or parent/guardian) - if applicable

Other staff who MAY BE appropriate to participate in the meeting:

• Teacher(s)
• Counselor
• Social Worker
• Behavior Interventionist
• School Psychologist*
• Special Education Case manager
• 504 Coordinator
• Community mental health partner
• Director of Student Services

The GOALS of the re-engagement meeting are to:

• Address the individual academic, behavioral and mental health needs of the student to prevent further disciplinary actions and/or crisis.
• Provide the student with a specific point-person for support
• If needed, develop a specific crisis and safety plan
• Set a clear plan for addressing long-term absence and/or missed work with a plan to allow adjustments to classwork/homework upon return which could include spending time in the Recovery room
• Ensure parent(s)/guardian(s) can access the Focus Parent Portal to assist in monitoring their student’s progress.
• Implement appropriate levels of check-in (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) with the student
• Provide the family with information regarding available resources within the district and from community resources
• Set a time for follow-up with the parent and set an additional meeting, if appropriate, to review the plan, monitor progress, and address additional supports needed

The following is a list of potential action items, which may be discussed or taken during the re-engagement conference for Level III and above disciplinary actions:

• The circumstances related to the student’s suspension and what services are available to the student to support their re-engagement process (mediation, restitution, time in recovery, counseling, schedule changes, alternative passing, behavior plan, change of placement, etc.)
• The severity of the disciplinary incident and development of a safety and/or behavior plan
  • If the student has an IEP or 504 plan, the re-engagement team should review the IEP, 504, and/or if applicable the Behavior Intervention Plan, but note only the IEP Team/504 team can make changes to a student’s goals, services, accommodations and/or placement)
• Any potential mental health or safety concerns which may be impacting the student that could result in additional testing and/or referrals to building or community resources
• Partner with the student to develop a plan of how to respond to peers and staff when asked about their absence from school.

The following is a list of potential action items, which may be discussed or taken during the re-engagement conference for a medical or mental health crisis:

• Request discharge documents from hospital or medical clearance for return to school from parents. If appropriate, ask the parent to sign a medical release to speak with the mental health care provider
• Designate a school mental health professional to check in with the student during the first couple of weeks periodically
• Develop a safety plan
• Modify academic programming, as appropriate
• Assist the student in identifying adults they trust and can go to for assistance at school, home, or in the community
• As needed, ensure that any bullying, harassment, and/or discrimination is being addressed
• Partner with the student to develop a plan of how to respond to peers and staff when asked about their absence from school
• Create a communication plan for future emergencies
• Identify ongoing mental health resources in school and/or the community
• Offer suggestions to parents regarding monitoring personal communication devices, including social networking sites, as needed

Raytown C-2 School District

Student Re-Engagement Plan

We agree, as a team of adults, to partner in support of ____________________________ for a successful reengagement with the learning environment following the plan agreed upon as written in this document.

RQS Student Reflection Worksheet

This document is intended to allow you time to process through the reason for your absence from school. This worksheet must be completed prior to your scheduled re-engagement date which is: ___________________________

If you have any questions about this process please contact: _______________________________

1. How are you doing physically and mentally? Tell us how. Are you ready to come back to school? Tell us why.

 

2. Did you do work? Do you feel you need assistance in developing a plan to catch up on work and/or communicate with your teachers? Tell us your plan to re-engage in learning.




3. Sometimes your peers may push your buttons when you return. What is your plan to regulate or manage your emotions or access self-care should you begin to have overwhelming feelings that may impact your behavior or sense of well-being?




4. Are you ready to connect with school and your peers again? What is your response and plan to peers when they question you about your absence or if they want to engage in behaviors which are detrimental to a positive return?




5. What support do you need from the adults in your life at home and school so you can move forward and have a successful return to school and learning?


 

POLICY: JGE
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

It is the goal of the Raytown C-2 School District to provide a safe and productive learning environment for all students. The district does not believe in a double standard for misbehavior and holds the welfare and safety of all persons in the district in the highest regard. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with the district’s discipline code applicable to all students, subject to the modifications mandated by law. All students, including those with disabilities, will be referred for law enforcement action when required by law and when their conduct constitutes a crime.

The district will comply with all state and federal laws governing the discipline of students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, applicable regulations and state and local plans for compliance with the law. In addition to the process outlined in special education law, students with disabilities will receive the same due process afforded other students.

The Board delegates to the superintendent or designed the authority to seek the removal of a student with a disability as allowed by federal or state law to an alternative educational setting through the state hearing process or to seek a court injunction ordering removal or a different educational placement.

The superintendent or designee will provide all district employees training on violence prevention, the district’s discipline code and the legal requirements for disciplining students with disabilities. The Board delegates to the superintendent or designee the authority to contact the district’s legal counsel for legal advice or training on the district’s responsibilities.

POLICY: JGF
DISCIPLINE REPORTING AND RECORDS

In compliance with state law, the Board of Education establishes clear channels of communication between teachers, administrators, law enforcement officials and other schools concerning acts of school violence and other behaviors that endanger the welfare or safety of students, staff or patrons of the district. The purpose of this policy is to designate specific actions committed by students that must be reported to teachers, administrators and/or law enforcement officials as well as those actions that must be documented in a student’s discipline record.

Definitions:
The following definitions and terms apply to this policy:

Act of School Violence/Violent Behavior – The exertion of physical force by a student with the intent to do serious physical injury to another person while on school property, including while on school transportation in service on behalf of the district or while involved in school activities.

Need to Know – Relates to school personnel who are directly responsible for the student's education or who otherwise interact with the student on a professional basis while acting within the scope of their assigned duties.

School or District Property – Property utilized, supervised, owned, rented, leased or controlled by the school district including, but not limited to, school playgrounds, parking lots, school transportation and any property on which any school activity takes place.

Serious Physical Injury – Physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of any part of the body.

Serious Violation of District’s Discipline Policy – One (1) or more of the following acts if committed by a student enrolled in the district:

1. Any act of school violence/violent behavior.
2. Any offense that occurs on school property, on school transportation or at any school activity and that is required by law to be reported to law enforcement officials.
3. Any offense that results in an out-of-school suspension for more than ten (10) school days.

Reporting to School Staff
School administrators shall report acts of school violence to all teachers at the attendance areas in which the involved students are educated and to other school district employees with a need to know the information to adequately supervise the students and to protect themselves or others. In addition, any portion of a student’s individualized education program (IEP) that is related to demonstrated or potentially violent behavior shall be provided to any teachers and other district employees with a need to know the information.

The superintendent or designee will inform district employees with a need to know of any criminal act committed or allegedly committed by a student in the district that is reported to the district by a prosecutor, juvenille officer, sheriff, chief of police, other appropriate law enforcement entity, or an employee of the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services in accordance with state law. Such reports shall not be used as the sole basis for denying educational services to a student unless the district requests the Attorney's General's Office or the district's attorney to seek a court injunction to exclude the student from education services, as allowed by law. This information may also be used to provide the student education services in an alternative environment.

Reporting to Administrators and Law Enforcement Officials
School administrators are required by law to report certain crimes to law enforcement. All employees and agents of the district who have information about any criminal act, including the ones listed below, committed by a student on school property, are required to immediately notify a principal or other administrator. 

Any crime listed in this section, or any act committed by a student that if committed by an adult would be a crime listed in this section that is committed on school property, must be reported immediately by the appropriate school administrator to the appropriate law enforcement entity. The following criminal acts are subject to this reporting requirement:

1. First or second degree murder under §§ 565.020, .021, RSMo.
2. Voluntary manslaughter under §565.023, RSMo.
3. Involuntary manslaughter in the first or second degree under §§ 565.024, .027, RSMo.
4. First- or second-degree kidnapping under §§ 565.10, .120, RSMo.
5. First-, second- or third degree assault under §§ 565.050, .052, .054, RSMo.*
6. Rape in the first or second degree under §§ 566.030, .031, RSMo.
7. Sodomy in the first or second degree under §§ 566.060, .61, RSMo.
8. Burglary in the first or second degree under §§ 569.160, .170, RSMo.
9. Robbery in the first degree under §§ 570.023, RSMo.
10. Possession of a weapon under chapter 571, RSMo., 18 U.S.C § 921
11. Manufacture of a controlled substance §§ 579.055, RSMo.
12. Delivery of a controlled substance under § 579.020, RSMo.
13. Possession of a controlled substance as defined in § 195.010, RSMo.
14. Arson in the first degree under §§ 569.040, RSMo.
15. Property damage in the first degree under §§ 569.100, RSMo.
16. First-, second-, or third-degree child molestation under §§ 566.067, .068, .069 RSMo.
17. Sexual misconduct involving a child pursuant to §§ 566.083, RSMo.
18. Sexual abuse in the first degree pursuant to §§ 566.100, RSMo.
19. First-degree harassment under §§ 565.090, RSMo.
20. First-degree stalking under §§ 565.225, RSMo.
21. Deviate sexual assault under § 167.117, RSMo.

* Immediate reporting of third-degree assault under § 565.054, RSMo., may not be required if an agreement with law enforcement exists.

If the district is aware that a student who is suspended for more than ten days or expelled is under court jurisdiction, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court of the suspension or expulsion.

Agreement with Law Enforcement
The superintendent is authorized to enter into a written agreement with the appropriate law enforcement agency on the procedure for reporting student criminal behavior that occurs on school property. The agreement will authorize the district to report the criminal offense to the CD instead of to law enforcement, if the student is under 11 years of age, when allowed by law.

Reporting to DESE
The district will regularly report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) all school safety incidents and credible school safety threats that occur at each attendance center, as required by law, and will make other reports as required by law.

Student Discipline Records
The Board of Education directs the superintendent or designee to maintain records of any serious violation of the district’s discipline policy for each student enrolled in the district and make such records available to all district employees with a need to know. In accordance with state law, the district shall also be provided such records, within five days of receiving a request, to any school district in which the student subsequently attempts to enroll. If a student is placed in another school by the CD, the records will be transferred to the new school within two (2) business days after notification by the CD. Personally identifiable student records will be released or destroyed only in accordance with state and federal law.

Confidentiality
Any information received by a school district employee relating to the conduct of a student shall be received in confidence and used for the limited purpose of assuring that good order and discipline are maintained in the schools.

Liability
Teachers and authorized district personnel, including volunteers selected with reasonable care by the district, shall not be civilly liable when acting in accordance with the Board’s discipline policies, including the Board’s discipline policies, or when reporting acts of school violence or threatened acts of school violence to the appropriate supervisor or other person, pursuant to law and district policy.

POLICY: JGGA
SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT

The district will treat all students with dignity and provide a safe learning environment for students and a safe working environment for district personnel. Seclusion and restraint interventions will be used only when necessary and in accordance with this policy, and they will never be used as a form of punishment or for the convenience of district personnel. The restrictions in this policy apply to the district and any other provider of educational or related services to the student on behalf of the district.

The board directs the superintendent or designee to train and direct district personnel to use with fidelity measures to proactively address student behaviors, such as positive behavior support techniques, and to identify students with disabilities who may need behavior intervention plans.

Definitions:

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) – A plan that sets forth specific behavior interventions for a specific student who displays chronic patterns of problem behavior.

District Personnel – All persons employed by the district or performing services on behalf of or at the direction of the district, including persons working with students as independent contractors or on behalf of an independent contractor.

Mechanical Restraint – The use of any device or equipment to restrict a student's freedom of movement. This term shall not include devices implemented by trained personnel or used by a student with a prescription for such devices from an appropriate medical or related service professional that are used for specific and approved purposes for which such devices were designed, such as the following:

1. Adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to achieve proper body position, balance or alignment to allow greater freedom of mobility than would be possible without the use of such devices or mechanical supports;
2. Vehicle safety restraints when used as intended during the transport of a student in a moving vehicle;
3. Restraints for medical immobilization; or
4. Orthopedically prescribed devices that permit a student to participate in activities without risk.

Physical Restraint – A personal restriction such as person-to-person physical contact that immobilizes, reduces or restricts the ability of a student to move the student's torso, arms, legs or head freely. This term shall not include:

1. A physical escort, which is a temporary touching or holding of the hand, wrists, arm, shoulder or back for the purpose of inducing a student to walk to a safe location;
2. Comforting or calming a student;
3. Holding a student's hand to transport the student for safety purposes;
4. Intervening in a fight; or
5. Using an assistive or protective device prescribed by an appropriately trained professional or professional team.

Positive Behavior Supports – A range of instructional and environmental supports to teach students prosocial alternatives to problem behavior and allow them multiple opportunities to practice prosocial skills and receive high rates of positive feedback.

Prone Restraint – Using mechanical or physical restraint or both to restrict a student's movement while the student is lying with the student's front or face downward.

Restraint – Includes, but is not limited to, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and prone restraint.

Seclusion – The involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area that the student is physically prevented from leaving. This term shall not include:

1. A timeout;
2. In-school suspension;
3. Detention; or
4. Other appropriate disciplinary measures.

Timeout – A behavior management technique that is part of an approved program, involves the monitored separation of the student in a nonlocked setting, and is implemented for the purpose of calming.

Seclusion and Restraint Limitations
District personnel will reserve the use of seclusion or restraint for situations or conditions in which there is imminent danger of physical harm to self or others. Any student placed in seclusion or restraint shall be removed from such seclusion or restraint as soon as district personnel determine that the student is no longer an imminent danger to self or others.

Seclusion Spaces
In the limited situations where seclusion is used, it must occur in a room that complies with applicable building codes. The district will take into consideration the safety and comfort requirements established by the Missouri Department of Mental Health (Department Operating Regulations 4–145) in designing its seclusion spaces that shall allow for continuous observation of the student, have adequate lighting and ventilation, be free of objects that could cause harm to the student, have an outward opening door, and be approximately six feet by six feet in size and large enough to ensure comfort and safety of the student.

Mechanical, Physical or Prone Restraint Limitations
District personnel are prohibited from using any mechanical, physical or prone restraint technique that:

1. Obstructs views of the student's face;
2. Obstructs the student's respiratory airway, impairs the student's breathing or respiratory capacity, or restricts the movement required for normal breathing to cause positional or postural asphyxia;
3. Places pressure or weight on or causes the compression of the student's chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, abdomen or genitals;
4. Obstructs the student's circulation of blood;
5. Involves pushing on or into the student's mouth, nose, eyes or any part of the face or involves covering the face or body with anything including, but not limited to, soft objects such as pillows, blankets or washcloths;
6. Endangers the student's life or significantly exacerbates the student's medical condition;
7. Is purposely designed to inflict pain; or
8. Restricts the student from communicating. If an employee physically restrains a student who uses sign language or an augmentative mode of communication as the student's primary mode of communication, the student shall be permitted to have their hands free of restraint for brief periods unless district personnel determine that such freedom appears likely to result in harm to self or others.

Parent/Guardian Notifications
The district will attempt to notify the parents/guardians of the student as soon as possible but no later than one hour after the end of the school day on which seclusion or restraint occurred. Notification will be oral or electronic and will include a statement indicating that the district or district contractor will provide the parents/guardians a copy of the report required by law and this policy within five school days.

Monitoring and Reporting
District personnel shall monitor the use of student seclusion or restraint and shall complete a report for each incident that minimally contains the following:

1. The date, time of day, location, duration and description of the incident and interventions;
2. Any event leading to the incident and the reason for using seclusion or restraint;
3. A description of the methods of seclusion or restraint used;
4. The nature and extent of any injury to the student;
5. The names, roles and certifications of any district personnel involved in the use of seclusion or restraint;
6. The name, role and signature of the person who prepared the report;
7. The name of an employee whom the parent/guardian can contact regarding the incident and use of seclusion or restraint;
8. The name of an employee to contact if the parent/guardian wishes to file a complaint; and
9. A statement directing parents/guardians to a sociological, emotional or behavioral support organization and a hotline number to report child abuse and neglect.

The report will be an education record of the student. The district or district contractor will provide a copy of the report to the parent/guardian of the student within five school days, and a copy of each incident report will be given to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education within 30 days of the incident.

Training
All district personnel, as defined in this policy, will annually review this policy and district procedures involving the use of seclusion and restraint. Personnel who use seclusion or restraint shall annually complete mandatory training in the specific seclusion and restraint techniques used by the district.

Retaliation Prohibited
School board members, administrators and district personnel will not retaliate against any person for reporting a violation of this policy or failure to follow state law regarding seclusion and restraint. Likewise, retaliation is prohibited against any person for providing information regarding a violation of law regulating seclusion and restraint.

POLICY: JHCD
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS

Definitions:

Authorized Prescriber – Includes a healthcare provider licensed or otherwise authorized by state law to prescribe medication.

Diabetes Medical Management Plan – A document developed by the student's personal healthcare team that sets out the health services needed by the student at school and that is signed by the student's personal healthcare team and parent/guardian.

Medications – For the purposes of this policy, medications include prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, including herbal preparations and vitamins. Medications also include substances that claim or purport to be medicinal or performance enhancing, including essential oils, Cannabidiol (CBD) products and CBD derivatives.

General
The district prohibits students from possessing or self-administering medications while on district grounds, on district transportation, or during district activities unless explicitly authorized in accordance with this policy. However, the Board recognizes that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illnesses to enable them to remain in school and participate in the district’s educational services. The Board directs the superintendent or designee to employ, contract with, and train the necessary personnel to administer medications to students. Medications will be administered at school only when it is not possible or effective for the student to receive the medication at home.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to submit any relevant information regarding the medications their student needs and other information the district may use to develop an individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or individualized health plan (IHP). The district will review all information parents/guardians submit and work with them to create a plan to meet the student’s medical needs while at school or school activities.

The superintendent, in collaboration with the district nursing staff, will establish administrative procedures for implementing this policy.

Nurses and Other Personnel
The administration of medications is a nursing activity that must be performed by or under the supervision of a registered professional nurse (RN). Other district personnel may be required to administer medications to a student as long as they have been appropriately trained and are supervised by an RN.

District employees who administer medications must maintain documentation of all medications provided to students and stored on district property.

In accordance with law, any trained or qualified employee will be held harmless and immune from civil liability for administering medication in good faith and according to standard medical practices. A qualified employee is one who has been trained to administer medication according to standard medical practices.

Over-The-Counter Medications
The district may administer over-the-counter medications to a student if the district has received permission to do so from the parent/guardian. Over-the-counter medications must be delivered to the school principal or designee in the manufacturer’s original packaging and will be administered only in accordance with the manufacturer’s label.

Prescription Medications
The district may administer prescription medication to a student if the district has received permission to do so from the parent/guardian and appropriate direction on how the medication is to be administered. The prescription label will be considered the equivalent of a prescriber’s written direction, and a separate document is not needed.

Medications District Personnel Will Not Administer
Unless required by law to administer a medication to accommodate a disability, nurses who question the necessity of administering a particular medication during the school day may, after consultation with the superintendent or designee, require a written directive by the student's healthcare provider that states why the medication must be administered at school. The district may also refuse to administer any medication for other reasons listed in this policy. The district will not administer any medication that is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The district may refuse to administer medications in an amount exceeding the recommended daily dosage listed in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) or other recognized medical or pharmaceutical text unless the district has verified the dosage with the prescriber. Except for the medications that are used only in an emergency situation, the district will not knowingly administer the first dose of any medication. The district expects parents/guardians to administer medications at home.

Staff, students and all other individuals are prohibited from possessing or administering any medication that is illegal pursuant to state or federal law on district grounds, on district transportation or during district activities. The superintendent or designee is authorized to obtain a legal opinion from the district's attorney when there is a question regarding the legality of administering any medication.
 

Medical Marijuana
The district does not permit the possession, use or administration of marijuana or marijuana-infused products for medicinal or other purposes on district property or at district events since these products are prohibited under federal law. This prohibition applies even if the student has a valid, Missouri-issued, medical marijuana card.

Student Possession and Self-Administration of Medications
The district prohibits students from possessing or self-administering medications unless the student is allowed by law to do so and has been given permission in accordance with district procedures. Students with an IEP or Section 504 plan may possess and self-administer medications in accordance with their plan.

Permission to possess and self-administer medications may be revisited if there is evidence that a student is not handling or administering medication appropriately or that the student's actions may be harming the student’s health or the health and safety of others.

Emergency Medications
Epinephrine, naloxone and asthma-related rescue medications will be administered only in accordance with written protocols provided by an authorized prescriber. In accordance with law, qualified employees will be held harmless and immune from civil liability for administering epinephrine, naloxone and asthma-related rescue medications in good faith and according to standard medical practice. A prescription or written permission from a parent/guardian is not necessary to administer these medications in emergency situations.

Consequences
Students who possess or consume medications in violation of this policy while on district grounds, on district transportation or during a district activity may be disciplined up to and including suspension or expulsion. Employees who violate this policy may be disciplined up to and including termination. District administrators will notify law enforcement when they believe a crime has occurred.

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs¹ that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)²

1. What is a complaint?

For the purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA.

2. Who may file a complaint?

     Any individual or organization may file a complaint.

3. How can a complaint be filed?

     Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department.

4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?

     Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures.

5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local lever (LEA)?

     A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department.

6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department?
     A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes:

1. A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA Program has been violated by the LEA or the Department, and
2. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?
     
The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties.

The following activities will occur in the investigation.

1. Record. A written record of the investigation will be kept.
2. Notification of LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level.
3. Resolution at LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in a effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level.
4. Report by LEA. Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution. This report is considered public record and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public.
5. Verification. Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone call(s).
6. Appeal. The Complainant of the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S. Department of Education.

8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently?

     In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to the equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint. Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department's resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint).

9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated?

     The department will initiate and investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant, and the LEA. Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA.

10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?

     The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.