Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to make you, the parent, aware of the general procedures at our school. Please refer to this handbook as a resource during the school year. This handbook is a concise report of the Board of Education’s Policies. As those policies are amended from time to time, the original published Board Policy will be considered the final authority on any matter of clarification or conflict with this handbook. If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the school year, please do not hesitate to contact the school. A full listing of Board Policies can be found here.

School Hours
Classes are in session from 7:45 AM to 2:55 PM. Office hours are 7:15 AM to 3:30 PM. Staff will be on duty to supervise students from 7:15 AM until 3:00 PM daily. The district will not be responsible for supervising students outside the stated school hours. Therefore, parents should not drop off or leave children at the school during unsupervised periods.

Bell Schedule:
7:35 AM – First bell rings and students may go to class
7:45 AM – Tardy bell rings and school begins. If your child is not in school by 7:45 AM, they will be counted tardy.
2:55 PM – Dismissal bell rings. Picking up students before the dismissal bell counts against attendance.

District Procedures & Policies
This handbook provides quick reference to many important or commonly referenced policies and expectations. As those policies are amended from time to time, the original published Board Policy will be considered the final authority on any matter of clarification or conflict with this handbook. For a complete listing of full policies and their references, see the Joplin Schools Board of Education Policies.

For a list of Joplin Elementary Schools and their contact information as well as District Offices, see the Joplin Schools Directory.

Visitors
All parents and visitors will check in at the reception area. All parents and visitors will need to present a valid driver's license or state ID at the time of check in. No one will be permitted in the building without proper ID.

Grades
Report cards for all students will be issued the week following the end of each quarter. In addition, live information regarding a student’s progress is available through Parent Portal. For information on accessing your child’s parent portal, contact the school office. View the district calendar here.

Field Trips
During the school year, most students are involved in traveling away from the school building to gain an educational experience not available within the school. Parents will receive information as to the nature, time, and location of the trip. Parents will need to return a signed permission form at the beginning of the school year to allow their child to participate. This form will cover all field trips that are district approved.

Assessments
The district will use assessments as one indication of the success and quality of the district's education program. Further, the Board recognizes its obligation to provide for and administer assessments as required by law. The district will comply with all assessment requirements for students with disabilities mandated by federal and state law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For further information, including a list of assessments and who will participate, see Board Policy IL.

Virtual Courses
Qualifying students may enroll in virtual courses offered in the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP). For more information, see Board Policy IGCD.

Physical Education
The Joplin Schools Elementary Physical Education Department is committed to providing a safe learning environment. For your child’s safety, it is highly recommended that they wear or bring safe shoes on a daily basis. A safe shoe is one that covers the toe, has a back or strap at the back, stays on the foot, and has a low heel. It is also recommended that students wear shorts or leggings under dresses. If it is determined by the teacher that a student is not dressed appropriately for the activity, an alternative activity may be provided. 

If your child has a cast or brace of any kind, they will not be allowed to participate in physical education without written consent from the doctor/physician. If activity for your child has been restricted because of a cast/brace, once the cast/brace has been removed a note from the doctor/physician will be required for the student to resume activities.This is to prevent further injury and for the safety of your child as well as the other children in class.

If your child has any special health concerns let us know as soon as possible. If your child is ill or has an injury and cannot participate in physical education, contact the school. If your child has been restricted from activity for any reason, contact the school when they are released to participate in physical education classes.

Our goal is for your child to be able to perform to the best of their ability in a safe environment.

Enrollment & Residency
Students should enroll at the school that they will attend. Returning students do not need to re-enroll each year. However, parents will be asked to update/confirm household information annually. Kindergarten students must be five (5) years old before August 1 to enroll in Joplin Schools.

Find more information regarding enrollment and residency, including what documents to bring during enrollment.

Intra-district Transfers
All students must transfer between district schools when their residence changes to a different attendance area, unless exempted by the superintendent or designee. The district maintains the ability to transfer students between schools as needed. For the complete transfer policy, see Board Policy JCB.

Elementary students may request to attend an elementary school within the Joplin School District that feeds into the same middle school as their home school (see Attendance Zones here). Transfer permits are subject to available space and eligibility as determined by the district.  Permit questions may be directed to the District Office at 417-625-5200.

Required Immunizations
No student will be admitted without all of the required immunizations. Contact your health provider or the City Health Department, 321 E. 4th Street, 417-623-6122, for an appointment. See Missouri’s required immunizations.

On sites where the district operates a preschool, daycare center, and/or nursery school, parents may ask if any child in the preschool, daycare, or nursey school has an immunization exemption on file. The district will not release the name of any child who has the exemption, the type of exemption, or any information other than the face that there is at least one student with an exemption. For more information, see Board Policy JHCB.

Arrival at School
The front doors will be unlocked at 7:15 AM. For your child’s safety, we ask that students NOT arrive at school earlier than 7:15 AM. The district will not be responsible for supervision of students prior to 7:15 AM or after 3:00 PM unless participating in a pre-arranged after school activity. Parents should not drop or leave children at the school during unsupervised periods.

Bell Schedule
7:35 AM – First bell rings and studetns may go to class
7:45 AM – Tardy bell rings and school begins. If your child is not in school by 7:45 AM, they will be counted tardy.
2:55 PM – Dismissal bell rings. Picking up students before the dismissal bell counts against attendance.

Dismissal from School
District personnel will monitor the parking lot and other locations where students board the district's transportation or meet parents or others. At the request of a parent, school personnel will verify the identity of a parent or other authorized person before releasing the student. District staff may refuse to release a student and will notify the principal if they have concerns regarding the student's safety or whether a person is authorized to transport the student. Otherwise, the district will assume that the student knows with whom he or she may leave. For additional information, see Board Policy JEDB.

If a child is to have a different pick-up procedure, you MUST contact the school no later than 2:00 PM or send a note to the school. If we have no communication from the parent, the student will be sent home according to the normal procedure for that child. This ensures the safety of our students.

Attendance
Students are expected to be present and to arrive on time each day. Only by attending school each day can a student receive the full benefit of instruction. Students’ attendance is one of the essential components for your child’s success.

What is Missouri’s compulsory attendance law?
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Missouri holds the school accountable for maintaining a 90% attendance rate for 90% of the student population. Therefore, attendance not only sets a good benefit instructionally for your child but also helps represent our school in a positive manner with accreditation. Statute 167.031, RSMo

What is truancy?
Truancy is defined as students who are absent from school without the knowledge and consent of their parents/guardians and the administration. Students who leave school during any session without the consent of the principal shall also be considered truant. Students may also be considered truant if they have accumulated excessive unjustifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians.

What is an authorized absence?
Absences that are beyond the student’s control AND confirmed by both the parent/legal guardian and school as a legitimate absence are considered “authorized absences.” Authorized absences require proper verification/ documentation from the parent/legal guardian the day of the absence; however, prior-notification is preferred. Authorized absences, like all absences (excluding school-sponsored activities), count against the nine (9) days allowed by the policy for earning credit in the course. Unlike other absences, students may make up their work for
full credit in each course if the absence is determined to be an authorized absence.

Examples of authorized absences include but may not be limited to the following:

• School sponsored activities
• Appointments with licensed practitioners who deal with dental, medical, or psychiatric problems in the event the appointment cannot be scheduled outside the school day (prior notification of the appointment may be required in certain cases)
• Funerals or the death of a family member as verified by parent/legal guardian
• Personal illness (parents need to notify the school the day of the absence and no later than one day after the absence)

What charges may be filed against the student/parent as a result of unauthorized absences?

• File a “supervision case” to the Jasper/Newton County Division of Family Services
• Referral to law enforcement so parents/guardians can be charged with a misdemeanor complaint with the Jasper/Newton County District Attorney’s Office for enabling or promoting truancy per Missouri State Statute
• An infraction under Missouri State Statute may be filed against the truant child/parent
• Referral to the Juvenile Truancy Court so the court can help remediate truancy issues with the family/student

What penalties may be applied to the parent(s) guardian?

• Can be found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. (Section 167.031)
• Can face fines and/or imprisonment

What can the parent and student do to prevent prosecution?

• Parents should ensure the child attends school regularly.
• Parents should cooperate with school staff to assist in resolving any attendance problems.
• Parents should attend school staff/parent conferences requested by the school.

How should parents confirm their student’s absence?
Parents are asked to telephone the school in the morning when their child is absent for any reason. Dental appointments, hospital and medical appointments, or travel with the parents are considered adequate reasons for absence, if these cannot be scheduled outside school time. Please send a note a day ahead to the teacher informing them of the time and probable length of the appointment. This allows the teacher to plan ahead for your child’s absence and will prevent unnecessary delays when you arrive to pick him/her up.

Although adequate reasons for absence may be given, all absences are documented on the student’s attendance record. Because we want to keep you informed of your child’s attendance, attendance letters may be automatically mailed home after 5 days of absence, as well as 5 days tardy.

Student Expectations & Discipline
At Joplin Schools, we encourage students to be considerate and show respect to others. We are committed to teaching and modeling life skills and school expectations. Discipline is actually training that enables students to make appropriate choices in a climate of trust and support, always beginning with clear concise limits with follow-up consequences. Good discipline is essential to promote an atmosphere conducive to learning. Positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior is an important component of good discipline. Additionally, how we as adults respond to inappropriate behavior also provides a model that students may follow in their interactions with others.

Please review the following Board Policies regarding student discipline:

• Student Discipline (JG)
• Student Discipline (JG-R1)
• Corporal Punishment (JGA-2)
• Detention and/or In-School Suspension of Students (JGB)
• Student Suspension and Expulsion (JGD)
• Discipline of Students with Disabilities (JGE)
• Discipline, Reporting, and Records (JGF)
• Seclusion and Restraint (JGGA)
• Bullying (JFCF)

Note that the list of offenses included above is not exhaustive and the district can discipline a student for any action that is disruptive to the school environment, whether it occurs on or off school property. Consequences may be increased or decreased depending on the circumstances. The district works cooperatively with police and will notify police when a crime occurs on school property.

Classroom Management
Each classroom teacher will have a classroom management plan. In addition, building procedures will provide guidelines for student behavior. To assist our students in meeting our building expectations, teachers will communicate with parents whenever there is a problem. If behavior concerns continue, a teacher may refer the student to the office where the principal will assign consequences for the behavior. Safety issues and ongoing disruption of classroom learning are examples of behavior concerns that would warrant a referral to the principal.

Drug/Alcohol Abuse
Joplin Schools is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its students. Therefore, use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, illegal drugs, counterfeit substances and imitation controlled substances is prohibited on any district property, in any district-owned vehicle or in any other district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities. This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district. The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited. For more information, see Board Policy JFCH. 

Student Illness
Students or employees with communicable diseases that pose a risk of transmission in school or at school activities (such as, but not limited to, chicken pox, influenza and conjunctivitis) will be managed as required by law and in accordance with guidelines provided by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local county or city health departments. Such management may include, but is not limited to, exclusion from school or reassignment as needed for the health and safety of students and staff.

The goal of our School Nurses is for students to remain healthy to promote an environment that is conducive to learning. Although attendance is important to obtain this goal, there are instances when students should remain at home to avoid the spread of communicable diseases. Please keep your student home if they have a fever of 100 degrees or higher in the past 24 hours without medication or if the student is ill with repeated vomiting or diarrhea. In most instances of infection, a student may return to school 24 hours after receiving the first dose of antibiotics. Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any questions regarding communicable illnesses. See also Head Lice Procedure.

Screenings
The District will conduct hearing and vision screenings for students in selected grades. Screenings will also be conducted on students new to the district and by request. Parents/Guardians will receive a written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere with a student's progress or health.

Medications for Students at School
Students may not possess or self-administer any prescription or over-the-counter medications while at school, including CBD. Please contact the school office for information about administering medications to students during school hours, including the use of emergency medications. Parents should notify the district in writing if they do NOT wish for emergency medications to be administered to their student. For more information, see Board Policy JHCD.

Student Health Insurance
Find information on the MO HealthNet for Kids Program.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (cell phones, music players, hand-held games and the like) should not distract from the learning environment. Cell phones are discouraged from being brought to school. If a cell phone is necessary for safety issues, they must remain off and out of sight during school hours. As the school is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any student electronic devices, it is most advisable that students keep these things at home.

At no time should students use their personal phones or electronic devices to make or receive calls or text messages. To ensure the safety and security of all students on campus at all times, all outside communication must go through the main office.

Personal Property
Please label all clothing, lunch boxes, and backpacks with your child’s name. If your child returns home without an article of clothing, please check the classroom and lost and found box. If items are not claimed in a reasonable time, those items may be donated to a charitable organization.

We ask that students not bring personal items from home to school. Items not directly related to instruction, such as electronic devices, video games, make-up, toys, recess equipment, and excessive jewelry should be left at home. Any items brought may be confiscated. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

School lockers, desks and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice. Students have no expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, computers, or other district-provided equipment or areas. The district will conduct periodic and unannounced administrative searches of lockers, computers, and other district equipment. Student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or law. For more information, including searches for prohibited substances, see Board Policy JFG and Board Policy JFCI. 

Dress Code
The general atmosphere of a school must be conducive to learning. There is often a correlation between a person’s behavior and attitude and their appearance. If a student’s general appearance attracts undue attention to the extent that it becomes a disruptive factor in the school, the principal will ask the student to make the necessary changes. In the event that the change does not take place in the time allowed, the administrator will prescribe the action to be taken.

Following are examples to help students avoid attire or grooming that interferes with the learning environment:

• Clothing that is slashed, revealing, or suggestive may not be worn.
• Tube tops, halter-tops, midriffs, tops with spaghetti straps (straps should be at least one-inch wide), see-through clothing, pajamas, and boxer shorts are not considered suitable school wear.
• Headgear may not be worn in the building. Hats, caps, dew rags and bandanas will not be permitted.
• Sunglasses and dark glasses, unless prescription, are considered inappropriate attire.
• Clothing with advertisements for drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are prohibited.
• Students are not allowed to wear clothing that sags below the waist. The waist of clothing must be at the body’s waist.
• Painted faces are a distraction and are not appropriate for the school setting.
• Students are not allowed to wear short shorts, short skirts, or short dresses.
• Earrings may only be worn in the ear.
• Other inappropriate attire includes chains and/or clothing with vulgar, profane, ethnically derogatory messages, and pictures, symbols or depictions of gangs, and/or other negative influences.

The school principal will be responsible for interpreting the dress code and evaluating clothing as acceptable or not. If a student violates the dress code and a staff member addresses it, the student will be asked to change or contact parents to bring a change of clothes and not wear that item again. Disciplinary action may be taken if a problem becomes repetitive or leads to other disruptions. 

Gifts at School
Unless permission is received from the school administration, gifts (flowers, balloons, etc.) will not be accepted for delivery to students due to the interruption it causes to the instructional program. Balloons cannot be taken on the bus. 

Bus Transportation
Student behavior on all school buses must be such that a driver can operate the bus in a safe and efficient manner. Good student behavior on a school bus is considered the same as good classroom behavior. The driver is in complete charge of the bus and has the authority to require students to conduct themselves in a manner deemed necessary for the safe operation of the bus. Students should be on time at the designated school bus stop and exhibit appropriate behavior at all times at the bus stop. The student should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter or exit.

While on the bus, students should keep hands and head inside the bus at all times. Shouting, screaming, scuffling, horseplay, moving around while the bus is in motion, or defying the driver's instruction in any way will not be tolerated. Bus riders are not permitted to leave their seats while the bus is in motion. Bus riders are expected to be courteous to fellow students and to the bus driver.

It is imperative that bus riders follow the district bus rules and regulations. Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the bus may result in bus suspension. Bus information or concerns may be obtained/expressed by calling the district Transportation office at 417- 625-5300. For more information, see Board Policy JFCC.

Unless taking the student home on the day of suspension presents a safety or health risk to the student or others, suspensions will begin the next school day. Therefore, a student brought to school on a bus will be taken home on that bus. For special considerations for students with special needs, see Board Policy JGE. 

Counseling Services
Counselors are available to students at Joplin Schools. Students may request to see a counselor. If a parent would like the counselor to visit with his or her son or daughter, please notify the school counselors. 

Periodically, counselors will make presentations to students in classrooms to teach skills of conflict management, personal responsibility and positive self-esteem through discussion and role playing at appropriate grade levels to emphasize that the student has the power to control personal behavior. Students shall be encouraged to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-control and ethical considerations, such as respect for one's self and others. Students shall be taught not to make unwanted physical and verbal advances or otherwise exploit another person. Students shall be taught to resist unwanted advances and other negative peer pressure as well as to communicate openly with responsible adults regarding any inappropriate situation. For more information, including the scope of this instruction and the right to opt out, see Board Policy IGAEB. 

Recess
When at all possible, recess will be outside. Students should dress appropriately for the weather. Students will be kept inside for recess when there is a heat index of 100° or greater OR a wind chill of 20° or lower. For heat indexes between 97-100°, students will be limited to 15 minutes at a time outside and will have access to water breaks. For windchills of 20° to 32°, students will be permitted outside for no more than 15 minutes and only with a coat.

Suicide Awareness & Prevention
School staff are trained to identify and respond to students in crisis, including suicide. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has provided resources for parents through Missouri’s Trauma Informed Schools Initiative. For more information, see Board Policy JHDF.

Meal Programs
Joplin Schools offers a daily breakfast and lunch program during the school year. Applications should be completed online. These must be filled out each year. Only one form per family needs to be completed. You are responsible for any costs incurred before the application is approved. For questions regarding the meal program, contact Joplin Schools Food Service at 417-625-5315.

Complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application here.

Students may charge up to five breakfasts and five lunches. If the student does not usually eat breakfast at school, they will be limited to five lunch charges. If payment for these meals is not made on the next school day following the fifth charge, the student will be served an alternative meal and a carton of milk. When charges have been paid in full, the student’s credit will be considered good and they will again have the privilege to charge up to five breakfasts and five lunches. See the district website for Menus and Meal Prices.

Additionally, the district maintains nutrition standards for all food distributed to students at school. For more information, see Board Policy ADF.

Technology Usage
All students must have a signed copy of the district Acceptable Use Policy on file before being allowed to use any district-owned technology equipment. A complete copy of this policy can be found here.

Students are expected to demonstrate great care when using district technology equipment. Should a student become aware of a problem, deliberate or accidental, the student should immediately notify the teacher. For various reasons, including AMI (alternative methods of instruction) days declared by the district, students may be eligible to check out a school-issued device. All school equipment that is loaned to a student is the responsibility of the parent and student. The parent and student are responsible for all damages to district equipment, including but not limited to laptops. Responsibility includes restitution of damaged devices.

Privilege is granted to students to use the district technology systems and network for educational purposes. The expectation that all students conduct themselves appropriately applies to technology use as well. Students should not engage in behaviors that either distract from the learning intention of the technology or that could cause harm or otherwise compromise the district network and devices. For more information, see Board Policy EHB. 

Additional District Programs
Missouri school districts are responsible for meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population by providing a wide range of resources and support to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and be college prepared and career ready. Our school district has programs designed to help meet the unique educational needs of children working to learn the English language, students who are advanced learners, students with disabilities, homeless students, the children of migratory workers, and neglected or delinquent students. See the following Board Policies for additional information about district programs, including contact information for program coordinators:

• Special Education (IGBA)
• Programs for Homeless Students (IGBCA)
• Programs for Migratory Students (IGBCB)
• Programs for English Learners (IGBH)
• Programs for Gifted Students (IGBB)

For information on filing a complaint regarding federal programs, see board policy KLA.

Custodial & Non-Custodial Parent Rights & Responsibilities
When parents of a student are estranged, separated, or divorced, school personnel will uphold the parents’ rights. Both parents have the right to:

• View the child’s school records
• Receive school progress records
• Visit the child briefly at school during non-instructional times
• Participate in conferences

The only exception is when a court order (usually provided by the custodial parent and on file in the school office) restricts any of the above rights of the non-custodial parent.

The parent with whom the student resides is known as the custodial parent unless a legal document or signed parental agreement indicates otherwise. Verification may be required from the custodial parent.

School personnel will notify law enforcement if they anticipate a possible student abduction by the non-custodial parent or any other person.

The custodial parent has the responsibility to:

• Keep the school office informed as to the address of residence and how they may be contacted at all times
• Provide a copy of any legal documents that restrict the rights of the non-custodial parent

The non-custodial parent is to inform the school office of the telephone number and address where they may be contacted regarding the student.

Messages for Staff
If a parent needs to discuss a matter with a school staff member, please contact the school office, and the staff member will receive the message. The staff member will contact you during his or her instructional planning time.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
The district calendar sets aside days for parent-teacher conferences. We encourage parents to make appointments with your child’s teacher.

Phone Use
The office telephone is for school business, and it may be used by students only in case of emergency with the permission of the principal. Examples of a student emergency include medical problem or discipline concern. Examples of non-emergencies include forgotten homework and personal items, making plans to visit a friend, etc. Please help us teach our students to be responsible.

At no time should students use their personal phones or electronic devices to make or receive calls or text messages. To ensure the safety and security of all students on campus at all times, all outside communication must go through the main office. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. 

School News & Announcements
The district and school will communicate important information (including school cancellation or early dismissal) to parents though a variety of means including phone dialer or text, email, mail and/or social media. Parents are responsible for ensuring their contact information is up-to-date with the school office to ensure they receive important information. For information regarding staff/student communication, see Board Policy GBH.

Student Messages
If a parent needs the school to deliver an emergency message to a student, please contact the school office before 2:00 PM. By doing so before 2:00 PM, we will have a better opportunity to get the message to your child before the school dismissal time. Phone messages should be limited to emergency only. Please advise your child before they leave home in the morning of any after-school arrangements.

If a child is to have a different pick-up procedure, you MUST contact the school no later than 2:00 PM or send a note to the school. If we have no communication from the parent, the student will be sent home according to the normal procedure for that child. This ensures the safety of our students. 

Visiting School
To protect the instructional environment and student safety, we request that parents communicate in advance with the school principal if they would like to visit the school. To ensure the safety of our students, we require that all visits begin at the school office. ALL visitors to the school are required to wear a “Visitor” badge. This district policy is carried out for the safety of our students and staff. 

Emergency Procedures
There will be a list posted in each classroom of safety procedures to follow in case of fire, tornado, and other emergencies. Drills following these procedures are held periodically for the benefit of the students and staff. School cancellation or early dismissal will be communicated by the district office through phone dialer and social media. Parents are responsible for updating their contact information with the school office to ensure they receive these communications. See the district website for more information regarding Safety Drills & Procedures. See also FEMA Earthquake Safety at School.

Video & Audio Recordings
The district has established limits on the use of recording equipment in order to minimize disruption and protect instructional time essential to improving student achievement. Any recording activity, even activity permitted under this policy, will be prohibited if the activity creates a disruption to the education process. For more information, see Board Policy KKB. 

Recording by District Personnel
The district may make audio or visual recordings to provide security, to maintain order, for professional staff development use or for other purposes related to furthering the educational mission of the district. This may include the use of video equipment in school buildings and on district transportation. No recording equipment will be placed in areas of the building where the occupant would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restroom facilities or locker rooms. Recordings by or on behalf of district personnel that include students will be considered student records and will be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws. 

Recording by Students
Joplin Schools prohibits the use of video or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by students except:

• If required by a school-sponsored class or activity.
• At performances or activities to which the general public is invited such as athletic competitions, concerts and plays.
• At open meetings of the Board of Education or committees appointed by or at the direction of the Board.
• As otherwise permitted by the building principal.

If a student possesses electronic pictures or texts, the district will consider it the same as hard-copy possession.

Courage2Report
Courage2Report, formerly the Missouri School Violence Hotline, assists school districts and law enforcement in identifying potential school violence through a tip hotline. The hotline is staffed at all times. To contact the hotline, call 1-866-748-7047.

Weapons in School
The Board recognizes the importance of preserving a safe educational environment for students, employees and patrons of the district. In order to maintain the safety of the educational community, the district will strictly enforce the necessary disciplinary consequences resulting from the use or possession of weapons on school property. No student may possess a weapon on school property at any time. For more information, including what the district considers a weapon, see Board Policy JFCJ.

Student Records
A record of all grades, standardized test scores, and other confidential information is maintained for each student. We follow the procedures in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 concerning the release of student records. All information within the file is available to parents upon request. A new school may request a student’s files be sent directly to them. Upon completion of 5th grade, the file is sent to the appropriate Joplin middle school.

In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and educational services, it is necessary for the district to maintain extensive and sometimes personal information about students and families. These records must be kept confidential in accordance with law, but must also be readily available to district personnel who need the records to effectively serve district students.

The superintendent or designee will provide for the proper administration of student records in accordance with law, will develop appropriate procedures for maintaining student records and will standardize procedures for the collection and transmittal of necessary information about individual students throughout the district. The building principal shall assist the superintendent in developing the student records system, maintaining and protecting the records in his or her building and developing protocols for releasing student education records. The superintendent or designee will make arrangements so that all district employees are trained annually on the confidentiality of student education records, as applicable for each employee classification.

View Board Policy JO for details on health information, parent and eligible student access, directory information, law enforcement access, Children’s Division access, military and higher education access.

Notification of Rights Under FERPA
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. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School 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 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.
    
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurage, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend a record should write the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school 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. 
    

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con-sent. 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 school 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 person or company with whom the school has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer 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. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. (NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual otification that it intends to forward records on request.)

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
   Family Policy Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Ave. SW
   Washington, DC, 20202

Notification of Rights Under PPRA
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes
4. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any nonemergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use:

1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State Law.

Joplin Schools has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Joplin Schools will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Joplin Schools will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Joplin Schools will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901

Hazardous Materials (Asbestos Control)
Joplin Schools will implement and maintain procedures necessary to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) by adhering to the following guidelines: 

1. Use specifically accredited/certified persons to conduct inspections on all school buildings for asbestos- containing material.
2. Take appropriate action to control the release of asbestos fibers, upon completion of inspection.
3. Describe corrective steps and long-range maintenance in a management plan, to be made available to all concerned persons and filed with the appropriate state agencies.
4. Post warnings on all areas containing asbestos, and send a written notice to parents and employees, apprising them of the conditions.

Any further information concerning the district's procedures for asbestos control can be found in district offices. For more information, see Board Policy EBAB.

Public Concerns & Complaints
Joplin Schools is interested in resolving concerns and hearing complaints from the public regarding district programs and services so that they may be improved and better meet the needs of the students and the community. The district encourages parents/guardians, students and other members of the public to first discuss concerns with the appropriate district staff prior to bringing the issue to the Board so that the issue may be thoroughly investigated and addressed in a timely fashion. The Board will not act on an issue without input from the appropriate district staff and may require a parent/guardian, patron or student to meet with or discuss an issue with district staff prior to making a decision in the matter. For more information, see Board Policy KL.

Surveying, Analyzing & Evaluating Students
Any parent may inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum and all instructional materials, including teacher manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material, that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any applicable program. Further, a parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. The term "instructional material" does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing the information to others for that purpose. In the rare case where the district may collect information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents may inspect any instrument used before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, upon request and in accordance with Board policy.

In accordance with law, parents will be directly notified of this policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change in the policy. 

The district will take measures to protect the identification and privacy of the students participating in a protected information survey, regardless of the source of funding. These measures may include limiting access to the completed surveys and the survey results as allowed by law. All student educational records will be protected in accordance with law and Board Policy JO.

The provisions of this policy applicable to parents will transfer to a student who is 18 years old or emancipated. For more information, see Board Policy JHDA.

Teacher Qualifications
If a school receives Title I funds, parents can receive, upon request, information on the professional qualifications for their child’s teacher, and if the child is receiving services from a paraprofessional, the paraprofessional’s qualifications as well. For more information, see Board Policy GBL.

According to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely manner, the following information:

• Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title I.A funds must provide to each individual parent:

• Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title I.A.
• Timely notice that your student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

Title IX Notice of Non-Discrimination
Joplin Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, ancestry, or disability. This school complies with Title IX of the educational amendments. The Joplin School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, including definitions and examples of harassment and discrimination, procedures for reporting allegations of discrimination or harassment, and the contact information for the compliance coordinator, see Board Policy AC and Board Policy ACA.