Policy 601: General Organization

601.1 Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives of the school district are designed to achieve the philosophy statement of the school district. An advisory committee of representatives of the school district community and the school district is appointed to make recommendations for the goals and objectives of the education program.

Short-term and long-term objectives for the education program are established annually by the board. These objectives will reflect the results of the needs assessment, recommendations of the advisory committee, recommendations from the superintendent, and changes in law.

Curriculum Essential Learnings for the Mount Pleasant Community School District are as follows:

All students will be able to:

• Communicate effectively, apply knowledge and skills to life, work together and independently, solve problems, practice responsible citizenship, and use technology.

Annually, the board will report to the committee regarding progress toward the achievement of the goals and objectives of the education program

Date of Adoption: July 11, 2005

Reviewed: March 8, 2010; Aug. 11, 2014; June 11, 2018; May 10, 2021

Amended:

 

 

 

601.2 Type of School Organization

The schools shall be organized into levels of instruction as follows:

1. Pre-Kindergarten Developmental and Preschool Program.
2. Elementary Schools: the elementary schools shall consist of kindergarten and grades one through five.
3. Middle School: the middle school shall consist of grades six through eight.
4. High School: the high school shall consist of grades nine through twelve.

Date of Adoption: August 20, 1974

Reviewed: March 9, 1992; June 10, 1996; February 12, 2001; July 11, 2005; March 8, 2010; Aug. 11, 2014; June 11, 2018; May 10, 2021

Amended: January 8, 1980; July 17, 1989; July 15, 1996

 

 

 

 

 

601.3 School Calendar

The school calendar will accommodate the education program of the school district.   The school calendar is for a minimum of 1080 hours and includes, but is not limited to, the days for student instruction, staff development, in-service days and teacher conferences.

 The academic school year for students shall begin no sooner than August 23.   Employees may be required to report to work at the school district prior to this date.

 Special education students may attend school on a school calendar different from that of the regular education program consistent with their Individualized Education Program.

 The board, in its discretion, may excuse graduating seniors from up to five days or 30 hours of instruction after the school district requirements for graduation have been met.   The board may also excuse graduating seniors from making up days missed due to inclement weather if the student has met the school district’s graduation requirements.

 It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the school calendar for recommendation, approval, and adoption by the board annually.

The board may amend the official school calendar when the board considers the change to be in the best interests of the school district’s education program.   The board shall hold a public hearing on any proposed school calendar prior to adopting the school calendar.

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 20.9; 279.10, 280.3 (2003). 281 I.A.C. 12.2(1).

Date of Adoption: August 20, 1974

Reviewed: March 9, 1992; February 12, 2001; July 11, 2005; March 8, 2010; Aug. 11, 2014; June 11, 2018; May 10, 2021

Amended: January 8, 1980; July 13, 1982; March 13, 1989; March 12, 2001; June 11, 2018

 

601.4 School Day

The school day shall consist of the schedule of class instruction and activities as established by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools. The school day shall function within the framework of the requirements established for the operation of accredited schools.

Major revisions in hours of operation and in scheduling practices shall be subject to approval of the Board of Directors.

All minor time schedule revisions and all changes in time allotment practices shall be made by the proper administrative authority with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

Date of Adoption: August 20, 1974

Reviewed: March 9, 1992; February 12, 2001; July 11, 2005; March 8, 2010; Aug. 11, 2014; June 11, 2018; May 10, 2021

Amended:

 

 

601.5         CITIZENSHIP

Being a citizen of the United States, of Iowa and of the school district community entitles students to special privileges and protections as well as requiring the students to assume civic, economic and social responsibilities and to participate in their country, state and school district community in a manner that entitles them to keep these rights and privileges.

 As part of the education program, students will have an opportunity to learn about their rights, privileges, and responsibilities as citizens of this country, state and school district community.   As part of this learning opportunity students are instructed in the elements of good citizenship and the role quality citizens play in their country, state and school district community.

 Legal Reference:   Iowa Code Section 256.11, 11A (2013); 281 I.A.C. 12.3(6), 12.5(3)(b)-(5)(b)

 

Date of Adoption:  June 11, 2018

Reviewed:   June 11, 2018; May 10, 2021

Amended: