Student Discrimination Complaint Process * Sexual Harassment Procedures * State Attendance Law * Student Religious Accommodations * American Disabilities Act Accommodations * Medication Administration * Student Record Rights * Transportation

Student Discrimination Complaint Process

If any person believes that the School District or any part of the school organization has failed to follow laws and regulations, or in some way discriminates against students on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, religion, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, s/he may bring or send a complaint to the school district office at: 101 School Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597.

STEP 1
A written statement of the complaint shall be prepared by the complainant and signed. This complaint shall be presented to the district employee designated to receive complaints. That employee shall send written acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint within 45 days.

STEP 2
The equity coordinator, upon receiving a written complaint, shall immediately undertake an investigation of the suspected infraction. The coordinator shall review with other appropriate persons the facts comprising the alleged discrimination. S/he shall decide the merits of the case, determine the action to e taken, if any, and report the findings and the resolution of the case to the complainant in writing. Complaints under 20 USC s. 14515 and ch. 115, Wis. Stts. relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education of a student with exceptional educational need shall be resolved through the procedures authorized by ch. 115, subch, V, Wis. Stats. Complaints under 20 USC s 123 ie-3 and 34 CFR ss. 76.780-76,782, commonly referred to as EDGAR complaints, that the state or a subgrantee is violating a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program shall be referred directly to the state superintendent.

STEP 3
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Equity Coordinator; s/he may appeal the decision in writing to the superintendent. The superintendent shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion and respond in writing to the complainant.

STEP 4
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the superintendent, s/he may appeal the decision in writing to the Board of Education. The entire discrimination complaint/appeal process in the district should be completed within 90 days of receipt of the original written complaint unless the parties agree to an extension of time.

STEP 5
If a complainant wishes to appeal a negative determination by the Board, s/he has the right to appeal the decision to the state superintendent within 30 days of the Board's decision. In addition, the complainant may appeal directly to the state superintendent if the District has not provided written acknowledgment within 45 days of receipt of the complaint or made a determination within 90 days of receipt of the written complaint. Appeals should be addressed to: State Superintendent, Department of Public Instruction, 125 South Webster, PO Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841.

STEP 6
Discrimination complaints on some of the above bases may also be filed with the federal government at the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 300 South Wacker Drive, 8th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606

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Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the Waunakee Community High School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment. It shall be a violation of “Section G” of the Policies of the Board of Education for students to harass other students through conduct or communication of a sexual nature.

Definition: Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advance, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by any student to another student when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education when, 
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct bay an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that individual or when,
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect substantially, interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment environment.

Sexual harassment, as set forth in Section II- may include, but is not limited to the following: 

• verbal harassment or abuse; 
• pressure for sexual activity; 
• repeated remarks to a person with a sexual or demeaning implication
• unwelcome touching; and 
• suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicitly threats concerning ones grades, job, etc.

Students who feel they have been sexually harassed should speak to an adult immediately. Severe situations should be referred to administration. Students may also follow the procedures outlined in the complaint processing procedures outlined above.

Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, Anti-Social Behavior:

Harassing, disorderly conduct, or anti-social (gang) behavior is not tolerated or condoned. Harassment (including sexual harassment), disorderly or anti-social behavior is frequently referred to the police. Harassment is an act or series of acts that creates a threat to another person. It includes striking, shoving, kicking, or any other physical contact or threat of physical contact. It can also be repeated acts that intimidate another person (calling on the phone and hanging up repeatedly). Disorderly conduct includes engaging in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud conduct that causes or provokes a disturbance.
Students shall not be involved in anti-social or criminal activities that disrupt school or school sponsored activities. Gang activities that cause or may cause a disruption of school or school sponsored activities are prohibited. (See Board of Education Policy #443.8).

Hazing:

“No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.” [S.948.51 (2), Wisconsin Statutes]. “In this section “forced activity,” means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate in the activity.” [S.948.51 (1), Wisconsin Statutes]. S. 948, in Wisconsin criminal code, applies universally.

Procedures for Dealing with Harassing Behavior (Reference Board Policy #411/412)

Students who have been seriously or repeatedly harassed by another student should tell an adult immediately. Severe situations will be referred to administration. Parents/Guardians of students may follow the procedures outlined in the complaint process above if they feel their child has been the victim of sexual harassment (sex discrimination). Students who harass others may be referred to the police.

Students who feel they are being harassed by another student should do the following:

• Respond assertively (tell harasser to stop, or walk away)
• Document the situation (write down the date, time, and location where and when the situation happened. Write down other people who saw/heard it. Write down your assertive response). Keep this document.
• If the harassment is severe, or if it does not stop after you have dealt with it assertively, go to he teacher in charge, or your homeroom teacher and tell him/her about the situation.
• Your teacher may involve others (guidance counselor, principal).
• If you are afraid to speak to your teachers alone, take a friend along to help you.
• Teachers will keep parents informed of more serious situations of harassment.
• Severe situations will be referred to administration.

Referrals:

Students who are repeatedly or severely disruptive will receive referrals and will be sent to the administration. The referral will explain the situation and the consequences assigned. Every effort will be made to notify parents/guardians by phone to inform them when a student receives a referral. The referral form will always be sent home after the administrator meets with the student. Parents/guardians may be asked to meet with administration, faculty, guidance, and the student when referrals occur.

Suspensions:

Repeated or severe disruptions may result in the student being assigned to Saturday school or an out-of-school suspension. Failure to serve or being asked to leave Saturday school will result in an out-of-school suspension. No student will be released until parents/guardians have been notified. Parents/guardians may be asked to meet with administration, faculty, guidance, and the student when suspension occurs.

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State Attendance Law

Among the major provisions of Chapter 298 are the following:

1. All students must attend school until age 18.
2. Any student who is 16 years of age or over and who has written approval from his/her parent may attend, in lieu of high school or on a part-time basis, a vocational, technical and adult education school. School board approval required.
3. Students and parents may request the school board to provide the student with program and curriculum modifications. These may include but are not limited to:
   a) modifications in current academic programs;
   b) school work training or work study programs;
   c) enrollment in alternative public school programs;
   d) enrollment in nonsectarian private school or program, located in the school district of residence;
   e) homebound study (nonsectarian correspondence courses or other areas of study approved by the school board); and
   f) enrollment in public educational programs located outside the school district.
4. If a request for modification is denied, parents may seek school board review, and if requested, the board must provide a written decision.
5. The attendance office must notify parents about truancy no later than the end of the next day in which school is in session - - notice may be by personal service, mail or telephone call. The attendance officer may initiate proceedings against the child and/or parent in response to truancy.
6. The school board is required to establish a written attendance policy and provide each student with a copy of the established policy. A copy must be on file in each school in the district.
7. Teachers are required to submit to the school attendance officer daily attendance reports on all students in their charge.
8. No public school may deny school credit to a student solely on the basis of unexcused absences.
9. Prior to any legal proceedings in response to truancy, the school must provide evidence that appropriate school personnel have:
   a) met with the child's parents to attempt to resolve the problem;
   b) provided an opportunity for educational counseling to determine the appropriateness of the child's educational program;
   c) determined whether learning problems may be a cause of the child's truancy; and
   d) determined whether social problems may be a cause of the truancy.

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Student Religious Accommodations

Religious accommodations for sincerely held student religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements will be considered under the guidelines outlined in Board Policy 381.1.

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American Disabilities Act Accommodations (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities. Individuals requiring the assistance of auxiliary aids or special accommodations because of a disability are asked to contact the school office at 608/849-2100, at least twenty-four hours prior to the event, to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

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Medication Administration

Parents/guardians are discouraged from having children take medication at school, unless it is absolutely required under physician’s instructions. In the majority of cases, regular doses of medication should be able to be scheduled around the student’s school day. Unless a child has an on-going medical condition, it should be a rare circumstance that a student is required to take medication at school.

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Student Records Rights

Federal law (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and Wisconsin State law (Chapter 118.125) affords parents and adult students (over 18 years of age) certain rights with respect to the pupil’s education records. They are:

1. Their right to inspect, review, and obtain copies of pupil records
   
   Parents/guardians or adult student should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. Should a parent/guardian or adult student ask for assistance in submitting a request to inspect, review or obtain copies of records, the principal (or designee) shall provide such assistance. A response to a request shall be provided as soon as practicable and without delay, but in no case more than 45 days after receipt of the request. An adult student or the parent/guardian of a minor student shall, upon request, be shown and provided with a copy of the student’s progress records. An adult student or the parent/guardian of a minor student shall, upon request, be shown the student’s behavioral records in the presence of a person qualified to explain and interpret the records. Such a student or parent/guardian shall, upon request, be provided with a copy of the behavioral records.
    
2. Their right to request the amendment of the student’s pupil records if they believe the records are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s rights of privacy
   
   A parent/guardian or adult student who believes that information contained in the student’s pupil records is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s rights of privacy may request the District to amend the records. Such request shall be addressed in writing to the school official having custody of the records. Within a reasonable time after receiving the request, the person having custody of the records shall decide whether to amend the records in accordance with the request and inform the parent/guardian or adult student of the decision.
   
   If the person having custody of the records refuses to amend the records, he/she shall inform the parent/guardian or adult student of the refusal and advise him/her of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or adult student when notified of their right to a hearing.
    
3. Their right to consent to the disclosure of the student’s pupil records, except to the extent state and federal law authorizes disclosure without consent
   
   Exception includes the following:  Pupil records shall be made available to persons employed by the District who are required by the state to hold a license and to other District officials who have been determined by the Board of Education to have legitimate educational interests, including safety interests, in the pupil records. A “school official” is a person employed by the District who is required by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to hold a license; a person who is employed by or working on behalf of the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and police-school liaison personnel); a person serving on the Board, a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a specific task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a person serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” if the official needs to review a pupil record in order to fulfill his/her professional or District responsibility.
    
4. Their right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office of the U.S. Department of Education.
   The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4605
    
5. DIRECTORY DATA PROCEDURES
   
   I. TECHNICAL COLLEGE REQUESTS
   If the District has followed the annual directory data notification procedure set forth in Policy 347, and the parent/guardian or adult student does not object to the directory data being released, the Board Clerk or designee shall, upon request, provide the name and address of each student expected to graduate from high school in the current school year to the technical college district board.
   
   II. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, SAFETY, OR EMERGENCY
   If the District has followed the annual directory data notification procedure set forth in Policy 347, and the parent/guardian or adult student does not object to the directory data being released, the Board Clerk or designee shall, upon request, provide any representative of a law enforcement agency, city attorney, district attorney or corporation counsel, county department under sections 46.215, 46.22 or 46.23, a court of record or municipal court with such directory data information relating to any such student enrolled in the school district for the purpose of enforcing that student’s school attendance, to respond to a health or safety emergency, or to aid in the investigation of alleged criminal or delinquent activity by a student enrolled in the District.
   
   III. MILITARY RECRUITERS & HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
   If the District has followed the annual notification procedure set forth in Policy 347, and the parent/guardian or adult student does not object to name, address, and telephone listing being released, the District shall provide, on a request made by military recruiters or an institution of higher education, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses and telephone listings. The District shall provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students and student directory data about such students as is provided to post-secondary schools or prospective employers.
   
   IV. OTHER
   
   1. Except as otherwise specified, the District will not disclose any of the following directory data information (per 118.125 and FERPA) without written consent of parents/guardians or adult students:
   2. Address
   3. Telephone number
   4. Electronic mail address
   5. Date and place of birth
   6. Dates of attendance
   7. Major field of study
   8. Name of the school most recently previously attended
   
   V. The District may disclose the following directory data information (per 118.125 and FERPA) upon request unless the parents/guardian or adult student notifies the school to not disclose the directory data in accordance with the annual notification procedure set forth in Policy 347:
   
   1. Name
   2. Name as part of their participation in officially recognized activities/programs and/or sports,
   3. Weight and height, if a member of an athletic team,
   4. Photographs
   5. Degrees and awards received
    
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Transportation

1. The bus route number, pick up time and approved bus stop location will be provided to you before school begins.
2. Students must be out at the bus stop location a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled pick up time. The bus will not wait or return for students.
3. Only students who are assigned on the route will be allowed to ride. Space and liability issues do not allow for additional or unauthorized riders. A bus student who needs to accompany another bus student to/from home or who needs to use a different bus or bus stop must have a note of explanation written by their parent and the parent of the student whose home they are going to/from. The notes must be submitted to the school office. This note must be approved by the Principal or School District Business Manager. The student will then receive a bus pass for a specific date or time period.
4. Students who are not eligible to ride the bus are not allowed to ride with another student even with a parent note. Exceptions may be granted by the School District Business Manager, Steve Summers.
5. Students will be picked up and dropped off only at designated stops along the route that are approved by the School District. It is the parent’s responsibility to instruct their child where to get on and off and how to get to and from the bus stop locations. It is strongly suggested that a parent or a neighbor wait at the bus stop location to supervise younger students.
6. Unless specifically authorized, bus routes will not enter private driveways, cul-de-sacs, dead end roads and areas that would create an unsafe situation or require the bus to back-up.
7. Students will use the district shuttle system when necessary to transfer between the elementary school attendance areas. This service shall be provided for intra-district transfer students, students with disabilities, and students whose approved day care provider is in another attendance area.
8. A responsible adult must be present to receive a special education early childhood student or Sprouts student. In the event that no one is there when the bus arrives, the child will remain on the bus until the end of the route. Attempts to contact emergency caregivers will be made by Lamers Bus Service and school district personnel. Drivers will attempt to drop the child off again at the end of the route. If there is still no one at the stop to receive the child, the Lamers Bus Service will bring the child to the local police and/or contact the appropriate county social services department. Parents will be responsible to pick up their child.
9. Requests for a student to ride a route bus to get on or off at a bus stop near a childcare provider must be in writing on the Request for Alternate Pick Up/Drop Off Form. This form must be submitted to the bus contractor before the routes are finalized for the start of the school year. These routes are finalized no later than 5 business days prior to the start of the school year. Bus routes and pick up/drop off locations will not change during the first week of school. The district will consider requests only if the route bus can accommodate additional riders and if the rider ship will be on a consistent basis. The district will permit only two (2) pick up/drop off locations including home. Route buses will not make additional bus stops along the route to accommodate a childcare provider. Fees apply when your home is not eligible for transportation or when the childcare provider’s location is not eligible for transportation. TheWaunakee Community School District reserves the right to cancel or revoke the request at any time during the school year.

1. Students may ride only on assigned routes and vehicles.
2. Students should respect private property while waiting at the bus stop and wait only in designated locations. Students should not move toward the bus until it has stopped and the driver has motioned the students to board. Students should always cross the street in front of the bus. See Appendix A
3. Student should avoid crowding or pushing when getting on or off the bus. The use of the emergency door is restricted for emergency evacuations only.     
4. Students should take a seat as soon as they board the bus and remain seated at all times until the bus has stopped completely at the destination or bus stop. Students must share seats with other riders. Students may be required to sit three (3) to a seat and/or sit in assigned seats.
5. Students should keep arms, legs, head and other objects inside the bus and out of the aisle. Each student must keep arms, hands and legs to themselves while riding the bus.
6. Students should use quiet and normal voices in conversations with fellow riders. Yelling, screaming or profane language is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Harassing behavior, disorderly conduct, hazing, or anti-social behavior will not be tolerated. Sexually harassing behavior (obscene language and actions) will not be tolerated.
7. For safety reasons, students are not allowed to carry onto the bus any live reptiles, animals, insects, firearms, explosives, flammable materials, scented items or items that can be sprayed, i.e. breath spray, hair spray, scented markers, etc; slingshots, rubber band guns, water pistols, knives or other sharp objects, any other unsafe items or oversized items that would block an aisle, cause loss of passenger seat space, obstruct the drivers' view or create a safety hazard. If a student needs to bring such items to school, it shall be the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to transport.
8. Students may not use cell phones on the bus unless there is an emergency during which the bus driver needs assistance in notifying other adults.
9. When getting off the bus, the student should immediately move away from the side and never toward the rear of the bus. If a student must cross the street, they must wait for the driver's signal and cross in front of the bus. If a student needs to cross the street in a different area, they must wait on the sidewalk until the bus leaves the area and cross at the nearest crosswalk. See Appendix A
10. Students should show respect for all bus drivers, adults assisting students and fellow students riding on the bus.
11. Bus drivers shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of all passengers and will report any behavior problems.
12. Students may not litter. Please help us keep our buses safe and clean.

1. Yelling, screaming, singing or talking loudly.
2. Using profane or unacceptable language.
3. Failure to remain seated or to sit in an assigned seat if required by the driver.
4. Not keeping hands, arms and legs to oneself or out of the aisle.
5. Blocking the aisle.
6. Littering or spitting on the bus.
7. Showing disrespect toward the driver or another person.
8. Riding on another route without approval or a bus pass from the school office.
9. Throwing items in or out of the bus.
10. Failure to share seats.
11. Teasing, name calling, bullying, threatening violence, etc.