It is within the sole discretion of the board to determine the size of classes and to determine whether class grouping will take place.  The board will review the class sizes annually.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board on class size based upon the financial condition of the school district, the qualifications of and number of licensed employees, and other factors deemed relevant to the board.

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         

Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 280.3.

 

Cross Reference:        

606.6   Insufficient Classroom Space

 

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed August 2020                    

Revised                   

 

 

The school district will continue school ceremonies and observances which have become a tradition and a custom of the education program.  These include, but are not limited to, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observance of holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, by programs and performances.  Such ceremonies or observances will have a secular purpose and will not advocate or sponsor a particular religion.

The district will provide and maintain a suitable flagstaff at each school site and raise the Iowa and United States flags each school day as weather conditions permit.  The district will display the United States flag and administer the Pledge of Allegiance in each 1st through 12th grade classroom on school days.

Students who do not wish to participate in these activities may be silent during the ceremony or observance or receive permission from the principal to be excused from the ceremony for religious reasons in compliance with board policy.

Legal Reference:

U.S. Const. amend. I.

Lee v. Weisman, 112 S.Ct. 2649 (1992).

Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

Graham v. Central Community School District of Decatur County, 608 F.Supp. 531 (S.D. Iowa 1985).

Iowa Code § 279.8, 280.5.

Cross Reference:

603 Instructional Curriculum

604.5 Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program

  

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed  October 2021                  

Revised  October 2021                 

Live animals will not be allowed in school district facilities except under special circumstances and only for an educational purpose.  Permission from the principal will be required of anyone wishing to bring an animal into school district facilities.  Appropriate supervision of animals is required when animals are brought into the school district facilities.

The person bringing the animal must furnish transportation for the animal brought to school.  Animals will not be allowed to travel to and from the student's attendance center on the school bus without prior approval from the principal.

It is the responsibility of the principal to determine appropriate supervision of animals in the classroom.

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         

Iowa Code § 279.8.

 

 

Cross Reference:  

105      Assistance Animals      

507      Student Health and Well-Being

 

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed  August 2020                    

Revised                   

Materials and services produced by students at the expense of the school district are the property of the school district.  Materials and services produced by students at the student's expense, except for incidental expense to the school district, are the property of the student.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to determine incidental expense.

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         

Iowa Code § 279.8.

 

 

Cross Reference:        

408.2   Licensed Employee Publication or Creation of Materials

 

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed  August 2020                    

Revised                   

 

 

The principal may authorize field trips and excursions when such events contribute to the achievement of education goals of the school district.  The school district will provide transportation for field trips and excursions. 

In authorizing field trips and excursions, the principal will consider the financial condition of the school district, the educational benefit of the activity, the inherent risks or dangers of the activity, and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent.  Written parental permission will be required prior to the student's participation in field trips and excursions.  The board's approval will be required for field trips and excursions outside the state which involve unusual length or expense.

Field trips and excursions are to be arranged with the principal well in advance.  A detailed schedule and budget must be submitted by the employee.  The school district will be responsible for obtaining a substitute teacher if one is needed.  Following field trips and excursions, the teacher may be required to submit a written summary of the event. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Reference:         

390 C.F.R. Pt. 390.3(f).

Iowa Code § 279.8.

281 I.A.C. 43.9.

 

 

Cross Reference:        

503.1   Student Conduct

503.4   Good Conduct Rule

603      Instructional Curriculum

711      Transportation

 

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed  August 2020                  

Revised 

It is the goal of the district to create learning environments that encourage the growth and development of each student.  Providing classrooms with an appropriate student-teacher ratio is central to achieving this goal.  Insufficient classroom space exists when conditions in the district adversely affect the implementation of the district’s goals and its educational program.

Insufficient classroom space is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

In making its determination whether insufficient classroom space exists, the board may consider several factors, including but not limited to, the nature of the education program, the grade level, the available licensed employees, the instructional method, the physical space, student-teacher ratios, equipment and materials, facilities either being planned or under construction, facilities planned to be closed, financial condition of the school district and projected to be available, a sharing agreement in force or planned, a bargaining agreement in force, laws or rules governing special education class size, board-adopted school district goals and objectives, and other factors considered relevant by the board.

This policy is reviewed by the board annually.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to bring this policy to the attention of the board each year.

 

 

 

Legal Reference:        

Iowa Code § 282.18(13).

281 I.A.C. 17.6(3).

 

 

Cross Reference:        

103      Long-Range Needs Assessment

501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers - Procedures as a Receiving District

606.1   Class Size - Class Grouping

 

 

Approved   July 1999                   

Reviewed  January 2022                  

Revised  January 2022                  

 

 

Role and Purpose of Certified Assistance Dog Teams: Professional therapy dogs certified with their owners/handlers as certified assistance dog teams provide emotional and physical support in educational settings. These highly trained dogs model good behavior, tolerance, and acceptance. All certified assistance dog teams in the Winfield Mt. Union Community School District work to support and positively influence student achievement.

Definition, Certification, and Approval for Use of Therapy Dogs: Professional therapy dogs are trained and tested to provide specific physical or therapeutic functions under the direction and control of a qualified handler who works with the dog as a team, and as part of the handler’s occupation or profession. A professional therapy dog has been temperament tested by a trainer affiliated with an organization recognized as qualified to perform temperament testing. Therapy dogs, along with their handlers, perform services in institutional settings, community-based group settings, or with individuals who have disabilities. Therapy dogs are not family pets that have been certified as pet therapy animals. 

Professional therapy dogs have passed a public access test administered by a trainer/evaluator recognized by the Winfield Mt. Union Community School District. Handlers and their dogs are administered the public access test for re-evaluation during their first year of service. The public access test may be administered by a trainer/evaluator recognized by the district.

Professional therapy dogs are owned by a professional educator in the district who wishes to use a therapy dog to augment their educational program. Professional therapy dogs may be used in school settings on a regular basis once the following documentation is in place:

• Administrative Approval: Refer to Policy 606.7-E1

  • Use of a therapy dog must be approved by the building administrator in which the handler works. A letter stating administrator approval should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Executive Director of Student Services.

• Vaccination, Health, and Grooming Requirements: Refer to Policy 606.7-E2

  • The owner/handler must provide a record of annual vaccinations received by the therapy dog and signed by a licensed veterinarian. These health records should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Executive Director of Student Services.

  • The therapy dog should receive an annual Bordetella vaccination. Rabies and 5-way Parvo/Distemper (DHPP) shall be administered every three years. Note: therapy dogs less than one year of age or receiving their rabies and parvo vaccinations for the first time shall receive a follow-up vaccine in one year with administration every three years thereafter.

  • The therapy dog should receive an annual comprehensive wormer or fecal check.

  • The therapy dog should be checked for external parasite control.

  • Owners/handlers will administer preventative parasite (flea and tick) control and heartworm medication year-round. Annual tests for heartworms is recommended. 

  • The therapy dog should be groomed and bathed regularly. For dogs in a working environment, monthly to bi-monthly baths are recommended as is daily brushing. Good judgment should be used based on the dog’s hair, skin, and dander concerns. The owner/handler must also ensure proper health care through regular brushing of the dog’s teeth (several times weekly), nail trims as needed, and weekly ear cleaning/checks.

• Public Access Test Documentation:

  • A copy of the public access test certificate of completion should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or Designee.

  • Certification verifying that both the handler and therapy dog passed the public access test must be sent by the certifying institution directly to the Superintendent or Designee.

  • Records of advanced obedience, agility, or other training should be kept on file in the building in which the handler works and a copy sent to the Superintendent or Designee.

 

• Review of Guidelines and Procedures:

  • Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed annually with staff and students at the beginning of the academic year.

  • Guidelines and procedures for the use of professional therapy dogs will be reviewed as needed throughout the year as determined by the building administrator, handler, and the Superintendent or Designee.

• The privilege to bring the therapy dog into the school setting may be terminated should the owner/handler or the dog behave in a way deemed unprofessional or unsafe.

• When a professional educator in the district uses a professional therapy dog according to the above guidelines, the building in which the handler works and the professional educator will be covered by the district’s general liability coverage.

Pet Visitation Dogs: A pet visitation dog is owned by a volunteer or student who is not employed by the Winfield Mt. Union Community School District, but who has received registration and/or recognition for volunteer pet visitation. These dogs are not considered to be professional therapy dogs. 

For a dog to be used on a volunteer basis these guidelines must be followed:

• If the handler of the dog is an employee of the district, the handler and dog must be certified under the professional therapy dog guidelines listed above.

• The dog may be used no more than one visitation per week for a two-hour interval. Should the dog be used more often or for longer periods the dog must pass all requirements for professional therapy dog status before it may be used in the schools.

The following documentation must be kept on file in the office of the Superintendent or Designee, and in the building in which the pet visitation dog is used:

• Current certification/registration from the therapy dog organization administering the evaluation and testing.

• Current veterinary records of worming schedules and annual vaccinations for five-way Parvo/Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella, as well as rabies vaccinations every three years.

• Proof of insurance.

• Letter of approval from the building administrator.

 

If you have questions about the therapy dog program please contact:  Superintendent, Winfield Mt Union Community School District 208 S. Olive St., Winfield, IA 52659  (319)257-7700 Ext 101

 

 

Approved   November 2019