Annual Notices

Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination 

It is the policy of Starmont Community School District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age (for employment), and actual or potential family, parental, or marital status (for programs). Starmont Community School District offers career and technical education programs in the following service areas: Business, Family Consumer Science, Industrial Technology and Vocational Agriculture. If you have a question or complaint related to this policy, or for information about the district’s grievance procedures, please contact  Rachael Hach, Starmont CSD, 3202 40th Street, Arlington, IA 50606, 563-933-2218, rhach@starmont.k12.ia.us or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD: (800) 877-8339, Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov. 

Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of Starmont Community School District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age (for employment), and actual or potential family, parental, or marital status (for programs). If you have a question or complaint related to this policy, or for information about the district’s grievance procedures, please contact Rachael Hach, Starmont CSD, 3202 40th Street, Arlington, IA 50606, 563-933-2218, rhach@starmont.k12.ia.us or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD: (800) 877-8339, Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.

Equal Educational Opportunity (Policy 102) 

 

It is the goal of the board to develop a healthy social, intellectual, emotional, and physical self-concept in the students enrolled in the school district.  Each student attending school will have the opportunity to use its education program and services as a means for self-improvement and individual growth.  In so doing, the students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that assures each student the same educational opportunity.

The Starmont Community School District does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  The belief in equal educational opportunity serves as a guide for the board and employees in making decisions relating to school district facilities, employment, selection of educational materials, equipment, curriculum, and regulations affecting students. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Rachael Hach, Starmont CSD, 3202 40th Street, Arlington, IA 50606, 563-933-2218, rhach@starmont.k12.ia.us

Board policies, rules and regulations affect students while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, are directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator by writing to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Starmont Community School District, Arlington,  Iowa 50606; or by telephoning 563-933-2218.

Inquiries by students regarding compliance with equal educational opportunity laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Director of the Region VII office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60604 (312) 730-1560, fax (312) 730-1576 OCR.Chicago@ed.gov, the Iowa Civil Rights Commissioner, 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321-1270, https://icrc.iowa.gov, (515) 281-4121 or the Iowa Dept. of Education, Grimes State Office Bldg., Des Moines, IA 50319. (515) 281-5294.  This inquiry or complaint to the federal or state office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

 

Exhibit- 102-E(1) Equal Educational Opportunity - Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination

Exhibit 102-E(2) Equal Educational Opportunity - Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination

Exhibit 102-E(3) Equal Educational Opportunity - Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights

 

Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy (Policy 104)

 

The Starmont Community School District is committed to providing all students, employees, and volunteers with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school employees to maintain a safe and civil environment and the ability of students to learn and succeed.  

Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, employees, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board. 

Accordingly, school employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school property, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so.

Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy.  The superintendent is responsible for implementation of this policy and all accompanying procedures. Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame.  Within 24 hours of receiving a report that a student may have been the victim of conduct that constitutes bullying and/or harassment, the district will notify the parent or guardian of the student.

If as a result of viewing surveillance system data or based on a report from a school district employee, the district determines that a student has suffered bullying or harassment by another student enrolled in the district, a parent or guardian of the student may enroll the student in another attendance center within the district that offers classes at the student’s grade level, subject to the requirements and limitations established in Iowa law related to this topic.

A school employee, volunteer, or student, or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, in compliance with the procedures in the regulation, to the appropriate school official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report.

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in an investigation is prohibited.

Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds.  

Definitions 
For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning:   

• “Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means.  “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging.  
• “Harassment” and “bullying” mean any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward an individual that creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:  
  1. Places the individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual’s person or property. 
  2. Has a substantial detrimental effect on the individual’s physical or mental health.  
  3. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s academic or career performance.  Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. 
• “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Publication of Policy 
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 handbook
• Inclusion in the registration materials
• Inclusion on the school or school district’s website.

Exhibit 104.E(1) Anti-Bullying Harassment Policy - Complaint Form

Regulation 104-R(1) Anti-Bullying Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures

Homeless Children and Youth Annual Notice (Policy 501.16)

The Starmont 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 guidance counselor 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. 

STUDENT Appearance (Policy 502.01)

 

The board believes inappropriate student appearance causes material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a good learning environment.  The standards will be those generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a school setting.

The board expects students to be clean and well-groomed and wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place and occasion.  Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors and clothing displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are disallowed.  While the primary responsibility for appearance lies with the students and their parents, appearance disruptive to the education program will not be tolerated.  When, in the judgment of a principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process or constitutes a threat to health or safety, the student may be required to make modifications.

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

Search & Seizure (Policy 502.08)

School district property is held in public trust by the board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.
 
School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco/nicotine, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.  The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

 

Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students Notice (Policy 503.06)

It is the goal of the district that all students can learn and grow in a safe and peaceful environment that nurtures the student and models respect for oneself and others.  On occasion, trained district employees and others may have to use behavior management interventions, physical restraint and/or seclusion of students.  The goal of these interventions is to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare and security of each child and the school community.  With this objective in mind, the district will prioritize the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions appropriate for the situation. 

Physical restraint means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, body, or head freely.  Physical restraint does not mean a technique used by trained school personnel, or used by a student, for the specific and approved therapeutic or safety purposes for which the technique was designed and, if applicable, prescribed.  Physical restraint does not include instructional strategies, such as physically guiding a student during an educational task, hand-shaking, hugging, or other non-disciplinary physical contact.  

Seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a child in a seclusion room or area from which the child is prevented or prohibited from leaving; however, preventing a child from leaving a classroom or school building are not considered seclusion.  Seclusion does not include instances when a school employee is present within the room and providing services to the child, such as crisis intervention or instruction.  

Physical restraint or seclusion is reasonable or necessary only:

• To prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to the student or others; or
• To prevent serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance; or
• When the student’s actions seriously disrupt the learning environment or when physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the student or others; and
• When less restrictive alternatives to seclusion or physical restraint would not be effective, would not be feasible under the circumstances, or have failed in preventing or terminating the imminent threat or behavior; and
• When the physical restraint or seclusion complies with all applicable laws.

Prior to using physical restraint or seclusion, employees must receive training in accordance with the law.  Any individual who is not employed by the district but whose duties could require the individual to use or be present during the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student will be invited to participate in the same training offered to employees on this topic.  

When required by law, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will ensure a post-occurrence debriefing meeting is held, maintain documentation and fulfill all reporting requirements for each occurrence of physical restraint or seclusion as required by law.  

STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION Notice (Policy 506.02 E1)

The Starmont Community School District has adopted a policy designed to assure parents and students the full implementation, protection, and enjoyment of their rights under the Family Educational  Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). A copy of the school district's policy is available for review on the district’s website:  www.starmont.k12.ia.us 

This law requires the school district to designate as "directory information" any personally identifiable  information taken from a student's educational records prior to making such information available to the  public. 

The school district has designated the following information as directory information: 

• Student’s name 
• Address  
• Telephone listing  
• Electronic mail address 
• Photograph 
• Date and place of birth 
• Major field of study 
• Dates of attendance  
• Grade level  
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports 
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams 
• Degrees, honors, and awards received 
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended 
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic  systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN,  in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)  

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student, provided that you notify the school district in writing not later than September 30 of this school year. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice. 

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action. 

 

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASING STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION 

RETURN THIS FORM 

Starmont Community School District Parental Directions to Withhold Student/Directory Information for Education Purposes for the 2025- 2026 school year. 

Student Name  _____________________________________________________

Date of Birth  _______________________________

Grade  ____________________________ 

 

_______________________________________ ________________ (Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child)                           (Date) 

This form must be returned to your child's school no later than September 30, 2025. Additional forms are available at your child's school.

 

Administration of Medication to Students (Policy 507.02)

 

The board is committed to the inclusion of all students in the education program and recognizes that some students may need prescription and nonprescription medication to participate in their educational program. 

Medication shall be administered when the student's parent or guardian (hereafter "parent") provides a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed or in the manufacturer's container. Administration of medication may also occur consistent with board policy 804.05 – Stock Prescription Medication Supply.

When administration of the medication requires ongoing professional health judgment, an individual health plan shall be developed licensed health personnel working under the auspice of the school with collaboration from the parent or guardian, individual’s health care provider or education team pursuant to 281.14.2(256).  Students who have demonstrated competence in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. A written statement by the student's parent shall be on file requesting co-administration of medication, when competence has been demonstrated.   By law, students with asthma, airway constricting diseases, respiratory distress or students at risk of anaphylaxis who use epinephrine auto-injectors may self-administer their medication upon the written approval of the student’s parents and prescribing licensed health care professional regardless of competency.   

Persons administering medication shall include authorized practitioners, such as licensed registered nurses and physician, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of medication (who have successfully completed a medication administration course conducted by a registered nurse or pharmacist that is provided by the department of education). The medication administration course is completed every five years with an annual procedural skills check completed with a registered nurse or a pharmacist.  A record of course completion shall be maintained by the school. 

A written medication administration record shall be on file including:  

• date; 
• student’s name; 
• prescriber or person authorizing administration; 
• medication; 
• medication dosage;
• administration time; 
• administration method; 
• signature and title of the person administering medication; and 
• any unusual circumstances, actions, or omissions.

Medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.  The development of emergency protocols for medication-related reactions is required.  Medication information shall be confidential information as provided by law

Disposal of unused, discontinued/recalled, or expired abandoned medication shall be in compliance with federal and state law. Prior to disposal school personnel shall make a reasonable attempt to return medication by providing written notification that expired, discontinued, or unused medications needs to be picked up. If medication is not picked up by the date specified, disposal shall be in accordance with the disposal procedures for the specific category of medication. 

 

Health Education (Policy 603.05)

 

Students in grade levels one through twelve will receive, as part of their health education, instruction about personal health; food and nutrition; environmental health; safety and survival skills; consumer health; family life; human growth and development; substance abuse and non-use, including the effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and poisons on the human body; human sexuality; self-esteem; stress management; interpersonal relationships; emotional and social health; health resources; prevention and control of disease; and communicable diseases. The purpose of the health education program is to help each student protect, improve and maintain physical, emotional and social well-being.

The areas stated above are included in health education and the instruction are adapted at each grade level to aid understanding by the students.

Parents who object to health education instruction in human growth and development may file a written request that the student be excused from the instruction.  The written request will include a proposed alternate activity or study acceptable to the superintendent.  The superintendent will have the final authority to determine the alternate activity or study.

 

Postsecondary Education Counseling Notice (Policy 603.12) 

The district believes in the importance of education to shape the lives of all students. Some students may consider postsecondary education and training beyond their secondary education, and have questions related to the cost of education programs and the future employability of graduates. It is valuable for students who express an interest in postsecondary education to make informed decisions related to their future options.  

The district will ensure that students in grades eleven and twelve who express interest in postsecondary education will be provided with basic information to assist in their decision-making. This information includes but may not be limited to:  

• A link to the annual report published by the State Board of Regents pursuant to Iowa Code 262.9(38); and
• a link to the Iowa Student Outcomes internet site maintained by the Department of Education.

 

Use of Recording Devices on School Property (Policy 804.06)

District-Generated Recordings

The district believes in the importance of providing a safe and enriching learning environment possible for its students.  The district uses digital recording devices on school property including school transportation vehicles to help protect the safety of district students, employees and community members; and to safeguard district property which is funded using public resources.  Additionally, district-generated recordings of students engaging in the district’s educational and extracurricular programs can be essential to engage positively with the school community and promote the value of public education. 

In order to balance privacy and safety interests, no recording devices will be utilized on district property where individuals maintain a reasonable expectation of privacy.  These areas include but are not limited to: the school nurse’s office, restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, lactation spaces and employee break areas.

Recordings of students have the potential to be considered education records.  Any recordings will be maintained and accessed in compliance with the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and the district’s policy on student records.  

Employees should not record students or staff without their knowledge. Doing so may subject employees to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable employee handbooks. 

Recordings will be digitally maintained and stored for an appropriate amount of time to maintain the safety of the educational environment and to safeguard district property, after which they will be destroyed.  The superintendent or superintendent’s designee will work with the custodian of records to establish any necessary regulations related to the secure storage, maintenance, viewing and destruction of digital recordings.

Non-District Generated Recordings
The use of non-district owned recording devices on school property and at school events may be regulated at the discretion of the district. Students, parents and community members will not be permitted to take recordings of other students, employees, or community members when the recording is related to education or co-curricular matters unless the recording is authorized in advance by building administration. Students and employees found to violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures consistent with board policy and applicable student and employee handbooks.  This policy will not be construed or enforced in a way that infringes on employee activity otherwise protected by law.  

It is important to foster a community spirit and sense of unity within the district.  However, the district acknowledges that not every student or staff member feels comfortable or safe being recorded.  At district-sponsored extracurricular events and activities, the use of non-district owned recording devices by the public may be monitored by administration if a concern is made known to district administration by a student, employee or parent.  Any individuals determined to be making recordings considered bothersome to students or staff may be asked to stop or destroy their recording and may be asked to leave the event.  

 

School Entrance Age

Iowa law states that a child must be 5 years old by September 15 to enter kindergarten and 6 years old by September 15 to enter first grade.

 

Open Enrollment

Senate File 2435 took effect on July 1, 2024.  This law indicates that parents or guardians seeking open enrollment for students in grades 1-12 must apply by March 1 of the preceding year in order to be eligible to open enroll out of a resident school district (Open Enrollment Application). Parents or guardians seeking open enrollment for incoming preschool students who receive special education services or incoming kindergarten students must file an open enrollment application prior to September 1 of the current school year. Applications received after these deadlines will be denied unless the parent or guardian can demonstrate good cause as per the Iowa Department of Education’s definitions of good cause for a timeline waiver.

 

Parents and guardians of open-enrolled students whose income meets federal poverty guidelines and live in a district contiguous to Starmont CSD are eligible for transportation assistance. Also, the student may ride the bus from the nearest stop within the Starmont CSD District boundary. Parents and guardians should be aware that open enrollment may result in a student’s loss of varsity-level athletic eligibility for the first 90 days of school. For full details of Open Enrollment, please contact Rob Busch (rbusch@starmont.k12.ia.us ) or (563) 933-4598.

 

Iowa Child Nutrition Provider Nondiscrimination Notice

It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 6200 Park Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321-1270; phone number 515- 281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.

 

Federal Nondiscrimination Statement for Child Nutrition Program Provider

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax:(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

Email: program.intake@usda.gov

 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Information Statement (School Lunch Program)

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not submit all needed information, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced-price meals. You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Family Investment Program (FIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We may share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

 

Accessibility Statement / Notice of Section 504 & Parental Rights

The Starmont Community School District complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), Iowa Civil Rights Act (ICRA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in ensuring people with disabilities have an opportunity equal to that of their non-disabled peers to participate in the district’s programs, benefits and services, including those delivered through electronic or information technology. This means that the District will take actions to ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with disabilities receive the same benefits or services as their non-disabled peers.

 

Immunizations

Iowa law requires that evidence of immunization be presented before any student will be enrolled in the Starmont Community School District. Students new to the district need to provide a current Certificate of Immunization documenting these immunizations prior to the first day of school. This may be obtained through the student’s medical provider or the public health office.

All students entering 7th grade must have proof of having both the Meningococcal and the Tdap vaccines before school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption. All students entering 12th grade must have proof of their second dose of the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption. This should be turned in as soon as possible. Students who are not up to date on this vaccination (or exempt) will not be able to attend school in August until this requirement is met.

 

Screenings

Dental Screening: Iowa law requires a record of a dental screening exam performed within the year prior to enrolling students in Kindergarten and 9th grade.

 

Blood Lead Level test: Iowa law requires a Blood Lead Level test for all kindergarten students. Please contact the student’s physician to verify the test has been done. The medical provider records the test in a statewide registry.  No form is required for school.

 

Vision: The Iowa Department of Public Health requires a Vision Screening for students enrolling in Kindergarten and 3rd grade. This should be submitted by parent/ guardian prior to the start of the school year. The school nurse may conduct vision screenings upon request.

 

Nicotine/Tobacco-Free Environment  (Policy 905.02)

Tobacco and nicotine use is prohibited on school district facilities and grounds, including school vehicles.  This requirement extends to students, employees and visitors.  This policy applies at all times, including school-sponsored and nonschool-sponsored events.  Persons failing to abide by this request are required to extinguish their smoking material, dispose of the tobacco, nicotine or other product or leave the school district premises immediately.  It is the responsibility of the administration to enforce this policy.

 

Asbestos Notice 

 

Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA) was enacted to determine the extent of and develop solutions for any problem schools may have with asbestos.

 

The notification letter, education and training of our employees, a set of plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos-containing materials, and plans for regular surveillance of the asbestos-containing materials are a part of our efforts to meet government regulations (AHERA).  Our buildings must be inspected every three (3) years; this was done in the summer of 2023 and will be scheduled again in July 2026. 

 

A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in our administrative offices during regular business hours.  Eric Bond, our Facilities Manager, is our Asbestos Program Manager and all inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to him or myself, Rob Busch, Superintendent of Schools. 

 

It is our intent to comply with federal, state, and local regulations in this area.  We plan on taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure your children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment to learn and work. 

 

ANNUAL NOTICE 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age  ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are: 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the  district receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school  official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal (or  appropriate school official) will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or  eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

 

1. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or  eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student's privacy  rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask school district to amend a record should write  the school principal, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specify  why it should be changed. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student,  the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their  right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the  hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the  right to a hearing. 

 

1. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the  student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without  consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials  with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district  as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or  medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board. A  school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs  an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own  employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and  maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant,  or therapist, or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or  grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in  performing his or her tasks. 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an  education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

 

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of  the office that administers FERPA is: 

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education,  

400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.