During cold weather, students will remain outside until 7:50 am daily. Encourage your child to dress accordingly (Rain or chill factors below zero are exceptions).

• Boots should be worn in wet, muddy, and/or snowy weather.
• If a student wants to play in the snow, boots and snow pants are required.
• Tennis shoes are required for physical education class.

Students are allowed to ride bicycles to school with parental permission. Safety rules should be stressed concerning bicycle usage. Bicycles are to be walked while on the school grounds and not used until dismissal. Bike locks and helmets are highly recommended. The school is not responsible for damaged or stolen property.

Skateboards, scooters, Heelies, and roller blades are NOT allowed on school grounds because of the lack of storage space and due to safety reasons. If any of these are brought to school, it will be confiscated, and a parent will be asked to retrieve it.

Students may not use cell phones during school hours. MISD is not responsible for broken or stolen cell phones or other electronic devices.

Textbooks are provided by the school district. Fines are charged for lost or damaged books.

Destruction or disfiguration of school property is unlawful and will be followed with an appropriate penalty. Students found marking on walls or desks will be expected to repair the damage done or pay for replacement.

Church activities represent an important part of a student's educational growth and development. Wednesday night of every week during the school year has been set aside as church night. Every attempt will be made to have all school related activities end no later than 6:00 pm on Wednesday evening.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for all parents twice during the school year. Teachers and parents are encouraged to request additional conferences at any time during the year when there are questions or concerns about a child

Parents will receive report card covering their child's progress. Parents are asked to sign the back of the envelope and then returned the envelope to be used again.

Mid-term reports may be sent to parents. These provide information if your child is struggling in a certain subject. Parents should discuss the progress report with their child. If there are questions, please contact your child's teacher.

Providing there are funds available, after school tutoring will be offered for any student who is failing a subject.

Specific information will be available on registration day. After that, please contact the office.

Students are assigned a locker to keep personal property. Unannounced locker searchers may take place and students will be present during these inspections.

Students are not authorized to open other student's lockers. All lockers have a built-in combination.

Students are to keep all books and supplies off the floor of the lockers. Keep your locker neat and orderly. No markings or pictures are to be placed on the lockers.

Do not bring large sums of money to school. Bring only what is needed for expenses. Also, do not bring valuables such as jewelry, trading cards, electronics, or other items of considerable value. If you find it necessary to bring any of the items mentioned, they should be checked in with your teacher or at the office until you are ready to leave at the end of the day. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.

A lost and found box is located near the main office. Please take all lost and found items to the office. We strongly recommend the student's first and last names be written on items belonging to the student.

Students use a "lunch card" for their meals. Below are expected prices for next year.

Prices could change after this handbook goes to print. Students deposit money to their accounts as needed. Meals are automatically deducted as a student goes through the lunch line.

Student Costs
Daily Breakfast $1.30
Daily Lunch $2.10
Milk $0.35

Charging is permitted on a limited basis. Students who charge will receive a peanut butter or cheese sandwich with milk. Charging is not permitted during the last two weeks of school.

A Health Associate is on duty from 8:00-3:00 daily. If your child is ill or injured, the following procedure will be followed:

1. The child will be examined by the school nurse, health associate, or secretary.
2. Minor cuts, scrapes and injures will be treated with first aid methods.
3. Students with more serious injuries will receive first aid and their parents will be phoned.

When a student who is ill is sent to the nurse, his/her temperature will be taken and parents phoned if necessary.

If you leave a message on the answering machine between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., you must identify your child's name, teacher, and the reason for the absence. The health department is tracking illnesses, so please identify the illness when you call or we will return a call to obtain further information.

The Marion Independent School District has a written strategy on dealing with head lice. As a part of a community plan, the District will support families by emphasizing prevention, early detection and education as the best edge in controlling head lice.

Pediculosis (head lice) represents a common communicable childhood condition, an acknowledged "problem" with raising and caring for children. Community involvement is very important, and families must actively participate at home in the treatment and prevention of head lice. Head checks should be done at home as a weekly routine for preschool and school age children. The plan established by the Marion Independent School District is designed to be family friendly and sensitive to individual needs. Our goal is to support families and keep students where they need to be --- in school.

Students with signs and symptoms of head lice will be referred to the school health office for evaluation and recommendations for treatment.

This plan emphasizes comprehensive education and community involvement. Enhanced support will be offered to families. Working together, we can minimize the impact of head lice in our schools and communities.

This plan was developed after reviewing the recommendations of the Linn County Public Health Department, Iowa Department of Public Health, National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Harvard School of Public Health.

In the event of a serious accident or illness at school, the parents are called, and if necessary, emergency 911 is called. Please be sure to keep your student's health records and phone numbers updated so you can be reached in an emergency.

It is very important that you inform the school immediately of any change in your telephone number, address, or information from your student's emergency card. Please notify the office in advance of a planned move from the district.

Please make certain anyone listed on your student as an emergency contact is willing to accept that responsibility.

For safety reasons, parents should transport all medication to and from school. Prescription medication brought to school with the student is to be turned into the office upon arrival. A signed permission form must accompany the medication in order for it to be administered. These forms can be picked up at the office. Medication prescribed by a physician must have the following information on the prescription bottle:

1. Name of student
2. Name of medication
3. Time of day to be given
4. Dosage
5. Physician's name
6. Pharmacy's name

Please remind your child that he/she is responsible for asking for the medication at the appropriate time. Non-prescription medication, such as Tylenol, will be administered following the same procedure.

Students ill with a communicable disease should be kept home until they are not contagious to others. Please inform the school nurse if you think your child has a communicable disease. If the illness is accompanied by a fever, your child should remain home until he/she is fever free for 24 hours.

Throughout the school year, parents request that their child stay in from recess due to illness, injury, allergies, etc. We are concerned for our students' well being, but at the same time feel if a child is well enough to participate in the school day, he/she is well enough to participate in recess. Parental requests will be acknowledged for a maximum of one day. Anything beyond one day should be requested in writing from a physician.

Grant Wood Area Education Agency provides annual hearing and vision testing for our schools. The dates of the testing will be posted in the school's website. Parents who do not wish to have their child tested need to notify the school in writing prior to the testing.

St. Luke's provides dental screening to districts 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students. The dates of these screenings will be posted in the school calendar. Parents who do not wish to have their child's teeth screened need to notify the school in writing prior to the screening.

Prior to enrollment, the parent must provide the administration with a completed health and immunization certificate. Certificates may be obtained from the school health office.

Students who transfer into the district must meet the same requirements as those students who initially enroll in the district. In addition, permanent records from the prior school district are needed. A school registration fee will need to be paid when registering your student.

Parents/guardians considering the use of the open enrollment option to enroll their child in another public school district in the state of Iowa should be aware of criteria and important dates for open enrollment. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from school.

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please call Brian Bartz, Marion Independent Business Manager or Michelle Myers, Superintendent's Secretary (377-4691).

The Marion Independent School District believes that a strong partnership between families and schools is essential, and that effective parental involvement is vital to the success of each student. The Francis Marion Staff welcomes and appreciates the involvement of parents.

At FMI there is a Parent Group called TROOPS, which meets once a month in the FMI Media Center. The purpose of the group is to enhance the educational opportunities of our students. Fundraisers are organized with funds earmarked for school projects/activities such as the Fall Fling, skating party for students, special field trips, performances, going to the symphony, etc. Information will be sent home with your student in the fall regarding how to become involved in TROOPS at FMI. All parents/guardians are welcome.

Chaperoning on Field Trips- Parents may volunteer to chaperone field trips. However, we may not be able to take all who volunteer. Arrangements must be made in advance. Please contact your child

Volunteering is encouraged in our building. Our TROOPS organization coordinates our efforts.

SODA (Students O.K. without Drugs and Alcohol) includes both 4th and 5th graders. Each activity planned helps the students make a commitment to be drug and alcohol free.

Students are allowed to bring pets to school only with permission from their teacher(s). Pets should be brought to and from school by parents. Any animal brought to school must be housed in a proper cage, container, or restrained in such a way that it cannot harm anyone.

All students will have their pictures taken in the fall. Pictures may be purchased, however, payment must be in advance. Price lists will be available well in advance of picture taking day. Spring pictures will also be offered.

There are various opportunities for involvement in the school district through service on advisory committees. Individual buildings as well as the school district as a whole have organizations and advisory groups. Booster Clubs are another part of the supports available for the fine arts and athletics. If you are interested in learning more about the Athletic Boosters contact Peggy Murphy at Vernon Middle School or for Fine Arts contact Corby Laube, Marion High School Activities Director. There are advisory committees to which members are appointed by the board. Such committees include the Superintendent's Advisory Committee as well as the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC). The SIAC committee meets a couple times a year in the evening to discuss student achievement, learn about district initiatives, receive updates on state requirements and make recommendations on district goals. The Superintendents Advisory Committee operates in a similar manner but provides feedback without the expectations for district goal recommendations. If you would like to be considered to serve on the SIAC please contact Cindy Diouf, Director of Teaching and Learning or Superintendent Sarah Pinion if you are interested in receiving information on the Superintendent's Advisory Committee.

Audio and video surveillance is used throughout the school district in various building and grounds.

All visitors must stop by the office and sign in. Parents are welcome to visit school and/or your child's classes during the school day. It would be most helpful if the classroom teacher could be notified before you visit at least one day in advance.

The following special services are available at Marion Independent Schools:

1. Educational Consultants
2. Hearing and Vision Screening
3. School Counselor
4. Special Education
5. Speech Therapy
6. Social Worker
7. School Psychologist
8. Resource Room
9. ELP (Extended Learning Program)

Support services are available to assist teachers and parents when concerns arise with a student educational progress. A team called the Child Study Team works together to identify strategies that may help students needing special attention.

These services are available for all students through teacher or parent request. Working together, we can provide the best education possible for all of our children. At some time during the year, it may be beneficial for teachers and parents to request the help of these trained people. Your written permission is needed for some services.

The school will practice tornado (severe weather), fire, and lock down drills throughout the school year. In the event of a Duane Arnold Nuclear Plant Disaster, FMI's relocation center is Mt. Vernon Middle School in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

If you have concerns regarding a situation at school, you are urged to follow this procedure:

Step 1: Contact your child's teacher to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

Step 2: If the concern is not resolved, request a conference with the principal.

Step 3: If the concern is not resolved, request a conference with the superintendent.

Counseling services are available to all students to assist them concerning personal, or social problems. The counselor also gives guidance in educational and vocational planning. Please feel free to talk to the counselor whenever the occasion arises. Appointments may be made by calling or stopping by the office.

Student records are to be used to promote the welfare of the student. Access to student records shall be to authorized persons only as stated in the MISD Policy Titled, , Code No. 505.1.

A student's parents and appropriate school personnel have the right to view student records. Persons other than appropriate school personnel may view or obtain copies of student records only upon written consent, upon court order or legally issued subpoena.

 Parents or legal guardians may challenge the content of these records to correct or amend alleged inaccuracies. Please call the counseling office if you have questions or concerns.

"Student Directory Information" may be released without the consent of parents. Parents have an opportunity to deny the release of directory information. Call the school office at 373-4766 if you would like more information.

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) will be given each year.

Students have access to the MISD server, which includes Internet access. Only closely supervised Internet sites are to be used by students. Each student must have a signed parental consent form to be allowed to use the Internet. These forms are available at registration along with a copy of the district's Acceptable Use Policy.

Enrolled children in the school district community shall have an equal opportunity for a quality public education without discrimination regardless of their race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability.

The education program shall be free of such discrimination and provide equal opportunity for the participants. The education program shall foster knowledge of, respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups as well as men and women to society. It shall also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal education opportunity shall be directed to Cindy Diouf, Title IX Compliance Officer, 777 S. 15^th Street, Marion, IA, at the Administrative Offices.

Parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child's teachers. Parents will be notified in writing if their child has been assigned to or will be taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

It is the policy of the Marion Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender identity, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability, in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact Cindy Diouf, Director of Teaching and Learning, (319) 377-4691; Marion Independent School District, Administrative Offices, 777 S. 15^th Street, Marion, Iowa 52302.

In order to remain in compliance with current asbestos regulations governing schools the district is required to give an annual notification to staff, parents, and legal guardians of students in the Marion Independent School District of the presence of and the availability of the management plan for that particular building located in the Administrative Offices at 777 S. 15^th Street. Should you want to know the locations and or the volume of asbestos in our buildings this information is located in the management plans. Also included in these are past activities the district has taken to remove and or encapsulate the asbestos to maintain safety to all occupants. Regulations require that the district have a full inspection of our facilities every 3 years and periodic surveillance inspections every 6 months to insure that it is maintained in a non-hazardous condition. In addition to this we have undergone E.P.A. audits and inspections in the last 10 years, which have found that the district is in full compliance with the program. Activities that have occurred in the past, in addition to our re-inspection, have been abatement of floor tile and thermal pipe insulation at Marion High School, Starry Elementary, and Francis Marion Intermediate in preparation of construction activities that occurred in the past. Should you have any questions please contact Ken Cook, Director of Operations, at 377-4974.

Notice: Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement and Detention

State law forbids school employees from using corporal punishment against any student. Certain actions by school employees are not considered corporal punishment. Additionally, school employees may use "reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain" to do certain things, such as prevent harm to persons or property.

State law also places limits on school employees' abilities to restrain or confine and detain any student. The law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child. If a child is restrained or confined and detained, the school must maintain documentation and must provide certain types of notice to the child's parent. If you have any questions about this state law, please contact your school. The complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Department of Education's web site: www.iowa.gov/educate.

Physical or sexual abuse of students, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, by employees will not be tolerated. The definition of employees for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district. Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

An individual who has knowledge that an employee has physically or sexually abused a student must immediately report to the district Level I investigator or alternate Level I investigator. Reports are directed to Cheryl Toppin, Level I Investigator, at 1400 10^th Ave., Marion, IA 52302 or at (319) 377-0183 and Alternate Level 1 Investigator, Mike Murphy, at 2301 3^rd Ave., Marion, IA 52302 or at (319) 373-4766.

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socio-economic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based upon the employee's race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of he board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include suspension or expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures, which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include exclusion from school grounds. "Volunteer" means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Places the student in unreasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property;
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's academic performance; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

"Electronic" means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. "Electronic" includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies.

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
• Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc.;
• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or
• Unreasonable interference with a student's performance.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student's education or benefits;
• Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or
• The conduct has the purpose of effect or substantially interfering with the student's academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

• Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student's education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or
• Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person's participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint, assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including exclusion from school grounds.

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The immediate supervisor or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging harassment.

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent in conjunction with the director of teaching & learning are responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluation the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school district.

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

• Inclusion in the student handbook;
• Inclusion in the employee handbooks;
• Inclusion in the registration materials; and/or
• Inclusion on the school or school district's web site.

A copy shall be made to any person at the MISD Central Administrative Office, 777 S. 15th Street, Marion, IA.