501 STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

*Reviewed:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed:  07/12/17
*Reviewed: 7/11/22
 

501.1 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board believes inappropriate student conduct causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment, interferes with the rights of others, or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, personnel, and visitors on school premises.
 
Students shall conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school premises, while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered buses, while attending or engaged in school activities, while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient, management and welfare of the district. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and developmentally appropriate in light of the circumstances.
 
Students who fail to abide by this and other district policies, rules, and administrative regulations supporting the district policies may be disciplined for any of the following:   
                                                                          
  1. Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the educational program;
  2. Conduct which disrupts the orderly and efficient operation of the district or school activity;
  3. Conduct which disrupts the rights of other students to obtain their education or participation in educational activities;
  4. Conduct that is violent or destructive; or
  5. Conduct which interrupts the maintenance of a disciplined atmosphere.
 
Teachers and/or others who are in charge of a classroom must be the administrators of classroom discipline. Therefore, minor disciplinary offenses are the responsibility and obligation of the classroom teacher. When a situation arises wherein the educational process is substantially interfered with, it then becomes the responsibility of the administration to assist in the disposition of the discipline problem. Disciplinary measures, include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion.
 
Impermissible Conduct
 
Students may be disciplined for conduct that violates commonly held notions of unacceptable, immoral or inappropriate behavior that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
 
  1. Open and/or persistent defiance of authority, school rules, and regulations (including extracurricular rules);
  2. Assault or threatened assault on another person;
  3. Extortion, intimidation or coercion;
  4. Inciting others to violate the law or school rules;
  5. Vandalism;
  6. Gambling;
  7. Theft or possession of stolen goods/property;
  8. Sale, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia;
  9. Possession, use or being under the influence of illegal drugs, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.
  10. Possession, use or threatening to use any instrument that is generally considered a weapon, an instrument that is normally not considered a weapon as a weapon, an imitation weapon or an explosive, except that the proper possession and/or proper use of a weapon as pre-approved by the Superintendent in writing shall not constitute misconduct under this policy;
  11. Possession, use or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages;
  12. Use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco or imitation substances;
  13. Profanity;
  14. Possession of pornographic/obscene literature, items or materials;
  15. Student dress which is suggestive, condones illegal activity or in some way disrupts the educational process;
  16. Failure to abide by corrective measures for previous acts of misconduct;
  17. Harassment in any form of another person;
  18. Conduct which discriminates against others based upon an individual's sex, race, national origin, religion or disability;
  19. Destruction, damage, unauthorized use, inappropriate use, and/or manipulation of hardware, software or any aspect or component of the school's electronic information system including the internet; or
  20. Inappropriate sexual conduct including harassment, indecent exposure, and visible display of affection.
 
A student who commits an assault against an employee on district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the district; while on school-owned or school-operated chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in district activities will be suspended by the principal or designee. Notice of the suspension is sent to the Board President. The Board will review the suspension to determine whether to impose further sanctions against the student which may include expulsion.  Assault for purposes of this section of this policy is defined as:
 
  1. Any act which is intended to cause pain or injury to, or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
  2. Any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or
  3. Intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.
 
The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace.
 
Sanctions for Student Misconduct
 
The District may impose a range of disciplinary measures for acts of misconduct.  Disciplinary measures include, but are not limited to, removal from the classroom, detention, suspension, probation, and expulsion. Discipline will be administered depending on the severity and frequency of the acts of misconduct. The imposition of discipline will be within the discretion of the individual responsible for imposing the discipline.  In instances where there has been a violation of the law, as well as school rules, appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted and may become involved in the District's administration of discipline. The school reserves the right to seek restitution from the parents/guardians of a student or the student for damage caused by the student.
 
Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal’s or designee’s office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.
 
Detention means the student’s presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day, or on a non-school day.  Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal, disciplining the student.
 
Suspension means; either an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, a restriction from activities or loss of eligibility. An in-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days. An out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten days. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities.
 
Probation means a student is given a conditional suspension of a penalty for a definite period of time in addition to being reprimanded. The conditional suspension will mean the student must meet the conditions and terms for the suspension of the penalty.  Failure of the student to meet these conditions and terms will result in immediate reinstatement of the penalty.
 
Expulsion means an action by the Board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, or a period of time set by the Board.
 
Following the suspension of a special education student, an informal evaluation of the student’s placement will take place. The Individual Education Program (IEP) is evaluated to determine whether it needs to be changed or modified in response to the behavior that led to the suspension. If a special education student’s suspensions, either in or out of school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team will meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.
 
 
 
*Revised:  01/10/94
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Revised: 10/15/07
*Revised:  01/29/07
*Revised:  10/05/10
*Revised:  05/13/13
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.10 DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WHO MAKE THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR CAUSE INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE

 

Discipline is designed to promote behavior that will enable students to learn and successfully participate in their educational and social environments. The school district discipline policy for students who make a threat of violence or commit an act of violence is developed to help students understand their obligations to others in the school setting, secure the safety of all students, staff, and the community, and to correct student behavior if a violation occurs (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 1). 

 

Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting their age, grade level, and maturity, and with respect and consideration for the rights of others while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school district owned and/or operated school district or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school district activities; and while away from school district grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Consequences for the misconduct will be fair and tailored to the age, grade level, and maturity of the student. 

 

Discipline and other responses to threats or incidents of violence by a student with a disability, including removal from a class, placement in a therapeutic classroom, suspensions, and expulsions, will comply with the provisions of applicable federal and state laws including, but not limited to, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 3).

 

Adopted:  11/13/2023

 
 

501.10R REPORTING A THREAT OF VIOLENCE OR INCIDENT OF VIOLENCE

In the case of any threat of violence or incident of violence that results in injury, property damage or assault by a student, the teacher will report to the school principal or lead administrator within 24 hours of the incident. The principal or lead administrator will notify the parent or guardian of the student(s) who threatened or perpetrated an act of violence and the student(s) who the threatened or perpetrated act of violence was made against within 24 hours after receipt of the teacher’s report and complete an investigation of the incident as soon as possible. The classroom teacher may also notify the parent or guardian of the student who made the threat or caused the incident, and the parent or guardian of the student against whom the threat or incident was directed (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 4).

An investigation will be initiated by the principal or lead administrator upon learning of an incident of violence or threat of violence through any credible means. If the principal or lead administrator finds that an incident of violence or threat of violence did occur, the administrator will determine the level of threat or incident by considering all aspects of the situation, including the student's intent and knowledge of the impact of their actions, their developmental level, and context of the incident. The resolution will focus on identifying the cause behind the behavior and appropriate corrective action (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsections 1 and 4).

A student who makes a threat of violence, causes an incident of violence that results in injury or property damage or who commits an assault, will be subject to escalating levels of discipline for each occurrence. When appropriate, referrals will be made to local law enforcement. The school district retains the authority to assign the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence (2023 Iowa Acts, chapter 96 (House File 604), sec. 7, new section 279.79, subsection 5).

 

Threat of Violence

Threat of violence means a written, verbal, electronic or behavioral message that either explicitly or implicitly expresses an intention to inflict emotional or physical injury, property damage or assault.

 

Incident of Violence

Incident of violence means the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, a group or community or property resulting in injury, property damage or assault.

 

Injury

Injury means “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.” State v. McKee, 312 N.W.2d 907, 913 (Iowa 1981).

 

Property Damage

Property damage means any destruction, damage, impairment or alteration of property to which the individual does not have a right to take such an action. Property means real property, which includes any real estate, building or fixture attached to a building or structure, and personal property, which includes intangible property (Iowa Code section 4.1(21)).

 

Assault

Assault means when, without justification, a student does any of the following: 

an act which is intended to cause pain or injury to or which is intended to result in physical contact which will be insulting or offensive to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or any act which is intended to place another in fear of immediate physical contact which will be painful, injurious, insulting or offensive, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act; or intentionally points any firearm toward another or displays in a threatening manner any dangerous weapon toward another.    

The act is not an assault when the person doing any of the above and the other person are voluntary participants in a sport, social or other activity, not in itself criminal, when the act is a reasonably foreseeable incident of such sport or activity, and does not create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or breach of the peace (Following Iowa Code section 708.1).

 

Levels of Behavior

The following levels are used to determine the school district’s response to situations where the school district has determined that a student has made a threat of violence or caused an incident of violence. The school district’s response will be based upon the administration’s investigation into reports of a threat of violence or an incident of violence, the administration’s application of this policy to the particular facts of each situation, and the administration’s determination of the level of disciplinary measures appropriate to the severity of the threat of violence or incident of violence.

 

Escalating Responses by Grade Band

 

Grades PK-2

Level

Escalating Response

Level 1

 

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

  • Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class

Level 2

 

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health

  • counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

Level 3

 

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to an incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s).

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 3-5

Level

Escalating Response

Level 1

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

  • Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class

Level 2

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

Level 3

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to an incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s).

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; 

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 6-8

Level

Escalating Response

Level 1

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses may include any of the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention; and/or

  • Temporary removal from class.

  • Unless the first offense is unusually serious, the administrator will avoid permanent removal from a class

Level 2

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to the incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate.

Level 3

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to an incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate, with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s).

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities; 

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class;

  • In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

 

Grades 9-12

Level

Escalating Response

Level 1

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Responses to an incident may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary removal from class;

  • In-school suspension; and/or

  • Suspension of transportation if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle

Level 2

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Response to an incident may include the following: 

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class; o In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle; and/or

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate

Level 3

  • Requires parent or guardian notification.

  • Review of response to prior offense, if applicable, to inform increased level of response.

  • Requires individualized educational program (IEP) meeting if the student has an IEP.

  • Response to an incident may include the following:

  • Parent or guardian conference that includes the student, when appropriate;

  • When appropriate and with written parent/guardian consent, counseling, and/or mental health counseling subject to available resources of the district;

  • Behavior intervention student agreement coupled with another response(s);

  • Restitution or opportunities to repair relationships coupled with another response(s);

  • Detention;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from extracurricular activities;

  • Temporary or permanent removal from class; o In-school suspension;

  • Out-of-school suspension;

  • Suspension of transportation privileges if misconduct occurred in a school vehicle;

  • Placement in an alternative learning environment, including a therapeutic classroom, when appropriate; and/or

  • Recommendation for expulsion.

Definitions

Detention means the student's presence is required during non-school hours for disciplinary purposes. The student can be required to appear prior to the beginning of the school day, after school has been dismissed for the day or on a non-school day. Whether a student will serve detention, and the length of the detention, is within the discretion of the licensed employee or the building principal disciplining the student. 

Expulsion means an action by the board to remove a student from the school environment, which includes, but is not limited to, classes and activities, for a period of time set by the board.

In-school suspension means the student will attend school but will be temporarily isolated from one or more classes while under supervision. An in-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days. 

Out-of-school suspension means the student is removed from the school environment, which includes school classes and activities. An out-of-school suspension will not exceed ten consecutive school days unless due process is provided as required by federal and state law. A restriction from school activities means a student will attend school and classes and practice but will not participate in school activities. 

Placement in an alternate learning environment means placement of a student in an environment established apart from the regular educational program that includes rules, staff, and resources designed to accommodate student needs and to provide a comprehensive education consistent with the student learning goals and content standards established by the school district. 

Removal from the classroom means a student is sent to the building principal's office. It is within the discretion of the person in charge of the classroom to remove the student.

 

Adopted:  11/13/2023

 

 

501.11 STUDENT POSSESSION AND USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that respects the rights of others. Misuse of any electronic device whether District or student owned, including personal cell phones, that interferes with a positive, orderly District environment does not respect the rights of others and is expressly forbidden.

As used in this policy, “electronic devices” means anything that can be used to create, capture, transmit or receive audio, images, video or data.

Students are prohibited from using electronic devices in any manner in District buildings, while on District premises, or on District transportation other than for purposes specifically permitted by authorized District personnel.  Authorized student use of electronic devices shall be consistent with and in compliance with all applicable laws and District policies, rules, regulations, and procedures governing the use of electronic devices, District networks, and District internet access.

Students are prohibited from using electronic devices for the purpose of browsing the internet; composing or reading email and text messages or making or answering phone calls will while driving a motor vehicle on school property.

The use of an electronic device is permitted to the extent it is approved in a student’s individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan or it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff or other individuals. The use of electronic devices at District sponsored activities outside the regular school day is permitted to the extent and within the limitations allowed by the event or activity the student is attending.

The student and/or student’s parents or guardians expressly assume any risk associated with students owning or possessing electronic devices. Students misusing electronic devices shall have them confiscated and shall be subject to discipline, including suspension or expulsion.  Confiscated devices may be picked up at the administration office in the appropriate attendance center by the student’s parents or guardians. Students have no right of privacy as to the content contained on electronic devices that have been confiscated.

 
*Adopted: 08/09/21

501.3 POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF WEAPONS

The Board believes weapons that have not been pre-approved in writing by the Superintendent, look-alikes and other dangerous objects on school property cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises, vehicles, or property within the jurisdiction of the district.
 
School property is not an appropriate place for weapons that have not been pre-approved in writing by the Superintendent, look-alikes or dangerous objects.  Weapons that have not been pre-approved in writing by the Superintendent, look-alikes and other dangerous objects shall be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the district or from students who are within the control of the district.
 
Parents/guardians of students found to possess a weapon that has not been pre-approved in writing by the Superintendent, look-alike or dangerous object on school property shall be notified of the incident. Confiscation of weapons that have not been pre-approved in writing by the Superintendent, look-alikes or dangerous objects shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.
 
Students bringing a firearm on school property or to a school sponsored activity without pre-approval in writing by the Superintendent shall be expelled for not less than twelve months and will be referred to law enforcement authorities. The Superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be modified for a student on a case-by-case basis. The Board may establish conditions for readmission for the student and parent/guardian.
 
For purposes of this policy, the term “dangerous object” includes any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed. The term “dangerous object” also includes any instrument or device or any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the individual intends to inflict death or injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being. In addition, dangerous objects or any instrument used as a weapon in the school includes any object used to intimidate, coerce, scare or threaten a student, district employee or visitor.  Dangerous objects therefore include, but are not limited to, clubs, nunchakus, brass knuckles, knives regardless of blade length, stun guns, BB and pellet guns, toy guns used or displayed as real guns, and unloaded guns.
 
Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy.  The principal may allow authorized persons to display weapons or other dangerous objects for educational purposes.  Such a display shall also be exempt from this policy.
 
 
 
*Adopted:  03/13/95
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Reviewed:  01/15/07
*Revised:  10/05/10
*Revised:  05/13/13
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22 

501.4 POSSESSION AND/OR USE OF ILLEGAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

The District and the Board recognize the following as serious violations of the school's disciplinary policy:
 
  1. Possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools;
  2. Possessing, distributing, using, or being under the influence of illegal drugs on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools;
  3. Possessing, distributing, or using drug paraphernalia on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools.
 
Each violation of this policy shall be reviewed by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time after the alleged violation. Both the student and their parents shall have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the administrator before the administrator makes a decision.
 
The penalty for such violations may include suspension or expulsion. Participation in activities, including practices, shall also be prohibited during any period of suspension or expulsion. A student suspended or expelled under this policy will be allowed to return to classes upon completion of the suspension/expulsion period and enrollment in a program of substance abuse evaluation with an agency approved by the district.  It shall be the responsibility of the student and/or their parent to enroll in the program of substance abuse evaluation.
 
School officials will notify law enforcement when a student is suspected of possessing, using, distributing or selling any illegal controlled substance on school property or at school sponsored or approved events off the school grounds at any time, including official school events at other schools, unless reporting would jeopardize the district's at-risk or student assistance program. Such reports must be made before the incident becomes part of the student's record, i.e., before it is written down.
 
This policy does not affect nor rescind policies in effect for students who may also be disciplined through the activity policies of the athletic department or other departments
 
*Revised: 12/13/93
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Revised:  01/15/07
*Revised: 12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.5 STUDENT SUSPENSION

Administrative Action
 
  1. Probation
    1. Probation is conditional suspension of a penalty for a set period of time.  Probation may be imposed by the principal for infractions of school rules, which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
    2. The principal shall conduct an information investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of probationary status. Such investigation shall include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. Written notice of the probation and the reasons therefore shall be sent to the parents.
    3. Should the student breach the condition imposed for probation, the penalty temporarily suspended shall take effect. An investigation similar to that of the informal investigation above shall be made to determine whether the condition imposed has been breached.
  1. In‑School Suspension
    1. In‑school suspension is the temporary isolation of a student from one or more classes while under administrative supervision. In-school suspensions may be imposed by the principal or designee for infractions of school rules which are serious but which do not warrant the necessity of removal from school.
    2. The principal shall conduct an informal investigation of the allegations against the student prior to imposition of an in‑school suspension.  Such an investigation shall include, but not be limited to, written or oral notice to the student of the allegations against the student and an opportunity to respond. In‑school suspension shall not be imposed for a longer period than (10) school days. Written notice of the in‑school suspension and the reasons therefore shall be sent to the student's parents.
  1. Out‑of‑School Suspension
    1. Suspension is the removal of a student from the school environment for periods of short duration. Out of school suspension may be used when other available school resources are unable to constructively remedy student misconduct.
    2. A student may be suspended for up to ten school days by a principal or designee for a commission of gross or repeated infractions of school rules, regulations, policy or the law, or when the presence of the student will cause interference with the maintenance of the educational environment or the operation of the school. The principal may suspend such students after conducting an investigation of the charges against the student, giving the student:
      1. Oral or written notice of the allegations against the student.
      2. The basis in fact for the charges, and
      3. The opportunity to respond to those charges.
      4. At the principal's discretion, the student may be allowed to confront witnesses against the student, or hear witnesses in behalf of the student.
  1. Notice of the out of school suspension shall be mailed no later than the end of the school day following the suspension, to the student's parents, the Superintendent and the Board President. A reasonable effort shall be made to notify the student's parents by telephone or personal contact, and such effort shall be documented by the person making or attempting to make the contact. Written notice to the parents shall include the circumstances involving the student which led to the suspension and a copy of the board policy and rules pertaining to suspension.
  1. Suspensions of Special Education Students
    1. If a special education student’s suspension, either in or out of school, equal ten days on a cumulative basis, a staffing team shall meet to determine whether the IEP is appropriate.
    2. Students who have not been identified as special education students may be referred for evaluation after the student's suspension to determine whether the student is disabled and in need of special education.
 
 
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Revised:  10/15/07
*Revised:  01/29/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.6 STUDENT EXPULSION

Students may be expelled for conduct which violates school rules. The long-term removal of a student from the school environment, including classes and activities, is an expulsion from school. It shall be within the discretion of the Superintendent to recommend to the Board the expulsion of a student for disciplinary purposes. Only the Board may take action to expel a student and to readmit the student. It shall be within the discretion of the Board to discipline a student depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the offense. The principal shall keep records of expulsions in addition to the Board's records.
 
When a student is recommended for expulsion by the Board, the student shall be provided with:
  1. Notice of the reasons for the proposed expulsion;
  2. The names of the witnesses and an oral or written report on the facts to which each witness will testify;
  3. An opportunity to present a defense against the charges and provide either oral testimony or written affidavits of witnesses on the student's behalf;
  4. The right to be represented by counsel;
  5. The results and finding of the Board in writing open to the student's inspection.
In addition to these procedures, a special education student will be provided with the following procedures:
  1. Determine whether the student is actually guilty of the misconduct.
  2. A staffing team should determine whether the student's behavior is caused by the student's disability and whether the conduct is the result of inappropriate placement. Discussions and conclusions of this meeting should be recorded.
  3. If the student's conduct is not caused by the disability, the student may be expelled or suspended for a long‑term period following written notice to the parent and pursuant to the district's expulsion hearing procedures.
  4. If the misconduct is caused by the disability and a change in placement is recommended, the change must be made pursuant to the placement procedures used by the district.
  5. If a change in placement is not recommended, a determination must be made as to how to cope with the student in the future.
 
 
*Revised:  03/21/94
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Revised:  10/15/07
*Reviewed:  01/15/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.7 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

The Board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the district.
 
District property is held in public trust by the Board. District officials (meaning licensed school employees and unlicensed school employees employed for security or supervision purposes) may, without a search warrant, search students, students lockers, personal effects, desks, or work areas, based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated. The search shall be in a manner reasonable in scope and conducted in a manner that maintains order and discipline in the schools, promotes the educational environment, and protects the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the district facilities.
 
The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, shall not create a protected student area and shall not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect the locker, desk, or other facility.
 
Notwithstanding the requirements stated above, school officials may conduct periodic inspections of all or a randomly selected number of student lockers. At the beginning of each school year, the district shall provide written notice to each student and the student's parents, guardians, or legal custodians that school officials may conduct periodic inspections of all school lockers without prior notice. An inspection of the lockers may be accomplished using such methods including, but not limited to, a visual search of lockers by school officials or the use, by school officials or others retained at their direction, or a drug sniffing animal.
 
In conducting their searches and inspections, school officials may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search. Items of contraband include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  These items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered buses or vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the district.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.
 
 
*Revised:  02/09/98
*Reviewed:  01/15/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed: 05/04/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11.22

501.7R SEARCH AND SEIZURE REGULATIONS

  1. General Searches
    1. Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion: A search of a student will be justified when there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law or district policy, rules or regulations affecting school order. Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:​
      1. Eyewitness observations by employees;​
      2. Information received from reliable sources;​
      3. Suspicious behavior by the student; or​
      4. The student's past history and school record, although this factor alone is not sufficient to provide the basis for reasonable suspicion.​
    2. Reasonable Scope: A search will be permissible in its scope or intrusiveness when the measures adopted are reasonably related to the objectives of the search. Reasonableness of scope or intrusiveness may be determined based on factors such as the following:​
      1. The age of the student;​
      2. The gender of the student;​
      3. The nature of the infraction; and​
      4. The existence of an emergency requiring the search without delay.​
  2. Types of Searches​
    1. Personal Searches​
      1. A student's person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, backpack, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion to believe the student is in possession of illegal or contraband items or has violated district policies, rules, regulations or the law affecting school order;​
      2. Personally intrusive searches will require more compelling circumstances to be considered reasonable.​
        1. If a pat-down search or a search of a student's garments (such as jackets, socks, pockets, etc.) is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same gender as the student and with another adult witness of the same gender present, when feasible.​
        2. A more intrusive search, short of a strip search, of the student's person, handbags, book bags, etc., is permissible in emergency situations when the health and safety of students, employees or visitors are threatened. Such a search may only be conducted in private by a school official of the same gender as the student, with an adult of the same gender present unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay which may be caused by following these procedures.​
    2. Locker and Desk Inspections​
      1. Although school lockers and desks are temporarily assigned to individual students, they remain the property of the district at all times. The district has a reasonable and valid interest in insuring the lockers and desks are properly maintained. Allowing a student to use a separate lock on a locker or desk owned by the school and provided to the student shall also not give rise to an expectation of privacy on a student's part with respect to that locker, desk, facility or space. ​
      2. For the reasons articulated above, lockers and desks are subject to unannounced inspections and students have no legitimate expectations of privacy in the locker or desk. Periodic inspections of all or a random selection of lockers or desks may be conducted by school officials in the presence of the student or another individual.  An inspection of a school locker or desk owned by the school and provided as courtesy to a student may be accomplished by using such methods including, but not limited to, a visual search of lockers, desks or other facilities or spaces by school officials or the use by school officials or others retained at their discretion, of a drug sniffing animal.​
      3. The contents of a student's locker or desk (coat, backpack, purse, etc.) may be searched when a school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion that the contents contains illegal or contraband items or evidence of a violation of law or school policy or rule.  Such searches should be conducted in the presence of another adult witness when feasible.​
      4. Any contraband discovered during such searches will be confiscated by school officials and may be turned over to law enforcement officials.​
      5. At the beginning of each school year, the district shall provide written notice to all students and the student's parents, guardians, or legal custodians, that school officials may conduct periodic inspections without prior notice of school lockers, desks, and other facilities or spaces owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student.
    3. Automobile Searches​
      1. Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. As part of its routine patrols of the student parking lots, school officials may use such methods including, but not limited to, visual inspections of student parking lots, student automobiles, and/or the interior of a student's automobile or the use, by the school officials or others retained at their direction, of a drug sniffing animal to inspect student parking lots and student automobiles.​
      2. The interior of a student's automobile on the school premises may be searched if the school official has reasonable and articulable suspicion to believe that illegal, unauthorized or contraband items are contained inside.             
 
 
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Reviewed:  01/15/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.7E SEARCH AND SEIZURE CHECKLIST

What factors caused you to have a reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search of this student or the student's effects or automobile would turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, school policy, rules or regulations affecting school order?

 

  1. Eyewitness account.​

    1. By whom: __________________________________________________​

    2. Date/Time: _________________________________________________​

    3. Place:______________________________________________________​

    4. What was seen:______________________________________________​___________________________________________________________​

  2. Information from a reliable source. ​

    1. From whom:_________________________________________________​

    2. Time Received:______________________________________________​

    3. How information was received:__________________________________ ​___________________________________________________________​

    4. Who received the information: __________________________________​

    5. Describe information:__________________________________________​___________________________________________________________​

  3. Suspicious behavior? Explain. ________________________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  4. Student's past history? Explain._______________________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  5. Time of search: __________________________________________________​

  6. Location of search:  _______________________________________________​

  7. Student told purpose of search:  _____________________________________​

  8. Consent of student requested:  ______________________________________​

  9. Was the search you conducted reasonable in terms of scope and intrusiveness?​

    1. What were you searching for: ___________________________________​

    2. Where did you search: ________________________________________​

    3. Sex of the student: ___________________________________________​

    4. Age of the student:  ___________________________________________​

    5. Emergency of the situation:  ____________________________________​

    6. What type of search was being conducted:  ________________________​

    7. Who conducted the search:  ____________________________________ ​

      1. Position:  ______________________       Sex:  ________________​

    8. Witness(s):  _________________________________________________​

  10. Explanation of Search. ______________________________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  11. Describe the time and location of the search: ____________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  12. Describe exactly what was searched:  __________________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  13. What did the search yield: ___________________________________________​________________________________________________________________

  14. What was seized:  _________________________________________________​________________________________________________________________​

  15. Were any materials turned over to law enforcement officials?  _______________________________________________________________

  16. Were parents notified of the search including the reason for it and the scope:  ________________________________________________________________​________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                                   
 
*Adopted:  04/09/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.8 STUDENT LOCKERS

Student lockers are the property of the district and are provided as a courtesy to the school's students. The fact that the school furnishes lockers to students or allows students to use a separate lock on their lockers, does not give rise to an expectation of privacy on the student's part with respect to their lockers. Students shall use the lockers assigned to them by the district for storing their school materials and personal belongings necessary for attendance at school. It shall be the responsibility of students to keep their assigned lockers clean and undamaged.
 
At the beginning of each school year, the school will provide written notice to each student and the student's parents, guardians, or legal custodians that school officials may periodically inspect all or a randomly selected number of lockers without prior notice. Any inspection of lockers shall only occur either in the presence of the student(s) whose lockers are being inspected or in the presence of at least one other person.  A locker inspection may be accomplished by using such methods including, but not limited to, a visual search of lockers by school officials or the use by school officials or others retained at their direction, of a drug sniffing animal.
 
*Revised:  02/09/98
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Reviewed:  01/15/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.9 QUESTIONING OF STUDENTS

District officials and employees may interview students during the school day.  Generally, persons other than parents and school district officials and employees may not interview students during the school day. For purposes of this policy, the school juvenile court officer shall be considered a school employee.
 
Requests from law enforcement officers and from persons other than parents, district officials, and employees to interview students are made through the principal's office. Upon receiving a request, it is the responsibility of the principal to determine whether the request will be granted. Generally, prior to granting a request, the principal will attempt to contact the parents to inform them of the request and to ask them to be present.
 
If a child abuse investigator wishes to interview a student, the principal will determine whether the student should be interviewed independently from the student's parents, whether the school is the most appropriate setting for the interview, and who will be present during the interview.
 
Students will not be taken from school without the consent of the principal.
 
 
 
*Adopted:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.9R QUESTIONING OF STUDENTS REGULATIONS

  1. Investigation Conducted in the Educational Environment

    1. Interviews Initiated by School Administrators

      1. Conducted by Administrators

        1. Principals shall have the authority to conduct investigations and to question students pertaining to infractions of school rules, whether or not the alleged conduct is a violation of criminal law.

      2. Conducted by Law Enforcement Officers

        1. The principal/designee shall determine when the necessity exists that law enforcement officers be contacted to conduct an investigation of alleged criminal behavior.

        2. The principal/designee may request that law enforcement officers conduct an investigation of alleged criminal behavior during school hours. A reasonable attempt shall be made to contact the student's parents, guardian or representative prior to questioning of students by law enforcement officers.  Such contacts or attempted contacts with parents, guardian or representative shall be documented by the administrator involved. In the absence of a student's parents, guardian or representative during any questioning of such students, the principal or other designated licensed school staff person shall be present.

        3. If the investigation has centered on any particular student suspected of such alleged criminal activity, the procedure of taking students into custody by the police set forth in Section II shall be followed to the extent that they do not interfere with reasonable law enforcement procedures.

    2. Interviews Initiated by Law Enforcement Officers

      1. Although cooperation with law enforcement officers will be maintained, it should not normally be necessary for law enforcement officers to initiate and conduct any investigation and questioning on the school premises during school hours pertaining to criminal activities unrelated to the operation of the school. Only in demonstrated emergency situations, when law enforcement officers find it absolutely necessary, will they be voluntarily permitted to conduct such an investigation during school hours. These circumstances should ordinarily be limited to those in which delay might result in danger to any person, or flight from the jurisdiction of a person reasonably suspected of a crime or destruction of evidence.

      2. In such cases, the officers shall be requested to obtain prior approval of the principal/designee before beginning such an investigation on school premises. The administrator shall document the circumstances of such investigations as soon as practicable.  Alleged criminal behavior related to the school environment brought to the principal's attention by law enforcement officers shall be dealt with under Iowa law.

    3. Questioning of Students During Investigation

      1. Violations of School Rules

        1. In instances where school rules have allegedly been violated, the principal/designee may contact the suspected rule violator or potential witness to the infraction.

        2. The suspected student shall be advised orally or in writing of the nature of the alleged offense and of the evidence, if any, against the student.

        3. In questioning a potential student witness to an alleged disciplinary infraction, care should be taken by the administrator to insure that there is a reasonable likelihood that the student was indeed a witness.

      2. Violations of Criminal Law

        1. During an investigation of violation of school rules, it may come to the attention of the administrator that the investigated activity may also be a violation of criminal law.  In proceeding with the investigation, the principal/designee can attempt to ascertain whether there is sufficient justification to believe that a criminal offense was committed that warrants contacting law enforcement officials.

        2. Where a suspected violation of criminal law has occurred on the school grounds, involving the operation of the school or during a school-sponsored activity, law enforcement officials may be notified and their presence requested for the questioning of suspected students. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise, questioning of the student shall not begin or continue until the law enforcement officers arrive.  Reasonable attempts shall be made to contact a student's parents, guardian or representative who, unless an emergency exists, shall be given the opportunity to confer with the student and to be present with the student during such questioning. The administrator shall document the contact or attempted contact with the student's parents, guardian or representative. The law enforcement officers may wish to advise the student of his/her legal rights.

  2. Taking a Student into Custody

    1. Students may not be released to law enforcement authorities voluntarily by school officials unless the student has been placed under arrest or unless the parent, guardian or representative and the student agrees to the release. Administrators shall make reasonable objections to law enforcement authorities who attempt to remove students from school without placing them under arrest or without the acquiescence of the parent, guardian or representative and the student. When students are removed from school for any reason by law enforcement authorities, reasonable efforts will be made to contact the student's parents, guardian or representative immediately. Such effort shall be documented. The Superintendent's office shall be notified immediately of any removal of a student from school by law enforcement officers under any circumstances.

    2. Where it is necessary to take a student into custody on school premises, and the time permits, the law enforcement officer shall be requested to contact the school principal/designee and relate the circumstances necessitating such action. When possible, the principal/designee shall have the student summoned to the principal's office where the student may be taken into custody.

    3. When an emergency exists, the school principal/designee may summon law enforcement officials to the school to take a student into custody.

    4. When a student has been taken into custody or arrested on school premises without prior notification to the principal/designee, the school staff present shall encourage the law enforcement officers to notify the principal/designee of the circumstances as quickly as possible. In the event that the officers decline to notify the principal/designee, the school staff members present shall immediately notify the principal/designee.

    5. If possible, parents, guardian or representative of the student shall be notified by the principal or other school administrator before the student is taken into custody by law enforcement officers or as quickly thereafter as can be accomplished. The administrator shall document such notification or attempted notification.

  3. Disturbance of School Environment

    1. Law enforcement officers may be requested to assist in controlling disturbances of the school environment which the principal or other school administrator has found to be unmanageable by school personnel or has the potential of causing harm to students and other persons or to property. Such potential of possible harm includes members of the general public who have exhibited inappropriate or illegal conduct on school premises or at a school event held on school property and who have been requested to leave by an administrator, but have refused or failed to do so.

  4. Disseminating and Reviewing Policies

    1. This policy shall regularly be disseminated to staff members. School staff members shall be apprised of the contents of these provisions as they are updated, and at least annually.

    2. School administrators are encouraged to meet at least annually with local law enforcement officials to discuss the district's policy and rules regarding law enforcement contacts with the district. Law enforcement officials will be asked to instruct their staff as to the terms of the school's policy and rules.

 

 
 
*Adopted:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed: 07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22

501.10 USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The Board supports the use of video cameras on school property, including buses as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees. The contents of the videotapes may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.

STUDENT RECORDS

The content of the videotapes is a student record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records. Only those persons with a legitimate purpose may view the videotapes. In most instances, those individuals with a legitimate educational purpose may be the Superintendent, building principal, directors, teachers, school bus operator, special education staff team, parent or parents and guardian. A videotape recorded during a school sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the videotape becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceeding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.

NOTICE

The district will annually provide notice to students and parents regarding the use of video cameras.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Students are prohibited from tampering with the video cameras. Students found in violation of this regulation shall be disciplined in accordance with the school district discipline policy and shall reimburse the district for any repairs or replacement necessary as a result of the tampering.

 

*Adopted: 01/13/97
*Reviewed:  04/08/02
*Revised: 01/15/07
*Revised:  12/13/10
*Reviewed:  05/14/12
*Reviewed:  07/10/17
*Revised: 7/11/22