Children who are residents of the school district community will attend the school district without paying tuition.

The residence of a student means the place, abode, or dwelling of the student.  Generally, the legal dwelling of minors is the same as their parents.  A student may establish a dwelling with someone other than the parents and attend public school in the school district without paying tuition if the primary purpose for residing in the school district is not for the purpose of obtaining a free public education.  Further, students who have reached the age of majority and who are still eligible to attend an Iowa secondary school may declare their residence independent of the residence of the parents.

Each case involving the bona fide residence of a student will be decided upon its individual merits by the superintendent.

Legal Reference:   
Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).
Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).
Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).
33 D.P.I. Dec. Rule 80 (1984).
Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4.

Cross Reference:   
100    Legal Status of the School District
501    Student Attendance

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised      

Students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school but who are not legal residents of the school district may be admitted into the school district at the discretion of the superintendent upon application and payment of tuition.  The tuition rate is the current per-pupil cost of the school district as computed by the board secretary and as authorized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Resident students whose families move from the school district after the start of a semester and who wish to complete the semester in their former resident school district will be permitted to attend.  Students who plan to enroll in their former resident district for the next school year may do so without the approval of the board.       

Students in grades eleven or twelve who are no longer residents of the school district, but were residents in the preceding school year, may continue to attend school until they graduate without the payment of tuition.  These students may be required to identify an adult, who resides in the school district, identified for purposes of administration.

Nonresident students who are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and who have evidence they will become legal residents of the school district prior to October 1 may be allowed to attend without the payment of tuition.

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Iowa's open enrollment law has not eliminated the need for this policy.  This policy affects nonresident students who do not qualify for open enrollment.

Legal Reference:   Lakota Cons. Ind. School v. Buffalo Center-Rake Comm. School, 334 N.W.2d 704 (Iowa 1983).

                            Mt. Hope School Dist. v. Hendrickson, 197 N.W. 47 (Iowa 1924).

                            Oshel v. Creston Comm. School Dist., DPI Admin. Doc. 570 (1981).

                            Iowa Code §§ 257.6; 282.1, .2, .6, .7, .11, .24.

Cross Reference:   501    Student Attendance

Approved     June 20, 2022                     Reviewed                     Revised: September 18, 2023                   

Children in the school district community will be allowed to enroll in the school district's regular education program beginning at age five.  The child must be age five on or prior to September 15 to participate in the school district's kindergarten program.  The child must be age six on or prior to September 15 to begin the first grade of the education program.

Before the student may enroll in the district's education program the board will require evidence of age and residency in the form of a birth certificate or other evidence of age.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age.

Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with their health and immunization certificate.  Failure to provide this information within the time period set by Iowa law is reason for suspension, expulsion or denying admission to the student.

NOTE:  This policy reflects current Iowa law.  Only the state registrar has authority to make a copy of a birth certificate.  Districts who utilize online registration platforms should be aware that birth certificates should not be uploaded on the online platform as proof of age, as that creates a copy of the birth certificate.  Districts can either view a birth certificate in person then return it to the child’s guardian; or utilize a variety of documents including but not limited to a certified statement from a treating medical provider, or an immunization record from the child’s treating provider that lists the child’s date of birth as sufficient proof of age.

Legal Reference:   
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 144.45(5); 282.1, .3, .6.
    

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

The board will have complete discretion to determine the boundaries for each attendance center and, to assign students to the attendance centers.

Parents or guardians of siblings in the same grade level academically in grades kindergarten through grade five may request the siblings be placed in the same or different classrooms.  In order to be valid, the request must be made in writing and submitted to the school principal at the time of registration for classes, or within fourteen days after the children’s first day of attendance during the school year.  If a valid request is received by the school principal, the request must be honored.  While a parent or guardian may make a placement request that siblings be placed together or apart, the district administration retains complete discretion to select the classroom teacher(s) to which siblings are assigned.  If after the initial grading period following the placement of siblings in the same or different classrooms the school principal determines the placement is disruptive to the class; the principal may assign one or more of the siblings to different classrooms.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board annually regarding the assigned attendance center for each student.  In making the recommendation, the superintendent will consider the geographical layout of the school district, the condition and location of the school district facilities, the location of student population, possible transportation challenges, financial condition of the school district and other factors deemed relevant by the superintendent or the board.

Note: The requirement for the school principals to honor valid placement requests in paragraph two is a new legal requirement effective July 1, 2019.

Legal Reference:   
Iowa Code §§ 279.11; 282.7-.8.

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

Students who transfer into the school district must meet the immunization and age requirements set out for students who initially enroll in the school district.

The school district will request the student's cumulative records from the previous school district.  If the student cannot offer proof of grade level, the superintendent will make the grade level determination.  The superintendent may require testing or other information to determine the grade level.  Students expelled or suspended from their previous school district will only be enrolled after approval of the board.

The superintendent will determine the amount of credits to be transferred.  If the student has not previously attended an accredited school, it is within the superintendent's discretion to accept or reject credits or grades.

The board may deny admission if the student is not willing to provide the board with the necessary information.

NOTE:  School districts do not need parental permission to request student records from previous school districts.  The school district sending the records must notify the parents that the student's records have been sent.

Legal Reference:   
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 139A.8; 282.1, .3, .4; 299A.

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
505.3    Student Honors and Awards
507    Student Health and Well-Being
604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

If the student's parents wish to withdraw or transfer the student from school prior to completing and graduating from the education program, they should notify the superintendent in writing as soon as possible of the decision to withdraw or transfer the student from the education program.  The student or parent should present this written notice at the office and receive instructions regarding the return of textbooks, library books, locker equipment, hot lunch tickets, etc.  

The notice should state the student's final day of attendance.  If the student is not enrolling in another school district, the school district will maintain the student's records in the same manner as the records of students who have graduated from the school district.

If the parents wish to have the student's cumulative record sent to the new school district, the parents must notify the building principal in writing.  This notice will include the name of the school district and the person at the new school district to whom the student's cumulative records should be sent.  If the new school district requests the student's cumulative records, the school district will forward the cumulative records and notify the parents the records have been sent.  The notice will inform the parents of their right to review the records sent.

If the student is of compulsory education age and not transferring to another public school district or an accredited nonpublic school, the parents will notify the superintendent that the student is receiving competent private instruction and file the necessary competent private instruction reports.
    

NOTE:  The third paragraph is a reflection of federal law regarding the forwarding of student records.

Legal Reference:   
20 U.S.C. § 1232g.
Iowa Code §§ 274.1; 299.1-.1A; 299A.11

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records
604.1    Competent Private Instruction

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

As part of the school district's records, the daily attendance of each student is recorded and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.

It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

Legal Reference:   
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

STUDENT ATTENDANCE  

Students are expected to be in class and to make attendance a top priority.  Only through attendance and class participation do students achieve the benefits of the education program.  Participating in class discussions, developing an appreciation for the views and abilities of other students, and forming the habit of regular attendance are legitimate class objectives.  Learning lost due to an absence is difficult to replace.  Regular attendance and preparation for class help students in school as well as prepare them for adulthood.

Parents/guardians who know their child will be absent must notify the office before the absence.  If advance notification is not possible, parents must notify their child's administrative office on the day of the absence prior to 9:00 a.m.  If notification is not received, the office will attempt to contact the parents at their emergency number. The following policies are taken from the passed and enacted Senate File 2435 Division VII: Chronic Absenteeism.

Definitions:

• Truant - as a child for whom exceptions don’t apply who has been absent from school, for any reason, for at least 20% of days or hours in the grading period.
• Chronically Absent - a child for whom exceptions don’t apply who has been absent from school, for any reason, for 10% of days or hours in a grading period established by the school.
• School Engagement Meeting: if a student is absent 15% or more of days/hours in the grading period, requires the school official to attempt to find the cause for the absences and initiate and participate in a school engagement meeting, the purpose of which is to identify barriers to attendance and determine appropriate interventions. Requires the child, the child’s parent/guardian, and a school official to participate in the meeting. Requires creation of the absenteeism prevention plan during this meeting, requires all to sign it, and get a copy. The plan must identify the causes and any future responsibilities for each participant. Requires the school official to monitor compliance, and requires the school official to contact the participants at least once each week during the remainder of the school calendar. Allows the participants to initiate referrals to any series or counseling believed to be appropriate under the child’s circumstances. Requires the county attorney to initiate a proceeding (public offense and/or CINA) if participants fail to enter into an absenteeism prevention plan, violate a term of the plan, or fail to participate in the school engagement meeting.

Exceptions:

• requires the policies not apply to students who have completed graduation requirements or attained a G.E.D
• who are excused for sufficient reason by any court or record or judge
•  for absences while attending religious services or receiving religious instruction
•  who are unable to attend school due to a legitimate medical reason (Legitimate medical reasons are determined by health care professionals and require a note.)
• who has an IEP or 504 plan that affects attendance.

Absences and Being Dropped From a Class

Student attendance is important to ensure the academic success of students. As a result, Creston Community Schools believes in the support of students who miss school and offers ways to support their academic goals. As such, the oversight of attendance includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Period Attendance

All courses run on period attendance. Each period is monitored for the duration of the semester. Period attendance resets at the beginning of each semester. A day consists of eight (8) periods.  Each period that a student misses is counted as an absence for that period. Attendance for each period is figured separately.  If a student falls below 90% attendance in a period, a problem-solving meeting will be scheduled with the principal to determine a plan of action. If the student is unwilling to meet with the Interventionist and/or makeup time, they can be dropped from the class. Students must make attendance for all periods a priority.

Extracurricular Participation and Attendance 

Students participating in extracurricular competitions must remain above 85% attendance in order to participate. Students will remain ineligible for participation until their attendance rises above the 85% threshold. The 85% attendance policy will come into effect at the first 4 ½ week grade check.

Students participating in extracurricular activity practices or competitions cannot miss more than 3 periods of the school day. If a student is absent in the afternoon, it must be for an appointment with a doctor’s note provided to verify the appointment, and/or must be pre-approved by the principal.  If a student leaves school due to illness during the day at any time, they will not be permitted to participate in afterschool activities. The time not spent in school must be considered an excused absence to allow students to participate in activities that day. Only in extraordinary circumstances may the principal waive these rules.  The principal has the sole discretion in determining whether an absence will be excused or not.

Attendance Due Process

Students have a right to appeal any decision concerning a student being dropped from a class. The appeal shall be made within five school days of the initial parent conference. At all times, during the appeal process, the student shall remain in class until the appeal is heard. After the appeal, the decision shall be considered final.

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent calls or appears personally at the student's attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to, illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student's attendance center and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

Students in grades  9 to 12 may be allowed to leave the school district facilities when they are not scheduled to be in class.  Students who violate school rules may have this privilege suspended.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

NOTE:  This option should be used by school districts with closed campuses.

Legal Reference:   
Iowa Code § 294.4
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
503    Student Discipline
504    Student Activities
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                   

Students who have attained legal age may continue the education program without payment of tuition as long as they are eligible to attend an Iowa public school and are residents of the school district.

Parents will be allowed to access and view the student's records without written permission from the student if the student is still a dependent for tax purposes.  In most cases, with the discretion of the principal or the superintendent, the student will be able to make decisions and sign documents rather than requiring parental permission or signature.

Legal Reference:   
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
Iowa Code §§ 22; 282.2, .6, .7; 285.4; 599.1; 622.10.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(6).

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
506    Student Records

Approved June 20, 2022    Reviewed                        Revised                  

The Creston Community School District believes all students should have access to a free, appropriate public education. The district will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth.

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:

• Children and youth who are:
  • Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as “doubled up”);
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
  • Living in emergency or transitional shelters; or
• Abandoned in hospitals.
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

To help ensure that homeless children and youth have a full opportunity to enroll, attend, and succeed at school, the board shall:

• Designate the District Designated Social Worker as the local homeless children and youth liaison;
• Provide training opportunities for staff so staff may help identify and meet the needs of homeless children and youth;
• Remove barriers, including those associated with fees, fines, and absences, to the identification, enrollment, retention, attendance and/or success in school for homeless children and youth;
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with other service providers;
• Ensure transportation is provided in accordance with legal requirements;
• Provide school stability in school assignment according to the child’s best interests;
• Ensure the privacy of student records, as provided by applicable law, including information about a homeless child or youth’s living situation;
• Engage in the dispute resolution process for decisions relating to the educational placement of homeless children and youth as provided by applicable law; and
• Prohibit the segregation of a homeless child or youth from other students enrolled in the district.

The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

NOTE:  This is a mandatory policy.

NOTE: The United States Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Education have additional information about implementation of the policy. For additional information, please visit:

• The “Education Department Releases Guidance on Homeless Children and Youth” section of the United States Department of Education’s website, located at: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-releases-gui….

The “Homeless Education” section of the Iowa Department of Education’s website, located at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/title-programs/title-x-part-c-homeles…

Legal Reference:   
20 U.S.C. § 6301.
42 U.S.C. § 11302.
42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq.     
281 I.A.C. 33.

Cross Reference:   
501    Student Attendance
503.3    Fines - Fees - Charges
506    Student Records
507.1    Student Health and Immunization Certificates
603.3    Special Education
711.1    Student School Transportation Eligibility

Approved June 20, 2022     Reviewed                   Revised