Parent-Student Policy Manuals & Handbooks

The Appleton Area School District, in accordance with federal law, hereby declares that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or physical, cognitive, emotional or learning disability, arrest record or conviction record, as per statute

The Appleton Area School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or physical, cognitive, emotional or learning disability in its education programs or activities

In compliance with federal and state law, the Appleton Area School District will:

• Prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any aspect of School District employment solely on the basis of disability.
• Make facilities, programs and activities accessible, usable and open to individuals with disabilities.
• Ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational service(s).
• Provide free appropriate public education at elementary and secondary levels, including nonacademic and co-curricular services and activities to students with disabilities.
• Provide each individual with a disability the same health, welfare, and other social services as are provided other persons.

Reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs shall be made with regard to all examinations and other academic activities. The student (if over the age of eighteen) or the parent/guardian of a minor student may request accommodation in confidence by notifying the building principal or his/her designee.

The Appleton Area School District will not tolerate student harassment in any form and will take all necessary and appropriate action to prevent, remediate, and eliminate it, up to and including discipline of the offenders. The District’s policy is to maintain and ensure a learning and working environment free of any form of harassment or intimidation, including verbal, non-verbal, physical, unwelcomed conduct or behavior, sexual, bullying, cyber-bullying, or other forms of harassment toward and between students, employees, School Board Members, parents, volunteers, independent contracted service workers, and applicants for employment. The District is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment that allows all students to maximize their learning potential.

Students of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian) residing in the Appleton Area School District shall have equal access to the public school educational programs and services that allow them to meet the same challenging state academic standards to which all students are held. Homeless students and youth shall not be required to attend a separate school or program for homeless students and shall not be stigmatized by school personnel.

Any District employee who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child seen by the person in the course of professional duties has been abused or neglected or who has reason to believe that a child seen by the person in the course of professional duties has been threatened with abuse or neglect and that abuse or neglect of the child will occur shall immediately inform, by telephone or personally, the county CPS or the police of the facts and circumstances contributing to that suspicion.

Students in the Appleton Area School District shall be expected to act in such fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on the individual student and on the school, show their consideration for fellow students, and create a harmonious school atmosphere. To accomplish this, each student must recognize individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations

Students may receive limited permission to have and use Personal Electronic Communication Devices (PECDs) at school (before, during, and after the school day) as well as in other school-supervised environments. Personal Electronic Communication Devices (PECDs) include cellular telephones and other electronic devices. These devices may have communication, recording, photographic, or video-imaging functions. PECDs may or may not connect to the Internet. A student may bring a personal electronic device to school. However, its use is limited to the guidelines set forth in this document, other related Board policies, and additional rules or directives from the District or school staff regarding the appropriate time, place, and manner of use.

Appleton Area School District students are prohibited from wearing clothing or possessing accessories that, in the opinion of school authorities, is contrary to acceptable health and safety standards or may disrupt the educational process or learning atmosphere.

A search of lockers, desks, and storage areas may be conducted by a District administrator, school administrator, or a school employee designated by the District administrator or school administrator as determined necessary and appropriate. This search can be conducted without the consent of the pupil, without notifying the pupil, and without obtaining a search warrant. A police school liaison officer or other law enforcement official, at the request of or in conjunction with the District administrator or school administrator, may also conduct searches

No one shall threaten - verbally, nonverbally, or physically - the safety of another person through the use of intimidation or violence. Such conduct is prohibited on school property, in a school facility, in a school vehicle, at any school-sponsored function, or while traveling to and from school.

Gang activity in the Appleton Area School District schools or on school property is prohibited. The Appleton Area School District defines a gang as an organized association, either formal or informal, of two or more persons with common signs, symbols, and other identifying factors, who individually or collectively engage in criminal activity

No person, including someone with a CCW (Carrying a Concealed Weapon) license, shall use or possess a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any destructive device, or other dangerous weapon as defined under section 948.605 (Gun-Free School Zones Law) and 948.6 of the state statutes, in school buildings and other buildings owned, occupied or controlled by the school district, on school premises, in school-provided transportation, or at any school-sponsored or school-supervised activity, except as otherwise specifically authorized in this policy

The Appleton Area School District is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment that allows all students to maximize their learning potential. The Board of Education considers bullying to be detrimental to the health and safety of students and disruptive to the educational process and is prohibited.

Bullying behavior is prohibited in all schools, buildings, properties, educational environments as well as on any school grounds or school buses. This includes any property or vehicle owned, leased, contracted, or used by the AASD such as public transportation regularly used by students to go to and from school and to school-sponsored events

No student of the Appleton Area School District (AASD) shall knowingly possess, use, distribute, or be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any other mood-altering chemicals while on school property or during school-sponsored activities.

The possession, use, or distribution of drug paraphernalia, look-alike drugs, non-alcoholic beer/beverages, or any substance misrepresented as alcohol or a mood-altering drug is also prohibited on school property or during school-sponsored activities

In the interest of a tobacco-free environment and in compliance with State law, smoking and/or use of other tobacco or nicotine products (including electronic cigarettes) is prohibited in all School District buildings, on all District-controlled properties, excluding residential properties, and in all school-sponsored transportation vehicles, at all times

The Appleton Area School District promotes a whole child approach, which ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged as part of the total learning environment. The District supports a healthy environment where children learn and participate in positive emotional, dietary, and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of children. Improved health optimizes student performance potential.

Specific guidelines have been developed for the treatment of head lice and/or nits in the Appleton Area School District. These guidelines include parent/guardian notification, treatment instructions, and parent/guardian responsibilities.

The parent/guardian of any student found to have nits or live lice will be notified. Parents/guardians may choose to pick up the student at time of discovery or at the end of the school day

Drug products/medications are given to students in the school setting, including alternative placements, to continue or maintain a medical therapy that promotes health, prevents disease, relieves symptoms of illness, or aids in diagnosis.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) should administer medications to students outside of the school day whenever possible

Administration of nonprescription medication requires the written instruction and consent of the student’s parent/guardian. A request to administer a nonprescription medication in a dosage other than the recommended age-based dosing must also be accompanied by the written approval of a licensed practitioner

Appleton Area School District (AASD) shall cooperate with state and local public health officials in establishing and maintaining appropriate health standards for the school environment, promoting the good health of students and staff, and educating students and staff in disease prevention methods and sound health practices.

The Appleton Area School District will seek means to help students who are considered at risk for suicide, and provide support for staff and peers affected by student suicide. A youth suicide prevention program shall be used by District staff.

District staff are in positions to recognize students who are at risk for suicide; under no circumstances should this be kept confidential. State Statute provides immunity from civil liability for staff members who work to prevent suicide.

The District believes that suicide prevention is a responsibility shared by the various segments of the community including family, community agencies, related medical services, and the schools.

The AASD recognizes the important role that volunteers play as they give of their time and talents to support the educational process in our schools. School staff are encouraged to foster volunteer relationships with members of the community. There are multitudes of ways in which the efforts of a volunteer can benefit the educational process. Using trained volunteers in appropriate ways will help to ensure a successful experience for the students and the volunteers.

It is recognized that the building principal will need to work with staff and volunteers to bring clarity to the role of a volunteer at their site. Duties may involve service to libraries, classrooms, athletic events, music programs, field trips, tutoring/mentoring youth, and similar activities.

Building administrators shall have the authority to determine which visits are to be permitted as well as the discretion to set any appropriate conditions on the nature and extent of such visits. In exercising their discretion, the administrators shall consider the purpose of the visit, the impact of the visitor’s presence, and the relationship of any visitor to the students.

All visitors to the schools shall comply at all times with District policies and school rules. The building administrator may exclude any visitor from school premises if he/she fails to comply with District policies and school rules, is disruptive to the educational process, threatens the health and safety of students, staff and others at school, or damages school property. Law enforcement authorities may be called if necessary

When determined to be necessary, law enforcement, social services, and other outside agency personnel may interview students during the school day. In most cases, reasonable and appropriate attempts will be made to notify parents or legal guardians of students who are interviewed during the school day.

The principal or designee may be present during a student interview as determined to be appropriate and consistent with law enforcement, other agency standards, and applicable legal requirements

For any student who has not exited their personal reading plan by the end of the 3rd grade year, the District will engage in a process to determine whether to promote that student to the 4th grade or not. This process will consider all factors that contributed to the student not completing their personal reading plan and alternatives to retention that can support the student to read proficiently.

Students in fourth grade in the Appleton Area School District have access to curriculum and instruction that is grounded in State and District standards. Students in grade four will be expected to successfully complete the course of study as outlined by Board-approved curriculum, English Language Learners’ programming, or Individualized Education Program.

Beginning on September 1, 2002, no student may be promoted from the fourth to the fifth grade unless the student successfully completes the fourth-grade course of study and satisfies the criteria for promotion as established by the Board and listed in this policy.

Students in eighth grade in the Appleton Area School District have access to curriculum and instruction that is grounded in State and District standards. Students in grade eight will be expected to successfully complete the course of study as outlined by the Board-approved curriculum.

Beginning on September 1, 2002, no student may be promoted from the eighth to the ninth grade unless the student successfully completes the eighth-grade course of study and satisfies the criteria for promotion as established by the Board and listed in this policy.

The Appleton Area School District awards high school graduation diplomas to recognize those students who have fulfilled the academic requirements of the District. In order to graduate from high school and to receive a diploma, a student in the District must meet the requirements set out in this policy.

The policy requirements are grounded in the District’s standards, curriculum, and Wisconsin State Statute 118.33.

A continuum of services will be provided based on the needs of the learner, ranging from full-time pullout, periodic pull-together, and classroom differentiation. Students will be identified for placement in TAG programming in accordance with established District guidelines.

The District uses multiple criteria when identifying students. These criteria include, but are not limited to, parent/teacher/peer/self-referral, and other student information such as standardized test data, product evaluation, interviews, and/or observations.

Student achievement is increased when teachers regularly assign homework, and students conscientiously complete the work. Homework can also help children develop good habits, attitudes, and self-discipline.

It is understood that as a student progresses in maturity, homework will develop from an incidental and informal program to a much more formal, definite concept. It is recommended that homework be given at all grade levels, in a form that is developmentally appropriate.

The Appleton Area School District (AASD) Board of Education recognizes that staff members have civic responsibilities and/or rights, including the right to vote, to be an active member of the political party of their choice, to campaign for candidates for election to public office, and to seek, campaign for, and serve in public office.

In fulfilling their responsibilities as members of the AASD staff, they shall refrain from exploiting their privilege of position. They shall not exploit students in any way for political purposes for themselves or for any party, candidate, or special interest group.

Political activities of staff members must be conducted outside of school hours and off school premises. They shall not use District facilities, equipment, or supplies in connection with their political activities.

Student records are maintained to assist school personnel in determining educational experiences for each student.

The District recognizes the need for the confidentiality of student records. Therefore, student records shall be available for inspection or release only in accordance with State and federal laws and established District policies and procedures. Building principals shall have primary responsibility for the maintenance and confidentiality of student records maintained in student files.

The Board recognizes that animals have educational value in the school setting, but only under conditions that ensure the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and the animal. Live animals in the classroom provide opportunities to learn about diversity, habitat, humane care, animal growth and development, reproduction, and behavior.

Prior approval must be received from the principal before any animals are brought into the school. Animals in schools shall be planned and approved in accordance with established procedures.

Technology and network resources are valuable tools for students, staff, and the community. The Appleton Area School District (AASD) provides computer facilities, equipment, software, and a local and wide-area network that is accessible for the primary purpose of supporting the educational mission of the District. 

Use of the District technology system is a privilege, not a right. Users should not expect privacy regarding the content of their personal files, communications, and online activity records within the District’s system. The AASD reserves the right to monitor, review, and access all files, communications, and use of the District’s technology system at all times, within legal parameters. 

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

To the extent possible, practical steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the AASD online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the AASD staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act

The Board recognizes that a dynamic instructional program will cause professional staff to look beyond the confines of the traditional classroom environment for opportunities to enhance student learning. However, before trips are considered, professional educators are encouraged to consider program expansion through proper utilization of films, tapes, speakers, and similar kinds of activities, which bring the desired resource into the classroom. Trips of significant educational value shall be permitted. To be educationally beneficial, a trip requires thoughtful selection, careful advance preparation of the class, and opportunities for students to assimilate the experiences during and after the trip. Trips of significant recreational value shall be permitted under special circumstances.

Consideration must be given to the effect the trip will have on other classes, school programs, and activities. The financial implications of field trips must be considered.

State and federal laws safeguard students and their families against the release of student information used by schools or provided by schools to parties external to the school district. Films, videotapes, photographs, and web-based images of students in the schools are subject to the provisions of these laws.

The Appleton Area School District shall observe measures intended to protect students from their involvement in films, videotapes, photographs or web pages to which they or their parents may reasonably object.

School locker rooms are provided for the use of physical education students, athletes, and other activity groups or individuals authorized by the building principal or Board of Education policy.

The District recognizes the privacy rights of individuals using school locker rooms and shall take reasonable measures to protect an individual’s privacy.

This policy shall be administered in accordance with the State Public School Open Enrollment Laws and the Administrative Rules established by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

The Appleton Area School District (AASD) shall allow nonresident students residing within the State of Wisconsin to attend school full-time within the AASD. Nonresident high school students may take up to two courses in the AASD and attend the AASD part-time. Resident students shall be permitted to attend school in other districts. Procedures for implementing open enrollment are delineated in 423-Rule.

The District, in accordance with State law, requires that all students between six and eighteen years of age (and those students enrolled in 5-year-old kindergarten) attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the student is enrolled is in session until the end of the school term, quarter or semester of the school year in which the student becomes eighteen years of age, unless they have an acceptable excuse, meet attendance exceptions outlined in state law, or have graduated from high school. 

Although not required by state law, students in 4-year-old kindergarten are expected to attend 4K programming on a regular basis, and excused and unexcused absences will be determined based on the procedures described in this policy.