Students will receive a progress report at the end of each grading period. Students, who are doing poorly, and their parents, are notified prior to the end of the semester in order to have an opportunity to improve their grade. The board encourages the notification of students who have made marked improvement prior to the end of the semester.
Parent-teacher conferences shall be scheduled at least once each academic year in all schools of the district. Such conferences shall supplement the student progress reports. Report cards will be issued at the close of each grading period. If parents so request, evening conferences may be arranged.
Parents, teachers, or principals may request a conference for students in grades kindergarten through twelve in addition to the scheduled conference time. Parents and students are encouraged to discuss the student's progress or other matters with the student's teacher.
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A; .280, 284.12 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4), .5(16).
Students will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each school year based on the student's achievement, age, maturity, emotional stability, and social adjustment.
The district shall adhere to the following:
• Retention/Promotion in kindergarten – eighth grade: The retention of a student will be determined based upon the judgment of the district’s professional staff. When it becomes evident a student in grades kindergarten through eight may be retained in a grade level for an additional year, the parents will be informed prior to making the retention decision. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Retention/Promotion in ninth – twelfth grade: Students in grades nine through twelve will be informed of the required course work necessary to be promoted each year. When it becomes evident a student in these grades will be unable to meet the minimum credit requirements for the year, the student and parents will be informed. It is within the sole discretion of the district to retain students in their current grade level and to deny promotion to a student.
• Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade: Students in grades kindergarten through twelve with exceptional talents may, with the permission of the principal and parents, take classes beyond their current grade level. Enrichment opportunities outside the school district may be allowed when they do not conflict with the school district's graduation requirements.
• Retention or Acceleration in kindergarten – twelfth grade may also occur in additional instances as provided by law.
Any student or parent who is not satisfied with the decision of the district’s professional staff my seek recourse through policy 502.4 – Student Complaints and Grievances.
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, 279.8.
281 I.A.C. 12.5(16).
The school district will provide a program that establishes honors and awards including, but not limited to, academic letters, scholarships and good citizenship awards for students to assist students in setting goals. Students are made aware of honors and awards and the action necessary on the part of the student to achieve them. Students who have not attended the school district for at least two years or have not attended an accredited public or private school, will not be eligible for honors and awards.
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8 (2013).
A comprehensive testing program is established and maintained to evaluate the education program of the school district and to assist in providing guidance or counseling services to students and their families.
No student is required, as part of any applicable program, funded by the Unites State Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:
political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent:
mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
sex behavior or attitudes;
illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
legally recognized, privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;
religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
income,(other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program);
without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232h
Iowa Code §§ 280.3
Code No. 505.5
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 46 credits prior to graduation. The following credits will be required:
English/Language Arts 8 credits
Science 6 credits
Mathematics 6 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Physical Education 2 credits
United States Government 1 credits
American History 1 credits
Financial Literacy 1 credits
Electives 18 credits
The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board on a regular basis.
Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.
Graduation requirements for special education students include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science.
Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited ½ credit of social studies.
Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive 1/8th physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14.
281 I.A.C. 12, .3(5); 12.(5).
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 9/12/2022
Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve. Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in board policy.
A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the school district. However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.
Date Board Approved: 8/12/2010
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3.
281 I.A.C. 12; ..3(5); 12.(5)
281 I.A.C. 12.2; .5; 12.3(5)
Students who have met the requirements for graduation will be allowed to participate in the commencement proceedings provided they abide by the proceedings organized by the school district. It is the responsibility of the school administration to solicit input from each graduating class regarding the proceedings for their commencement.
Failure of a student to participate in commencement will not be a reason for withholding the student's final progress report or diploma certifying the student's completion of high school.
Date Board Approved: 12/19/2017
Date Board Updated/Reviewed: 03/14/2022
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.5.