Annual Notices & Publications: State and federal regulations – as well as some district policies – requires East Marshall CSD to annually post certain notifications to the public. Please reference this list of annual notices & information.
District Information & Educational Policies
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 East Marshall CSD are eligible for transportation assistance. Also, the student may ride the bus from the nearest stop within the East Marshall 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.
The East Marshall Community School District offers career and technical programs in:
Vocational Agriculture
Family & Consumer Science
Business
Industrial Technology
The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs or employment practices.
Questions or grievances may be directed to the Equity Coordinator, 204 W. Center St., Gilman, IA 50106; 641-498-7481.
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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
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 East Marshall 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.
Notification Regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) & Student Records Access
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives 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 inaccurate, 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 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. The parent or eligible student will receive additional information regarding the hearing procedures.
(3) The right to privacy of personally identifiable information 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 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.
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, only upon the request of the other district, and discloses those records solely for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.
(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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.
Release of Student Directory Information and Photographs
The district may release certain student information—known as “directory information”—without consent, unless parents or eligible students request in writing to restrict it.
Students in the East Marshall CSD will generally be allowed to express their viewpoints and opinions. It is the goal of the board to protect the educational environment for all students to help ensure it is free from substantial disruption or infringement upon their rights. In certain qualifying circumstances, student speech may require administrative regulation to help ensure the safety and welfare of the school community and to ensure the potential audience is not exposed to material that may be harmful or inappropriate for their level of maturity. View the entire Student Expression and Student Publications policy (502.03) on our website.
Inspections and Searches
EM 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, non-prescription 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 Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires the East Marshall Community School District to notify you and obtain consent or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):
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, anti-social, 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.
This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings. Following is a schedule of activities requiring parental notice and consent or opt-out for the upcoming school year. This list is not exhaustive and, for surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, the East Marshall Community School District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, notification of the surveys and activities and either obtain consent where required by state law or be provided an opportunity to opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys. (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.)
Homeless Students
It is the District’s policy to strive to identify homeless children and youth within the District, encourage their enrollment in school, and ensure they have equitable access to public education, including public preschool, as available. District policy 501.16, Homeless Children & Youth, is available on the District website. Chapter 33 in Iowa Administrative Code requires the District to give written notice to homeless children and families before denying their access to educational programs.
Homeless children and families may obtain free legal services by contacting:
Iowa law requires that evidence of immunization be presented before any student will be enrolled in the East Marshall 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.
Hearing: The district will partner with AEA who will conduct hearing screenings for grades K-2 and 5th annually and upon request.
Administration of Medications to Students
Medication shall be administered when the student’s parent or guardian provides a signed and dated Medication Permission for Administration at School form (located below) requesting medication administration and the medication is in the original, labeled container, either as dispensed by the pharmacy or in the manufacturer’s container. By law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases 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 professionals regardless of competency. View the entire Administration of Medication to Students Policy 507.2.
The East Marshall 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. Policies, procedures & forms concerning bullying & harassment are listed as follows:
Anyone who believes an EM CSD employee, volunteer, or student has been the victim of discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct may use this form to notify the District of their concerns. While anonymous reports are accepted and will be reviewed, the District’s ability to address and respond to anonymous reports is significantly limited.
Abuse of Students
The East Marshall Community School District prohibits acts of physical or sexual abuse, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior towards students committed by employees or volunteers. It also is the District’s policy to respond to allegations of abuse by employees or volunteers by investigating or arranging for the full investigation of any allegation and to do so in a reasonably prudent manner. Anyone believing that a District employee or volunteer has abused a student shall report the abuse to the Director of Human Resources at 563-578-3341.
Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement and Detention Chapter 103
State law forbids school employees from using corporal punishment against any student. Certain actions by school employees are not considered corporal punishment. Additionally, school employees may use “reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain” to do certain things, such as prevent harm to persons or property.
State law also places limits on school employees’ abilities to restrain or confine and detain any student. The law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child. If a child is restrained or confined and detained, the school must maintain documentation and must provide certain types of notice to the child’s parent.
If you have any questions about this state law, please contact your school. The complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s website.
Tobacco Use on School Premises
The East Marshall District policies prohibit the use of tobacco or products that resemble tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, on its property, including vehicles, buildings and grounds. All persons, including visitors, who do not comply with these policies will be asked to leave District property. These policies also apply to school functions with students in attendance. The District’s Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Environment policy is available on the District website.
Weather / Emergency Closings
The safety and well-being of students and staff is our top priority and the decision to close, delay the start, or release school early is no simple matter. Before deciding to modify the school day due to extreme weather conditions, the Superintendent consults with a variety of experts both inside and outside of the District. Our commitment is to keep students, families, and staff safe, and to keep the community informed of weather-related school closings, delays, and cancellations in as timely a manner as possible.
Announcements of District weather-related decisions are communicated through local media outlets (television, radio) and multiple District communication platforms. Notification will be sent directly to families based on their preferences in their JMC Parent Portal. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their contact information is accurate in JMC. Announcements are also posted on the school district’s social media accounts.
