Board of Education Muscatine Community School District Monday ...

Page 28
administrator for a parental
conference; the student must go
home and change (if needed).
e. 5 th offense: This would be an
administrative decision as to
further consequences.
ATTENDANCE
School hours for grades K-5 are 8:10 AM to 3:05
PM. Students are expected to be in class and to
make attendance a top priority. Only through
attendance and class participation do students
achieve the benefits of the education program.
Participating in class discussion, developing an
appreciation for the views and abilities of other
students, and forming the habit of regular
attendance are legitimate class objectives.
Learning lost due to an absence can never be
replaced. Regular attendance and being wellprepared
for class helps students in school as well
as prepares students for adulthood.
Students who know they will be absent must notify
the office prior to the absence. If advance
notification is not possible, parents or guardians
must notify the office on the day of the absence
prior to 9:00 AM. If the school is not notified, the
office may call to verify the student’s absence. A
reason must be provided to the office to explain a
student absence.
The school determines whether an absence is
excused or unexcused. Excused absences include,
but are not limited to, illness, family emergency,
recognized religious observances, and school
activities. Unexcused absences include, but are not
limited to, tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts,
preparation or participation in parties or other
celebrations and employment. Students are
expected to be in class on time. Being tardy for
class is considered an unexcused absence unless
approved by the principal.
Students who arrive after 8:10 AM will be counted
tardy. Students who arrive after the school day has
begun must provide a reason to the office.
Students who need to leave school during the
school day will be counted absent if leaving before
2:00 PM. Students who leave after 2:00 PM will be
marked as leaving early.
Students participating in school activities must be in
school at least one-half day on the day of the event
in order to participate in a school activity. The
remaining half-day must be an excused absence.
Only in extraordinary circumstances, may this rule
be waived by the principal.
BICYCLES
Due to safety concerns for younger children, only
students in grade 3 and older may ride bicycles to
school. A bicycle lock is highly recommended. The
school is not responsible for damages and/or theft.
BUSING
Busing is primarily used to transport students to and
from school. Students living beyond the two mile
limit are provided busing at no cost. Students living
closer than two miles may ride at a cost. The fee is
$120 for the first child; $170 for two children; $200
for three children; and $230 for four or more
children. Students whose families meet the income
guidelines for free and reduced lunch price, the
Family Investment Program (FIP), transportation
assistance under open enrollment, students that are
in foster care, or students that are considered
homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act are
eligible to have their student fees waived or partially
waived. Students riding the bus receive a copy of
the bus disciplinary policies. Please contact the
Supervisor of Transportation for additional copies.
Students who ride the bus and other school district
vehicles to and from school, extracurricular
activities, or any other destination must comply with
school district policies, rules, and regulations.
Students are responsible to the driver while on the
bus or in another school vehicle, loading or
unloading or leaving the bus. The driver has the
ability to discipline a student and may notify the
principal of a student’s inappropriate bus conduct.
Persons riding in school district vehicles shall
adhere to the rules. The driver, sponsor, and
chaperones are to follow the school district policies,
rules, and regulations for student violations.
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
Business partnerships with schools exist to promote
and recognize good citizenship, good attendance
and student achievement. Business partnerships
help the schools reinforce these important values.
5