Definitions

Children who are identified as meeting the Federal definition of "homeless" will be provided free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the same manner as well as all other students of the District. To that end, homeless students will not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless. The District shall establish safeguards that protect homeless students from discrimination on the basis of their homelessness. The District shall regularly review and revise its policies, including school discipline policies that impact homeless students, including those who may be a member of any of the Protected Classes (Policy 2260). 

Homeless children and youth are defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and include children and youth who meet any of the following criteria: 

• share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason

• live in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations 

• live in emergency or transitional shelters

• are abandoned in hospitals 

• have a primary night time residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, or 

• live in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting 

Pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act, an unaccompanied youth includes a homeless child or youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

Services to Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

The District will provide services to homeless students that are comparable to other students in the District, including: 

• transportation services

• public preschool programs and other educational programs and services for which the homeless student meets eligibility criteria including:

  • programs for children with disabilities 

  • programs for English learners (ELs) (i.e. students with limited English proficiency (LEP))

  • programs in career and technical education 

  • programs for gifted and talented students 

  • school nutrition programs

  • before - and after- school programs 

The District Administrator will appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children who will perform the duties as assigned by the District Administrator. Additionally, the Liaison will coordinate and collaborate with the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth as well as with community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths. For more information on the role of the Liaison, refer to AG 5111.01. 

School Stability 

Maintaining a stable school environment is crucial to a homeless student's success in school. To ensure stability, the District must make school placement determinations based on the "best interest" of the homeless child or youth based on student-centered factors. The District must: 

• continue the student's education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness when a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year; and for the remainder of the academic year even if the child or youth becomes permanently housed during an academic year; or

• enroll the student in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend. 

The school of origin is the school the student attended or enrolled in when permanently housed, including a public preschool. The school of origin also includes the designated receiving school at the next level for feeder school patterns, when the student completes the final grade level at the school of origin. 

When determining the student's best interest, the District must also consider student-centered factors, including the impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety of homeless students and give priority to the request of the student's parent or guardian, or youth (if an unaccompanied youth). The District also considers the school placement of siblings when making this determination. 

If the District finds that it is not in the student's best interest to attend the school of origin of the school requested by the parent or guardian, or an unaccompanied youth, the District must provide the individual with a written explanation and reason for the determination in a manner and form understandable to the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth. This written explanation will include appeal rights and be provided in a timely manner. 

Immediate Enrollment 

The District has an obligation to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of homeless students. A school chosen on the basis of a best interest determination must immediately enroll the homeless student, even if the student does not have the documentation typically necessary for enrollment, such as immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, proof of guardianship, birth certificate or previous academic records. The homeless student must also be enrolled immediately regardless of whether the student missed application or enrollment deadlines during the period of homelessness or has outstanding fines or fees. 

The enrolling school must immediately contact the school last attended by the homeless student to obtain relevant academic or other records. If the student needs immunization or other health records, the enrolling school must immediately refer the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth to the local liaison, who will help obtain the immunizations, screenings or other required health records. Records usually maintained by the school must be kept so that they are available in a timely fashion if the child enters a new school or district. These records include immunization or other required health records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, and evaluations for special services or programs. Procedures for inter-State records transfer between schools should be taken into account in order to facilitate immediate enrollment. 

In addition, the District will also make sure that, once identified for services, the homeless student is attending classes and not facing barriers to accessing academic and extracurricular activities, including magnet school, summer school, career and technical education, advanced placement, online learning, and charter school programs (if available). 

Transportation 

The District provides homeless students with transportation services that are comparable those available to non-homeless students. The District also provides or arranges for transportation to and from the school of origin at the parent or guardian's request, or the liaison's request in the case of an unaccompanied youth. Transportation is arranged promptly to allow for immediate enrollment and will not create barriers to a homeless students attendance, retention, and success. 

• If the homeless student continues to live in the District, where the school of origin is located, transportation will be provided or arranged for the student's transportation to or from the school of origin. 

• If the homeless student moves to an area served by another district though continuing their education at the school of origin (which is in the District), the District and the district in which the student resides must agree upon a method to apportion, responsibility and costs for transportation to the school of origin. If the districts cannot agree upon such a method, the responsibility and costs will be shared equally. 

• When the student obtains permanent housing, transportation shall be provided to and from the school of origin until the end of the school year. 

The District determines the mode of transportation in consultation with the parent or guardian and based on the best interest of the student. 

In accordance with Federal law, the above transportation requirements still apply during the resolution of any dispute. The District will work with the State to resolve transportation disputes with other districts. If the disputing district is in another State, the District will turn to the State for assistance as Federal guidance says that both States should try to arrange an agreement for the districts. 

Dispute Resolution 

Homeless families and youths have the right to challenge placement and enrollment decisions. If a dispute arises between a school and a parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth regarding eligibility, school selection, or enrollment of a homeless student, the District must follow its dispute resolution procedures, consistent with the State established procedures. If such a dispute occurs, the District will immediately enroll in the homeless student in the school in which enrollment is sought pending final resolution of the dispute, including all appeals. The student will receive all services for which they are eligible until all disputes and appeals are resolved. 

Pursuant to State, District and Board Education policies, the District will provide the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of all decisions regarding school selection and enrollment made by the school, District, or State, along with a written explanation of appeal rights. 

The District's notice and written explanation about the reason for its decision will include, at a minimum, an explanation of how the school reached its decision regarding eligibility, school selection, or enrollment, including 1) a description of the proposed or refused action by the school, 2) an explanation of why the action is proposed or refused, 3) a description of other options the school considered and why those option were rejected, 4) a description of any other relevant factors to the school's decision and information related to the eligibility or best interest determination such as the facts, witnesses, and evidence relied upon and their sources, and 5) an appropriate timeline to ensure deadlines are not missed. The District must also include contact information for the Liaison and the State Coordinator, and a brief description of their roles. The District will also refer the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth to the Liaison, who will carry out the dispute resolution process. 

The District ensures that all decisions and notices are drafted in a language and format appropriate for low-literacy, limited vision readers, and individuals with disabilities. For children and youth and/or parents or guardians who are English learners or whose dominate language is not English, the District will provide translation and interpretation services in connection with all phases of dispute resolution process pursuant to Federal laws. The District will also provide electronic notices via email if the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth has access to email followed by a written notice provided in person or sent by mail. 

Children Experiencing Homelessness in Preschool 

Homeless preschool-aged children and their families shall be provided equal access to the educational services for which they are eligible, including preschool programs, including Head Start programs, administered by the District. Additionally, the homeless child must remain in the public preschool of origin, unless a determination is made that it is not in the child's nest interest.  When making such a decision on the student's best interest, the District takes into account the same factors as it does for any student, regardless of age. It also considers pre-0school age specific factors such as 1) the child's attachment to preschool teachers and staff; 2) the impact of school climate on the child, including school safety; the quality and availability of services to meet the child's needs, including health, developmental, and social-emotional needs; and 3) travel time to and from school. 

The District must also provide transportation services to the school of origin for a homeless child attending preschool. It is the District's responsibility to provide the child with transportation to the school of origin even if the homeless preschooler who is enrolled in a public preschool in the District moves to another district that does not provide widely available or universal preschool. 

Public Notice 

In addition to notifying the parent or guardian of the homeless student or the unaccompanied youth of the applicable rights described above, the District shall post public notices of educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness in each school. In addition, the District shall post public notice of the McKinney-Vento rights in places that homeless populations frequent, such as shelters, soup kitchens, and libraries in a manner and form understandable to the parents and guardians and unaccompanied youths.  

Records 

The local liaison will assist the homeless students and their parent(s) or guardian(s) or unaccompanied homeless students in their efforts to provide documentation to meet State and local requirements for entry into school. 

All records for homeless students shall be maintained, subject to the protections of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Policy 8330, and in such a manner so that they are available in a timely fashion and can be transferred promptly to the appropriate parties, as required. Pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act, information regarding a homeless student's living situation is not considered directory information and mist be provided the same protections as other non-directory personally identifiable information (PII) contained in student education records under FERPA. The District shall incorporate practices to protect student privacy as described in AG 5111.01, AG 8330, and in accordance with the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) an d the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). 

No Board policy, administrative procedure, or practice will be interpreted or applied in such a way as to inhibit the enrollment, attendance, or school success of homeless children. 

Revised 04/17/2017

The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire community. 

As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive means. 

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

• all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Wisconsin statute

• all chemicals which release toxic vapors;

• all alcoholic beverages;

• any prescription or patent drugs, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;

• "look-alikes";

• anabolic steroids;

• any other illegal substance so designated and prohibited by law. 

The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug and any drug-paraphernalia at anytime on District property or at any District-related event. 

The District Administrator shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in the schools including education, prevention, and standards of conduct. Education shall be intended to develop awareness of drug abuse, including prescription drug abuse, and prevention; the relationship between highway safety and the use of alcohol and controlled substance, including prescription drugs; and the relationship between youth suicide and the use of alcohol and controlled substances, including prescription drugs. 

Revised 3/29/17

Prohibited Harassment

It is the policy of the Board to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of harassment. This policy applies to conduct occurring in any manner or setting over which the Board can exercise control, including on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.

 

The Board will not tolerate any form of harassment and will take all necessary and appropriate actions to eliminate it, including suspension or expulsion of students and disciplinary action against any other individual in the School District community. Additionally, appropriate action will be taken to stop and otherwise deal with any third party who engages in harassment against our students.

 

The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on the traits of sex (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws (hereinafter referred to as "Protected Classes"), and encourages those within the School District community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify such problems. Additionally, the Board prohibits harassing behavior directed at students for any reason, even if not based on one (1) of the Protected Classes, through its policies on bullying (See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying).

 

Harassment may occur student-to-student, student-to-staff, staff-to-student, male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male, or female-to-female. The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment and in those cases where harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps designed to end the harassment, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects. Individuals who are found to have engaged in harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

 

For purposes of this policy, "School District community" means individuals, students, administrators, teachers, staff, and as well as Board members, agents, volunteers, contractors, or other persons subject to the control and supervision of the Board.

 

For purposes of this policy, "third parties" include, but are not limited to, guests and/or visitors on District property (e.g., visiting speakers, participants on opposing athletic teams parent), vendors doing business with, or seeking to do business with the Board, and other individuals who come in contact with members of the School District community at school-related events/activities (whether on or off District property).

Other Violations of the Anti-Harassment Policy

The Board will also take immediate steps to impose disciplinary action on individuals engaging in any of the following prohibited acts:

• Retaliating against a person who has made a report or filed a complaint alleging harassment, or who has participated as a witness in a harassment investigation;

• Filing a malicious or knowingly false report or complaint of harassment;

• Disregarding, failing to investigate adequately, or delaying the investigation of allegations of harassment, when responsibility for reporting and/or investigating harassment charges comprises part of one's supervisory duties.

Definitions

Bullying

• Bullying is prohibited by Board Policy 5517.01 – Bullying. It is defined as deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Furthermore, it may be serious enough to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well-being. Bullying need not be based on any Protected Classes. Bullying behavior rises to the level of harassment when the prohibited conduct is based upon the student’s sex (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights. Complaints brought under this policy that are more appropriately handled under the Bullying policy shall be referred for investigation consistent with the procedures in that policy.

Harassment

• Harassment means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student based on one (1) or more of the student’s Protected Classes that:

  • places a student in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property;

  • has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or

  • has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Sexual Harassment

• "Sexual harassment" is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

  • submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of access to educational opportunities or program;

  • submission or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual's education;

  • that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender.

Prohibited acts that constitute sexual harassment may take a variety of forms. Examples of the kinds of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse;

• unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;

• unwelcome, sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching, or physical contact, other than necessary restraint of students by teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property;

• unwelcome sexual behavior or words including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual's educational status;

• unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's educational status;

• unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender;

Examples are:

1. repeatedly asking a person for dates or sexual behavior after the person has indicated no interest;

2. rating a person's sexuality or attractiveness;

3. staring or leering at various parts of another person's body;

4. spreading rumors about a person's sexuality;

5. letters, notes, telephones calls, or materials of a sexual nature;

6. displaying pictures, calendars, cartoons, or other materials with sexual content.

• inappropriate boundary invasions by a District employee or other adult member of the District community into a student's personal space and personal life;

Boundary invasions may be appropriate or inappropriate. Appropriate boundary invasions make medical or educational sense. For example, a teacher or aide assisting a kindergartner after a toileting accident or a coach touching a student during wrestling or football can be appropriate. However other behaviors might be going too far, are inappropriate and may be signs of sexual grooming.

Inappropriate boundary invasions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• hugging, kissing, or other physical contacts with a student;

• telling sexual jokes to students;

• engaging in talk containing sexual innuendo or banter with students;

• talking about sexual topics that are not related to the curriculum;

• showing pornography to a student;

• taking an undue interest in a student (i.e. having a "special friend" or a "special relationship");

• initiating or extending contact with students beyond the school day for personal purposes;

• using e-mail, text messaging or websites to discuss personal topics or interests with students;

• giving students rides in the staff member's personal vehicle or taking students on personal outings without administrative approval;

• invading a student's privacy (e.g. walking in on the student in the bathroom, locker-room, asking about bra sizes or previous sexual experiences);

• going to a student's home for non-educational purposes;

• inviting students to the staff member's home without proper chaperones (i.e. another staff member or parent of a student);

• giving gifts or money to a student for no legitimate educational purpose;

• accepting gifts or money from a student for no legitimate educational purpose;

• being overly "touchy" with students;

• favoring certain students by inviting them to come to the classroom at non-class times;

• getting a student out of class to visit with the staff member;

• providing advice to or counseling a student regarding a personal problem (i.e. problems related to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health, and/or family relationships, etc.), unless properly licensed and authorized to do so;

• talking to a student about problems that would normally be discussed with adults (i.e. marital issues);

• being alone with a student behind closed doors without a legitimate educational purpose;

• telling a student "secrets" and having "secrets" with a student. 

Inappropriate boundary invasions are prohibited and must be reported promptly to one of the District Compliance Officers, as designated in this policy, the Building Principal or the District Administrator.

• remarks speculating about a person's sexual activities or sexual history, or remarks about one's own sexual activities or sexual history; and

• verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

It is further the policy of the Board that a sexual relationship between staff and students is not permissible in any form or under any circumstances, in or out of the workplace, in that it interferes with the educational process and may involve elements of coercion by reason of the relative status of a staff member to a student.

Not all behavior with sexual connotations constitutes sexual harassment. Sex-based or gender-based conduct must be sufficiently severe, pervasive, and persistent such that it adversely affects, limits, or denies an individual's education, or such that it creates a hostile or abusive educational environment, or such that it is intended to, or has the effect of, denying or limiting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program or activities.

In addition to investigating and taking appropriate corrective action in instances of harassment, or of sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct, the District shall make available to the victim of such harassment or misconduct resources to assist the student with coping with the effects of victimization. The school counseling services shall identify available resources in the community and provide assistance to students in contacting such resources if desired by the student. The District will not directly provide or pay for assistance unless such services are available in the District program or the Board otherwise approves.

Race/Color Harassment

Prohibited racial harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's race or color and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's race or color, such as racial slurs, nicknames implying stereotypes, epithets, and/or negative references relative to racial customs.

Religious (Creed) Harassment

Prohibited religious harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's religion or creed and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's work or educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's religious tradition, clothing, or surnames, and/or involves religious slurs.

National Origin Harassment

Prohibited national origin harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's national origin and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working and/or learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin, such as negative comments regarding customs, manner of speaking, language, surnames, or ethnic slurs.

Disability Harassment

Prohibited disability harassment occurs when unwelcome physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct is based upon an individual's physical, mental, emotional or learning disability and when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the individual's educational performance; of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning environment; or of interfering with one's ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity. Such harassment may occur where conduct is directed at the characteristics of a person's disabling condition, such as negative comments about speech patterns, movement, physical impairments or defects/appearances, or the like.

Reporting Procedures

Students and all other members of the School District community, as well as third parties, are encouraged to promptly report incidents of harassing conduct to a teacher, administrator, supervisor, or District employee or official so that the Board may address the conduct before it becomes severe, pervasive, or persistent. Any teacher, administrator, supervisor, or other District employee or official who receives such a complaint shall file it with the District’s Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer at his/her first opportunity.

Students who believe they have been subjected to harassment are entitled to utilize the Board's complaint process that is set forth below. Initiating a complaint will not adversely affect the complaining individual's participation in educational or extra-curricular programs unless the complaining individual makes the complaint maliciously or with the knowledge that it is false.

If, during an investigation of a reported act of bullying and/or harassment in accordance with Policy 5517.01 – Bullying, the principal determines that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted harassment based on sex (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws, the principal will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one (1) of the Compliance Officers who shall assume responsibility to investigate the allegation in accordance with this policy.

Reporting procedures are as follows:

1. Any student who believes s/he has been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy will be encouraged to report the alleged harassment to any District employee, such as a teacher, administrator or other employee.

2. Any parent of a student who believes the student has been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy is encouraged to report the alleged harassment to the student’s teacher, building administrator, or District Administrator.

3. Teachers, administrators, and other school officials who have the knowledge or received notice that a student has or may have been the victim of harassment prohibited under this policy shall immediately report the alleged harassment to the Compliance Officer.

4. Any other person with knowledge or belief that a student has or may have been the victim of harassment prohibited by this policy shall be encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to any District employee, such as a teacher, administrator or other employees.

5. The reporting party or Complainant shall be encouraged to use a report form available from the District office, but oral reports shall be considered complaints as well. The use of formal reporting forms shall not be mandated. However, all oral complaints shall be reduced to writing.

6. To provide individuals with options for reporting harassment to an individual of the gender with which they feel most comfortable, each school's building principal shall be advised to designate both a male and a female Compliance Officer for receiving reports of harassment prohibited by this policy. At least one (1) Complaint Coordinator or other individual shall be available outside regular school hours to address complaints of harassment that may require immediate attention.

District Compliance Officers

The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s "Compliance Officers" (hereinafter referred to as the "COs").

Tom Dechant

Director of Pupil Services

715-524-4616

218 County Rd B.

Shawano, WI 54166

tdechant@shawanoschools.org 

 

The names, titles, and contact information of these individuals will be published annually:

• in the staff handbooks.

• on the School District's web site.

 

A CO will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to l harassment, to assist students, other members of the School District community, and third parties who seek support or advice when informing another individual about "unwelcome" conduct, or to intercede informally on behalf of the student.

Any Board employee who directly observes harassment of a student is obligated, in accordance with this policy, to report such observations to one (1) of the COs within two (2) business days. Thereafter, the CO must contact the student, if over age eighteen (18) or the student's parents if under the age eighteen (18), within two (2) business days to advise s/he/them of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged misconduct, including the obligation of the compliance officer to conduct an investigation following all the procedures outlined in the complaint procedures.

The COs Compliance Officers are assigned to accept complaints of harassment directly from any member of the School District community or a visitor to the District, or to receive complaints that are initially filed with a school building administrator. Upon receipt of a complaint, either directly or through a school building administrator, a CO will begin review and investigation or the CO will designate a specific individual to conduct such a process. The CO will prepare recommendations for the District Administrator or will oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee. All members of the School District community must report incidents of harassment that are reported to them to the Compliance Officer as soon as possible, but always within no more than two (2) calendar days of learning of the incident.

Investigation and Complaint Procedure

Any student who believes that s/he has been subjected to harassment may seek resolution of his/her complaint through the procedures described below. Further, a process for investigating claims of harassment and a process for rendering a decision regarding whether the claim of unlawful harassment was substantiated are set forth below.

Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. Once the formal complaint process is begun, the investigation will be completed in a timely manner (ordinarily, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the complaint being received).

If at any time during the investigation process the investigator determines that the complaint is properly defined as Bullying, under Policy 5517.01 - Bullying and not Harassment under this Policy, because the conduct at issue is not based on a student’s Protected Characteristics, the investigator shall transfer the investigation to the appropriate building principal.

Complaint Procedure

A student who believes s/he has been subjected to harassment hereinafter referred to as the "Complainant", may file a complaint, either orally or in writing with a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student’s school, the CO, District Administrator, or other District employee who works at another school or at the District level. Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of harassment, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) days after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available. If a Complainant informs a teacher, principal, or other District employee at the student’s school, the CO, District.

Administrator, or other District employee, either orally or in writing, about any complaint of harassment, that employee must report such information to the CO or designee within two (2) business days.

Throughout the course of the process, as described herein, the CO should keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation and the decision-making process.

All complaints must include the following information to the extent it is available: the identity of the individual believed to have engaged in, or to be actively engaging in harassment; a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based; and a list of potential witnesses.

If the Complainant is unwilling or unable to provide a written statement including the information set forth above, the CO shall ask for such details in an oral interview. Thereafter the CO will prepare a written summary of the oral interview, and the Complainant will be asked to verify the accuracy of the reported charge by signing the document.

Upon receiving a complaint, the CO will consider whether any action should be taken in the investigatory phase to protect the complainant from further harassment or retaliation including but not limited to a change of class schedule for the complainant or the alleged harasser, or possibly a change of school for either or both of the parties. In making such a determination, the Compliance Officer should consult the Principal prior to any action being taken. The Complainant should be notified of any proposed action prior to such action being taken.

As soon as appropriate in the investigation process, the CO will inform the individual alleged to have engaged in the harassing conduct, hereinafter referred to as the "respondent", that a complaint has been received. The respondent will be informed about the nature of the allegations and a copy of these administrative procedures and the Board's anti-harassment policy shall be provided to the respondent at that time. The respondent must also be provided an opportunity to respond to the complaint.

Within five (5) business days of receiving the complaint, the CO will initiate a formal investigation to determine whether the complainant has been subject to offensive conduct/harassment. A principal will not conduct an investigation unless directed to do so by the Compliance Officer.

Although certain cases may require additional time, the CO will attempt to complete an investigation into the allegations of harassment within fifteen (15) calendar days of receiving the formal complaint. The investigation will include:

• interviews with the Complainant;

• interviews with the Respondent;

• interviews with any other witnesses who may reasonably be expected to have any information relevant to the allegations, as determined by the CO;

• consideration of any documentation or other evidence presented by the Complainant, Respondent, or any other witness which is reasonably believed to be relevant to the allegations, as determined by the CO.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the CO shall prepare and deliver a written report to the District Administrator which summarizes the evidence gathered during the investigation and provides recommendations based on the evidence and the definition of harassment as provided in Board policy and State and Federal law as to whether the Complainant has been subject to harassment. In determining if harassment occurred, a preponderance of evidence standard will be used. The Co’s recommendations must be based upon the totality of the circumstances, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved.

In cases where no District CO is able to investigate a complaint due to concerns regarding conflicts, bias or partiality, or for other reasons that impair the CO's ability to conduct an investigation the CO may, engage outside legal counsel to conduct the investigation consistent with this policy.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within ten (10) business days of receiving the report of the CO, the District Administrator must either issue a final decision regarding whether or not the complaint of harassment has been substantiated or request further investigation. A copy of the District Administrator's final decision will be delivered to both the Complainant and the Respondent.

If the District Administrator requests additional investigation, the District Administrator must specify the additional information that is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within ten (10) business days. At the conclusion of the additional investigation, the District Administrator must issue a final written decision as described above.

The decision of the District Administrator shall be final. If the Complainant feels that the decision does not adequately address the complaint s/he may appeal the decision to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Board reserves the right to investigate and resolve a complaint or report of harassment regardless of whether the member of the School District community or third party alleging the harassment pursues the complaint. The Board also reserves the right to have the complaint investigation conducted by an external person in accordance with this policy or in such other manner as deemed appropriate by the Board.

Additional School District Action

If the evidence suggests that the harassment at issue is a crime or requires mandatory reporting under the Children's Code (Sec. 48.981, Wis. Stat.), the CO or District Administrator shall report the harassment to the appropriate social service and/or law enforcement agency charged with responsibility for handling such investigations and crimes.

Any reports made to the local child protection service or to local law enforcement shall not terminate the CO's obligation and responsibility to continue to investigate a complaint of harassment. While the COs may work cooperatively with outside agencies to conduct concurrent investigations, in no event shall the harassment investigation be inhibited by the involvement of outside agencies without good cause after consultation with the District Administrator.

Confidentiality

The District will make all reasonable efforts to protect the rights of the Complainant and the Respondent. The District will respect the privacy of the Complainant, the respondent, and all witnesses in a manner consistent with the District's legal obligations under State and Federal law. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, however. All Complainants proceeding through the investigation process should be advised that as a result of the investigation, the Respondent may become aware of the Complainant’s identity.

During the course of an investigation, the CO will instruct all members of the School District community and third parties who are interviewed about the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Any individual who is interviewed as part of a harassment investigation is expected not to disclose any information that s/he learns or that s/he provides during the course of the investigation.

Sanctions and Monitoring

The Board shall vigorously enforce its prohibitions against harassment by taking appropriate action reasonably calculated to stop the harassment and prevent further such harassment. While observing the principles of due process, a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of an employee or the suspension/expulsion of a student. All disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable law. When imposing discipline, the District Administrator shall consider the totality of the circumstances involved in the matter, including the ages and maturity levels of those involved. In those cases where harassment is not substantiated, the Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board policies.

Where the Board becomes aware that a prior remedial action has been taken against a member of the School District community, all subsequent sanctions imposed by the Board and/or District Administrator shall be reasonably calculated to end such conduct, prevent its reoccurrence, and remedy its effects.

Reprisal

Submission of a good faith complaint or report of harassment will not affect the Complainant's status or educational environment. However, the Board also recognizes that false or fraudulent claims of harassment or false or fraudulent information about such claims may be filed. The Board reserves the right to discipline any person filing a false or fraudulent claim of harassment or false or fraudulent information about such a claim.

The District will discipline or take appropriate action against any member of the School District community who retaliates against any person who reports an incident or harassment prohibited by this policy or participates in a proceeding, investigation, or hearing relating to such harassment. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.

Education and Training

In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of unlawful discriminatory practices. The District Administrator will develop a method of discussing this policy with the School District community. Training on the requirements of non-discrimination and the appropriate responses to issues of harassment will be provided to the School District community at such times as the Board in consultation with the District Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate.

This policy shall be reviewed at least annually for compliance with local, State, and Federal law.

The District shall conspicuously post a notice including this policy against harassment in each school in a place accessible to the School District community and members of the public. This notice shall also include the name, mailing address and telephone number of the Compliance Officers, the name, mailing address and telephone number of the State agency responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in educational opportunities, and the mailing address and telephone number of the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

A link and summary of this policy shall appear in the student handbook and shall be made available upon request of parents, students, and other interested parties.

Retention of Public Records, Student Records, and Investigatory Records and Materials

All individuals charged with conducting investigations under this policy shall retain all information, documents, electronically stored information (“ESI”), and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created and received as part of an investigation including but not limited to:

• all written reports/allegations/complaints/statements;

• narratives of all verbal reports allegations, complaints, and statements collected;

• a narrative of all actions taken by District personnel;

• any written documentation of actions taken by District personnel;

• narratives of, notes from, or audio, video, or digital recordings of witness statements;

• all documentary evidence;

• e-mails, texts, or social media posts pertaining to the investigation;

• and contemporaneous notes in whatever form made (e.g., handwritten, keyed into a computer or tablet, etc.) pertaining to the investigation ;

• written disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees and a narrative of verbal disciplinary sanctions issued to students or employees for violations of the policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination or harassment ;

• dated written determinations to the parties;

• dated written descriptions of verbal notifications to the parties;

• written documentation of any interim measures offered and/or provided to Complainants, including no-contact orders issued to both parties, the dates issued, and the dates the parties acknowledged receipt; and\

• documentation of all actions taken, both individual and systemic, to stop the discrimination of harassment, prevent its recurrence, eliminate any hostile environment, and remedy its discriminatory effects.

 The information, documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) retained may include public records and records exempt from disclosure under Federal and/or State law (e.g., student records).

The information, documents, ESI, and electronic media (as defined in Policy 8315) created or received as part of an investigation shall be retained in accordance with Policy 8310, Policy 8315, Policy 8320, Policy 8330 for not less than three (3) years, but longer if required by the District’s records retention schedule.

Revised 6/15/15

Revised 11/21/16

Revised 1/8/18

Revised 6/3/19

The Shawano School District believes that a safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to educate students in a safe environment. The purpose of this policy is to assist the District in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence and other similar disruptive behavior.

Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. It is typically repeated over time. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an ongoing conflict.

Bullying can include, but is not limited to, these actions:

A. intimidation and/or harassment such as teasing, put-downs, cruel rumors, false accusations, hazing, name-calling or making threats

B. social alienation, exclusion and isolation such as shunning or spreading rumors

C. extortion

D. written notes, phone calls or electronic messages that are offensive, hurtful, slanderous, threatening, intimidating, insulting or degrading

E. verbal aggression or verbal assaults which are offensive, hurtful, slanderous, threatening, intimidation, insulting, or degrading

F. any act, attempted act or threat of physical aggression such as assaults on a student or attacks on a student's property

G. cyber-bullying through the misuse of technology

1. Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, website postings, including blogs. It is also recognized that the author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is often disguised (logged on) as someone else.

2. In situations in which cyber-bullying originated from a non-school computer but brought to the attention of school officials, any disciplinary action shall be based upon whether the conduct is determined to be severely disruptive of the educational process so that it markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day to day operations of a school. In addition, such conduct must be in violation of publicized school policy. Such conduct includes but is not limited to, harassment, or making a threat off school grounds that is intended to endanger the health, safety or property of others at school, a District employee or Board member.

This policy applies to individuals on school grounds, while traveling to and from school in school provided vehicles, while waiting for the arrival of, or immediately following the departure of any school bus at a designated school bus stop and at school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus.

Any student who believes that s/he has been the subject of bullying or any parent or guardian who believes that their student has been subjected to bullying should report the matter in accordance with established procedures. There shall be no retaliation against students who file reports under this policy. All reports shall be investigated in a timely manner.

 Reporting Procedure

A. Any person who believes s/he has been the victim of bullying or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying shall report the alleged acts immediately to the building employee most closely connected to the student or the incident. This reporting procedure is not intended to prevent any person from reporting bullying directly to the building principal.

B. Any employee that receives a report of, observes, or has knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying is required to report to the building principal or designee in a timely manner.

C. The reporting party or complainant shall use the Bullying Incident Report form, which is available in each school building's office. Oral complaints shall be documented with a Bullying Incident Report form. Anonymous complaints will be investigated but the District's ability to take action on such reports may be limited.

D. Reports of bullying are classified as private educational and/or personnel data and/or confidential investigative data and will not be disclosed except as permitted by law.

E. The district will respect the privacy of the complainant(s), the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the District's obligation to investigate, take appropriate action, and comply with any legal disclosure obligations.

F. Submission of a good faith complaint or report of bullying will not affect the complainant's or reporter's future grades, work assignments, educational or employment environment.

It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that these prohibited activities do not occur. The District will act to investigate all complaints of bullying and will discipline or take appropriate action against any student or employee of the District who is found to have violated this policy.

 School District Action

 A. Upon receipt of a complaint of report of bullying, the District shall undertake or authorize an investigation by District officials or a third party designated by the District.

B. The District may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, reporter, students, or others pending completion of an investigation of bullying, consistent with applicable law.

C. Upon completion of the investigation, the District will take appropriate action. Such action may include but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, pre-expulsion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to try to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited behavior. District action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements, applicable statutory authority, including the State statutes, District policies, and other regulations.

The District will provide activities to educate students n the harmful effects of bullying behavior, how to intervene or report if students see others bullying, how to get someone who is bullying them to stop, and the consequences for bullying. Some of the leadership to prevent bullying and to educate students about bullying will be planned and provided by student leadership in the District.

The principals will review the anti-bullying policy yearly with both students and staff. Records will be kept of all reports of bullying behavior, what investigation indicated, and what consequences if any were applied.

Biannually, a survey regarding bullying shall be done and the results shall be used to help develop future anti-bullying programming. The progress or lack of it, as demonstrated on the survey and other records, shall be reported to the Board.

State law requires the Board of Education to enforce the regular attendance of students. Further, the Board recognizes that the District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one (1) another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher is vital to this purpose.

All children between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session until the end of the term, quarter, or semester of the school year in which the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age, unless they fall under an exception under State law, this policy, or administrative guideline issued under this policy. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.

Written Excuse Required

The District Administrator shall require, from the parent or guardian of each student or from an adult student, who has been absent for any reason a written, signed, dated statement stating the reason for the absence and the time period covered by the absence. The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each:

A. single absence; 

B. prolonged absence;

C. an absence of more than ten (10) days duration; or

D. repeated unexplained absence and tardiness.

School Attendance Officer

The District Administrator shall designate an administrator at each school to be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall perform any duties and responsibilities s/he is required to perform by State law, this policy, and any administrative guidelines issued by the school. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following.

 A. Determining daily from attendance reports submitted by teachers which students enrolled in the school are absent from school and whether the absence is excused.

 B. Submitting to the District Administrator, on or before August 1st of each year, a report of the number of students enrolled in the school who were absent in the previous year and whether the absences were excused. The District Administrator shall then submit this information to the State Superintendent.

 C. Providing student attendance information to individuals and agencies for purposes authorized by State law and the Board's Policy 8330 - Student Records.

Excused Absences

As required under State law, a student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:

A. Physical or Mental Condition

The student is temporarily not in a proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program.

B. Obtaining Religious Instruction

To enable the student to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period (see Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction).

C. Permission of Parent or Guardian

The student has been excused by his/her parent or guardian before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days per school year under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence. Examples of reasons for being absent that should be counted under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. professional and other necessary appointments (e.g., medical, dental, and legal) that cannot be scheduled outside of the school day

2. to attend the funeral of a relative

3. legal proceedings that require the student's presence

4. vacations

D. Religious Holiday

For observance of a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.

E. Suspension or Expulsion

The student has been suspended or expelled.

F. Program or Curriculum Modification

The Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.

G. High School Equivalency – Secured Facilities

The Board has excused a student from regular school attendance to participate in a program leading to a high school equivalency diploma in a secured correctional facility, a secured child caring institution, a secure detention facility, or a juvenile portion of a county jail, and the student and his/her parent or guardian agree that the student will continue to participate in such a program.

H. Child at Risk

The student is a "child at risk" as defined under State law and is participating in a program at a technical college on either a part-time or full-time basis leading to high school graduation, as provided under State law. ​

A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, for the following reasons:

A. Quarantine

Quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.

B. Illness of an Immediate Family Member

The illness of an immediate family member.

C. Emergency

An emergency that requires the student to be absent because of familial responsibilities or other appropriate reasons.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines to address unexcused absences.

Late Arrival and Early Dismissal

It is necessary that a student is in attendance throughout the school day in order to benefit fully from the educational program of the District.

The Board recognizes, however, that from time-to-time compelling circumstances require that a student be late to school or dismissed before the end of the school day.

As agent responsible for the education of the children of this District, the Board shall require that the school be notified in advance of such absences by written (including e-mail) request of the student’s parent, who shall state the reason for the tardiness or early dismissal. Justifiable reasons shall be determined by the Building Principal or Designee.

No student who has a medical disability which may be incapacitating may be released without a person to accompany him/her.

No student shall be released to anyone who is not authorized such custody by the parents.

Truancy Plan

The Board will issue a Truancy Plan based upon the recommendations of the County Truancy Committee convened under State law, the Board's policies and procedures, and applicable provisions of State law. The Board will review and, if appropriate, revise the Truancy Plan at least once every two (2) years.

The Truancy Plan will include, at a minimum, the following:

1. procedures to be followed for notifying the parents or guardians of the unexcused absences of a student who is truant or a habitual truant and for meeting and conferring with such parents or guardians

2. plans and procedures for identifying truant children of all ages and returning them to school, including the identity of school personnel to whom a truant child shall be returned

3. methods to increase and maintain public awareness of and involvement in responding to truancy within the school district

4. a provision addressing the immediate response to be made by school personnel when a truant child is returned to school

5. the types of truancy cases to be referred to the District Attorney and the time periods within which the District Attorney will respond to and take action on the referrals

6. plans and procedures to coordinate the responses to the problems of habitual truants, as defined under Sec. 118.16(1)(a), Wis. Stats., with public and private social services agencies

7. methods to involve the truant child's parent or guardian in dealing with and solving the child's truancy problem

A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one (1) or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, principal, or a teacher has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student. A student who is absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance Statute Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats. will also be considered truant.

A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.

Notice of Truancy

The School Attendance Officer shall notify a truant student's parent or guardian of the student's truancy and direct the parent or guardian to return the student to school no later than the next day on which school is in session or to provide an excuse for the absence. The notice under this paragraph shall be given before the end of the second school day after receiving a report of an unexcused absence. The notice may be made by electronic communication, personal contact, telephone call, or 1st class mail, and a written record of this notice shall be kept. The School Attendance Officer shall attempt to give notice by personal contact, telephone call, or unless the parent has refused to receive electronic communication, notice by 1st class mail may be given. This notice must be given every time a student is truant until the student becomes a habitual truant.

Notice of Habitual Truancy

When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall provide a notice to the student's parent or guardian, by registered or certified mail, or by 1st class mail. The School Attendance Officer may simultaneously notify the parent of the habitually truant student by electronic communication. The notice must contain the following:

1. a statement of the parent's or guardian's responsibility under State law to cause the student to attend school regularly

2. a statement that the parent, guardian, or student may request program or curriculum modifications for the student under State law and that the student may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children at risk

3. a request that the parent or guardian meet with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the student's truancy

The notice shall include the name of the school personnel with whom the parent or guardian should meet, a date, time, and place for the meeting and the name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact to arrange a different date, time, or place. The date for the meeting shall be within five (5) school days after the date that the notice is sent, except that with the consent of the student's parent or guardian the date for the meeting may be extended for an additional five (5) school days.

4. a statement of the penalties, under State law or local ordinances that may be imposed on the parent or guardian if s/he fails to cause the child to attend school regularly as required by State law

The School Attendance Officer will also continue to notify the parent or guardian of a habitual truant's subsequent unexcused absences.

Referral to the District Attorney

Truancy cases will be referred to the District Attorney as provided in the County Truancy Committee Plan. The School Attendance Officer will ensure that appropriate school personnel have done the following before any case is referred to the District Attorney:

1. met with the student's parent or guardian to discuss the student's truancy or attempted to meet with the student's parent or guardian and received no response or were refused

2. provided an opportunity for educational counseling to the student to determine whether a change in the student's curriculum would resolve the student's truancy and have curriculum modifications under State law

3. evaluated the student to determine whether learning problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken steps to overcome the learning problems, except that the student need not be evaluated if tests administered to the student within the previous year indicate that the student is performing at his/her grade level

4. conducted an evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken appropriate action or made appropriate referrals

Note that paragraph A. is not required if the meeting between school personnel, the student, and the student's parent or guardian, which was requested in the Notice of Habitual Truancy to the parent or guardian, did not occur within ten (10) school days after the Notice was sent. Paragraphs B., C., and D. are not required if appropriate school personnel were unable to carry out the activity due to the student's absences from school.

Make-up Course Work and Examinations

Excused Absences

A student whose absence from school was excused, except for an expelled student, shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absences when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence unless extended by the principal based upon extenuating circumstances.

Unexcused Absences

Credit in a course or subject shall not be denied solely because of a student's unexcused absences from school.

Students with unexcused absences shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absence if the student is at risk of receiving no credit in a course or subject if the work is not made up.

Subject to the immediately preceding two (2) paragraphs, credit may, but is not required to be given for the completion of make-up work. Further, credit for make-up work may be given only after the student has satisfied consequences imposed for unexcused absences. The extent to which make-up credit is given shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the principal and the respective teachers.

If make-up work has been assigned, it is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence unless extended by the principal based upon extenuating circumstances.

District Administrator Guidelines

The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines concerning the attendance of students which:

1. ensure a school session which is in conformity with the requirement of the law;

2. ensure that students absent for an excusable reason have an opportunity to make-up work they missed;

3. govern the keeping of attendance records in accordance with State law;

4. facilitate implementation of the Truancy Plan;

5. identify the habitual truant, investigate the cause(s) of his/her behavior, and consider modification of his/her educational program to meet particular needs and interests; 

6. ensure that any student who, due to a specifically identifiable physical or mental impairment, exceeds or may exceed the District's limit on excused absence is referred for evaluation for eligibility either under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 115, Wis. Stats.;

7. provide that a student's grade in any course is based on his/her performance in the instructional setting and is not reduced for reasons of conduct. If a student violates the attendance or other rules of the school, s/he should be disciplined appropriately for the misconduct, but his/her grades should be based upon what the student can demonstrate s/he has learned;

8. ensure that all parents and students are informed of the District's Attendance Policy and related guidelines;

9. enable the School Attendance Officer to perform his/her duties under State law and this policy; and

10. address unexcused absences.

Revised 12/10/18

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provision of law regarding minors. Respect for the right of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community. 

Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty should be maintained in the schools of this District. 

The District Administrator shall establish procedures to carry out Board policy and philosophy, and shall hold all school personnel, students, and parents responsible for the conduct of students in schools, on school vehicles, and at school-related events. 

Student conduct on or adjacent to school premises, on school vehicles, and at school-related events and activities shall be governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Classroom Conduct. In addition, student conduct on based social media outlets, when such conduct forms a sufficient connection to school or staff, is governed by the Code of Conduct. This Code of Classroom Conduct shall include the following items:

• specification of what constitutes dangerous, disruptive, or unruly  behavior that interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively, which therefore permits the teacher to remove the student from class;

• other student conduct that may be used by a teacher as a basis to remove a student from class; and 

• procedures for notifying the parent of a student's removal and procedures for placement of a student that has been removed from class. 

The Code of Conduct, developed by a committee created by the Board for that reason consisting or parents, students, Board members, school administrators, teachers, student services professionals, and other appointed residents, and, once created, shall be reviewed by the Board. Removal of a student from a class that is consistent with the Code of Conduct does not constitute a report under Policy 8462.01. If that staff member believes in good faith that the threat represents a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of students, staff, or others, and the threat is a threat of violence made in or targeted at a school. Staff must still report such threats as described in Policy 8462.01 - Mandatory Reporting of Threats Violence. 

Revised 11/21/16

Respect for law and for those persons in authority shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provision of law regarding minors. Respect for the right of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall also be expected of all members of the school community. 

Respect for real and personal property; pride in one's work; achievement within the range of one's ability; and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, and honesty should be maintained in the schools of this District. 

The District Administrator shall establish procedures to carry out Board policy and philosophy, and shall hold all school personnel, students, and parents responsible for the conduct of students in schools, on school vehicles, and at school-related events. 

Student conduct on or adjacent to school premises, on school vehicles, and at school-related events and activities shall be governed by the rules and provisions of the Student Code of Classroom Conduct. In addition, student conduct on based social media outlets, when such conduct forms a sufficient connection to school or staff, is governed by the Code of Conduct. This Code of Classroom Conduct shall include the following items:

• specification of what constitutes dangerous, disruptive, or unruly  behavior that interferes with the ability of the teacher to teach effectively, which therefore permits the teacher to remove the student from class;

• other student conduct that may be used by a teacher as a basis to remove a student from class; and 

• procedures for notifying the parent of a student's removal and procedures for placement of a student that has been removed from class. 

The Code of Conduct, developed by a committee created by the Board for that reason consisting or parents, students, Board members, school administrators, teachers, student services professionals, and other appointed residents, and, once created, shall be reviewed by the Board. Removal of a student from a class that is consistent with the Code of Conduct does not constitute a report under Policy 8462.01. If that staff member believes in good faith that the threat represents a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of students, staff, or others, and the threat is a threat of violence made in or targeted at a school. Staff must still report such threats as described in Policy 8462.01 - Mandatory Reporting of Threats Violence. 

Revised 11/21/16