NORTHEAST HAMILTON’S

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STUDENT/PARENT
HANDBOOK
2018-2019
PreK - 6TH GRADES

NORTHEAST HAMILTON ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2018-2019 for grades Pre K – 6th

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION PAGE 2
AEA SERVICES PAGE 2
ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION PAGE 2
ASSEMBLIES PAGE 3
ATTENDANCE PAGE 3
BUS CHANGE PERMITS PAGE 3
BUS RIDER RULES PAGE 3
CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM PAGE 4
COMMUNICATIONS TO AND FROM SCHOOL PAGE 5
DAYCARE & AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM PAGE 19
EARLY DISMISSAL PAGE 5
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PAGE 6
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PAGE 7
FIELD TRIPS PAGE 7
FREE NIGHT PAGE 7
GUIDANCE PROGRAM PAGE 7
HARASSMENT/ANTI-BULLYING/HAZING/INITIATIONS PAGE 8
HEALTH/DENTAL/LEAD SCREENING PAGE 9
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM PAGE 9
IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN PAGE 19
IMMUNIZATIONS PAGE 9
INTERNET PAGE 9
IOWA SCHOOL ALERTS PAGE 11
LEGAL STATUS OF A STUDENT PAGE 11
LOAN OF EQUIPMENT PAGE 11
LOST AND FOUND PAGE 11
MISSION STATEMENT PAGE 1
MULTICULTURAL/NON SEXIST POLICY PAGE 12
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT PAGE 12
OPEN ENROLLMENT PAGE 12
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES PAGE 13
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS PAGE 13
RETURNED CHECKS PAGE 13
SCHOOL NURSE PAGE 13
SCHOOL OFFICE AND SCHOOL DAY PAGE 13
SEARCH AND INSPECTIONS PAGE 13
STAFF ASSIGNMENTS PAGE 14
STUDENT ABUSE BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES PAGE 14
STUDENT CONDUCT RULES PAGE 15
STUDENT’S EDUCATIONAL RECORDS PAGE 16
STUDENT FEE WAIVER & REDUCTION PAGE 17
STUDENT INSURANCE PAGE 17
STUDENTS WHO ARE SICK AT SCHOOL PAGE 17
SUCCESS TEAM PAGE 18
VISITORS PAGE 18
WEAPONS PAGE 18
WELCOME PAGE 1

WELCOME
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Welcome to the Northeast Hamilton Elementary School. We enjoy working and learning with your
children and are committed to helping them grow through the many educational opportunities
offered at our school.

This handbook was compiled to build communication and establish a career understanding of
services we offer and the expectations and procedures of the elementary school. Please take a
moment to read and become familiar with the handbook. The Northeast Hamilton School Board
Policies are also available for your viewing at the school office.

The focus of the Northeast Hamilton Elementary School is to raise student achievement through
research-based instructional strategies. At Northeast Hamilton Elementary, a flexible grouping
model offers the students more opportunity to learn at their instructional level. Our small class sizes
also allow us to personalize learning even more. We have also started a school wide intervention
system which allows us to differentiate instruction for each student. The staff is involved in on-
going professional development and we are striving to provide a positive learning environment for
all students and making your child’s learning more personal or customized to meet his or her needs.

We encourage you to visit the school and your child’s classroom, volunteer your time, and contact
the school with questions or concerns. As parents, you play a valuable role in providing a school of
excellence, and we look forward to a challenging and rewarding school year.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Northeast Hamilton Community School District is to provide an environment
for each student to achieve his or her highest potential and to foster a desire to pursue lifelong
learning.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
When school is canceled because of inclement weather prior to the start of the school day,
students and parents are notified over the following radio stations: KQWC (1570 & 95.7),
IowaAlerts.org and the following television stations: WOI -TV Channel 5, KCCI-TV Channel 8,
and WHO-TV Channel 13 and also through the school NEH NOTICE. The missed day may
have to be made up at a later date. If school is dismissed because of inclement weather after the
school day has begun, parents are notified by the same means. Parents need to have a plan in
place for their child(ren) in the case that school has been dismissed. If relevant to the situation,
the superintendent determines whether buses will follow the regular routes. If the buses do not
follow the regular routes, they follow emergency routes or the parents are responsible for picking
up the students at school. Longer range announcements, such as School Board meetings, will be
broadcast over KQWC and published in the Webster City Freeman Journal. Minutes of the
meetings are also made available in/over the Webster City Journal and KQWC.

Extra-curricular activities or practices scheduled for the day or evening of a day when school is
canceled or dismissed early are canceled and re-scheduled. The principal may determine whether
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to hold extra-curricular activities or practices. If the extra-curricular activity is to be held that day,
students and parents are notified in the same manner as the notification that school was dismissed.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Students may need to take prescription or nonprescription medication during school hours. Students
may carry medication only with the permission of the parents/guardian and principal. The school
must know the medications a student is taking in the event the student has a reaction or illness.
Students must provide written instructions for administration of the medication as well as parental
authorization to administer the medication. Medication is held in a locked cabinet and distributed
by trained staff members. Medication must be in the original container with the following
information either on the container, in the instruction sheet or in the parental authorization: name
of the student; name of the medication; directions for use including dosage, times and duration;
name, phone number and address of the pharmacy (if applicable); date of the prescription (if
applicable); name of the physician (if applicable); potential side effects; and emergency number
for parents.

AREA EDUCATION AGENCY SERVICES

Services from the Area Education Agency psychologist, social worker, speech/language
pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, vision/sight and hearing audiologist are
available for students upon request by the parents/guardians and/or school. The primary function
of services is two fold: 1) to assist the school in identifying students with specific physical,
social/emotional and intellectual difficulties and 2) to provide specialized services and support
programs to aid needy students in school and at home.

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION
Asbestos has been an issue of concern for many years. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response
Act of 1986 (AHERA) was designed to determine the extent of asbestos concerns in the schools
and to act as a guide in formulating asbestos management policies for the schools. The school
district facilities have been inspected by a certified asbestos inspector as required by AHERA. The
inspector located, sampled and determined the condition and hazard potential of all material in the
school facilities suspected of containing asbestos. The inspection and laboratory analysis records
form the basis of the asbestos management plan.

A certified management planner has developed an asbestos management plan for the school district
facilities which includes: notification letters, training for employees, a set of procedures designed
to minimize the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, and plans for regular surveillance of
the materials. A copy of the management plan is available for inspection in the office.
ASSEMBLIES
Throughout the year the school district sponsors school assemblies. Attendance at these assemblies
is a privilege. Students must act in an orderly fashion and remain quiet on their way to an assembly,
during an assembly and on their way back to the classroom after an assembly. Students attend
assemblies unless, for disciplinary reasons, the privilege is taken away. Students who are not
attending assemblies shall report to an assigned location during assemblies.
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ATTENDANCE
If your child becomes sick and will not be going to school, it is very important that you call the
school and let us know. A secretary will begin taking calls at 7:30 a.m. The number to call is 325-
6202. If we do not hear from a parent or guardian, we will attempt to make contact with you to
verify the student’s whereabouts. So please call if you have a child that will not be in attendance
of school.

BUS CHANGE PERMITS

Unless other arrangements have been made by the parents, students will be dropped off the busses
only at predesignated points, generally the farm driveway or town park. If other arrangements are
needed on a temporary basis, the parents must notify the school office in writing so a temporary
"bus change permit" may be issued. The written notification must be brought to the office by the
student before the permit is issued and for final processing. In case of emergencies, the school
secretary can fill out the permit after a phone call from the parents has been received.

BUS RIDER RULES

BUS RIDER RULES (Parents, please discuss the following with children)
l. Follow driver's directions the first time.
2. Stay in seat unless the driver gives permission to do otherwise.
3. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. No swearing or teasing.
5. Talk in a normal tone of voice.

A student gets one warning for the violation of any of the preceding rules. On the second violation,
the driver will write up a discipline slip and turn it in at the office.

The penalty for the first discipline slip is probation. The principal will conference with the
offending student. Parents will be notified.

The penalty for the second discipline slip in a year is not riding the bus for a period of time to be
determined by the principal and a conference among the student, parents, and the principal.

The third discipline slip will result in a conference with the student, parents, principal, and
superintendent. The time off the bus will be determined by the superintendent.

Because of the drifting snow and possibly muddy roads, the school will sometimes use emergency
routes to pick up the students for school. The use of emergency routes will be announced over the
usual radio stations. See the public announcements for these radio station’s listings.

These routes have been chosen on the basis that almost everyone will be within two miles of an
emergency route. Turn-arounds have been left out in all but one instance.
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All of the busses except the Williams town bus will leave the barn at 7:00 a.m., if school is starting
at normal time. If school is delayed a certain amount, please adjust the bus starting time
accordingly. The busses will slow for all intersections and stop at the intersections at which
students are waiting. We believe that setting a schedule time will be very difficult to predict. Please
send the students to the intersections with adequate protection from the elements since they may
have to wait a few minutes.

The emergency routes are as follows:

Lanette Willems (Bus #2) - Leave Blairsburg and travel South on Hwy 69 to 220th St. (Old Hwy
20) east to Vail Ave (CR R61) South to 270th St. (D41) East to Xircus Ave.(CR R77) North to
220th St.(CR D25) East to the Scott Renaud farm , turn around and return to old Hwy 20 north to
Williams then return to Blairsburg.

Jerry Klaver (Bus #7) - Leave Blairsburg and travel West on 220th St. (old Hwy 20) to county
road R-38 South to Kamrar then continue South to county road D-41 (280th St.) East to Hwy 69
North to Blairsburg.

Cody Crouch (Bus#5) - Leave Blairsburg and travel north on Hwy 69 to county road D20 east to
county road R75 north to county road C70 West to county road R38 South to 220th St. (Old Hwy
20) then east to Blairsburg.

CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM

Northeast Hamilton Community School district is determined to prepare students to contribute to
society. All students achieve their highest potential through mastery of educational outcomes with
an emphasis on lifelong learning. Northeast Hamilton has adopted the “Character Counts” program
and will be actively involved with this program. Northeast Hamilton’s Character counts Program
will:
● Promote Ethical values as the basis of good character
● Define, recognize and practice the traits and conducts associated with good character to
enhance the climate and culture of the school community.
● Integrate the instruction and celebrate the successes of character growth and to encourage
young people and their families to live with the Six Pillars of Character Counts!:
TRUSTWORTHINESS, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, FAIRNESS, CARING and
CITIZENSHIP
● Actively recruit and involve parents and community members as full partners in the
character-building efforts.
● Evaluate the character education of the school, the schools staff’s functioning as character
educators, and the extent to which the students manifest good character.
● Actively support the importance of social, behavioral and emotional development
of students.

COMMUNICATIONS TO AND FROM SCHOOL

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When sending a note or money to school, the student should receive clear instructions from the
parents about who is the appropriate person to receive the money. Also, the school sends notes and
papers home with the students. Parents need to remind their children to notify them of notes or
papers from school for the parents. Parents are responsible for knowing the contents of the notes
or papers sent home.

If a student is going to bring birthday treats, please contact the teacher so that the proper
arrangements can be made. If a student has invitations to birthday or any type of party, we ask that
the parents do it by mail if everyone in the class is not invited. This saves embarrassment of
students who are not invited.

Communication with daycare providers is the responsibility of the parents, not the school district
or students’ teachers.

EARLY DISMISSAL AND LATE STARTS (EO OR LS)

School will dismiss 2-hours early for professional development on 8/23 (EO), 8/24 (E0), 9/13 (LS),
10/25 (EO), 11/5 & 11/6 (EO), 11/21 (EO), 12/13 (LS), 1/10 (LS), 3/11 & 3/12 (EO) 4/4 (EO), &
5/9 (EO). Please check your newsletter, school calendar on the web, the NEH website or call the
school if you are unsure. These times will be used for professional development and work on
school curriculum and materials. Bus routes will run approximately 2-hours earlier or later on these
days, so please plan accordingly.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Periodically the school holds emergency fire, tornado and crisis drills. At the beginning of each
semester, teachers notify students of the procedures to follow in the event of a drill. Emergency
procedures and proper exit areas are posted in all rooms.

Students are expected to remain quiet and orderly during a drill or an emergency. Students who
pull the fire alarm or call in false alarms, in addition to being disciplined under the school
district's policies, rules and regulations, may be reported to law enforcement officials.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of the Northeast Hamilton Community School District not to discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital
status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for
programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance
procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance
related to policy please contact Mike Kruger, Address: 606 Illinois Street, Blairsburg, IA 50034,
Office Phone: 515-325-6234, Email Address: mkruger@ne-hamilton.k12.ia.us

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
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applicable federal and state laws, executive orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract
compliance and equal opportunity.

FIELD TRIPS
In certain classes, field trips and excursions are authorized and may be taken as an extension of the
classroom to contribute to the achievement of the educational goals of the school district. If a field
trip is required for a course, students are expected to attend the field trip. Absences in other classes
or school activities due to the attendance on field trips or excursions are considered excused
absences. While on field trips, students are guests and considered ambassadors and representatives
of the school district. Students must treat employees, chaperones, and guides with respect and
courtesy.

Prior to attending a field trip, students must return a permission slip signed by the student's
parents or in registration packets, parents could sign a form that gives the school staff permission
to take your child on a school all school sponsored field trips. Required fees must be paid prior to
the trip. Students unable to afford the cost of a field trip should contact their teacher or the
principal. Periodically throughout the year the students will be doing community service.
Permission slips are not required for this. If you do not want your child to participate in
community service you must submit a written letter to the principal at the beginning of the year as
to why you do not want your child to participate. Alternate work will be assigned to students not
participating in community services.

FREE NIGHT
Wednesday evening has been reserved as community night and no activities will take place after
6:00 p.m. unless scheduled by an organization outside the control of the school. All students are
to be out of the building by 6:00 p.m. except those accompanied by a parent.

GUIDANCE PROGRAM
The purpose of the guidance program is to help each individual student achieve his or her highest
growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. We try to do this in several ways:
1. Helping the new student feel at home in our school.
2. Holding individual conferences whenever deemed necessary by student or staff.
3. Administering the testing programs designed to help students learn about their interests and
abilities.
4. The counselor welcomes the opportunity to talk with students, staff, and parents.

HARASSMENT/ANTI-BULLYING/HAZING/INITIATIONS
Harassment, bullying and abuse are violations of school district policies, rules and regulations
and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The school district has the
authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.
Students who feel that they have been harassed or bullied should:
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● Communicate to the harasser or bully that the student expects the behavior to stop, if the
student is comfortable doing so. If the student needs assistance communicating with the
harasser or bully, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
● If the harassment or bullying does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable
confronting the harasser or bully, the student should:
○ tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and
○ write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the
teacher, counselor or principal including;
■ what, when and where it happened;
■ who was involved;
■ exactly what was said or what the harasser or bully did;
■ witnesses to the harassment or bullying;
■ what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
■ how the student felt; and
■ how the harasser or bullying responded.

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment or bullying on the basis of age, color,
creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference,
political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status includes conduct of a verbal or physical
nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble persons when:
● places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property;
● has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health;
● has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s academic performance; or
● has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or
benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:

● verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
● pressure for sexual activity;
● repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications; and
● suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats.
Harassment or bullying based upon factors other than sex includes, but is not limited to:
● verbal, physical, or written harassment or abuse;
● repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
● implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, job, etc; and
● demeaning jokes, stories or activities.

HEALTH/DENTAL/LEAD SCREENINGS
Throughout the year, the school district sponsors health screening for vision, hearing, scoliosis and
height and weight measurements. Students are automatically screened unless the parent submits a
note asking the student be excused from the screening. The grade levels included in the screening
are determined annually. Parents are notified prior to the health screenings. However, upon a
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teacher's recommendation and with parental permission, students not scheduled for screening may
also be screened.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

Each student will receive their own lunch number. Students will be responsible for knowing their
own number and telling the cashier.

Once a week, notices are printed or emailed for lunch account balances that are under $5.00,
indicating the family lunch account needs replenishing. These are handed out to students, usually
the youngest in the family or notices are emailed to the family email account that the school
registrar has on file. A detailed explanation of your account (current year only) may be obtained by
contacting Sherri Olson at 325-6234. If after several notices, there is no attempt to clear the negative
balance, the student(s) may be denied charging meals until the matter is resolved.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Prior to starting school or when transferring into the school district, students must present an
approved Iowa Department of Public Health immunization certificate signed by a health care
provider stating that the student has received the immunizations required by law. Students without
the proper certificate are not allowed to attend school until they receive the immunizations or the
student makes arrangements with the principal. Only for specific medical or religious purposes are
students exempted from the immunization requirements. Students may also be required to pass a
TB test prior to attending school. Parents who have questions should contact the office.

INTERNET
Students will be able to access the Internet once they and their parent/guardian have signed the
Ethical Use Policy. Each student will have a folder on the server for storage. This folder will be
erased at the end of each school year. Emails will not be issued to students. It is a goal to allow
teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of
students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material. The use of the
network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user
of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own
set of policies and procedures. It is the user’s responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures
of these other networks. All students are subject to the regulations set forth in the NEH Ethical Use
Policy.

Students will adhere to on-line protocol: Respect all copyright and license agreements.
● Cite all quotes, references and sources.
● Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
● Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of
communication.

Restricted Material – Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or
engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar,
profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes
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insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a
clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will
cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of
the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of
lawful school regulations. Unauthorized Costs – If a student gains access to any service via the
Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing
such a service will be responsible for those costs. Northeast Hamilton has taken steps to restrict
access to materials that are obscene, pornographic, harmful to children, or otherwise
inappropriate as much as possible; however, we cannot guarantee that filtering software will in all
instances successfully block access to questionable materials or that a student will not reach
inappropriate information, as information appears, disappears, and changes constantly on the
global network. Accessing messaging and personal blog websites are not permitted and if
accessed will result in disciplinary action.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the following consequences:
● First Violation – A verbal and written “Warning” notice will be issued to the student. The
student may lose Internet access for a period of time at the discretion of the supervising
teacher. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student’s parent and a copy provided to
the building principal.
● Second Violation – A verbal and written “Second Violation” notice will be issued to the
student. A copy of the notice will be sent to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the
building principal. The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for a period of time at the
discretion of the supervising teacher or principal.
● Third Violation – A verbal and written “Third Violation” notice will be issued to the student.
A copy of the notice will be sent to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building
principal. The student will forfeit all Internet privileges for the balance of the school year.
If a student is put under discipline as stated above, the principal will send an email to all staff
indicating the dates that said student is not allowed on the Internet/Computer. Said student will be
unable to access the Internet during the time set. If a class requires computer use, said student may
have access to a computer in that teacher’s classroom only and only for instructional purposes – no
Internet use will be allowed.

REMIND
Reminders and other important messages will be sent out through the REMIND notification
system. Please sign up for these remind messages by sending this text message @nehpa to the
number 81010. This will get you signed up to receive our notifications.
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LEGAL STATUS OF A STUDENT

If a student’s legal status, such as the student’s name or the student’s custodial arrangement, should
change during the school year, the parent or guardian must notify the school district. The school
district needs to know when these changes occur to ensure that the school district has a current
student record.

LOAN OF EQUIPMENT
School equipment is not to be loaned out to individuals or organizations without prior authorization
from the administration. Please get prior permission before using any school equipment.

LOST AND FOUND

A “lost and found” department is maintained by the office. Students finding unclaimed articles
about the building are asked to turn them into the office. There may also be gym clothes and shoes
located in the locker room areas which have been lost. There will be lost and found tables set up
at both Parent-Teacher Conferences. Unclaimed articles after those conferences will be taken to
goodwill.

MULTICULTURAL/NONSEXIST POLICY
It is the policy of Northeast Hamilton Community School not to discriminate on the basis of sex,
race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or physical disability in its educational programs,
activities, or employment policies as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act,
Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, and the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
It is also the policy of this district that the curriculum content and instructional materials utilized
reflect the cultural and racial diversity open to women as well as men in our society. One of the
objectives of the total curriculum and teaching strategies is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate
bias on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, religion and physical disability. The curriculum should
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foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and an awareness of
the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a multicultural/nonsexist
society.

If you have any questions regarding this policy contact Mike Kruger or the school guidance
counselor, Equity Coordinators, 325-6234.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
"In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil
rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, office, and employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights
activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact
the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of
hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)
877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than
English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination

Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter
addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To
request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter
to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Northeast Hamilton CSD participates in whole grade sharing with Webster City CSD and offers
service programs in Career and Technical Education in Ag Business, Construction Trades,
General Business, and Family and Consumer Science.

Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement:

“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,
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please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website:
https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”

OPEN ENROLLMENT
Iowa’s open enrollment law allows students residing in one school district to request transfer to
another school district upon the parent’s request. Students wishing to open enroll to another
school district must apply for open enrollment by March 1 of the school year preceding the school
year in which they wish to open enroll unless there is good cause. Open enrolled students from
low-income families may qualify for transportation assistance. Open enrollment may result in
loss of athletic eligibility for students open enrolling. Students interested in open enrolling out of
the school district must contact the superintendent’s office for information and forms.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in the fall and spring. Elementary teachers will hold
conferences in their rooms and appointments will be made. Parent Teacher Conferences for 2018-
2019 school year will be November 5th and 6th (School will dismiss 2-hours early on both days)
& March 11th & 12th (School will dismiss 2-hours early on both days).

RETURNED CHECKS
Each family will be allowed one returned check. After the second returned check, the family will
be on a cash only basis through the remainder of that school year. A family with two returned
checks in one year will be allowed one returned check in year 2 and subsequent years, before
dealing strictly on a cash only basis for the remainder of each school year. The Northeast Hamilton
School District will seek reimbursement through a collection agency if payment is not rendered for
the returned check amount.

The district will also utilize the services of a collection agency when other attempts to collect on
outstanding balances have not been successful.

SCHOOL NURSE
The school nurse is available part of each day to assist when the students become ill or injured.
The nurse assists with classes in personal cleanliness and grooming, personality improvement,
human growth, and maturity. At the request of the teacher, the nurse works as a consultant in health
classes and programs. Her office is located in the elementary school. The nurse will be at school
from 8-12am every day.

SCHOOL OFFICE AND SCHOOL DAY

The central office and principal’s office are open from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30p.m. each day. It is
advisable for parents to call the building principal to arrange conferences with faculty members.
Generally students, staff, or faculty will not be called to the telephone unless they have an open
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period of time or in case of emergency. A message will be forwarded to the individual to return
the call when she/he has an open period. Students may not be present on school grounds before
7:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. only when they are under the supervision of an employee or an
extracurricular activity sponsor. If students are left after school unattended by an adult the student
will be taken to the Mighty Trojan Child Care Center and billed accordingly. If school is dismissed
early, students are expected to leave the school grounds within 10 minutes of dismissal. The normal
school day hours are 8:10 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. After 3:45 staff voicemail will be available.

SEARCH, SEIZURE AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

School officials have the right to search student lockers, personal possessions, and automobiles in
order to protect children, or the property of the school district. Students need not be notified before
their lockers, personal property, or automobiles are searched. Searches of student's clothing can be
done as a last resort and only when there is clear and imminent danger to the student or to other
students. Strip searches of students shall not be permitted. The Northeast Hamilton CSD also uses
video surveillance on its grounds and school busses to assist and ensure in the safety and proper
behavior of the students, staff and patrons of the district.

STAFF ASSIGNMENTS
Pre School: Mrs. Chelsea Gerard Special Education: Mrs. Mary Battazzi
Kindergarten: Mrs. Janelle Oakland Guidance: Mrs. Alison Friesleben
First Grade: Mrs. Kim Schimp Vocal Music: Mrs. Elizabeth Schwake
Second Grade: Ms. Emily Sletten Instrumental Music: Mrs. Elizabeth Schwake
Third Grade: Mrs. Tammy Massman Art: Mr. Ben Hobart
4/5/6 Math : Mrs. Joni Smith TAG: Mr. Matt Schutt
4/5/6 Science/Social Studies: Mr. John Seiser School Nurse: Cindi Sweedler
Title 1 Reading/4/5/6 Reading Mrs. Laura Seiser Physical Education: Mr. Matt Vagts
Media Specialist: Mrs. Kathy Houck
Elem. Lib/Computer Lab: Mrs. Lanette Willems
Associate: Ms. Carrie Betts Associate: Mrs. Lisa Brim
Associate: Mrs. Peggy Wilson Associate: Mrs. Kacey Pruismann
Associate: Mrs. Kim Cavanagh Associate: Mrs. Pam Swenson
Associate: Mrs. Beth Patterson
Your child(ren) will be in contact with many staff members throughout the school year. All
associates, bus drivers, custodians, cooks, and secretaries are to receive the same respect given to
teachers. Substitute teachers will also command as much respect as regular faculty members.

STUDENT ABUSE BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

The school district does not tolerate employees physically or sexually abusing or harassing
students. Students who are physically or sexually abused or harassed by an employee should notify
their parents, teacher, principal or another employee. The Iowa Department of Education has
established a two-step procedure for investigating allegations of physical or sexual abuse of
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students by employees. That procedure requires the school district to designate an independent
investigator to look into the allegations. The school district has designated school officials
according to board policy and the Level I investigator(s) can be reached by calling the office at
325-6234.

Physical abuse is a non-accidental physical injury that leaves a mark at least 24 hours after the
incident. While employees cannot use physical force to discipline a student, there are times when
the use of physical force is appropriate. The times when physical force is appropriate include, but
are not limited to, times when it is necessary to stop a disturbance, to obtain a weapon or other
dangerous object, for purposes of self-defense or to protect the safety of others, to remove a
disruptive student, to protect others from harm, for the protection of property or to protect a student
from self-infliction of harm.

Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, sexual acts involving a student and intentional sexual
behavior as well as sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests
for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such
conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student’s education or
benefits; submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions
affecting that student; or the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a
student’s academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational
environment.

STUDENT CONDUCT RULES

As the "Golden Rule” says -
TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED BY THEM.
Playground Rules:
1. No fighting, contact games, swearing, teasing or showing disrespect.
2. No disrupting other’s play.
3. Stay in assigned area, on or east of sidewalk and inside roads.
4. Line up quickly on the first whistle.
Cafeteria Rules:
1. Stay in seat unless returning tray or dismissed by teacher and talk quietly.
2. Eat food or leave on tray or in lunch container.
3. Line up quickly, quietly, and properly when asked by teacher.
4. No swearing, teasing, or sassing.
Building Rules:
1. Walk.
2. Talk quietly.
3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4. Respect the property of others.
5. No swearing, teasing, or sassing.
Violations of these rules are to be reported to the violator's homeroom teacher. The homeroom
teacher should treat these violations as if they occurred in the classroom. The homeroom teacher
will take whatever steps are appropriate as if the violation occurred in the classroom. If the rules
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continue to be broken and are of a serious nature then the student will be taken to the principal's
office and appropriate measures will be taken.
DUE PROCESS: All students are entitled to:
1) be given oral and/or written notice of the charge.
2) be given an opportunity to admit or deny the charge.
3) be given an explanation of the evidence against the student if he/she denies the charges.
4) be given the opportunity to explain the situation.
In some cases an informal hearing will be held with the superintendent, principal, student, and
parents to determine the most appropriate educational program available for the student or to
consider recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. Under certain circumstances
school officials will inform law enforcement authorities of certain types of student behavior.
Expulsion will be considered when there is evidence that the student’s presence is detrimental to
the best interest of the school. Procedural due process will be forwarded, in writing, to the student.

STUDENT’S EDUCATIONAL RECORDS

Student records containing personally identifiable information, except for directory information,
are confidential. For a complete copy of the school district’s policy on student records or the
procedure for filing a complaint, contact the board secretary, in the central administration office.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years
of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are
as follows:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of receipt of
the request.
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 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 or misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy rights. Parents
or eligible students may ask the school district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or
misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want
changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. 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.
3. 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 law
enforcement unit personnel and certain volunteers); a person serving on the school board; a person
or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney,
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auditor, AEA employees, 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.
4. The right to inform the school district the parent does not want directory information, as defined
below, to be released. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information
released to the public must make objection in writing to the principal. The objection needs to be
renewed annually. Directory information includes:
NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE LISTING, DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH, E-MAIL
ADDRESS, MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY, PARTICIPATION IN OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED
ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS, WEIGHT AND HEIGHT OF MEMBERS OF ATHLETIC TEAMS,
DATES OF ATTENDANCE, DEGREES AND AWARDS RECEIVED, THE MOST RECENT
PREVIOUS SCHOOL OR INSTITUTION ATTENDED BY THE STUDENT, PHOTOGRAPH
AND LIKENESS AND OTHER SIMILAR INFORMATION.
5. 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.

STUDENT FEE WAIVER AND REDUCTION PROCEDURES

The school district charges fees for certain items, such as field trips, class materials, fines, and class
dues. Students whose families meet the income guidelines for free and reduced price lunch, the
Family Investment Program (FIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSE), transportation assistance
under open enrollment, or who are in foster care are eligible to have their student fees waived or
partially waived. Students whose families are experiencing a temporary financial difficulty may
be eligible for a temporary waiver of student fees. Parents or students who believe they may qualify
for temporary financial hardship should contact the board secretary at registration time for a waiver
form. This waiver does not carry over from year to year and must be completed annually.

STUDENT INSURANCE
Student health and accident insurance is available to students at the beginning of the school year.
Parents may purchase insurance for their children at their discretion. Parents who would like more
information about student health and accident insurance should contact the office.

STUDENTS WHO ARE SICK OR INJURED AT SCHOOL

A student who becomes ill or is injured at school must notify his or her teacher or another employee
as soon as possible. In the case of a serious illness or injury, the school shall attempt to notify the
parents according to the information on the emergency form. If the student is too ill to remain in
school, the student will be released to the student’s parents or, with parental permission, to another
person directed by the parents. While the school district is not responsible for treating medical
emergencies, employees may administer emergency or minor first aid if possible. The school will
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contact emergency medical personnel, if necessary, and attempt to notify the parents where the
student has been transported for treatment.

SUCCESS TEAM
The Northeast Hamilton Success Team is comprised of the principal, guidance counselor/at-risk
coordinator, Title 1 teacher, special education teachers, regular education teachers, school nurse,
parents, and an AEA representative. Students who are not identified as special education may be
considered at-risk. They may have difficulties meeting standards and benchmarks, exhibit behavior
problems, and/or are in some other way significantly at-risk. These students are served through the
Success Team. Teachers may bring a student up for problem solving at any time during the year.
The Success Team will go over relevant data provided by the teachers and prescribe applicable
interventions to help the students meet success. Student progress is monitored and evaluated
throughout the year.

VISITORS
Visitors to the school grounds must check in at the main office and state their intentions for their
visit. Office staff will assist them as needed. Students will not be allowed to bring visitors to
school as this causes a disruption to the educational day. Exceptions may be granted by the building
principal but only in an extraordinary situation.

WEAPONS
The Board of Education believes weapons and other dangerous objects and look-a-likes in the
school district facilities cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or
present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors on the school district
premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

Students bringing firearms to school or knowingly possessing firearms at school shall be expelled
for not less than one year. Students bringing to school or possessing dangerous objects or look-a-
likes, including firearms, will be referred to law enforcement authorities. Parents will be notified
of any such violations of this policy. The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend
this expulsion requirement be modified for students on a case-by-case basis. The term "firearm"
includes, but is not limited to, any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of
an explosion or other force, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such
a weapon, or any explosive incendiary or poison gas.

Students may not use normally non-destructive objects such as pencils, rulers, compasses, books,
etc. in a threatening way or assaultive manner. The use of any object in a dangerous way will be
treated as if the item(s) used were a dangerous weapon.

Students shall not possess toy weapons or "look-a-like" weapons at school, except with the
knowledge and permission of a teacher, coach, or administrator and then only for educational
purposes. Violation of this policy will result in confiscation of the "weapon” and detention or
suspension will be given depending on the student’s disciplinary history.
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IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN

Take your concern to the person closest to the problem. Regardless of where the problem is, take
your concern there first. Whether in the classroom, on the bus, on the practice field, or on the
playground, the quickest and easiest solution is usually always with the staff member most directly
involved.

Present your concern to the next level. The Principal is directly responsible for supervision of staff.
The Director of Transportation oversees all school bus drivers. These are examples of the next
level of school personnel in the school district you should contact if the staff member closest to the
problem hasn't been able to resolve the difficulty to your satisfaction.

Talk with the Superintendent of Schools. Sometimes all the best intentions can't solve a problem.
When you believe you've worked hard with those closest to the problem, and you've also taken the
problem to the next level but still haven't achieved a satisfactory outcome, the Superintendent of
Schools is the next place to go.

Contact your school board members. School board members are elected to represent the interest
of all parents and district residents, and you should always feel free to tell them your point of view.
However, school board members do not have direct authority. All authority in day-to-day school
operations is the result of official actions by a majority of the board members at meetings open to
the public.

Daycare & After School Program

The Mighty Trojan Child Care Center is running from 6:00AM-5:45AM. Prices and more
information are available in the school office or in the daycare. The after school program will run
every day from 3:30-5:30 for students PreK-6, the cost for the after school program is $6 per
student and any students that are left after school for any reason will be taken to the after school
program and billed accordingly. On early out days the after school program will run costing $6,
this is the same for the students that wait for the Webster City bus, parents will need to pay to
have their child there for those 2 hours.. If families have more than one student attending the
program the additional student(s) will have the same cost at $6.00 per each student.
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I ______________________________________________ have received a 2018-2019 Northeast

Hamilton
( Parent/Guardian signature)
student/parent handbook and agree to the terms presented within the document.________
Initial