AURORA R-VIII SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Notices

2025-26 School Year

ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has properties that made it an ideal building material for insulating, sound absorption, decorative plasters, fireproofing, and a variety of miscellaneous uses. There have been over 3,000 different products made using asbestos materials. However, when it became recognized as a health hazard, Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA) in order to determine the extent of, and to develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos. The EPA began action to limit uses of asbestos products in 1973 and most uses of asbestos products as building materials were banned in 1978.

The Aurora R-VIII School District has recently had our facilities inspected by a certified asbestos inspector, as required by AHERA. The inspector located, sampled, and rated the condition and hazard potential of all material in our facilities suspected as containing asbestos. The inspection and laboratory analysis records were turned over to a professional certified to develop asbestos management plans. He has developed an asbestos management plan for our facilities which includes: this notification letter, education and training of our employees, and a set of plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos containing materials and plans for regular surveillance of the asbestos containing materials.

A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in our administrative offices during regular office hours. All inquiries regarding the plan may be directed to the Asbestos Coordinator at 417-678-3373. We are intent on not only complying with and exceeding federal, state, and local regulations in this area. We plan on taking whatever steps are necessary to insure your children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to learn and work. (Board Policy EBAB-AP(1).

ASSESSMENT

The Aurora R-VIII Schools will use standardized 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. The Board directs the superintendent or designee to create procedures governing assessments consistent with law and Board policy. In cooperation with the administrative and instructional staff, the Board will annually review student performance data and use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s instructional programs, making 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).

The superintendent or designee shall ensure that the district has a written assessment plan that shall test competency in the subject areas of communication arts, reading, language arts, science, mathematics, social studies and civics, as required by law. The purposes of the district wide assessment plan are to facilitate and provide information regarding student achievement, student counseling, instructional change, and school and district evaluation.

The district will implement the components of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) in order to monitor the progress of all students in meeting the Missouri Learning Standards, as set forth by the Missouri State Board of Education. Any eligible student for whom English is a second language shall participate, but the student’s scores shall not be counted until the student has been educated for three (3) full school years in a school in which English is the primary language. (Board Policy IL).

HUMAN SEXUALITY CURRICULUM

Pursuant to requirements of state law, if the district chooses to use any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases the materials and instruction shall be medically and factually accurate. The law also requires that the materials and instruction, if used, shall: (1) present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relation to all sexual activity for unmarried students because it is the only method that is one hundred percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity, and advise students that teenage sexual activity places them at a higher risk of dropping out of school because of the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy; (2) stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious, possible health hazards of sexual activity. Students shall be provided with the latest medical information regarding exposure to human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human papilloma virus, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases; (3) present students with the latest medically factual information regarding both the possible side effects and health benefits of all forms of contraception, including the success and failure rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; (4) include a discussion of the possible emotional and psychological consequences of preadolescent and adolescent sexual activity and the consequences of adolescent pregnancy, as well as the advantages of adoption, including the adoption of special needs children, and the processes involved in making an adoption plan; (5) teach skills of conflict management, personal responsibility and positive self-esteem through discussion and role playing at appropriate grade levels to emphasize that the student has the power to control personal behavior. Students shall be encouraged to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-control, and ethical considerations, such as respect for one’s self and others. Students shall be taught not to make unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances or otherwise exploit another person. Students shall be taught to resist unwanted sexual advances and other negative peer pressure; (6) advise students of the laws pertaining to their financial responsibility to children born in and out of wedlock and advise students of the provisions of chapter 566, RSMo., pertaining to statutory rape.

Students may be separated by gender for human sexuality instruction. The Board shall determine the specific content of the district’s instruction in human sexuality, in accordance with the requirements of state law. Instruction in human sexuality is to be appropriate to the age of the students receiving such instruction.

The district is required to notify the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the district of the basic content of the district’s human sexuality instruction to be provided to the student and of the parent’s right to remove the student from any part of the district’s human sexuality instruction. The district is required to make all curriculum materials used in the district’s human sexuality instruction available for public inspection as a public record prior to the use of such materials in actual instruction. (Board Policy IGAEB).

EARTHQUAKES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

In accordance with law, the Aurora School District has developed and implemented a district-wide school building disaster plan, in order to protect students and staff during and after earthquakes and other emergencies. Emergency exercises that require students and staff to simulate emergency conditions are held each year for fire, severe weather, tornado, bus evacuation, earthquakes, lock-down, shelter-in-place, and evacuation.

Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling or sudden shock of the earth’s surface. Earthquakes happen along “fault lines” in the earth’s crust. Earthquakes can be felt over large areas although they usually last less than one minute. Most of the time, you will notice an earthquake by the gentle shaking of the ground. You may notice hanging plants swaying or objects wobbling on shelves. Sometimes you may hear a low rumbling noise or feel a sharp jolt. A survivor of the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco said the sensation was like riding a bicycle down a long flight of stairs. Earthquakes are sometimes called temblors, quakes, shakers or seismic activity. The most important thing to remember during an earthquake is to

DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. So remember to DROP to the floor and get under something for COVER and HOLD ON during the shaking. (Board Policy EBC-1).

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

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 Aurora R-VIII 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 Aurora R-VIII 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 Aurora R-VIII 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 Aurora R-VIII 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 at the district’s Central Office, 201 S. Madison, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until

4:00 p.m. This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate. (Board Policy IGBA-AP1, IGBA-AP2)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS

The Aurora R-VIII Schools will notify parents of the specific or approximate dates on which any non-emergency invasive physical examination or screening will be performed, if there are to be any such examinations or screenings. This notice is mandatory for any such procedure that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school, scheduled in advance, and not necessary to protect the immediate health or safety of the student and that exposes private body parts or includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body. The notice need not exclude hearing, vision or scoliosis screenings. If any such examination or screening is scheduled and any such notice made, the notice will offer an opportunity for the parents or an appropriately aged student to opt out of this activity. (Board Policy JHC).

READING INSTRUCTION

Students in grades K-4 are provided systematic, research-based instruction in reading for all students. Systematic and explicit instruction is used in the teaching of reading. All students receive at least ninety minutes of reading instruction per day. Additional materials are used to support and supplement the teaching of reading.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD

The Aurora R-VIII Schools will provide, at least annually, an accountability report card for each school building to any household with a student enrolled in the district. This report card may be distributed by: (1) providing a copy to students at enrollment, (2) inclusion with student grade reports, (3) in newspaper publications, (4) posting on the internet or other electronic means accessible to the public, or (5) making copies available at all building administrative offices.

Searches

School lockers and desks are the property of the Board of Education and are provided for the convenience of students, and as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice. Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or state law. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information provided or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. Personal searches, and searches of student property, shall be limited in scope based on the original justification of the search. The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected. Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses, and never in front of other students. Students shall not be required to undress, although they may be asked to empty pockets, or remove jackets, coats, shoes and other articles of exterior clothing for examination if reasonable under the circumstances.

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The school retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of the student parking lots. The interior of a student’s automobile on school premises may be searched if the school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that such a search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.

Law enforcement officials shall be contacted if the administration reasonably suspects that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime beneath his or her clothing and the student refuses to surrender such articles. Law enforcement officials may be contacted in any case involving a violation of law when a student refuses to allow a search, or where the search cannot safely be conducted. Parents may also be contacted. (Board Policy JFG).

STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

The Aurora R-VIII Schools has a discipline policy and student code of conduct, which has been approved by the Board of Education and is published in the student handbook. This policy is designed to foster student responsibility, respect for the rights of others, and to ensure the orderly operation of district schools.

Board policy defines a weapon or weapons violation as the possession or use of any instrument or device, other than those defined in 18 U.S.C § 921, 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2) or § 571.010, RSMO., which is customarily used for attack or defense against another person or any instrument or devise used to inflict injury to another person. (Board Policy JG, JG-R1, JGA-2, JGB, JGD, JGE, JGF, JFCJ).

STUDENT RECORDS -FERPA

The Aurora R-VIII School District complies fully with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), which affords parents/guardians (“parents”) and students who are at least age 18 (“eligible students”) the following rights:

RIGHT TO INSPECT: Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s “educational records,” as that term is defined under FERPA, within 45 days of the date upon which the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to their School Principal a written request identifying the records to be inspected.

RIGHT TO PREVENT DISCLOSURE: Parents or eligible students have the right to prevent disclosure of educational records to third parties with certain limited exceptions. The District will attempt to limit the disclosure of information contained in educational records to those instances when prior written consent has been given for the disclosure. However, upon request, the District will disclose information to officials of other schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The District may also disclose information under the provisions of FERPA that allow disclosure without prior written consent, as well as directory information (unless you have refused to permit such disclosure of directory information), in accordance with FERPA regulations. The District will disclose educational records to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records. Officials include those persons employed by the District, whether paid or unpaid, as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member, including health or medical staff; persons retained by or under contract to the District to perform a special task, such as an attorney, auditor, etc.; or persons who are employed by the District’s law enforcement unit. School officials have a legitimate educational interest if the officials are: performing a task related to a student’s education; performing a task related to the discipline of a student; providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid; or maintaining the safety and security of the campus.

DESIGNATION OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION: The District has designated certain information contained in the educational records of its students as directory information for purposes of FERPA. The District considers the following to be directory information:

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade -- Student’s name; parent’s name; date and place of birth; grade level; bus assignment; enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time); participation in school-based activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; honors and awards received; artwork or coursework displayed by the district; most recent previous school attended; and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound unless such photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

High school and vocational school students -- Student’s name; parent’s name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; grade level; bus assignment; enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time); participation in school-based activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; degrees, honors and awards received; artwork or coursework displayed by the district; most recent previous school attended; and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound unless such photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

The District may disclose directory information for any purpose in its discretion without the consent of a parent of a student or an eligible student. Parents of students and eligible students have the right, however, to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information. In that case, the information will not be disclosed except with the consent of a parent or student, or as otherwise allowed by FERPA. Any parent or student refusing to have any or all of the designated directory information disclosed must file written notification to this effect with the principal of the school which the student attends. In the event a notification of refusal is not filed, the District assumes that neither a parent of a student or an eligible student objects to the release of the directory information designated.

MILITARY RECRUITER ACCESS/STUDENT RECRUITING INFORMATION: Upon request of military recruiters, the District is required by law to provide access to secondary students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. The District is also required to provide military recruiters with the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to post-secondary educational institutions or to prospective employers. However, any secondary student or parent of a secondary student may request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released without prior written consent of the parent. Requests that a student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released to military recruiters must be submitted, in writing, to the Assistant Superintendent, Aurora R-VIII School District 201 S. Madison, Aurora, Missouri 65605-1422; phone (417) 6783373.

RIGHT TO REQUEST AMENDMENT: Parents or eligible students have the right to request that the District correct any parts of an educational record believed to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of their rights. A request should be submitted by the Parents or eligible students must identify, in writing, the part of the record sought to be corrected and specify why it is inaccurate/misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record, it will notify the parents or eligible student and provide information on the right to a hearing to present evidence that the record should be changed.

RIGHT TO COMPLAIN TO FERPA OFFICE: Parents or eligible students have the right to file an external complaint regarding the District’s

implementation of FERPA, and such complaint may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202. (Board Policy JO-1)

SURVEYS UNDER PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

The federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:

Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education: Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; Sex behavior or attitudes; Illegal, anti-social, self incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the District or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: Protected information surveys of students; Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law. The District has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution; Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education; Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights under the PPRA have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.

Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920 (Board Policy JHDA and KI)

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS-PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

Parents can request information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teacher. This information will include whether the teacher is fully, partially, or provisionally certified by the state, whether the person is teaching in his or her area of certification, whether the child is provided services by a paraprofessional and that person’s qualifications, and what degrees, endorsements or certifications are held by the teacher. The Aurora R-VIII Schools will notify parents in a timely manner if their child has been assigned to or taught by a teacher who is not highly qualified for four or more consecutive weeks.

Parent Information and Resource Centers

Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) help implement successful and effective parental involvement policies, programs, and activities that lead to improvements in student academic achievement and that strengthen partnerships among parents, teachers, principals, administrators, and other school personnel in meeting the education needs of children. Additional information, as well as resources for parents are available online at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/pirc/index.html.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral and applicants for employment, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the Aurora R-VIII School District (“School District”) are hereby notified that the School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. In addition, the School District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Any person having inquiries concerning the School District’s compliance with the laws and regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, is directed to the respective Compliance Coordinator listed below, who oversees the School District’s efforts to comply with the laws and regulations implementing the laws and regulations cited above.

The School District has established grievance procedures for persons unable to resolve problems arising under the statutes above. The School District’s Compliance Coordinator will provide information regarding those procedures upon request.

Any person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under any of the laws and regulations cited above may contact the Office for

Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; telephone (816) 268-0550. (Board Policy AC) COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR - Superintendent of Schools, 201 S. Madison Aurora, MO 65605

COMMITMENT TO COMPLIANCE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Aurora R-VIII School District (“School District”) does not discriminate on the basis of disability against qualified individuals with a disability with respect to the School District’s services, programs or activities.

Employment: The School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. The School District complies with the federal regulations under Title I of the ADA (which governs the application of the ADA in the hiring and employment setting).

Effective Communication: The School District will comply with the ADA with respect to providing auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in School District programs, services, and activities. These aids and services are designed to make information and communications accessible to people who have impairments, in areas such as speech, hearing, and vision. The School District will not place a surcharge on a qualified individual with a disability, or any group of qualified individuals with disabilities, to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy (for example, retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but inaccessible to users of wheelchairs).

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a service, program, or activity of the School District should contact the respective Compliance Coordinator, whose contact information is listed below. Such contact should be made as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours before the scheduled event (and, preferably, at least five (5) business days before the event).

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The School District will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy its services, programs and activities.

The ADA does not require the School District to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Complaints that a School District service, program, or activity is not accessible to persons with a disability may be directed to the Compliance Coordinator below. In addition, as stated in the School District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination, a person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title II of the ADA may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; telephone (816) 268-0550. COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR - Superintendent of Schools, 201 S. Madison Aurora, MO 65605

DROPOUTS TO BE REPORTED TO STATE LITERACY HOT LINE--AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ON WEBSITE.

167.275. 1. Effective January 1, 1991, all public and nonpublic secondary schools shall report to the state literacy hotline office in Jefferson City the name, mailing address and telephone number of all students sixteen years of age or older who drop out of school for any reason other than to attend another school, college or university, or enlist in the armed services. Such reports shall be made either by using the telephone hotline number or on forms developed by the department of elementary and secondary education. Upon such notification, the state literacy hotline office shall contact the student who has been reported and refer that student to the nearest location that provides adult basic education instruction leading to the completion of a general educational development certificate.

2. All records and reports from or based upon the reports required by this section shall be made available by free electronic record on the department's website or otherwise on the first business day of each month. The names of the students who drop out and any other information which might identify such students shall not be included in the records and reports made available by free electronic media.

As required by law (167.275 RSMo), all public and nonpublic secondary schools are to report secondary students who drop out of school for any reason other than to attend another school, college or university, or enlist in the armed services to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A 2009 revision to the law now requires the Department to make available by free electronic record on the first business day of each month the number of dropouts reported by school districts during the previous month without the identifying information on individual students.

Because a high school education can significantly increase a person’s lifetime earnings and employability and improve their standard of living, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education wants to contact the students who have left school as soon as possible. When schools report on a regular basis; such as monthly, it increases the chances of students receiving important information from DESE, such as the availability of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) classes in their area of the state. For more information, contact the hotline at 800-521-7323.

SCHOOL SAFETY PROVISIONS--RULES.

160.6601. On or before July 1, 2001, the state board of education shall add to any school facilities and safety criteria developed for the Missouri school improvement program provisions that require:

Each school district's designated safety coordinator to have a thorough knowledge of all federal, state and local school violence prevention programs and resources available to students, teachers or staff in the district; and

Each school district to fully utilize all such programs and resources that the local school board or its designee determines are necessary and cost-effective for the school district.

Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section536.028. This section and chapter 536 are non-severable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2000, shall be invalid and void. Missouri Violence Hotline - CALL 1-866-748-7047, toll-free ONLINE: Fill out a form — 24/7; Download the free “MO ReportIt” App from your App store; TEXT to 847411 using keyword, “Reportit” Include school name and city.

More information can be found at: https://www.schoolviolencehotline.com/.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS, DISCLOSURE, TO WHOM--DISCLOSURE FOR UNAUTHORIZED PURPOSE, LIABILITY.

167.183. Information and records pertaining to the immunization status of persons against childhood diseases as required by

section 167.181 and section 210.003 may be disclosed and exchanged without a parent's or guardian's written release authorizing such disclosure, to the following, who need to know such information to assure compliance with state statutes or to achieve age-appropriate immunization status for children:

Employees of public agencies, departments and political subdivisions;

Health records staff of school districts and childcare facilities;

Persons other than public employees who are entrusted with the regular care of those under the care and custody of a state agency including, but not limited to, operators of day care facilities, group homes, residential care facilities and adoptive or foster parents;

Health care professionals.

If any person, authorized in subsection 1 of this section, discloses such information for any other purpose, it is an unauthorized release of confidential information and the person shall be liable for civil damages. (Board Policy JHCB)

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY REQUIRED--DEFINITION--REQUIREMENTS.

160.775. 1. Every district shall adopt an anti-bullying policy by September 1, 2007.

"Bullying" means intimidation or harassment that causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property. Bullying may consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral, cyberbullying, electronic, or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting of such acts.

Each district's anti-bullying policy shall be founded on the assumption that all students need a safe learning environment. Policies shall treat students equally and shall not contain specific lists of protected classes of students who are to receive special treatment. Policies may include age appropriate differences for schools based on the grade levels at the school. Each such policy shall contain a statement of the consequences of bullying.

Each district's anti-bullying policy shall require district employees to report any instance of bullying of which the employee has firsthand

knowledge. The district policy shall address training of employees in the requirements of the district policy. (Board Policy JFCF)

FOSTER CARE EDUCATION BILL OF RIGHTS--SCHOOL DISTRICT LIAISONS TO BE DESIGNATED, DUTIES.

167.018. 1. Sections 167.018 and 167.019 shall be known and may be cited as the "Foster Care Education Bill of Rights".

2. Each school district shall designate a staff person as the educational liaison for foster care children. The liaison shall do all of the following in an advisory capacity:

Ensure and facilitate the proper educational placement, enrollment in school, and checkout from school of foster children;

Assist foster care pupils when transferring from one school to another or from one school district to another, by ensuring proper transfer of credits, records, and grades;

Request school records, as provided in section 167.022, within two business days of placement of a foster care pupil in a school; and

Submit school records of foster care pupils within three business days of receiving a request for school records, under subdivision (3) of this subsection. Educational Liaison for Foster Care Children - Assistant Superintendent, 201 S. Madison Aurora, MO 65605

REPORTS OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND UNDER AGE EIGHTEEN DEATHS--PERSONS REQUIRED TO REPORT--SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS NOT TO IMPEDE REPORTING-DEATHS REQUIRED TO BE REPORTED TO THE DIVISION OR CHILD FATALITY REVIEW PANEL, WHEN--REPORT MADE TO ANOTHER STATE, WHEN.

210.115. 1. When any physician, medical examiner, coroner, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, resident, intern, nurse, hospital or clinic personnel that are engaged in the examination, care, treatment or research of persons, and any other health practitioner, psychologist, mental health professional, social worker, day care center worker or other child-care worker, juvenile officer, probation or parole officer, jail or detention center personnel, teacher, principal or other school official, minister as provided by section 352.400, peace officer or law enforcement official, or other person with responsibility for the care of children has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report to the division in accordance with the provisions of sections 210.109 to 210.183. No internal investigation shall be initiated until such a report has been made. As used in this section, the term "abuse" is not limited to abuse inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care, custody and control as specified in section 210.110, but shall also include abuse inflicted by any other person.

TELEPHONE HOTLINE FOR REPORTS ON CHILD ABUSE--DIVISION DUTIES, PROTOCOLS, LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY, INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED, WHEN, EXCEPTION--CHIEF INVESTIGATOR NAMED--FAMILY SUPPORT TEAM MEETINGS, WHO MAY ATTEND--REPORTER'S RIGHT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION-ADMISSIBILITY OF REPORTS IN CUSTODY CASES.

210.145. 1. The division shall develop protocols which give priority to:

Ensuring the well-being and safety of the child in instances where child abuse or neglect has been alleged;

Promoting the preservation and reunification of children and families consistent with state and federal law;

Providing due process for those accused of child abuse or neglect; and

Maintaining an information system operating at all times, capable of receiving and maintaining reports. This information system shall have the ability to receive reports over a single, statewide toll-free number. Such information system shall maintain the results of all investigations, family assessments and services, and other relevant information.

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-3738

More additional information visit: http://dss.mo.gov/cd/can.htm. (Board Policy JHG)

MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE IMPROVEMENT ACT

The following is the policy of the Congress:

Each State educational agency shall ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths.

In any State that has a compulsory residency requirement as a component of the State's compulsory school attendance laws or other laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youths, the State will review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youths are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.

Homelessness alone is not sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment.

Homeless children and youths should have access to the education and other services that such children and youths need to ensure that such children and youths have an opportunity to meet the same challenging State student academic achievement standards to which all students are held. (Board Policy IGBCA)

COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR - Assistant Superintendent of Schools, 201 S. Madison Aurora, MO 65605

Virtual/MOCAP

Students interested in MOCAP (Virtual Education) should see the counselor for more information including:

-Enrollment requirements

-Authorized vendors

-Course offerings

-Eligibility criteria

-MSHSAA requirements

The Aurora R-VIII School District offers several virtual/online courses through Edgenuity. In addition, the district also partners with the Springfield Public School’s Launch Program, which has a large variety of rigorous online courses available for K-12.

MOCAP

Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) was established in 2007 as the state’s online school. It was previously known as Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MOVIP). Currently, MOCAP offers courses for kindergarten through grade 12. Students can take courses from any Internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. MOCAP's mission is to offer Missouri students’ equal access to a wide range of high quality courses, and interactive online learning that is neither time nor place dependent.

Beginning January 2020, virtual course registration follows the same timelines and procedures used in each district school to place students in regular classes. Aurora R-VIII open enrollment in virtual courses occurs between August 1 and the end of the second week of school. Open enrollment for virtual courses also occurs during the first two weeks of second semester. Below is a link to the district’s school board policy and administrative procedure regarding virtual courses (IGCD and IGCD-AP(1)) and a link to the DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) MOCAP page. If you would like additional information about virtual courses, please contact the building counselor or principal where your child attends.

The district will pay the cost of a virtual course only if the district has first approved the student's enrollment in the course as described in the policy. Even if a student or his or her parents/guardians pay the costs for a virtual course, the student or parents/guardians should meet with the principal or designee prior to enrollment to ensure that the course is consistent with the student's academic and personal goals. The district is not required to provide students access to or pay for courses beyond the equivalent of full-time enrollment. Students taking courses virtually are subject to district policies, procedures, and rules applicable to students enrolled in traditional courses including, but not limited to, the district's discipline code and prohibitions on academic dishonesty, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying.

When determining if enrollment in a virtual course is the best educational decision for a student, the student and parent should consider the following information.

Preferred Student Skills for Success in Virtual Courses:

*Student has demonstrated time-management skills that indicate the student is capable of submitting assignments and completing course requirements without reminders.

*Student has demonstrated persistence in overcoming obstacles and willingness to seek assistance when needed.

*Student has demonstrated verbal or written communication skills that would allow the student to succeed in an environment where the instructor may not provide nonverbal cues to support the student's understanding.

*Student has the necessary computer or technical skills to succeed in a virtual course.

*Student has access to technology resources to participate in a virtual course.

*Student previously has been successful with virtual coursework.

Appeals Process

If the principal or designee determines that it is not in a student's best educational interest to take a virtual course, the student and the parents/guardians will be notified in writing, provided an explanation for the decision and informed that the student or parents/guardians may appeal the decision to the Board. However, if the student is receiving special education services, the student's IEP team will make the final decision regarding student enrollment in a virtual course in accordance with federal law, and the decision must be appealed through the special education process rather than through the Board.

If the student or parent/guardian appeals to the Board, the principal or designee will provide the Board written reasons for denying the student's enrollment, and the student or parent/guardian will provide written reasons the student should be allowed to take the course. Both documents will be retained by the Board and will be incorporated into the minutes. In addition, the student, parents/guardians and the principal or designee will be allowed to present their arguments at a Board meeting.

The appeal to the Board shall be held in closed session. The Board will consider the information presented and release a written decision within 30 calendar days of the meeting. The student or parents/guardians may appeal the decision to DESE. The appeal to DESE must be filed within 7 days of the Board's final decision.

Board Policy IGCD and Administrative Procedure IGCD-AP(1)

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=IGCD&Sch=271&S=271&C=I&RevNo=1.01&T=A&Z=P&St=ADOPTED&PG=6&SN=true&SB=2

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/policy.aspx?PC=IGCD-AP(1)&Sch=271&S=271&C=I&RevNo=1.01&T=A&Z=R&St=ADOPTED&PG=6&SN=true&SB=1

MOCAP Website: https://mocap.mo.gov/

Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI)

The Aurora R-VIII School District has worked through a collaborative process to implement an Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) plan to be utilized for up to 5 days when school is closed due to a health concern, inclement weather, flooding, exceptional emergency circumstances, or other natural disasters.

The goal of the AMI plan is to embed learning activities focused on reinforcement of critical learning standards, enrichment activities, or support for further skill development. Consistent practice and exposure to skills without interruption is the most effective way to ensure student understanding and mastery of content knowledge.

We will notify all parents/guardians, as we have in the past, via school outreach calls/text and social media postings in the event of school closures and use of AMI days.

Robinson School

Robinson School