TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission Statement 1 Equity Statement 1 Equal Educational Opportunity 1 Jurisdictional and Behavioral Expectations Statement 1 Definitions 2 School Fees 2 Emergency Forms 2 Attendance 2 Inclement Weather 3 Curriculum 4 Cornerstones of Character 5 Three and Four Year Old Program 5 Kindergarten 5 School Day 5 Hawk-I 6 Immunizations 6 Physical Examination 6 Illnesses or Injuries 6 Communicable Diseases 6 Administration of Medication 6 Health Screenings 7 Emergency Drills 7 Student Insurance 7 Sexual Abuse and Harassment of Students by Employees 7 Asbestos Notification 8 Assemblies 8 Field Trips 8 Student Funds and Fund Raising 8 Use of School District Facilities by Student Organization 9 Student Activity Tickets 9 Educational Records 9 Student Searches 10 Student Lockers and Desks 11 Threats of Violence 11 Internet 11 Dress Code 12 Care of School Property 13 Illegal Items found in School in Students’ Possession 13 Cheating 13 Dual Enrollment Students 13 Interferences in School 13 Pets 13 Posting of information 14 Student Complaints 15 Procedures for Charging and Investigating Abuse of Students by School Employees 15 Student Publications 15 Grade Reports 16 Homework 16 Standardized Tests 16 Testing Program 16 Human Growth and Development 16 Open Enrollment 16 Honor Roll and Academic Honors 16 Telephone Use During the School Day 17 School Announcements 17 School Visitation 17 Legal Status of Student 17 School Breakfast and Lunch 17 Buses and Other School District Vehicles 17 Guidance Program 18 Media Center 19 Student or Building Assistance Team 19 Lost and Found 19 Parent/Teacher Organization 19 Citizenship 19 Inspection of Educational Materials 19 Parent’s/Legal Guardian’s Rights 20 Teacher Credentials 20 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 20 Birthday Treats 20 Invitations To Parties 20 School Supplies 20 School Parties 21 Safety Patrol 21 Title I Compact 21 Conduct Code 22 Parent Involvement Policy 24 School Calendar 25 Medication Form 26

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Charles City Community School District is to be a caring educationalorganization that strives to meet the needs of every student, and provides an environment in which students and employees can achieve their maximum potential"

Equity Statement

Charles City Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex,marital status, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in its educational programs, services, or employment practices. Students, parents of students, applicants foremployment and employees of Charles City Community School District shall have the right to file a formalcomplaint alleging non-compliance with equity regulations. Inquires concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Andy Pattee, Equity Coordinator, Charles City Community School, 500 North Grand Ave, Charles City, Iowa 50616, Telephone (641) 257-6500.

Equal Educational Opportunity

The school district does not discriminate in its education programs or educational activities on the basis ofsex, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability. Students are educated in programswhich foster knowledge of, and respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributionsof diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. Students who feel they have beendiscriminated against are encouraged to report it to the school district Affirmative Action Coordinator. The Affirmative Action Coordinator is Greg Fisher and can be reached at 641) 257-6510. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114, (816) 268-0550, or the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0146, (515) 281-5294.

The school district, in its educational program, has a process to assist students experiencing behavior and learning difficulties. The Elementary Student Assistance Resource Committee is responsible for this process. Representatives from the area education agency may also assist the school district in this process. Parents wanting access to this process should contact Doug Bengtson at (641) 257-6560 or Wendy Cruse at

(641) 257-6570.

Jurisdictional and Behavioral Expectations Statement

This handbook is an extension of board policy and is a reflection of the goals and objectives of the schoolboard. The board, administration and employees expect students to conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students are expected to treat teachers, employees, students and visitors with respect and courtesy. Students may notuse abusive language, profanity or obscene gestures or language.

This handbook and school district policies, rules and regulations are in effect while students are on school grounds, school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while onschool-owned and/or school-operated buses or vehicles or chartered buses; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order,efficient management and welfare of the school district or involves students or staff. School district policies, rules and regulations are in effect 12 months a year. A violation of a school district policy, rule,regulation or student handbook may result in disciplinary action.

Students are expected to comply with and abide by the school district's policies, rules, regulations andstudent handbook. Students who fail to abide by the school district's policies, rules, regulations and studenthandbook may be disciplined for conduct which disrupts or interferes with the education program; conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the school district or school activity; conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to obtain their education or to participate in school activities; orconduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere. Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation and expulsion. Thediscipline imposed is based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and the student'srecord.

The school reserves and retains the right to modify, eliminate or establish school district policies, rules,regulations and student handbook provisions as circumstances warrant, including those contained in thehandbook. Students are expected to know the contents of the handbook and comply with it. Students or parents with questions or concerns may contact the Lincoln or Washington office for information about thecurrent enforcement of the policies, rules, regulations or student handbook of the school district.

Definitions

In this handbook, the word "parent" also means "guardian" unless otherwise stated. An administrator'stitle, such as superintendent or principal, also means that individual's designee unless otherwise stated. Theterm "school grounds" includes the school district facilities, school district property, property within thejurisdiction of the school district or school district premises, school-owned or school-operated buses or vehicles and chartered buses. The term "school facilities" includes school district buildings and vehicles. The term "school activities," means all school activities in which students are involved whether they areschool-sponsored or school-approved, whether they are an event or an activity, or whether they are held on or off school grounds.

School Fees

The school district charges fees for certain items, such as textbook rental. Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the Family Investment Program (FIP),transportation assistance under open enrollment, or students who are in foster care are eligible to have theirstudent fees waived or partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financialdifficulty may be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. Parents or students who believe they may qualify for temporary financial hardship should contact the building secretary at registration for a waiver form. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

Emergency Forms

At the beginning of each school year, parents must file an emergency form with the office providing theemergency telephone numbers of the parents as well as alternate persons to contact in the event the schoolis unable to locate the parents. The emergency form also includes a statement that gives the school districtpermission to release the student to the alternate person in the event the parents cannot be reached. Parentsmust notify the office if the information on the emergency form changes during the school year.

Attendance

A. Daily Attendance Requirements

In your child's best interest it is the parent's responsibility to insure regular daily attendance.Instructional time lost is never regained fully. We require make up work for credit which requires extra teacher's time and the results are never as productive. The child who is tardy or is the chronic absenteewill soon lose interest in school and will lag behind in his work. Every effort should be made towardprompt arrival and regular attendance. It is the responsibility of the parent to send a healthy child to school. Check for signs of illness and call the school early in case of absence due to illness.

All requests for planned absences will be reviewed by the principal or homeroom teacher in advance of

the absence. If the absence is approved, all class work must be completed prior to the absence.

Please notify the school office before 8:30 a.m. of absence due to illness. An absence will be recorded each day a student is not in school or directly involved in a school sponsored activity.

Repeated absenteeism will not be permitted. The following procedure will be used to control excessiveabsences:

1. After three days the nurse may make a home visit.
2. After five days a doctor's statement may be required.
3. After seven days the school counselor may make a home visit to discuss educational concernsrelated to the absences.
4. After ten absences the school will notify the parent/guardian that their child's eleventh absencemay enroll him/her in the absence assistance program for the remainder of the school year.
5. 1. If a student is enrolled in the Student Assistance Plan, the following steps will be initiated through the absence assistance program for each absence beyond ten:
   2. 1. Student will pick up a student assistance form in the office.
      2. Student has each of his/her teachers complete their section of the form.
      3. If it is determined on the absence assistance form that the student needs additional help incatching up on missed assignments, the child will be required to attend the absence assistance room from 3:00 -4:00 that day or the following day to receive instructional assistance. No child will be expected to remain in the absence assistance room more thanone hour each afternoon; however, a student may be required to stay additional sessions until missed assignments are completed.
      4. Parents should contact teacher(s) if they have any questions or concerns in regards to theirchilds' placement in the absence assistance room.
      5. Parents may request that their child be placed in the absence assistance room for extra help at any time-with principal approval.
      6. Absences or tardies deemed to be excessive may warrant a referral to the school liaison officer or the county attorney.

B. Physical Education Excuse Policy

If a student must be excused from physical education because of medical reasons, a written note from adoctor, parent or guardian must be sent with the student, and it applies only for the date(s) mentioned in the excuse. After three parent or guardian excuses a Dr's excuse may be required.

Inclement Weather

When school is canceled because of inclement weather prior to the start of the school day, students and parents are notified by the following venues. The missed day may have to be made up at a later date.

Radio Stations:			TV Stations:
KCHA KLSS KAUS	1580 AM or 96 FM 106.1 FM 1480 AM or 100 FM	Charles City Mason City Austin	KIMT KWWL KCRG KAAL	3 7 9 6	Mason City Waterloo Cedar Rapids Austin
			KTTC	10	Rochester
				4	Local Channel

If school is dismissed because of inclement weather after the school day has begun, parents are notified by the same means. Parents of students who ride the bus are notified how students will be returned home with the notification that school has been dismissed. The superintendent determines whether buses will follow the regular routes. If the buses do not follow the regular routes, they follow emergency routes or theparents are responsible for picking up the students at the student's school.

Extracurricular activities or practices scheduled for the day or evening of a day when school is canceled ordismissed early are generally canceled and re-scheduled. The principal may determine whether to hold extracurricular activities or practices. If the extracurricular activity is to be held, students and parents arenotified in the same manner as the notification that school was dismissed.

Curriculum

Reading/Language Arts -There is a very strong emphasis on reading in our elementary schools. The 2007 Harcourt Trophies series is being used in all buildings, using supplemental materials from various resources. Trophies is a research-based, developmental reading/language arts program. Explicit phonics instruction; direct reading instruction; guided reading strategies; phonemic awareness instruction;systematic, intervention strategies; integrated language arts components; and state-of-the-art assessment tools ensure every student successfully learns to read.

Mathematics – The 2002 edition of Macmillian/McGraw-Hill, Mathematics, was introduced to all K-5 students in the fall of 2004. This basal program is supplemented with other instructional strategies such as calendar math and computer-based software. Considerable time is given to the application and use of math skills, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning exercises. All students are encouraged to meet theirfunctional math development levels and demonstrate proficiency in the math standards and benchmarksestablished by the district.

Social Studies -Harcourt Social Studies -the 2003 edition was adopted for use in grades 1 -5 during the 2002 -2003 school year. Students in grade 1 will use the big book version of About the World. 2nd grades will use the text, About My Community while 3rd graders will continue this theme with People and Communities. 4th and 5th graders will focus their attention to States and Regions and United States History respectively. Kindergarteners will continue to use teacher generated materials related to self awareness, families and homes, etc.

Science -Macmillian/McGraw-Hill Science -This 1995 copyrighted program uses the inquiry andinvestigation technique to help students develop science concepts for themselves. Each grade level will use three to four self-contained units to meet curriculum guidelines.

Physical Education and Health -Physical education is a basic requirement for all students two periodsper week. Physical development and body control are basic to the instructional program. Fitness and skills are stressed through organized gymnastics and organized game play.

Art -The art program is a comprehensive program K -5 which helps the child with creative expression,artistic development, development of critical skills and the appreciation of art through various mediums.

Music -Vocal music is taught K -5. These students use the Silver Burdett Ginn music series and the Orff method for teaching music skills. Orff and Kodaly music methods are the basis for vocal music class. This is a progressive program that builds throughout the six years. Orff deals with rhythm, language, movementensemble and instrument playing. Kodaly is used for its sight reading and singing strengths that includethe solfege (do, re, me, fa, sol, la, ti). Fifth grade students have the opportunity to be involved in their first choral experience in chorus. The Silver Burdett Ginn Series text "The Music Connection 2000" was adopted for use in the fall of 2000.

Instrumental music begins in fourth grade with everyone having song flute instruction followed by a music evaluation test. Students begin instruments in the second trimester and continue lessons through fifth grade. There is an all school fifth grade band.

Cornerstones of Character