West Sioux adopts disruptive behavior policy

The West Sioux School District Board of Education approved a policy governing the removal and readmission of students for disruptive behavior Monday, Sept. 21, while also taking action on several personnel matters and hearing updates from building administrators.

The board unanimously approved the second reading of its disruptive behavior policy, along with building-level procedures for Ireton Elementary, Hawarden Elementary and West Sioux Middle/High School.

The policy distinguishes between violent and nonviolent classroom disruptions and outlines when teachers may remove students from their classrooms and the process that must occur before those students return.

A nonviolent disruption includes disorderly conduct, abusive or profane language, bullying or repeated disruptive behavior. Under the policy, a teacher may remove a student from the classroom and place the student under the supervision of the principal or principal’s designee for at least 30 minutes.

Before a student in kindergarten through fifth grade is readmitted to the classroom, the principal or designee and teacher must meet to discuss the student’s return.

The same meeting requirement applies to students in grades six through 12, but those students cannot return to the teacher’s classroom until the following school day at the earliest.

Teachers may also appeal to the school board if a principal declines to remove a student for nonviolent disruptive behavior or if a teacher believes the student is being returned to the classroom too soon.

Students removed from class will receive alternative learning arrangements and are responsible for making up work missed while under alternative supervision.

Additional steps are required for repeated disruptions. If a student is removed from a classroom more than once, the teacher or teachers involved, principal, guidance counselor, student and the student’s parent or guardian, when applicable, must meet to discuss the behavior and establish a behavior plan and course of discipline.

If a student is removed two or more times during a semester, the principal may assign an in-school or out-of-school suspension or recommend to the superintendent that the student be placed in an approved alternative learning environment.

The policy establishes stronger requirements for violent disruptions, which are defined as threats of violence or incidents resulting in injury, property damage or assault.

In those cases, a teacher must remove the student from the classroom. Students in grades six through 12 may not return to that classroom until at least the following school day and after the teacher and administrator have discussed the student’s readmission.

The policy also states a student cannot be readmitted to a teacher’s classroom if the student was removed for assaulting the teacher and the teacher does not consent to the student’s return.

When a student’s conduct is severe or pervasive and the teacher requests the maximum disciplinary consequence, the principal is required to impose the maximum disciplinary action allowed under district policy.

The policy includes additional protections and requirements for students with Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 plans. Disciplinary decisions involving those students must comply with state and federal law.

Staff members responsible for implementing an IEP or 504 plan are also required to review applicable accommodations or modifications and document that review. At least one paraeducator or other employee who assists a teacher with classroom instruction must attend meetings related to the student’s IEP or 504 plan.

The policy additionally addresses employees affected by violent classroom incidents. Teachers injured because of a student’s violent disruption while performing their duties may receive up to three days of paid leave for physical recovery. Additional recovery time may be considered by the board when supported by documentation from a physician.

Following a violent or nonviolent disruption, a teacher may also request that a mental health professional, guidance counselor or behavioral interventionist be made available to affected students and employees to address immediate trauma. Students younger than 18 generally need parental or guardian consent to receive mental health services unless they are emancipated minors.

Each district attendance center is required to have an oversight committee responsible for building-level procedures governing when students removed for disruptive behavior may return to class.

Personnel changes approved The board also unanimously approved two personnel actions, hiring Jay Flynn as a custodian and Shanda Wobbema as interim food service director.

Three resignations were accepted: Elaina Arreola as a paraeducator, Ashley Sandbulte as food service director and Jan Thompson as a math and science teacher.

Several new elementary staff members were introduced during the meeting, including Tara Gradert, special education; Caitlin Murchie, fifth grade; Kinsley Rus, preschool; Yanira Bueso, social worker; Hailey Klein, transitional kindergarten; and Josh Culberson, assistant elementary principal.

The board also unanimously approved the second reading of financial policy primer updates.

Safety drill planned Middle school/high school principal Adam McVay reported the school will conduct a safety drill during the final week of September.

Parents will be notified about the drill, and school resource officer Jake Harmelink and Hawarden police chief Brian DePriest will be available to answer questions. Harmelink conducted a standard response protocol refresher with staff Sept. 9 in preparation for the student drill.

McVay also reported that West Sioux staff members Brad Klarenbeek, Jerrod Henrich and Shad Coppock were recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for their conservation education model. A DNR representative is expected to visit in October to learn more about the program.

The district’s first academic ineligibility week began Sept. 21, with reminders sent to students and parents.

Juniors will attend Career Day at Northwest Iowa Community College on Oct. 5. Volleyball Senior Night is scheduled for Oct. 15, followed by football Senior Night on Oct. 16.

Buildings settle into new spaces Elementary principal Travis Popken reported students and staff have had a positive start to the school year while continuing to adjust to newly renovated spaces at Hawarden and Ireton elementary schools.

Teachers recently completed the first 15- and 20-day sets of routines intended to establish expectations and student management practices for the year.

Students also completed FAST screening and other diagnostic assessments from Sept. 8-18. FAST screening helps identify students who are nonproficient, proficient or advanced, while CORE and PAST assessments provide additional information about individual needs and help guide instruction.

New furniture has been installed in classrooms and common areas at the elementary schools. Most pieces have arrived, although some remain on backorder, and renovation work continues in portions of both buildings.

Work is also progressing on the outdoor areas.

Grass is growing at both elementary sites, while irrigation and fencing have been installed at Hawarden. Plans for playground equipment and surfacing at both sites have been completed, and the district is waiting for quotes before determining the next steps and project timelines.

The board unanimously approved the August meeting minutes, financial reports and invoices as part of its consent agenda.

Board president Larry Gregg, vice president Travis Waterman and board members Sunday Ford and Marissa Rehder were present.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 19.

West Sioux adopts disruptive behavior policy

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