Grain Valley Schools

Attendance 

If your child is unable to attend school, please call the school by 9:15 am.  If you would like to pick up homework for your child you will need to notify the school/teacher by 9:15 am as well. Students are expected to make up work; however, many classroom activities are impossible to make up. 

The Board recognizes the importance of regular student attendance to a successful learning experience. Research supports the fact that attendance is crucial to improving student achievement. At least one study identified attendance as the single greatest indicator of student achievement. The Board further recognizes that:

• Frequent absences of students from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process.
• The benefits of classroom instruction, once lost, cannot be entirely regained.
• The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order to meet the district's student achievement goals.
• Holding students and their parents/guardians responsible for attendance is part of the district's larger mission to train students to be productive citizens and employees.
• State law reflects the importance of regular attendance by establishing compulsory school attendance and charging this Board to enforce that law.
• State law authorizes school boards to make all needful rules for organization and  government in the district.

Therefore, regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be expected of each student enrolled in the Grain Valley R-V School District.

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Vacations  

The scheduling of vacations during school days is strongly discouraged. When travel during the school year is unavoidable,  your child’s teacher should be notified well in advance. Make-up work may be provided, but does not replace important classroom learning opportunities. Parents should contact the teacher upon return to see if additional homework was assigned.  Students who are absent due to family travel are expected to complete all assignments.  Please be mindful that the last day of school is tentative and can be moved due to inclement weather. 

Development of Rules and Procedures 

The superintendent, with the assistance of building-level administrators and other administrative and professional staff, shall establish rules and procedures for student attendance within the district. The primary purpose of the district's attendance rules and procedures shall be to change behavior, not to punish students. Such rules and procedures shall be published on the district's website and in appropriate handbooks and shall be subject to review by the Board of Education. The administration will develop rules and procedures that minimally include:

• Clear and reasonable attendance standards with consistently enforced consequences  for violating those standards.
• Early intervention strategies for students.

The district will maintain a comprehensive system of attendance records for each student. Each teacher is responsible for the accurate reporting of daily attendance in the classroom. The building principal is responsible for supplying information to parents/guardians about student absences and for submitting attendance information to the superintendent's office. Communication about attendance will be sent home throughout the year from administration. Administration may request a meeting to develop a plan if absences are in excess. 

The district will contact the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services or the local prosecutor in cases where the district has a reasonable suspicion that a student's lack of attendance constitutes educational neglect on the part of the parents/guardians or that parents/guardians are in violation of the compulsory attendance law. No such action will be taken unless other strategies and interventions have been implemented and proven ineffective.

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Discipline

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others, and to provide for the orderly operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a certain disciplinary action. Information regarding specific board policies related to student discipline. 

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Dress Code

The Board of Education recognizes the value of allowing individual student expression as well as the necessity of protecting student health and safety and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to education. Student dress code procedures must be designed with the goal of balancing these competing interests.
 
All dress code procedures will adhere to health and safety codes and comply with applicable law. Dress that materially disrupts the educational environment will be prohibited. No procedure will impose dress and grooming rules based on gender in violation of Title IX. District procedures will specifically define ambiguous terms, and examples will be provided when practicable.
 
Student dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the individual and parents/guardians, within the following guidelines:

• Wearing apparel or any items that have vulgar or sexually suggestive wording, profanity, graphic displays, racist language and/or symbols will not be allowed. Clothing and accessories are not to substantially disrupt the education process.
• Students are not to wear clothing, buttons, patches, jewelry, make-up, face/body paint or any other items with words phrases, symbols, pictures or signs that are indecent, profane, or substantially disruptive, including items that are reasonably expected to intimidate other students on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religious affiliation.
• Dress and grooming will not disrupt the educational environment.

When, in the judgment of the principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress does not comply with the above criteria, the student may be required to make modifications. No employee or volunteer shall direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as it is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.
 
Examples of clothing not permitted at school include:

• Clothing or items promoting substances that are illegal for minors
• Shoes with built-in wheels

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Toys, Electronic Devices, and other Non-School Related Possessions  

Any item that is distracting, dangerous, or interferes with learning is not allowed at school or on the bus. Such items will be  taken away and may need to be picked up by the parent. This includes pop-its, handheld games, tablets, trading cards, etc.  Consequences for repeated offenses that disrupt the learning of others may include in-school or out-of-school suspension. 

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Student Discipline  

The Student Code of Conduct is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others, and to provide for the orderly  operation of district schools. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action;  however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition  of a certain disciplinary action. Any conduct not included herein, any aggravated circumstance of any offense, or any action  involving a combination of offenses may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as  determined by the principal, superintendent and/or Board of Education. In extraordinary circumstances where the minimum  consequence is judged by the superintendent or designee to be manifestly unfair or not in the interest of the district, the  superintendent or designee may reduce the consequences listed in this policy, as allowed by law. This code includes, but is  not necessarily limited to, acts of students on district property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district  transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off district property. The district may also discipline students for  off-campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.  

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Prohibited Conduct  

The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct as well as potential consequences for violations. Building-level  administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in  the building. All consequences must be within the ranges established in this regulation. In addition to the consequences  specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement and document violations in the student's discipline file pursuant  to law and Board policy. 

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Academic Dishonesty  

Cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person's work;  fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; facilitating academic dishonesty; and  other misconduct related to academics. 

• First Offense: No credit for the work, grade reduction, or replacement assignment. 
• Subsequent Offense: No credit for the work, grade reduction, course failure, or removal from extracurricular activities. 

Academic Dishonesty – Cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person's work; fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; including unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as large language models (chatbots). 

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Arson  

Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion. 

• First Offense:  Detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.  Restitution if appropriate.
• Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate. 

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Assault

1. Using physical force, such as hitting, striking or pushing, to cause or attempt to cause physical injury; placing another person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury; causing physical contact with another person knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative; or any other act that constitutes criminal assault in the third degree.  
   1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension,  or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.  
2. Knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury or death to another person, recklessly causing serious bodily injury to another person, or any other act that constitutes assault in the first or second degree.
   1. First Offense: 10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense: Expulsion. 

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Bullying and Cyberbullying  

(See Board Policy JFCF)

Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft or property damage;  oral, written or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.

• First Offense:  Detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense:  1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. 

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Bus or Transportation Misconduct

(See Board Policy JFCC)  

Any offense committed by a student on transportation provided by or through the district shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student's assigned school. In addition, transportation privileges may be  suspended or revoked. 

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Dishonesty  

Any act of lying, whether verbal or written, including forgery. 

• First Offense: Nullification of forged document. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.  
• Subsequent Offense: Nullification of forged document. Detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension. 

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Disrespectful or Disruptive Conduct or Speech

(see Board Policy AC if illegal harassment or discrimination is involved)  

Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person and that is rude, vulgar, defiant, in violation of district policy or considered inappropriate in educational settings or that materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.  

• First Offense:  Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.  
• Subsequent Offense:  Detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. 

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Drugs/Alcohol  

1. Possession, sale, purchase or distribution of any over-the-counter drug, herbal preparation or imitation drug or herbal preparation.
   1. First Offense: In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
2. Possession of or attendance while under the influence  of or soon after consuming any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act.
   1. First Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
3. Sale, purchase or distribution of any prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act.
   1. First Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion 

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Extortion

Threatening or intimidating any person for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value.

• First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. 

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Failure to Care for or Return District Property

Loss of, failure to return, or damage to district property including, but not limited to, books, computers, calculators, uniforms, and sporting and instructional equipment.

• First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Detention or in-school suspension.

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Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences

Violating the conditions of a suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary consequence including, but not limited to, participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity or being on or near district property or the location where a district activity is held. See the section of this regulation titled, "Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences." As required by law, when the district considers suspending a student for an additional period of time or expelling a student for being on or within 1,000 feet of district property during a suspension, consideration shall be given to whether the student poses a threat to the safety of any child or school employee and whether the student's presence is disruptive to the educational process or undermines the effectiveness of the district's discipline policy.

• First Offense: Verbal warning, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled.
• Subsequent Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled. 

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False Alarms

(see also "Threats or Verbal Assault.")

Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening or disturbing people, disrupting the educational environment or causing the evacuation or closure of district property.

• First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
• Subsequent Offense: Restitution. In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. 

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Fighting

(see also, "Assault.")

Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

• First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. 

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Gambling  

Betting on an uncertain outcome, regardless of stakes; engaging in any game of chance or activity in which something of real  or symbolic value may be won or lost. Gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on outcomes of activities, assignments,  contests and games.  

• First Offense: Principal/Student conference, loss of privileges, detention, or in-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense: Principal/Student conference, loss of privileges, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days  out-of-school suspension. 

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Harassment, including Sexual Harassment

(see Board Policy AC)  

1. Use of material of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal, written or symbolic language based on gender, race, color,  religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  Examples of illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, racial jokes or comments; requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome sexual advances;  graffiti; name-calling; or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts based on a protected characteristic.
   1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension,  or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. 

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Hazing

(see Board policy JFCF)
Any activity that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity. Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

 

1. First Offense: In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

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Incendiary Devices or Fireworks 

Possessing, displaying or using matches, lighters or other devices used to start fires unless required as part of an educational exercise and supervised by district staff; possessing or using fireworks.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Warning, principal/student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

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Nuisance Items

Possession or use of items such as toys, games, and portable media players that are not authorized for educational purposes.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Warning, principal/student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

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Public Display of Affection

Physical contact that is inappropriate for the school setting including, but not limited to, kissing and groping.

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

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Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material 

Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury. This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion

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Technology Misconduct

(see Board policies EHB and KKB and procedure EHB-AP)

1. Attempting, regardless of success, to: gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; use district technology to connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; copy district files without authorization; interfere with the ability of others to utilize district technology; secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; introduce computer viruses, hacking tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto or using district technology; or evade or disable a filtering/blocking device.
   1. First Offense:  Restitution. Principal/Student conference, loss of user privileges, detention, or in-school suspension.
   2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Loss of user privileges, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

2. Using, displaying or turning on pagers, phones, personal digital assistants, personal laptops or any other personal electronic devices during the regular school day, including class change time, mealtimes or instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.
   1. First Offense: Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
   2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
3. Violations, other than those listed in (1) or (2) above, of Board policy EHB, procedure EHB-AP or any policy or procedure regulating student use of personal electronic devices.
   1. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
   2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Loss of user privileges, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
4. Use of audio or visual recording equipment in violation of Board policy KKB.
   1. First Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
   2. Second Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

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Theft

Theft, attempted theft or knowing possession of stolen property.

1. First Offense:  Return of or restitution for property. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense:  Return of or restitution for property. 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

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Threats or Verbal Assault

Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage.

1. First Offense:  Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
2. Subsequent Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

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Tobacco

Possession, use, sale, purchase or distribution of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may only be used in accordance with district policy JHCD.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation of tobacco product. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense:  Confiscation of tobacco product. In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

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Truancy or Tardiness

(see Board policy JED and procedures JED-AP1 and JED-AP2) 

Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardians and the school administration; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians; arriving after the expected time class or school begins, as determined by the district.

 

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, or 1-3 days in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Detention or 3-10 days in-school suspension, and removal from extracurricular activities.

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Unauthorized Entry 

Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker, or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance.

 

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

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Vandalism

Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to the school, staff or students.

 

1. First Offense: Restitution.  Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution.  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
    

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Weapons

 

1. Possession or use of any weapon as defined in Board policy, other than those defined in 18 U.S.C. ' 921, 18 U.S.C. ' 930(g)(2) or ' 571.010, RSMo.
   1. First Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
2. Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. ' 921 or any instrument or device defined in ' 571.010, RSMo., or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. ' 930(g)(2).
   1. First Offense:  One (1) calendar year suspension or expulsion, unless modified by the Board upon recommendation by the superintendent.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  Expulsion.
3. Possession or use of ammunition or a component of a weapon.
   1. First Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
   2. Subsequent Offense:  1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

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SEXUAL HARASSMENT UNDER TITLE IX 

Adapted from Policy ACA (adopted 6/23/22). See the full policy language for more details.

The Grain Valley R-V School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities, including employment and admissions, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). All forms of sex-based discrimination are prohibited in the district, but this policy focuses exclusively on sexual harassment as defined in Title IX that occurs within the education programs and activities of the district. However, the district will respond promptly to investigate and address any report or complaint of sexual harassment.

"Sexual harassment under Title IX" is conduct on the basis of sex within the scope of the district's education programs or activities (as defined in this policy) that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. An employee of the district conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of the district on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; 
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the district's education program or activity; or 
3. "Sexual assault" as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), "dating violence" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), "domestic violence" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8) or "stalking" as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30). 

If a student alleges sexual misconduct on the part of any district employee to any person employed by the district, that person will immediately report the allegation to the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services in accordance with state law and district policy. Moreover, nothing in the policy precludes the mandatory or voluntary reporting of any suspected criminal activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency at any time. 

Reporting Sexual Harassment or Title IX Retaliation

Any person may report sexual harassment regardless of whether the person is the alleged victim (complainant). However, Board members and employees must immediately report to the Title IX coordinator any incident or behavior that could constitute sexual harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. Reports may be made at any time, including during nonbusiness hours, by using the telephone number, email address or office address listed below. 

The Board authorizes the following individual(s) to serve as the Title IX coordinator(s) for the Grain Valley R-V School District and coordinate and implement the district's efforts to comply with the requirements of Title IX. 

Dr. Carrie Reich, Director of Student Services 101 NW Sni-A-Bar Parkway, Grain Valley, MO 64029; (816) 847-5006, Fax: (816) 229-4831; Email Dr. Carrie Reich. 

In the event the Title IX coordinator is unavailable or is the respondent to a complaint, reports should instead be directed to the compliance officer or alternate compliance officer listed in policy AC. 

Notice of the Policy against Discrimination on the Basis of Sex 

The district will provide notice of the district's prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex under district policy and Title IX to students, parents/guardians, employees, applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional associations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the district. 

The district's policy prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and the contact information of the Title IX coordinator(s) will be prominently displayed on the district's website and in each handbook or course catalog. 

Title IX Grievance Process upon Filing of a Formal Complaint 

The district's grievance process will provide a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and will: 

1. Treat complainants and respondents equitably by providing remedies to a complainant where a determination of responsibility for sexual harassment has been made against the respondent; 
2.  Comply with Title IX regulations before imposing any disciplinary sanctions or other actions that are not supportive measures against a respondent; 
3. Require a decision-maker to objectively evaluate all relevant evidence, including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, and not make credibility determinations based on a person's status as a complainant, respondent or witness; 
4. Require that all Title IX coordinators, investigators, those responsible for facilitating informal resolution processes and decision-makers not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or an individual complainant or respondent; 
5. Presume that the respondent is not responsible for the conduct until a determination of responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process; 
6. Follow stated timelines unless the district temporarily delays the grievance process for good cause (including, but not limited to, the absence of a party, a party's advisor, or a witness; concurrent law enforcement activity; or the need for language assistance or accommodation of a disability) and notify the parties in writing of the reason for a delay, if any; and 
7. Not require, allow, rely upon or otherwise use questions or evidence that constitutes, or seeks disclosure of, information protected under a legally recognized privilege unless the person holding such privilege has waived the privilege. 

Notice to the Parties 

When the complainant files a formal complaint, written notice will be provided to all known parties and will include: 

1. Notice of the grievance process, including any informal resolution process that is available and the timeline for such process. 
2. Notice of the allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX made by the complainant with sufficient details known at the time and with sufficient time to allow the respondent to prepare before the initial interview. At a minimum, the details will include the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct and the date and location of the alleged incident if known. 
3. A statement that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the conduct and that a determination of responsibility will be made at the conclusion of the grievance process. 
4. A statement that parties may have an advisor of their choice, who may be an attorney. 
5. A statement that the parties and their advisors will have an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence that is directly related to the allegations raised in the formal complaint, including evidence upon which the district does not intend to rely, so that each party can meaningfully respond to the evidence prior to conclusion of the investigation. 
6. Notice of any provision in the district's discipline code that prohibits knowingly making a false statement or providing false information during the grievance process. 

If in the course of the investigation of sexual harassment under Title IX the district decides to investigate allegations about the complainant or respondent that were not in the initial notice, notice of the additional allegations will be provided to all known parties. 

See the full policy language for details regarding:

• Interim Action 
• Investigating a Formal Complaint 
• Dismissal of the Formal Complaint 

Decision-Maker's Findings and Resulting Remedies 

Within 20 business days after the closing of the questions period, including follow-up questions, the decision-maker will provide a written Title IX decision that includes: 

1. The allegations potentially constituting sexual harassment under Title IX; 
2. A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits and other methods used to gather other evidence and hearings held; 
3. Findings of fact supporting the determination; 
4. Conclusions regarding the application of the facts to the district's code of conduct and, if the student code of conduct is implicated, a referral of a student respondent to district officials charged generally with the discipline of students pursuant to Missouri law; 
5. A statement of and rationale for the result as to each allegation, including a determination of responsibility, any disciplinary actions recommended to the district to be imposed on the respondent, and whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the district's education program or activity will be provided to the complainant; and 
6. The procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to appeal. 

The written Title IX decision will be provided to the parties simultaneously, and a copy will be provided to the Title IX coordinator. 

See the full policy language at for details regarding:

• Finality of the Title IX Decision 
• Disciplinary Matters and Implementation of Discipline and Remedies 
• Appeals of the Determinations of Responsibility in the Title IX Decision 
• Process for Informal Resolution of Formal Complaints 
• Confidentiality 
   

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School Counseling Program

Our school counseling program is designed to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of students through a variety of available services and activities.  All students participate in lessons in their classrooms in which topics such as social skills, conflict mediation, self-esteem, decision-making, study skills, and career awareness are taught to reinforce the developmental needs of students.  Group and individual counseling may be provided for those students who show a need.  Parents may also feel free to call for possible resources or consultations.  If you have any questions, please contact the school counselor.

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Suicide Awareness and Prevention  

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youths in Missouri and is a public health concern impacting all Missouri citizens. The  district is committed to maintaining a safe environment to protect the health, safety, and welfare of students. School Board Policy JHDF provides addtional information and resources. 

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Transportation 

Bus transportation is provided for students residing in the Grain Valley School District.  Students living within established subdivisions will receive service from designated bus stops.  Students living along country roads will receive service from the end of their driveways.  Students can have only (1) location from which they ride the bus to school (home or daycare) and only (1) location to which they are delivered (home or daycare). Bus Service for alternating days to more than (1) location will not be permitted for student safety reasons.   Students will be permitted to 'ride home with a friend' only if a parent sends in a signed/dated note with the student to school, which will be converted into a 'Bus Pass' for the day.  If you have any questions regarding these procedures, please contact the School District Transportation Director at 847-5004. 

The school bus is an extension of the student’s school day and as such, behavior on the bus is expected to be the same as if the student were in the classroom.  Bus drivers will communicate safety rules and expectations to riders and relay unsafe or inappropriate behavior via a bus misconduct notice to the school principal or designee for disciplinary action.  The bus misconduct notice will describe the incident and consequences.  If a student receives a misconduct notice he/she may be removed from the bus for a specified amount of time.  All district policies relating to student conduct and consequences apply to students on the bus as well as for their time in the school. The Grain Valley district's transportation procedures support students (and parents/guardians waiting at the assigned bus stop with their children, if needed).  Once it is time to load the bus, students need to do so independently.  Parents do not access the bus along with their children.  If students have identified special needs which require the support of an adult to help them get on and/or off the bus, the district addresses this need via individual plans per IDEA or 504 requirements. 

The following procedures will be enacted once a tornado warning has been announced: If school is in the process of dismissal, students and drivers seek shelter in the school.

• If buses are en route with students, drivers will be directed to the nearest school or public building. Drivers should arrive at the evacuation location within 2-3 minutes after the announcement.
• Drivers will announce their evacuation location and then stay sheltered with the students until the warning has ended.
• Once the warning has expired, the transportation department will send an automated call to all drivers to reload their buses and resume route or await further instruction.
• Drivers will announce that they have reloaded the bus and all students are accounted for before resuming the route. 

School Bus Riding Rules

Disorderliness on the school bus will distract the driver’s attention from their driving and become a safety hazard for the whole bus; therefore, if a student cannot comply with the bus rules, a Bus Misconduct Notice will be issued and the student may be denied the privilege of riding the bus. 

• The bus driver is in charge of the students and the bus. Students are to follow the driver’s instructions on the bus, same as for a teacher in the classroom.
• Classroom conduct must be carried out by students while riding the bus, except for ordinary conversation with a seatmate. ●  The driver may assign seats as necessary for behavior-related issues.
• Students must be on time for the bus. Students should be outside and visible at least 5 minutes before the regular pick-up time.
• Students must remain seated and facing forward at all times until the bus comes to a complete stop at their school or bus stop.
• All elementary buses will have grade-level seating.
• Eating and drinking on the bus is not allowed; water is permitted when the temperature is above 75 degrees.
• Students are to speak and treat each other respectfully. Profanity is not allowed.
• Students must not, at any time, extend arms or head out of the bus windows.
• No objects may be thrown on the bus or out the windows of the bus.
• Smoking and tobacco products, as well as E-Cigarettes, are not allowed. 
• Cell phone: no taking photos or videos, no sharing of content, no playing sound out loud, no using phone to bully or harass others. Any behavior that disrupts the safety or environment of the bus.
• Toys are not allowed to be out and played with on the bus.
• Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited.
• Students must get on/off the bus at their designated bus stop.
• A ‘Bus Pass’ can only be issued by the secretary at school and only with a signed note from a parent authorizing the student to ride home with another student.
• No animals, insects, or reptiles are allowed on the bus. 
• No glass containers are allowed on the bus. 
• Students who must cross the road to load/unload the bus must cross in front of the bus and only after the driver signals the student that it is ‘safe’ to do so.
• Students waiting at a bus stop should stand back and not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door. 
• The student discipline code will apply to students using Transportation Services. This includes conduct at or in close proximity to the Bus Stop while students are waiting for the bus or immediately after students have disembarked. 

Bus Discipline

In the event that a student cannot comply with the Bus Rules, the driver can employ any  all of the following steps:

• Verbal warning
• Seat reassignment
• Bus Misconduct Notice 

Once a Bus Misconduct Notice has been issued, Transportation Administration will contact the parent/guardian of the student and enforce the following  Consequences:

• 1st Offense Parent Notification
• 2nd Offense 1-day Bus Suspension
• 3rd Offense 3-day Bus Suspension
• 4th Offense 5-day Bus Suspension
• 5th Offense 10-day Bus Suspension
• 6th Offense 30-day Bus Suspension
• 7th Offense Loss of Bus Riding privileges for remainder of school year 

*The severity of the offense or multiple violations during a bus ride could result in the consequences being ‘stepped up’ beyond the above-listed progression.  **Any incidents involving violence towards other persons or property as well as sexual harassment or possession/use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, weapons will be reported to  school principal and or school resource officer for compliance with Missouri Safe Schools. 

Transportation Changes  

Please send a signed note with your child to give to their teacher any day there is a change in how they will get home.  In the  event parents need to notify the school of a transportation change once the school day is underway, call and notify the school  office by 2:30pm. 

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After School Activities  

Students in out-of-school or in-school suspension cannot attend any school activity or practice on the day of that suspension.  If a student misses school without being excused by the principal prior to the absence (administration must be notified at least the day prior to the absence), the student shall not attend or participate in any activity sponsored by the school (i.e. music concerts, clubs, etc.) on that date.

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Assessment & Grading

The district will use high-quality academic assessments as one indication of the success and quality of the district’s education program. Further, the Board recognizes its obligation to provide for and administer assessments as required by law. In cooperation with the administrative and instructional staff, the Board will regularly review student performance data and use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s instructional programs, and make adjustments as necessary. The district will comply with all assessment requirements for students with disabilities mandated by federal and state law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Updates on your child’s academics and habits for success will be reported on a progress report via Parent Square once a quarter. 

Key for Academic Scoring

• EX – Exceeding Standard: Advanced understanding and exceeds grade level expectations. 
• MT – Meeting Standard: Proficient understanding in meeting or is on target to meet the end-of-year expectations. 
• AP – Approaching Standard: Basic understanding and is partially proficient at meeting grade level expectations. 
• BG – Beginning to Reach Standard: Minimal understanding and does not meet end-of-year grade level expectations. 
• LND – Level Not Determined: Proficiency cannot be deternmined due to insufficient evidence at the time of this report. 
• NA – Not Assessed: Standard has not been assessed at the time of this report. 

Habits for Success

• Works cooperatively with others
  • Learns and exhibits the foundational skills needed for success including listening, participation, and working well with diverse students and groups.
• Works well independently
  • Ability to complete assignments and activities without constant supervision, manage time effectively, and stay on task.
• Actively engaged
  • Demonstrates curiosity, attentiveness, and participation in learning activities and discussions.
• Follow directions
  • Understands and executes instructions accurately and promptly.
• Socializes appropriately 
  • Interacts with peers and adults respectfully, using appropriate language and behavior in social settings.
• Accepts responsibility for their actions
  • Acknowledges mistakes, learns from them, and takes steps to make amends.
• Demonstrates self-control
  • Manages emotions, impulses, and behavior in various school settings.

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Birthday Celebrations

Students are permitted to bring treats to celebrate their birthday in the classroom.  If you would like to send treats to school, please notify the teacher in advance.  We do not allow birthday invitations to be distributed at school unless there is an invitation for every student in the class.  We also ask parents to not send flowers or balloon bouquets due to health concerns and the distraction they cause. Such deliveries will not be sent to the classroom or sent home on the bus.

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Communication

Communication between the home and school is the key to building a supportive team for your child.  The most effective way to handle any questions or concerns is to:

• Parent Square message your child’s teacher with your concerns or questions.
• Call the school and ask your child’s teacher to call you at their earliest opportunity.
• Call or email the principal to discuss the appropriate means to address questions or concerns

Please allow a reasonable amount of time for a response from your child’s teacher. 

The school will inform parents in a variety of ways of events throughout the district. These forms of communication include but are not limited to; ParentSquare, E-mail, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

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Field Trips

Teachers will notify parents of any field trips in newsletters or ParentSquare posts.  Please return signed permission slips and any fees by the deadline listed by the teachers.  Notify your child’s teacher, your principal, or your counselor if you wish to request financial assistance for the payment of the fees associated with any field trip. All students are expected to ride the bus to and from field trip locations.

If you wish to attend your child’s field trip and there is an opportunity for you to attend, please see the section below: Volunteering at our Schools.

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Homework

At times, homework may be assigned and is an extension of the classroom. Ideally, it is a cooperative partnership between the teacher, who develops and assigns the work, and the parent, who sends his/her child to school prepared to learn with homework completed. In this way, school and home can work together to maintain high expectations for both academics and behavior. 

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Inclement Weather

On cold mornings where forecasts indicate that opening schools may be questionable, a plan for assessing road and weather conditions goes into effect. A final determination on a potential snow
day, Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) day or late start is made as soon as possible.

Although an infrequent occurrence, changing weather conditions may dictate the early dismissal of schools. Once children are at school, at least three hours are required to get the last child home from the time a decision is made to close schools. We have early release plans in place for a 2-hours early dismissal or a 1-hour early dismissal.

In those rare instances when school is dismissed early, it is most important that parents/guardians have discussed with their child a procedure to follow that will insure safety and eliminate possible anxiety. Children should be instructed about what they are to do, whom they are to contact, and/or where they are to go if school is dismissed early. One suggestion: Parents/guardians may want to contact a neighbor or friend and arrange for the child to stay with them should the parent/guardian not be at home.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to notify their child’s school any time there is a change to the family’s early release transportation plan. We use ParentSquare to make phone calls, email, and text messages to alert parents/guardians of any school cancellations and area television stations are notified.

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Instructional Program

Our instructional program is provided for students in kindergarten through fifth grades.  Our first priority is to provide a nurturing environment where students successfully achieve the basic skills.  Classes are organized for optimum learning through heterogeneous grouping.  Art, music, physical education, library media, and computers are taught weekly by specialists in those fields.  Individual and group counseling are provided for students when appropriate.  Our staff believes in order for the instructional program to be successful, students must respect the rights of others and take responsibility for their own actions. 

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Kindergarten, First Grade Entry Statute

Senate Bill 572 states that students whose fifth birthday occurs before the first day of August are eligible for kindergarten. In addition, students must turn six before the first day of August to be eligible for first grade.

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Lockdown

Once a facility has been locked down (due to inclement weather and/or for safety purposes) no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until an all clear is given. A sign will be posted in the front entry to indicate the facility is on lockdown. Communication from administration will follow via Parent Square. 

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Personal Property

The Grain Valley R-V School District is not responsible for any theft or damage to personal property.

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Picking Up Your Child From School Early

If it is necessary to pick up your child during school hours, the parent or designated adult must sign the child out in the office. A child will only be released to parents/legal guardians or persons approved by the parent and a driver’s license will need to be shown.  All requests for persons to pick up your child must be communicated with the office.  All visitors should go directly to the office to pick up children during the school day. Leaving early may not be avoidable, but it does impact student daily attendance.

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Student Records

The Grain Valley R-V School District is in compliance with Public Law No. 94-142 where a student 18 years of age or older may examine his/her records or a parent of those under 18 may examine such records. 

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Personal Property

The Grain Valley R-V School District is not responsible for any theft or damage to personal property. 

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Recess

Physical fitness is an important wellness skill, so recess is an official part of the student’s instructional day and all students are required to participate.  We find students learn better when they have fresh air and exercise breaks.  There may be an occasion when it is necessary for your child to remain inside for recess.  Students need a note from a parent stating the reason and length of time they will need to remain inside.  A physician’s written notice will be required if a child needs to miss more than 3 days of recess.  Students will be assigned to a buddy room with a book or schoolwork during inside recess, or may possibly sit outside on one of the benches.  Temperatures or wind chills below 20 degrees or a heat index of 100 degrees or higher means no outdoor recess.  However, teachers may take students out for a brisk walk. It is imperative that students always dress in accordance with the weather.

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School Meals

Cafeteria Procedures

Lunchroom Rules:

• Put all trash in wastebaskets
• Leave table and floor around your seat in clean condition
• Speak softly and only to those at your table
• No opened food or drinks may be taken out of the cafeteria
• Sharing food is not allowed

Please notify the cafeteria by 9:15 a.m. any day you wish to eat lunch with your child so additional lunches may be ordered.

Students may make deposits into their lunch accounts through their classroom teacher each morning. Parents are urged to send in enough money to cover the weekly or monthly lunch fee. Payments may also be made online at  https://grainvalleyschools.org/  Click on the My School Bucks icon under the FOR FAMILIES tab and follow the directions to make a deposit.  Students should have enough money in their account at all times to cover their lunch charges.   Students who do not have enough money in their account may charge a hot lunch. See more on our procedure for managing lunch charges on the Food and Nutrition Department page under the DISTRICT tab of our website at Grain Vahttps://grainvalleyschools.org/.

Free and Reduced Lunch

The Grain Valley School District participates in a federal program that allows for free and reduced-price lunches to qualifying families. Please complete the form included in the student’s orientation packet and return to the office. Forms are also available online.

Breakfast will be available starting at 8:40 am each day. Students qualifying and participating in the free/reduced lunch program will automatically be eligible for free and reduced breakfast (no additional forms need to be completed).

Children need healthy meals to learn.  The Grain Valley School District offers healthy meals every school day. The cost of meals can be found at our school district website at https://grainvalleyschools.org/.  Click on the Food and Nutrition Services Department under the DISTRICT tab.
 

Meal Pricing for Breakfast and Lunch

• Student Breakfast - Full Price: $1.90
• Student Breakfast - Reduced Price: $0.30
• Student Lunch - Full Price: $2.90
• Extra Milk: $0.65
• Extra Juice: $0.50

Lunch Guests

Guests are able to eat lunch with students during their assigned lunch time. Guests are required to reserve the date and time they wish to each lunch with a specific student via Parent Square. Guests should eat with the student in the area specified by school administration. 

Free and Reduced Lunch Application

The Free and Reduced Lunch application and qualification guidelines can be found on the district website. The application is  easy to fill out, however, please contact your school if you have any questions, as we are happy to help.  

Quick and easy access to the application: 

• Go to the Grain Valley Schools Website.
• Click on the For Families tab 
• Click on School Meals 
• Click on Free and Reduced Meal Application 

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Statewide Assessments

Information regarding state assessments can be found by reviewing the Grain Valley School District Board Policy IL-1.  

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Toys, Electronic Devices, and other Non-School Related Possessions  

Any item that is distracting, dangerous, or interferes with learning is not allowed at school or on the bus. Such items will be  taken away and may need to be picked up by the parent. This includes pop-its, handheld games, tablets, trading cards, etc.  Consequences for repeated offenses that disrupt the learning of others may include in-school or out-of-school suspension. 

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Virtual Courses  

The District will inform students and parents/guardians of the availability of the MOCAP program in parent/guardian handbooks and registration documents and feature the program on the homepage of the District's website, as required by law.  The District will provide every student enrolled in the District and parents/guardians with a copy of DESE's MOCAP guidance document at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment.

• Policy IGCD: Virtual Courses  
• Policy IGCDA: Full-Time MOCAP Virtual Courses 

This policy applies to students seeking to enroll full-time in the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) with a course provider that is a public school district, charter school, or higher education institution (a “hosted MOCAP provider”). See policy IGCD for part-time enrollment with a hosted MOCAP provider, full- or part-time enrollment with other MOCAP providers, or enrollment in other virtual course options provided through the District. 

Definitions

• District  – The Grain Valley R-V School District. Full-Time MOCAP Student  – A student who is enrolled in a MOCAP program for the instructional equivalent of six credits per regular term.
• Hosted MOCAP Provider  – A public school district,  charter school, or higher education institution that is registered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide virtual education through the MOCAP program to Missouri students. A host district may provide the courses directly or contract with a course provider to provide the courses.
• Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) Course  – A virtual course that is offered by a course provider listed by DESE as part of the virtual course program under § 161.670, RSMo. 

Hosted MOCAP Providers

Resident students who seek to enroll with a hosted MOCAP provider on a full-time basis without paying tuition must enroll directly with the MOCAP provider and host district offering the program. Students who are accepted by the hosted MOCAP provider will have their enrollment transferred to the host district, and the student will be considered a student of the host district for all purposes. The District will collaborate in good faith with the virtual program and the host district. The superintendent or designee may provide relevant information and input on the student’s enrollment within ten business days of notice of the student’s enrollment application. Students who are denied enrollment by the MOCAP provider may utilize the state process for reviewing the decision. See the full policy language.

• Students with Disabilities
• Access to District Facilities
• Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities
• Enrollment in the District  

Visit our district website for more information on virtual courses. 

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)  Use Plan

• Using Al in a way that violates any district policy or applicable law; 
• Inputting into any Al any confidential or critical data, as defined in policy EHBD, or any other confidential information unless the Al coordinator has approved the use as safe, appropriate, and legal; 
• Using Al to violate the instructions or requirements of any assignment; 
• Representing Al-generated content as their own work; 
• Using Al to create or disseminate false information on matters or events of public importance; 
• Using Al to create any altered image or voice of any person without obtaining that person's permission; 
• Using Al to generate any material that is obscene or harmful to minors; 
• Using Al to harass, embarrass, defame, misinform, or otherwise harm any person; 
• Using Al to disrupt district operations, including instruction; 
• Using an Al product that is not permitted by the Al Use Plan; or 
• Using Al to negatively affect the district or in a way that causes harm.

Students may be disciplined for violating these prohibitions, including violations that occur off campus and create a nexus to the educational environment. When Al is involved in other misconduct, the principal or designee may view the use of Al as an aggravating factor that justifies stronger disciplinary consequences. 

Reporting AI Concerns and Misuse

 Individuals who have a concern about the safety or effectiveness of approved Al products should report the concern to the Al coordinator, Dr. Amanda Allen, or building administrator who will investigate the matter and take steps to resolve the concern. 

Individuals who suspect Al misuse or are aware of Al use that is potentially harmful or otherwise violates the law or district policies or procedures must report the matter to the Al coordinator or building administrator to investigate the alleged misuse or harm. 

Approved Al Products 

The Al coordinator, Dr. Amanda Allen, will identify Al products and uses that align with the philosophy and strategy set by the board and that meet the criteria for Al use in the district as set out in this Al Use Plan. The Al coordinator will maintain a list of approved Al products and make the list available to employees and students.

Academic Dishonesty – Cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person's work; fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; including unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as large language models (chatbots).

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Cell Phones

Use and/or display/possession of cell phones, headphones, smartwatches, video games, electronic games, and all other electronic equipment, which could potentially interrupt the learning environment, is prohibited during the regular school day unless authorized by school administration.  Use and/or display of these devices may result in confiscation and/or disciplinary action. Any voice, text, photo, or video messaging is considered “use” of the electronic device.  Sharing a cell phone or electronic device with another student is considered “use” of a cell phone. 

Students having their cell phone on, visible, heard, or used without permission could result in the following;

• 1st Offense - Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
• Subsequent Offense - Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

 District policy will be followed for inappropriate or misuse of electronic communication devices. As a reminder, cell phone use is prohibited on school buses.

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Chromebook

The Chromebook guidelines have been developed for students attending a Grain Valley School District (GVSD) elementary school. The Chromebook program assigns a set of Chromebooks to each classroom in grades K-5. GVSD will store and charge each student's Chromebooks in their classroom. Repair and maintenance of said Chromebooks are maintained by district IT staff and paid for by our self-funded insurance program. In return, the student is expected to maintain the device and use it as requested and required by teachers to improve learning opportunities and experiences. The following text will outline the district’s expectations for safe and effective Chromebook use. 

The Chromebook is the property of the Grain Valley School District. GVSD retains the sole right of possession of the Chromebook and grants permission to the student to use it according to the guidelines outlined in this document. Moreover, GVSD administrative staff retains the rights to collect and inspect the Chromebook at any time, including via electronic remote access, and to alter, add, or delete installed software or hardware. 

To possess and use the borrowed device, the student must always comply with the expectations of the Student/Parent Handbook and the district’s Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) contained in Board Policy EHB. 

The legal title to the borrowed device belongs to the GVSD and shall at all times remain as such. Your right of possession and use of the borrowed device is limited to and conditioned upon your complete compliance with the expectations detailed in the Student/Parent Handbook, the district’s AUP, and Board Policy EHB. Because the borrowed device is the property of the GVSD, it is subject to monitoring of use and search of contents at any time. There is no expectation of privacy in use or data stored on a district-owned device.  All district-issued Chromebooks include a content filter to block inappropriate traffic. Said filter and works both in-district and at home.  

Parents/Legal Guardians have the right to waive their child’s 24/7 access to the Chromebook by filing a written waiver with the school’s main office. A record of that waiver will be kept on file, and the student will be issued a Chromebook to access while at school but will not be allowed to take it home. A location will be provided to store and charge the Chromebook at school.

Public Notices

See the district’s Family Information Booklet at GrainValleySchools.org for a comprehensive listing of Public Notices.

504/TITLE II Public Notice

The Grain Valley School District, as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education and operates a public elementary or secondary education program and/or activity, is required to undertake to identify and locate every qualified person residing in the District who is not receiving a public education; and take appropriate steps to notify disabled persons and their parents or guardians of the District’s duty.

The Grain Valley School District assures that it will provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each qualified disabled person in the District’s jurisdiction regardless of the nature or severity of the person’s disability. For purposes of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the provision of an appropriate education is the provision of regular or special and related aids and services that (i) are designed to meet individual educational needs of disabled persons as adequately as the needs of nondisabled persons are met and (ii) are based on adherence to procedures that satisfy the requirements of the 504 federal regulations.
The Grain Valley  School District has developed a 504/Title II Procedures Manual for the implementation of federal regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Subpart D.  This Procedures Manual may be reviewed by contacting the Director of Special Services at the Grain Valley School District’s Central Office during normal school work hours. 
This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)- Notice for Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that our schools, with certain exceptions, obtain a parent/guardian’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from a child’s education records.  However, our schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the parent/guardian has advised the school to the contrary in accordance with school district procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow our schools to include this type of information from a child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual school yearbook;
• Recognitions or participation in classroom or school activities shared in social media or publication;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. [1] 

If you do not want your child’s school to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the principal of the school in writing within 10 days of receiving this notification.

The following information is included in what the Grain Valley School District has designated as directory information: 

• Student’s name   
• Parents’ names
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Photograph, videotape, digital image, recorded sound
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Artwork or coursework on display
• Date and place of birth 
• Dates of attendance
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Grade level
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

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[1] These laws are: Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and
10 U.S.C. § 503(c).

IDEA Public Notice

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, children who live outside the district but are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, children who are wards of the state, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The Grain Valley School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction.  Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.
The Grain Valley School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.
The Grain Valley School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Grain Valley School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed by contacting the Director of Special Services, at Central Office, during normal school business hours.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

Non-Discrimination Statement - Prohibition Against Descrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

The Grain Valley R-5 School District does not discriminate on the basis of employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law, in its programs, services, activities, facilities or employment practices, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries or grievances/complaints may be directed to Dr. Carrie Reich Coordinator of Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX, 504/ADA/Age Act), at,101 NW Sni-A-Bar Parkway Grain Valley, MO 64029, 816-847-5006, creich@gvr5.net or RELAY MISSOURI TTY (800) 735-2966.

 

Health Services

Student Illness:

If a student becomes ill during the school day, a parent will be contacted for the student to be picked up if the illness falls under the recommendations of “Prevention and Control of Communicable Disease” manual.

Contagious Illness/Communicable Disease:

Students will be excluded from school due to illness based upon recommendations of “Prevention and Control of Communicable Disease”. This complete manual is able to be viewed at www.dhss.mo.gov. Students will also be sent home from school if the following are present:

• Diarrhea as defined by watery stools, a decreased form of stool that is not associated with changes of diet. Students can return to school once the diarrhea subsides.
• Fever as defined as any student with a temperature of 100.0 or greater. The student must remain home until he/she has been fever free, without the use of medication, for 24 hours.
• Vomiting – Students must remain home if they have had two or more episodes of vomiting in the previous 24 hours. Students should be excluded from school until vomiting stops or until a health care provider determines that the cause of vomiting is not contagious and that the child is not in danger of dehydration. 

Emergencies /Injury Guidelines: 

Students who have a medical emergency or injury at school will be treated according to the “Emergency Guidelines for Schools and Child Care Facilities” manual.  This manual is available in each school building and at Missouri Department of Health.  

Head lice:

In keeping with our policy of avoiding the unnecessary exclusion of students from school, the district will not exclude otherwise healthy students from school due to nit (lice egg/larvae) infestations. Students with adult head lice infestations will be excluded from school only to the minimum extent necessary for treatment. To avoid the unnecessary exclusion of students from school, the administration provides the following procedure:

• Schools will not perform routine school wide head lice screening. However, should multiple cases be reported, the nurse/health aide may identify students most likely to have been exposed and arrange to have that population of students examined.
• If the school nurse/health aide or teacher discovers head lice or nits, the parent/guardian of that student will be notified, and other students who reside with the infested student will also be checked.
• The school nurse will instruct the parent/guardian concerning various shampoos, sprays and other appropriate treatments that can be purchased to eliminate head lice or nits and will also give information concerning necessary procedures to be taken in the home to ensure that the head lice are eliminated.
• If the student was infested with live head lice, the student should be removed from school by parent/guardian and may not return to school until treatment is completed and no live head lice remain.
• When a student who had a live head lice infestation returns to school, the student will be transported by a parent/guardian and the student will be examined by the school nurse/health aide. If live head lice are found at that time, the parent/guardian will be reinstructed concerning treatment. The student will be excluded from school until the student is free of head lice.
•  A student who was identified as having nits but not a live head lice infestation will be re-examined within five calendar days of the initial identification. If this examination reveals nits are still present, the parent/guardian will again be instructed on treatment options. This process will repeat until the student is free of nits.
• The school nurse/health aide will keep accurate and confidential records of students infested with head lice or nits.
• If it appears the parent/guardian of an infested student is failing to secure timely treatment for the infestation after having been given notice of the existence of head lice or nits in accordance with these procedures, the nurse/health aide will notify the school principal, who may report the matter to the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services.

The school nurse/health aide will develop education programs regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of head lice for staff, students, parents and the community.

Any questions should be directed to our director of health services at (816) 847-5006 x1409.

Health Screenings:

Hearing and vision screenings will be conducted for students in grades kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th in the fall semester. Screenings will be done according to the recommendations of the Department of Health and Senior Services at DHSS.mo.gov. If you wish for your student not to be screened please contact the health aide at your child's school.

Medication Guidelines: 

Medications should be administered at home whenever possible.  Medications prescribed for three times per day can generally be given before school, after school and at bedtime.  If medications are given at school these guidelines must be followed.

• All medications (prescription and over the counter) must be prescribed by a physician either by a prescription or a written physician’s order.
• A medication consent form must be signed by a parent/guardian for each medication.
• Medications should be brought to school by an adult and the first dose of any medication will not be given by the school. 
• Medications must be in an original, current prescription bottle.  Pharmacists will provide an extra labeled bottle for school doses.
• Medications sent in envelopes, baggies, etc. will not be given.
• The prescription label must contain child’s name, name of medication, dosage, and directions (time of doses, etc.)
• Over the counter medications must be in the original container, with a written doctor’s order stating the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, directions, reason for giving medication and any contra-indications.
• Expired medications will not be given.  Prescriptions over thirty days old will not be given unless prescription indicates a two or three month supply.
• Parents must provide medications.  Our schools do not stock medications.
• All inhalers must be in the box with the RX label or an RX label directly affixed to the inhaler

Emergency Medications:

All K-12 buildings in this district are equipped with naloxone (nasal), epinephrine auto-injectors, and asthma rescue medications.  The school nurse or another employee trained and supervised by the school nurse may administer this medication when they believe, based on training, that a student is having a serious or life-threatening reaction or episode.  A prescription or written permission from a parent/guardian is not necessary to administer these medications in an emergency situation. (Board Policy JHCD)

Since young children play in such close contact, it is very easy for them to pass diseases like a cold, flu, or bronchitis to each other. Help by keeping your child home if he/she is sick.

Parent Teacher Association/Parent Teacher Organization – PTA/PTO

Our PTA plays a vital role in the educational process. We invite you to become involved in one of the many PTA-sponsored activities. As a PTA volunteer, you can make a meaningful contribution to our school and your child’s educational development. The objectives of the national, state, and local PTA’s are promoted through educational programs directed toward parents, teachers, students, and the general public. We hope you decide to get involved and be a part of our PTA team!

Volunteering at our Schools

We welcome and encourage parents to volunteer at school! To ensure the safety of our students, all volunteers must complete a background check. This includes reviewing and accepting the volunteer guidelines and completing the required training before participating in any volunteer activities,  including field trips. Please note the turnaround of background checks may take up to 72 hours+, so, please plan accordingly.

To begin the process, please visit our district's volunteer webpage. 

All volunteer arrangements must be made in advance with the classroom teacher.

Please note: We kindly ask that preschool-aged children not accompany volunteers when helping in classrooms or attending classroom parties.