ANTI-BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY
Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.
The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization, of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status and which creates an objectively hostile school environment. Harassment against employees based upon the employee’s race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.
The best way to communicate about perceived bullying and harassment is to contact staff as soon as possible. The staff member closest to the incident should have the best information.
A problem at lunch should be brought to the lunchroom supervisor. If students report incidents to adults, the problems may be addressed immediately. Witnesses can be located and interviewed before possible influencing. Reports days or weeks later greatly limit the ability to respond quickly and accurately.
Students will be asked:
• How did they respond?
• When the bullying/harassing behavior occurred.
• Did they tell him/her to stop?
• Did they try to ignore them?
• How did the victim respond?
This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.
If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include suspension or expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include exclusion from school grounds. “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.
When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
• Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
“Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies.
Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:
• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
• Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, property, etc.;
• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or,
• Unreasonable interference with a student’s performance.
Sexual harassment of a student by an employee means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
• Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or benefits;
• Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or,
• The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.
Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person’s participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Retaliation against any person, because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy.
The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The superintendent/building principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment.
It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principal, to develop procedures regarding this policy. EM School Board policy #104
BICYCLES/MOPEDS
Bicycles and mopeds are to be parked in the special racks upon arrival at school and are not to be used until school has been dismissed.
BOTTLED WATER
Students should bring only transparent water bottles with only water in them, which supports the Healthy Kids Act. There should not be thermos containers, pop, sports, or any other non-water beverages.
CANDY, POP, SPORTS DRINKS, AND WATER BOTTLES
Candy, sports drinks, and pop are not to be brought into the building -unless- for special occasions with teacher permission. Students will be warned on a first violation. Subsequent violations may include loss of recess or detentions before or after school.
Gum is allowed in the commons areas, gym, recess, etc. However, students having gum in class will be at the teacher’s discretion and enforcement. If disposal of gum is a problem, we may need to change.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are responsible for the proper care of all supplies and furniture supplied by the school. Students who deface property, break windows or do other damage to school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage done or replace the item. Textbooks are furnished by the school. If your book is lost or damaged while it is checked out to you, you will be expected to pay for it.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students can use their phone before or after school during the gym area. However, as long as the use of these items is not to be disruptive. Cell phone use is not permitted during school hours unless by specific permission. Cell phones and electronics are silenced or turned off from 8:10 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Students should not be using their cell phones to take pictures of other students or recording anyone without their permission. Cell phones should not be used to text or communicate unless a staff member at school has given permission. If a student has their phone out during school hours, the cell phone will be held in the office until after school.The student may pick up the cell phone after school.
Students may use cellphones in front of a coach/teacher for prescribed reasons, such as contacting parents regarding a sports cancellation, weather cancellations, etc. If a student contacts a parent from their cell phone regarding an illness, please ask to speak to someone in the office or the nurse to verify that someone from the office or the nurse has seen the student to verify illness.
Electronic devices that are used inappropriately will be held in the office. They may be returned to the student or parent after closure has been completed regarding the incident. Some electronic devices have been allowed at school, but are not recommended. The majority of our student lockers do not have locks. If students bring items they want secured, the items should be given to a staff member for safe-keeping or brought to the office.
Laser lights are prohibited at school. They will be confiscated if used on the bus or at any middle school activities.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Students will not be excused to get drinks, go to the restroom, go to their locker, go to the office – or anywhere during class time unless absolutely necessary. Students out of a class should have a pass from the teacher stating the reason they are out of class.
Students may have assigned seats in class as well as study halls. Classroom teachers will post their reasonable classroom rules along with consequences that will take precedence over these general rules.
Halls should be regarded as passageways from one room to another and should not be used as gathering places between classes, after school, and before school starts.
You have three minutes between class periods. The student is responsible for getting to class on time. Make sure that you keep to the right in the halls and on the stairs. Excessive noise, horseplay, pushing, running, and obscene language do not constitute acceptable behavior at any time, especially when moving between classes.
CONDUCT – CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL
It is assumed that students will conduct themselves properly when on school grounds, within the school building and in the classrooms. However, if a student becomes a disturbing element while under the jurisdiction of the school the following procedures will be observed:
1. For minor offenses, a word of caution from any faculty member or any school employee should be sufficient to eliminate the problem.
2. Further disruption or misbehavior will result in logical consequences for the student, administered by the classroom teacher, in accordance with rules and consequences listed in class. If the student’s misbehavior continues, the teacher may ask the Principal to intervene.
3. If a student is sent to the office from class, there needs to be a report sent to the office. Parents should be contacted by the classroom teacher prior to any consequences assigned from the office. When any faculty member or other school employee instructs a student to report to the office or to the Principal, he/she should report to the Principal’s office immediately. The time a student is in the office, instead of in the assigned class may be assigned an after school detention time. Students are expected to behave in a manner to remain in class.
4. Students suspended from class by the instructor shall be counted absent (unexcused) until they have made arrangements with the Principal and the teacher for re-admission. Teachers will provide a written description of the incident, including any contributing preliminary information to the Principal, as soon as possible.
5. Students who require frequent discipline or who are involved in a severe disciplinary problem may be considered for suspension or expulsion from school.
CONTACTING TEACHERS
If you desire to speak to a teacher personally, you may call before or after school. You may also call and leave a voice message. Email addresses are available for your use as well. You may email a teacher or staff member by using their first initial of their first name followed by their last name spelled out and then the following extension: @e-marshall.k12.ia.us. You can also find this information on the school’s website: https://www.emmustangs.org/staff-directory.
DRESS CODE
There is a strong connection between academic performance, students’ appearance and students’ conduct. Inappropriate student’s appearance may cause substantial disruption to the educational setting necessary in our school. A partial list of prohibited items include clothing that displays: obscenity, profanity, vulgarity, racial or sexual remarks, making references to prohibited conduct or similar displays. The principal will make the final determination of the appropriateness of the student’s appearance. Students inappropriately dressed are required to change clothing, cover offensive messages, or leave school as directed by the principal.
Specifically middle school students are asked to honor the following dress code:
1. Hats or caps are not to be worn in school. This includes athletic and social events as well.
2. Shirts or other articles of clothing are not to be worn which have printed on them objectionable material, slogans, advertisements, or sayings.
3. Shirts or other articles of clothing are not to be worn which promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.
4. Bare midriffs are not permitted. Clothing should be worn to cover undergarments.
5. Shorts are permitted as the weather requires. However, shorts deemed as excessively short will not be permitted.
6. Clothes worn for participation in physical education are not to be worn to class or study hall.
7. Buttons or patches which present an objectionable slogan or message are not to be worn.
8. Coats or jackets are not to be worn in class unless given permission by the teacher.
9. Shoes are to be worn at all times.
Students in violation of the dress code will be asked to change clothes immediately, in addition to other possible punishment.
PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION
School is NOT the place for students to display public affection for their romantic interests. School is a place for students to learn, concentrate, and should be as free from distraction as possible. Students holding hands, hugging, kissing, etc. are the most common behaviors staff address. Expression of affection is generally considered a personal behavior and has no place in school. Students are expected to show good taste and conduct themselves respectfully at times. Staff are to correct behaviors they believe are inappropriate in the school learning environment. Consequences vary based on age and behavior of students. Parents should also be contacted.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION
Central Rivers AEA Instructional Program Policy Supporting the Revised Iowa Code 281- Chapter 103/February 2, 2009
1. Areas used for behavior intervention will ensure that the students have reasonable space, sufficient light, ventilation and a comfortable temperature and students are allowed a reasonable break period to attend to bodily needs (this does not include sleep). The area will be adequately supervised and able to leave the area during an emergency. The room will be free of dangerous objects or instruments.
2. Revised Iowa Code 281-Chapter 103 applies to all students.
3. Material restraints will not be utilized.
4. Adult supervision is maintained in all areas used for student behavior intervention.
5. Physical restraint, confinements, and detention will only be utilized when reasonable disciplinary techniques have been attempted. (Refer to school behavior management system). Physical restraints will only be utilized to keep the students, staff, and property safe. Prone restraints will not be utilized as a restraint method. If for emergency safety reasons, students are placed in a prone restraint position, the staff must take immediate steps to end the prone restraint.
6. School staff will receive adequate and periodic training prior to using physical restraints.
7. Parents/Guardians will receive notification of behavior intervention.
The school building principal has a copy of Iowa Code 281-Chapter 103 which is available for parent review.
Parents/guardians will receive notification from the school if physical restraints were utilized with their child, and/or if their child was removed from the classroom and placed in an intervention area where the student’s egress was physically prevented.
STUDENTS IN THE BUILDING
School is in session from 8:15 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Students should not be on the school premises before 7:30 a.m. unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member. If you ride a shuttle bus and want to eat breakfast before you get on the shuttle, you may come to school at 7:30 a.m., but you must go directly to the lunchroom and not be in any other part of the building. All students are to leave the building as soon as school is out in the afternoon, unless you are assigned a study hall while waiting for your bus. If a student is granted permission to stay in the building and do special work by a teacher, the teacher granting permission is to be responsible for the conduct of the student and is to see that the student leaves the building when excused.
Under no condition, is a pupil to leave the building or grounds during the school day without first having secured permission from the Principal or the office.
Teachers who plan to have students in the building on weekends are to consult with the Principal in order that arrangements may be made so that the work of custodians may be arranged without interference. Students will not be permitted in the building on weekends unless under the supervision of an instructor.
STUDY HALL CONDUCT
Study halls can be a very important part of a student’s school program. The success or failure of many students is directly related to their attitude and conduct in study halls. The best guide which can be offered for conduct in study halls is to make good use of your time and to conduct yourself in such a way as not to disturb other students.
The following standards are in effect in all study halls.
1. Students are expected to bring everything they need to study hall. If they don’t bring anything with them to work on or read, they will be sent back to their locker. They will receive a tardy pass if they come to study hall unprepared to complete work, unless they are leaving on a pass.
2. Only one student at a time will be allowed to talk to other students regarding questions on homework, etc. Students working together will be at the discretion of the study hall teacher.
3. Students will be allowed to check out only one time during a class period to go to places such as the restroom, locker, library, get a computer, etc. Only one person at a time can leave during study hall.
4. Send no more than 2 students for 10 minutes to the library at a time.
TOBACCO/NICOTINE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
School district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles, are off limits for tobacco or nicotine use, including the use of look-alikes where the original would include tobacco or nicotine, ex. e-cigarettes. This requirement extends to students, employees and visitors. This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and non-school-sponsored events. Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine or other product or leave the school district premises immediately. It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.
TRANSPORTATION IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT
East Marshall Community School District will ensure that every student has a safe ride to and from school. This ride will be as free from intimidation, harassment, and threat, as humanly possible. Good conduct of all students is required while waiting for the bus and while traveling to and from school. The privilege of transportation is granted contingent upon proper behavior. A student’s eligibility to ride may be suspended or revoked for violation of the school’s policy for bus behavior.
Revocation of a student’s bus riding privilege is not considered an exclusion, expulsion, or suspension from school. Parents will be held responsible for their children’s conduct while on the bus, while in the loading areas, and in unloading areas. Students that are involved in serious or repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct on the bus will have their riding privileges suspended or revoked.
Bus drivers will be contacting parents when students are assigned a bus referral. Drivers will then notify the principal’s office, within 3 days after the parents are contacted, before investigation of bus referrals occur.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
BUS DRIVERS DO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ASSIGN SEATS ON BUSES IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE IT A SAFE, SECURE TRIP BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL.
The East Marshall School Board and staff expect the following behaviors or skills from bus riders:
1. Students are to wait at the designated site at the designated time for the bus to come to a complete stop. Riders will exit and enter through the right front door. Students should pass no closer than 10 feet in front of the bus when arriving or exiting the pick up site. Students should look both ways crossing the road and depart only from the designated point unless specific written permission has been displayed.
2. While on the bus, aisles should be kept clear by students. Students should not open windows without permission and if permission is given students should not extend anything out the open window, including throwing anything out of the bus.
3. Classroom conduct is expected from students while on the bus except normal conversation.
4. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and students are to obey promptly. Bus drivers may assign seats as the driver deems necessary.
5. Students are not to leave their bus seat while the bus is in motion. Students are to keep their feet off the bus seats. If students damage bus seats or other equipment, they will be required to reimburse the district to repair/replace the damaged property. When students depart the bus, there is to be no pushing, shoving or crowding of other riders.
6. Waste containers are available on the buses. Students should put any waste in the containers daily.
7. Shooting or throwing of any object on a school bus is not permitted.
8. The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco or look alike substances is prohibited on school busses. The Good Conduct Rule is in effect.
The following actions are recommended if UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR occurs:
LEVEL 1 OFFENSES
1. Throwing non-injurious objects on the bus
2. Failure to follow driver instructions
3. Standing while the bus is in motion
4. Use of obscene or profane gestures or language
5. Harassment of anyone
6. Excessive noise (screaming, yelling, or shouting)
7. Tripping anyone on the bus
8. Blocking the aisle
9. Possession of a lighter or matches.
LEVEL 2 OFFENSES
1. Threatening a bus driver
2. Interfering with police, administrator, or driver
3. Use of tobacco
4. Lighting of any type of fire (matches or lighter)
5. Physical aggression or threat of against another person
6. Theft or robbery
7. Possession of fireworks or ammunition
8. Tampering with emergency equipment (radio, emergency door, light system, or fire extinguisher)
9. Head, arms, or legs out the window of a moving bus
10. Unacceptable sexual conduct
11. Spitting
12. Throwing objects that may cause injury
13. Vandalism of the bus.
14. Running in front of a moving bus.
LEVEL 3 OFFENSES
1. Possession of a handgun, knife, or other weapon
2. Possession of ammunition with intent to detonate
3. Lighting of fireworks
4. Possession of drinking alcohol or illegal drugs
5. Assault on the bus driver
6. Attempting to ride on the outside of the bus
7. Pushing anyone at a moving bus
8. Violent assault on another student
9. Vandalism of the bus (in excess of $100 damage)
10. Opening any emergency exit while bus is moving
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF POLICY
LEVEL 1 OFFENSES
• First offense – Written warning to parents
• Second offense – Written suspension of 1 day off the bus
• Third offense – Written suspension of 3 days off the bus
• Fourth offense – Written suspension of 5 days off the bus and meeting with the principal, parents, driver, and transportation director before child returns to the bus (meeting will be during normal school hours)
• Fifth offense – Loss of bus privilege for 30 days.
LEVEL 2 OFFENSES
• First offense – Written warning to parents and l day off the bus
• Second offense – Written suspension of 3 days off the bus
• Third offense – Written suspension of 5 days off the bus and meeting with the principal, parents, driver, and transportation director before child returns to the us (meeting will be during normal school hours)
• Fourth offense – Loss of bus privilege for 30 days.
LEVEL 3 OFFENSES
• Loss of bus privilege for 30 school days.
Each offense is combined to determine the consequence. Students that receive at the most 5 written bus referrals will be off the bus 30 days. Not just their assigned bus, but all EM buses including activity buses for extra- curricular activities.
Students are not to change buses they were assigned to start the year without the permission of the transportation director. Going home with a friend for a day or two does not constitute changing buses. If in doubt, contact the building principal or the bus driver.
The building principal will assess each case and administer the proper consequences. Appeals should be directed to the building principal. It would be impossible to predict all misbehavior therefore anything not listed will be assessed case by case. Any vandalism to the bus will be the students and/or parents responsibility to pay damages.
Activity trip and activity shuttle misbehavior will be considered at least a LEVEL 2 offense. These trips are not required transportation and misbehavior will not be tolerated.
It is the feeling of the transportation department that we must protect and preserve the rights and safety of all students. With all the traffic we deal with daily, the drivers cannot be distracted for even a second with a cargo that will someday run this great state and country.
Curt Sawyer, Transportation Director
CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENTS NOT BEING PICKED UP AT DESIGNATED BUS PICK-UP LOCATIONS
If a child is not picked up on time at the designated bus pick up location, the child will be taken to the Bus Garage in Le Grand waiting for pick-up.
If this occurs for the second time and taken to the Bus Garage, the parent will provide the Transportation Director with an alternative responsible adult to pick them up at the bus garage.
If this occurs for the third time, the family loses transportation rights for one week. The student needs to be in attendance at school for this time to be counted as time off the bus.
If this occurs for the fourth time, the student loses transportation rights for four weeks. The student needs to be in attendance at school for this time to be counted as time off the bus. The school board will make a decision on whether to keep or rescind the open enrollment.
EXPECTATIONS AT WATERBECK PICK UP/DROP OFF SITE
Students that are disruptive or vandalize at the Waterbeck pick up site will lose their transportation privilege based on the age and severity of the behavior. Adults that disrupt the safe, orderly climate at the Waterbeck pick up site will not be allowed to drop their students off at this pick up site based on the severity of their behavior.
VISITORS TO OUR SCHOOL
Visitors will be expected to “buzz” the office from the outside buzzer system by the front door. To obtain entry into the building, visitors will need to state their name and purpose for coming to the middle school. Then, visitors are asked to report to the middle school office to state in writing their name and business or purpose.
Students are NOT to open doors during the school day, nor leave the school grounds without staff approval. Parents are always welcome in our school. Students wishing to bring other students to school are to pre-approve the visit at least a day in advance with the principal.