Students should arrive to school between 7:10 and 7:25. The first bell of the day is at 7:25. After arriving at school, students should not leave the school campus without permission. 

The School Day

Regular GVHS Bell Schedule (Monday & Tuesday)

Block	Times	Lunch	Shift TIme
1	7:35-9:10	1	10:50-11:15
2	9:15-10:50	2	11:15-11:40
3	10:55-12:55	3	11:40-12:05
4	1:00-2:35	4	12:05-12:30
		5	12:30-12:55

 

GVHS Eagle Time Bell Schedule (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

Block	Times	Lunch	Shift Time
1	7:35-8:55	1	11:05-11:30
2	9:00-10:20	2	11:30-11:55
Eagle Time	10:25-11:05	3	11:55-12:20
4	11:10-1:10	4	12:20-12:45
5	1:15-2:35	5	12:45-1:10

 

Hour Eagle Time Bell Schedule

Block	Times	Lunch	Shift Time
1	7:35-8:45	1	11:05-11:30
2	8:50-10:00	2	11:30-11:55
ET	10:05-11:05	3	11:55-12:20
3	11:10-1:10	4	12:20-12:45
4	1:15-2:35	5	12:45-1:10

 

After School/Activities 

After 2:50 pm, students need to be supervised by a teacher. If students are not supervised by a teacher, they will be asked to leave the building. 

Close of School/Inclement Weather (AMI Days) 

If severe weather occurs, school may be closed.  If school is closed, we use ParentSqure to make phone calls, email, and text messages to alert parents/guardians of any school cancellations and area television stations are notified.  Alternative Methods of Instruction Days (AMI Days) are instructional days for students when the district is closed due to inclement weather, emergency, or exceptional circumstances. Teachers within the district will post lessons in Google Classroom for each of the approved AMI days. Lessons will be posted by 8 am in Google Classroom and attendance will be taken based on work completed.  All work is self-paced and asynchronous (NOT live instruction).

Library Media Center Services 

The LMC is for the use of both students and faculty.  The function of the LMC is to serve every aspect of the curriculum and enrich the teaching and learning of school.  The use of the LMC is strongly encouraged.  The LMC is a place to develop a foundation for information literacy.  Students checking out materials will need their student IDs and are responsible for the materials.  All lost books and fines will be placed on the student’s obligation list.  Lunch is not allowed in the LMC. Students will have 3 opportunities a quarter to check-out a loaner Chromebook. After the 3rd time, an obligation for the full price of their original Chromebook will be placed on their account until the student brings the original Chromebook to LMC for inspection. 

Obligations 

Students who have fines, missing/damaged books or Chromebooks, class fees, etc, will be placed on the obligation list.  All obligations will have to be paid or replaced prior to the student receiving a parking tag, purchasing dance tickets, or requesting school transcripts.  All obligation inquiries need to be made to the High School Main Office.

Lockers 

Students who request a locker will be required to provide a $10.00 deposit.  Remember, if you have something of value in your locker, you should lock your locker (this includes P.E. lockers).  The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles.  Only school locks can be used on both hallway and PE lockers, personal locks will be removed. A locker is subject to search by the administration at any time and students should not have an expectation of privacy for their lockers.  To request a locker, please go to the Student Services office.

Driving and Parking Information/Regulations 

The selling of permits begins on the designated enrollment day for each class; Senior, Junior, and Sophomore students may purchase parking permits for $30 the current school year. Students who hold a Valley or Eagle card for first semester will be given preferential parking. No specific spot assignments will be given. Students parking in the Green Lot must move their vehicle immediately after school.

In order to park on school grounds a student must present to the school:

1. A copy of their driver’s license
2. A copy of a current insurance card for the vehicle they will be driving
3. Vehicle Tag number, Make, Model and color of car they will be driving

All motor vehicles must be registered with accurate information in the office and any changes occurring with the student’s information, the student is responsible for updating their information in the office. Students are not allowed to go to their cars during school without permission.  Students are to park only in areas designated as student parking and only in their allowed lots.  All drivers are required to follow posted traffic signs and all traffic patterns. Students may not enter or exit through the Sni-A-Bar Elementary drive and may not drive in a way that interferes with bus drop off/pick up. Improper driving habits, inappropriate parking, and/or persistent safety violations will result in fines of $5-$20, loss of driving privileges, and/or towing at the expense of the student.  Also, please remember that the parking lots are part of the school grounds and subject to all school policies. All vehicles on school grounds are subject to search and vehicles should not have an expectation of privacy. Parking is a privilege and may be revoked for excessive absences, tardies or at the discretion of administration for disciplinary reasons. The Grain Valley R-V School District is not responsible for damages, accidents, or theft.  

The Career & Technology Center (CTC/STA) 

Students have the opportunity to pursue career and technical training at the Career & Technology Center at Fort Osage, Blue Springs, and Lee’s Summit. All Grain Valley High School Handbook rules and procedures apply when traveling to CTC/STA. Students who violate school rules while riding a bus to CTC Fort Osage may lose riding privileges resulting in ISS at GVHS or permanent suspension from CTC attendance. Any student driving, transporting, or riding to CTC/STA without the proper permit will be disciplined per the GVHS conduct code. If a student attends GVHS and not CTC, or if a student does not attend CTC but does attend GVHS he/she must sign in/out in the office. When Grain Valley is not in session but Fort Osage, Blue Springs, or Lee’s Summit are, students are expected to attend CTC/STA classes. When Fort Osage, Blue Springs, or Lee’s Summit are not in session but Grain Valley is, students are expected to attend their Grain Valley classes.

Counseling Services 

Counseling/Guidance services are available for every student in the high school.  These services include assistance with educational planning, student scheduling, interpretation of test scores, occupational and career information, study help, homeschool, emotional, and social concerns, or any questions the student may feel he/she would like to discuss with the counselor.  The Counseling Office is located at the north end of the building. If a parent or student needs to meet with a counselor, please make an appointment with them by contacting the Counseling Office. 

Changing Student Schedule 

We will only consider changing students' schedules under the following criteria:

• If a student needs to change their schedule to reach graduation requirements.
• If a student needs to re-take class due to failing the class in the previous year. 
• If a student wishes to move up to a more rigorous course.  (ex. Moving to AP European History from World History) 
• If a student has not met the necessary prerequisite for a course, a new course from their enrollment form will be substituted. 

Schedules will not be changed for the following reasons:

• Change of student interest
• Not needing the course for graduation
• Student preference of the teacher
• The potential negative impact of course on GPA

Withdrawing/Transferring from School 

When a student leaves  the school district, the Counseling Office must be notified by the student or parent. Each student is to pick up a check-out form when withdrawing, to be signed by each teacher, the librarian, and counselor.  All books/materials/fees must be returned or paid before the slip is signed by the staff. Transcripts will not be sent to a new district until all materials are returned and all obligations are paid. 

Community Service Graduation Requirement

Community service is defined as giving of one’s self to help others whether near or far from your place of residence.
Twenty (20) hours of community service will be required for graduation from high school.  Students may perform community service (meeting specified criteria) any time after the end of the eighth grade year and before May 1 of the graduation year.  Students are to document community service hours through the Activities Office or Julie Lever, Community Service Coordinator.  The Activities’ Secretary and Julie Lever (CS coordinator) will serve as a contact for local agencies and organizations in the community to advertise specific opportunities.  Community Service Criteria:

• All community service hours must be documented through a community service log worksheet which can be found in the Activities Office
• All community service opportunities must be completed through an organization with a contact person and their information on the log sheet
• Only ten (10) of the 20 hours may be completed in A+ tutoring
• Hours spent working for family or babysitting for free cannot be counted.  However, hours spent for babysitting for a program such as “Parents Night Out” through an organization are allowed.  
• Students taking mission trips with church groups where they provide help on a building project complete a program or something similar will be allowed to use these hours.
• Students wishing to graduate A+ eligible must perform 20 hours of community service and 50 hours of tutoring/mentoring.  Community service hours performed does not count toward A+ tutoring requirement.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program

Grain Valley High School offers both breakfast and lunch programs.  Breakfast is available starting at 7:10am – 7:30 am each day. Students should have enough money in their account at all times to cover their charges. Students who do not have enough money in their account may charge meals. Once a student’s account becomes negative more than the equivalent of three days' meals, they will be offered a National School Lunch Program meal of a sunbutter and jelly sandwich, choice of vegetable, fruit and non-fat milk. A la carte items (snacks) cannot be charged if a student has a zero or negative balance.  A la carte snacks and drinks are not part of the National School Lunch program. 

Students may make deposits by cash or check (made payable to “Grain Valley School District”) into their food service accounts before 10:00 AM daily.  Deposits received after 10:00 AM will not be posted until the following day. Students arriving to school late may make a deposit during lunch, but only if accompanied by a note from the office stating the student was late. Parents are urged to send in enough money to cover the weekly or monthly lunch fee. Parents can access their student’s account balance, review breakfast and lunch purchases and make lunch account payments 24 hours a day by visiting myschoolbucks.com.  A link to myschoolbucks.com is also available at the bottom of the district home page. Follow the directions to establish an account. Once establishing an account you may link your student's account by utilizing your student’s lunch ID number.  For every deposit of $50 into any one student’s account, a free bonus meal will be earned in order to offset the online convenience fee.  The Grain Valley R-5 School District participates in the National School Lunch Program and the National School Breakfast Program that allows for free and reduced priced breakfast and lunches to qualifying families. An online application is available through the school website or myschoolapps.com and may be submitted anytime during the school year.  If you have any questions, please contact our office at 816-994-4812.

Lunch Expectations:

• Students should conduct themselves appropriately
• Clean up after yourself
• Stay in the lunchroom or “The Valley”, use the restroom near the main office only. Hall travel is not permitted.  
• Keep noise to a reasonable volume

Health Services 

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 the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website. Students will also be sent home from school if the following are present:

• Diarrhea as defined by watery stools, 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. Student 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 the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.  

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.

1. All medications (prescription and over the counter) must be prescribed by a physician either by a prescription or a written physician's order.
2. A medication consent form must be signed by a parent/guardian for each medication.
3. Medications should be brought to school by an adult and the first dose of any medication will not be given by the school.
4. Medications must be in an original, current prescription bottle.  Pharmacists will provide an extra labeled bottle for school doses.
5. Medications sent in envelopes, baggies, etc. will not be given.
6. The prescription label must contain the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, and directions (time of doses, etc.)
7. 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 reactions.
8. Expired medications will not be given.  Prescriptions over thirty days old will not be given unless prescription indicates a two or three month supply.
9. Parents must provide medications. Our schools do not stock medications. 

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)

Head Lice: 

If a student is infested with live head lice, the student will 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 again by the school nurse/health aide.  If live head lice are found at that time, the parent/guardian will again be called and instructed concerning treatment of the head lice.  The student will be excluded from school for 24 hours to allow for additional treatment. This process will continue 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 reexamined 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. 
 

 

Graduation Requirements 

• Reference Policy IK 
• Reference Policy IKFA 

Course Graduation Requirements

Graduation Reqirements	Credit
Language Arts	4
Mathematics	3
Science	3
Social Studies	3
Fine Arts	1
Practical Arts (.5 Credit of Personal Finance)	1
Physical Education (1) and Health (.5)	1.5
Foreign Language	0
Electives	11.5
Total	28

 

Grade Scale

Letter Grade	Grade Point
A	4.00
B	3.00
C	2.00
D	1.00
F	0.00

 

Acceptance of Outside Credits 

An outside credit is defined as any credit earned by completing a correspondence or online course through an accredited institution. Credits earned by attending a Grain Valley R-V summer school, Launch, or credit recovery program are NOT classified as outside credits.  

Grade Reporting 

Students and parents can access the PowerSchool online grade portal to check academic progress. Grades are figured cumulatively by semester with the final Semester 1 and Semester 2 grade being a part of the permanent transcript record.  For questions regarding access to PowerSchool please contact the high school office.

National Honor Society 

National Honor Society is a service organization for juniors and seniors who have demonstrated outstanding characteristics based on a student’s academic achievement, leadership abilities, moral character, and service to school and community.  Students must have a cumulative average of (3.75) before their name is presented to the faculty committee for consideration.  Selection by the NHS Faculty Committee will then be based upon 1) Community Service, 2) Documented leadership positions held in school, community or work activities & 3) Faculty evaluation based on the student’s service, character & leadership skills. Members of NHS may be dropped from membership if selection standards are not maintained.

Eagle Time Advisement Period 

The GVHS Eagle Time Advisement program is a comprehensive program that will help assist students to adjust to the high school setting and prepare them for postsecondary success.  The Advisement teams will meet once a week for 40 minutes.  This period will be on Wednesday between 2nd and 3rd blocks. The Wednesday advisory period will be a protected time for teacher advisors to work with their students through specific learning activities in areas including, but not limited to, personal/social development, academic development, career development, team building, and extra-curricular activity involvement. Teacher advisors will also utilize this time to work with their students and help meet their individual needs. Grade level specific activities will be developed by the Eagle Time Advisory Team.  The goals of this program are to help students adjust to school, build a community among students that encourages a sense of belonging and respect, and to provide help so that students can succeed.

Pyramid of Interventions 

• LEVEL 1- Classroom/Teacher Interventions, Eagle Time Advisement
• LEVEL 2- After-school or Summer School Credit Recovery, Care Team Referral
• LEVEL 3- Special Programs Referral, Sni Valley Academy, Alternative Programs

Level 1:  

All of these options are available to any student enrolled at Grain Valley High School

Classroom/Teacher Interventions

• Classroom level supports including such practices as:
• differentiated instruction    
• extra help before/after school
• maintaining close parent contact
• keeping child involved and aware of progress, grades through grade reports and PowerSchool

Eagle Time Advisement.

• Eagle advisor serves as mentor and “point of contact” for students and parents for student success.

Level 2:  

Interventions that require a referral from a teacher advisor, counselor, or Care Team member.

Care Team – (Academic Interventions)

• Comprised of counselors, administrators, and teachers
• Make assignments to appropriate interventions program as determined through monitoring
• Monitoring is weekly or biweekly through teachers’ electronic grade books (grades) and Power School by the student advisor

Credit Recovery

• Computer-based, credit recovery program offering over 15 core and elective courses
• Students must have previously taken the class (completed seat time) and failed.
• Progress at their pace, must show mastery (80%) on unit test, some courses have additional requirements
• Students should contact the counseling center to request after-school credit recovery time
• Students may be removed from a regular classroom and placed in a credit recovery class to recover credit. Enrollment is by special approval only. Students do not receive a letter grade for credit recovery

Level 3:

These interventions are the most restrictive and require both a change in a student’s schedule and placement in a new class. Students should meet with their counselor prior to Level 3 Intervention.

Referral to Special Programs

• Students may be referred for staffing to either our 504 coordinator or to Special Education.  All referral processes require following due process guidelines.

Referral to Sni Valley Academy (Alternative School)

A Program 

Participation in the A program is voluntary and is available to all students in grades 9-12 (unless they have been previously eliminated from participating because of violating the A citizenship policy). There is no limit to the number of students in each class who may participate. Students who wish to participate must sign an A Participation Agreement and return it to the A office for filing.  Participation can begin at any time prior to the second week in November of the senior year. However, for monitoring purposes, it is recommended that students sign a Participation Agreement as soon as they enter high school.

A Tuition Reimbursement Program

Funding for the A school program is provided by the State of Missouri and is subject to the state budgeting process and the legislative action of the Missouri General Assembly.  No local monies will be expended in connection with the A program and the expenses incurred by students who elect to participate and who are certified as an A graduate.  Participants who complete all A requirements, who meet all local deadlines, and who are certified as A graduates of Grain Valley High School are eligible to receive up to two years (six semesters) of tuition and general fees to attend any Missouri public two-year community college or vocational/technical institution which may be accessed for up to 4 years following graduation from high school. 

A Requirements 

1. Attend a designated A high school for two consecutive years prior to graduation.
2. Graduate with a minimum, unrounded, unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.500.
3. Graduate with a minimum, cumulative attendance rate of 95%.
4. Avoid the use of illegal drugs and alcohol.
5. Maintain a record of good citizenship at school and in the community.
6. Perform a minimum total of 50 hours of unpaid tutoring arranged through the A office. 
7. Complete, submit and provide proof of submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid during the spring of their senior year.
8. Register with the selective service in accordance with federal law.
9. Meet all local deadlines by submitting all required documentation.
10. Must receive a qualifying score on a standardized math test.  For updated information regarding the qualifying math score it is recommended that you visit the Missouri Department of higher Education and Workforce Development website. 

A Citizenship Points

All participants begin their high school career with good citizen status of zero (0) points. The accumulation of twenty-four (24) points at any time during the student’s enrollment at Grain Valley High School will result in the revocation of the participant’s good citizen status and removal from the A Program. Negative points are given for Wednesday School Detentions, ISS and OSS. Students may, for good cause, appeal their dismissal. Appeals may be made to the A Citizenship Appeals Committee. 

A Attendance Policy 

The finances for the A program are provided by a grant from the State of Missouri through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  DESE states that in order for graduates from A schools to receive A funding from the state, they must maintain a 95% attendance rate over the course of their high school career.  The state’s reasoning is that for a student to have success in postsecondary institutions (2 and 4-year colleges), they need to be consistently attending classes.  The State of Missouri does not want to invest in students who are not as likely to be successful due to attendance.

Powerschool keeps track of attendance for A .  If you want to know what your current attendance rate is, see the A coordinator in the A office.  Your attendance is marked by current year and cumulative for your entire high school career.  We keep track of A attendance by the minute.  Thus, if you miss 1 period of class, you lose 90 minutes and not the entire day.  A student should have the opportunity to attend about 65,000 minutes over the course of the year.  An average of approximately 8 full days a year (or 32 days in four years) can be missed.  The A attendance policy is completely separate from the school attendance policy (as well as the policy for Valley cards, receiving course credit, etc.).  If a student is absent for whatever reason, it counts in the A attendance rate.  Just because a student is marked as excused by the front office, it does not mean it is cleared as an absence by A .  

If you have an absence or absences from the past  year that you believe falls under the absence waiver policy (those absences which should not count against you), you have until September 30th of the current year to submit the attendance appeal form (located in the A office) and the proper documentation to the A office.  If you do not do so by the September 30th deadline, you are no longer allowed to appeal the days from previous years and the absences will remain in Powerschool and count on your 95% attendance total.  

If you are absent this year and believe your absence qualifies under the absence waiver policy, you must fill out the attendance appeal form within two weeks of the absence.   You must include all of the proper documentation.

The circumstances below qualify under the absence waiver policy.  This means that these types of absences will not count against the student’s attendance rate if the proper documentation is turned in on time.  

1. Long-Term or Chronic Illness/Injury and/or Hospitalization  This does not mean a simple cold or bronchitis that keeps a student home for a day or so; but a significant illness/injury that would affect multiple days.  This category would also include something chronic that continues to plague a student.  Examples would include, surgery, mono, a broken leg, etc.  Documentation from a doctor with specific information and dates is needed (copies of bills or school excuses are not sufficient).
2. Funeral  Parent contact is necessary with written documentation of dates, location, and relationship.
3. Religious Holiday  A note from clergy is necessary
4. Family Calamity (fire, natural disaster, personal tragedy)  Principal’s discretion and written documentation.
5. School activity/field trip  
6. Court Date Need an official court lette

Waivers are specifically not allowed for:

• Personal/family vacation
• Suspension from school for any reason
• Transportation problems (unless on a late school bus)
• Dental or other routine doctor appointment
• Truancy
• Outside activities (AAU basketball tournament, mission trip, national cheer competition, etc.)  While all of these are worthwhile endeavors, they still count against the 95% attendance rate for A purposes.

If you are unsure if an absence counts against your attendance rate, see the A coordinator.  Remember, an excused school absence does not ensure that the absence does not affect your A attendance.

Weighted Courses 

Dual Credit (0.6667) 

• Adv Debate – UCM 
• Adv Apparel Textiles & Fashion – UCM 
• Adv Computer Engineering – MCC/UCM 
• Adv Marketing – Marketing BSAD 219 – UCM 
• Adv Network & Cyber Concepts – UCM 
• Aerospace Academy – UCM 
• Agriculture & Animal Science – SFCC 
• Allied Health Academy – OTCC 
• Anatomy & Physiology (Bio 218) – UMKC 
• Automotive Technology I & II – MCC 
• Aviation – UCM 
• Business Tech I (BTE 1210) – UCM 
• College Algebra (Math 110) – UCM 
• College Prep Math (Math 110) – UCM 
• CSI/Law Enforcement – MSU/UCM 
• Digital Media technology – UCM 
• Emergency Medical Tech (CTC) – UCM 
• Entrepreneurial Studies (CTC) – MCC
• Entrepreneurship (BSAD 219) – MCC 
• Environmental Studies – UCM 
• Fire Science – MCC 
• Health Sciences – MCC/UCM 
• Hospitality Tourism Recreation Man. – UCM 
• International Studies – UCM 
• Intro to Pharmacy Practice – UNKC 
• Journalistm II – MSU 
• Pre-Calculus – UCM 
• Professional Nursing – UCM 
• Pre Allied Health – MCC 
• Speech – UCM 
• Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy – MSU
• Surgical Tech – MCC 
• Valley Teacher Academy & Field Exp. – NWMS
• Video Game Design – MSU 

AP & PLTW (1) 

• AP African American Studies 
• AP Art and Design 
• AP Biology 
• AP Calculus 
• AP Chemistry 
• AP European History 
• AP Lang and Composition 
• AP Lit and Composition 
• AP Music Theory 
• AP Psychology 
• AP Stats 
• AP U.S. History 
• AP US Government & Politics 
• PLTW: Covil Engineering & Architecture 
• PLTW: Computer Science A 
• PLTW: Computer Science Essentials 
• PLTW: Computer Science Principals 
• PLTW: CyberSecurity 
• PLTW: Digital Electronics 
• PLTW: Engineering Design & Dev. 
• PLTW: Human Body Systems 
• PLTW: Intro to Engineering 
• PLTW: Medical Interventions 
• PLTW: Principles of Biomedical Science 
• PLTW: Principals of Engineering 

Additional Courses (0.3333) 

• Honors Geometry 
• Honors Algebra II 
• Honors Physical Science 
• Honors Biology 
• Honors Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Honors Civics 
• Economics 
• Issues of Economics 
• Honors Language Arts I 
• Honors Language Arts II 
• College Prep Writing 
• Spanish III 
• Spanish IV 
• Honors Percussion Ensemble 
• Honors Wind Ensemble 

 

Attendance 

School attendance is an important part of each student’s educational experience.  Students who have good school attendance generally achieve higher grades and set positive habits that will help them to become successful in life.  Absences from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process not only for the student who is absent, but for the entire class. Nothing can substitute for a true teaching and learning experience that occurs in the classroom.  If a student must leave school before 2:35, communication must be made to the school by the parent/guardian and the student must sign out in the office before leaving. In the event of a pre-planned absence (vacation, medical, legal, religious, etc.) the student must notify teachers and the attendance office in advance.  Attendance is a shared responsibility of the student and the parent/guardian. All parties involved should be committed to having students in attendance unless absolutely necessary. 

    When a student is going to be absent, the parent/guardian should call (816-847-5000) or email the high school attendance office on the morning of the absence or bring in appropriate documentation to verify the absence. Any form of false communication regarding a student’s absence may result in disciplinary action. It is our intent as a school to keep students safe and on a positive track towards graduation. 

A student’s academic success directly links to regular attendance.  Important work occurs in classes each day and the opportunity for teachers and students to interact is the basis for high academic achievement. The quality of these experiences cannot be duplicated.  Instructional contact is essential to your academic progress and mastery of skills and knowledge.  Absences, regardless of the circumstances, affect your academic performance and grades. 

Attendance Standards for Excused Absence

The following absences will be excused and will NOT count against the student for the purpose of earning credit. Documentation must be provided to the office in a timely manner. 

1.  Illness or injury of the student, with written excuse from a physician. 
2. Medical appointments, with written appointment confirmation by medical provider. (We strongly encouraged parents to schedule appointments after school hours.)
3. Funeral, with written excuse from parent. The principal may require additional documentation. 5.
4. Religious observances, with written excuse from parent. 
5. Two college visits per year for juniors and seniors with verification from college. 
6. Out-of-School suspension.
7. Visits with a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or is immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, with permission of the superintendent or designee. 

Verified Absences 

Verified absences are different from excused absences. A verified absence is any absence that does not meet the requirements for an excused absence, but is excused by a parent. A student with a verified absence will have the opportunity to complete work missed, but the absence WILL count toward the four absences rule (see next paragraph). In order to make up work, a parent needs to contact the office by phone or note. All absences approved by parent(s) will be considered verified.

Four Absences Rule 

If a student misses more than four class periods in a semester, the student will be in jeopardy of not receiving credit in that course(s) unless previous arrangements have been made with the principal by the parent. In the eight block schedule classes meet every other day. The four-period rule applies to each class. 

If a student misses an excessive number of days, 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 parent or that the parents 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.

Truancy

A student is truant if the student is absent from class or school without the knowledge and consent of the parents and the administration. A student is also considered truant if the student leaves school without the consent of the principal or accumulates excessive unjustifiable absences, even with parental consent. 

Attendance Committee and Due Process

Except in certain situations with foster care children in accordance with law, if a student accumulates more than four verified absences or truancies, the student’s credit for that semester will be in jeopardy. When the student reaches their third verified absence or truancy, the district will meet with the student and contact the family (by phone, email or letter) notifying each of the attendance policy. When a student reaches their fourth and each subsequent verified absence or truancy, the attendance committee (consisting of an administrator, counselor, and two teachers) will meet with the student, review the attendance policy, request a letter of explanation and appeal, and contact the parent by letter. Once the letter of appeal is received from the student, the attendance committee will review the letter, facts and information regarding the student’s situation, and then determine which course of action is taken. 

There are three possible outcomes from an appeal to the attendance review committee:

1. Denial of credit. 
2. Credit is awarded. 
3. The student is placed on probation for the next semester, with credit held pending satisfactory
   attendance during the probationary period.

If no letter of appeal is received by the attendance committee, the committee will determine the outcome of the student’s credit at the end of the semester. 

Student and parent will be notified by mail or email indicating the outcome of the appeal process.

Absences are based on the total absences (blocks) missed per class, per semester. Regardless of the reason for an absence, students not in attendance will find it difficult to fully receive the instruction, benefits of class discussion, teacher presentation of content, and individual student participation, as well as, receive High School credit that accompanies being in attendance. 

The following procedures will occur in dealing with student absences: 

1. Daily absences are verified and monitored by the attendance secretary
2. 4 absences (any type) in one or more classes- parent notification with district letter.
3. 6 absences (any type) in one or more classes- parent notification with letter from Principal, student meeting with attendance committee member.
4. 8 absences (any type) in one or more classes- Principal contact with attendance hearing scheduled. Student will receive an incomplete for the class (no credit awarded) until a hearing takes place with attendance committee and teacher.
5. Students having 8 or more absences for a class will receive an incomplete for the course. In order to remove the incomplete, an attendance hearing must take place with the student, parent, counselor, and teacher along with the attendance committee members. It is the responsibility of the student to provide all relevant documentation pertaining to their absences prior to the hearing. As a result of this hearing, one of the following may occur: 
   1. The student does not earn credit for the course
   2. The student is placed on probation for the next semester, with credit held pending improved attendance during the probationary period (written contract required)
   3. The group may make a plan for the student to earn credit.  In some instances, students will be required to make up time outside of the regular school day (before or after school, or Wednesday night school)

The student and parent will be notified in writing of the outcome of attendance committee.
 
The following absences will be excluded from the 8 block limit: Court related absences (documentation required), two college visits per year for juniors and seniors with documentation from college, and school activities/field trips in which the student is a participant. ALL other absences COUNT toward the eight-block limit. This includes regular parent call-in absences for sickness, vacation, medical appointments etc.

Powerschool Attendance Codes - A=Absent (Parent Verified), NPC=No Parent Contact, TR=Truant- Parent was unaware of absence or did not call to verify within 24 hours, SA= School Activity, DE=Documented Excuse (Some form of documentation has been turned into verify absence)

Homecoming Dance/Prom Attendance: Any student wishing to attend the Homecoming Dance or Prom must maintain 90% attendance to be eligible.
 

Valley Card

The GVHS Card System is designed to develop a positive school climate with incentives for positive behavior, attendance, tardies, community service, and grades.  All students automatically qualify for a Blue Card which gives the student normal privileges without restriction. Student’s GPA, attendance, tardies, and discipline infractions at the end of each semester will be used to determine a student’s card status.  A student may lose their elevated ID card at the end of a semester if attendance, tardies, or discipline warrants.  If a student does not earn an elevated card at semester, card status will be reviewed at the end of the next semester.

Seniors and Juniors who meet the following qualifications of the Valley card will be notified each semester by administration.

• 3.8 or higher weighted GPA for most recent semester
• 16 or fewer total blocks of absences per semester 
• No grade lower than a “C“ on previous semester grade report
• No more than 8 total tardies per semester
• No major disciplinary infractions
• Community Service: Jr- 5 hours to start the year, 10 for second semester, Sr- 15 to start the year, 20 second semester

Privileges for Valley Card

• Preferential parking assignments at the beginning of the school year
• Off campus lunch under advisement of administration and parent permission
• Release during designated “Academic Excellence Days” to be spent in the gym, commons, The Valley, library, or off campus 
• Complementary Activity Pass to all home events

Eagle Card

Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores who meet the following qualifications of the Eagle card will be notified each semester by administration.

• 3.5 or higher weighted GPA for most recent semester
• 24 or fewer total blocks of absences per semester 
• No “Fs”  and no more than 1 “D” on previous semester grade report
• No more than 12 total tardies per semester
• No major disciplinary infractions
• Community Service: Jr- 5 hours to start the year, 10 for second semester, Sr- 15 to start the year, 20 second semester

Privileges for Eagle Card

• Preferential parking assignments at the beginning of the school year
• Release during designated “Academic Excellence Days” to be spent in the gym, commons, The Valley, library, or off campus
• $1 admission to all home games
   

Student IDs 

All students and staff are asked to wear their picture ID on a break-away lanyard around their neck any time they are in the high school.  This is to identify all persons who are in our school should be here, and assures the safety of our students and staff. Students will be issued an ID and lanyard to start the school year. Any student traveling in the hallway or other areas outside the assigned classroom should have their student ID on a lanyard around their neck and a teacher-designated hall pass also around their neck. If a student loses their ID or lanyard, students should request a replacement which will cost $5 for ID and $3 for a lanyard. If a student does not have an ID they will not be allowed to travel. 

Student Code of Conduct 

Reference Regulations JG-R1 

There is one basic, fundamental principle of conduct in the Grain Valley Schools: NO STUDENT WILL INTERFERE WITH THE LEARNING, WELFARE OR PROPERTY OF ANOTHER STUDENT.  Listed below is a summary of the disciplinary procedures which will be used by the administration which includes the building principal or designee.  This should be considered a guideline and not an all-inclusive list. Administration discretion applies in all cases.

• Level 1 -- CONFERENCE
• Level 2 -- INTERVENTION: Referral to Counselor - Parent Conference - Loss of Privileges - Attendance at home/away events - Behavior Contract - Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities - Financial Settlement- Detention -Wednesday Night School – Red Card - Probation - In-School Suspension –- Referral to Youth Court - Mediation
• Level 3 - SHORT TERM OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (1-10 days)
• Level 4 – LONG TERM OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION (11-180 days)
• Level 5 - EXPULSION RECOMMENDATION TO BOARD OF EDUCATION

Policy JG: "The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student. Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process procedures and in accordance with law."

NOTE – Failure to serve any consequence issued by an administrator will result in the next series of consequences including detention, Red Card, In-School Suspension, or Out-of-School Suspension.
 

Level 2 Interventions

• Detention - a 1 or 2 hour detention to be served on a scheduled day after school
• Red Card - an alternative ID card which requires a student to serve a lunch detention for each day they are in red card status, no travel in the hallway during class time, may not attend school activities. Students participating in activities may practice but not compete with a red card.  
• In School Suspension- a removal from the normal class setting, a student will receive their work from teachers and can earn up to 100% of possible credit, participants in activities may not practice or play in activities during the length of the suspension. Suspensions end at 2:30pm on the last day of suspension.
• Out-of-School Suspension- a removal from the school setting, students will not be allowed to be on school property at any time during the suspension, participate in or be present at school events or activities on campus or off.

Students are accountable for inappropriate actions.  Classroom teachers have a primary responsibility to address student misconduct and intervene with appropriate action to correct the problem.  After school detentions may be issued by the individual teacher.  The seriousness of the offense and the number of past offenses will determine factors as to which level will be used.  

The administration will generally use these means to discipline a student: (Refer to Board of Education Policies JG, JFCH-C.1H, JGD, JFCJ, JGE, JGF) Consequences for any offenses not listed will be at the discretion of the administration.  This overall discipline code is applicable at all school-sponsored activities, including assemblies, and on school buses as well as all times that school is in session.  Any violations committed on school grounds and certain misconduct off school grounds is subject to disciplinary action by the school.  Alleged misconduct can be cause for searches of bags, etc. at school and on field trips or other school trips.  Any conduct not included herein may result in disciplinary consequences that extend beyond this code of conduct as determined by the administration and/or Board of Education.  A copy of the Board of Education Policies Manual is located in the Principal’s office or on the school district web site.  To ensure due process, disciplinary actions greater than ten days out-of-school suspension may be appealed to the superintendent of schools followed by the Board of Education. (Ref. JFCH, JFH) 

Searches 

Reference Policy JFG

To maintain a safe learning environment and properly investigate potential misconduct, district personnel may search student property and district property used by students. In some limited situations, the district may require students to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing. All searches will be conducted professionally and in accordance with law. The superintendent or designee is directed to provide staff with appropriate training and is authorized to contact the district's attorney for advice prior to conducting any search.

Searches of District Property

Students do not have an expectation of privacy in district-provided property. Lockers, desks, technology, and other district property are provided for the convenience of students and are subject to periodic inspection in accordance with law.

Searches of Student Property

Student property, including vehicles parked on district property, may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of law, district policy, or other rules applicable to students. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information, or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. Searches of student property shall be limited in scope based on the original justification for the search and shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses when possible. Students' privacy and dignity shall be respected.

Any electronic device has the same level of privacy as other student possessions (i.e.-bag, locker, or vehicle).  All electronic devices are subject to search by school administration and students should not have an expectation of privacy. Refusal to comply with the confiscation of, search of, or disciplinary action related to electronic devices may result in further disciplinary action.

Searches of Students

If reasonable under the circumstances, district administrators performing a search may require students to empty pockets or remove jackets, coats, shoes, and other articles of exterior clothing that when removed do not expose undergarments not otherwise observable.
When district administrators have reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of contraband, the administration is authorized to use a mobile metal detector to conduct the search.
District administrators will contact law enforcement officials to perform a search if they reasonably suspect that a student is concealing controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods, or evidence of a crime beneath their clothing and the student refuses to surrender such items. District administrators may contact law enforcement officials for assistance in performing a search in any case in which a student refuses to allow a search or in which the search cannot be conducted safely.

Recording 

Reference Policy KKB

The district may create audio and visual recordings on district property, on district transportation or at district activities for:

1. Providing security;
2. Maintaining order;
3. Professional staff development;
4. Educational purposes; and
5. Other purposes related to furthering the educational mission of the district.

However, because the district predominantly serves minors, is subject to a number of confidentiality laws, respects parent/guardian and community privacy concerns and seeks to minimize disruption to the education environment, the district prohibits other persons or entities from making audio or visual recordings unless authorized in this policy.

Administrator Authority

The superintendent or designee has the authority to authorize audio and visual recording on district property or at a district activity. Likewise, even if recording is authorized under this policy, the superintendent or designee may prohibit any person or entity from recording:

1. To protect privacy interests;
2. To comply with copyright or other licensing or intellectual property limitations;
3. If the recording creates a disruption to the education or working environment;
4. If the recording is done in a location where a person may be in a state of undress; or
5. For other legitimate reasons as determined by the superintendent or designee.

Recording by Students

In addition to other recording authorized in this policy, students may make audio and visual recordings on district property or at district activities if allowed by a teacher or activity sponsor as part of the class or activity or as permitted by the principal, superintendent or designee. 

In accordance with board policies, students may be disciplined, excluded from district activities and prohibited from attending with a phone or other recording device if the student makes recordings in violation of this policy and other district rules regarding recording. 

Undisclosed Recording or Transmitting

The district prohibits undisclosed recordings where persons involved do not consent to the recording and it is not otherwise obvious that recording equipment is present or being used, unless the superintendent or designee determines in rare circumstances that such recordings are necessary for security reasons. The district prohibits the simultaneous electronic transmission of any conversation by any person to a third party without the consent of all involved in the conversation even if the conversation is not recorded.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) USE PLAN

Students are strictly prohibited from using AI in a way that violates district policy or applicable law.  Students may not input into an AI system or product any confidential or critical data or any other confidential information unless the district has approved the use of AI under its use plan for the product.

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 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 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).

Drug Free School 

Grain Valley High School is a drug free school. Any student found to be in possession of, under the influence or impairment of, or distributing any drug (Alcohol, Tobacco, illegal controlled substances, prescription pills, mood-altering chemicals, electronic cigarettes, or imitation tobacco products) will be subject to disciplinary action and/or referral to local law enforcement.

Tardies

Tardies will be calculated by the block of both A and B days combined. Example, all 1st block tardies will be added together for the total number of tardies, 1A 1B= Total 1st Block tardies. Tardy numbers reset at the beginning of each quarter.  Tardies can not be excused.

• 4th Tardy - Parent and Student Parent Square Notification
• 6th Tardy – 1 Hour Detention 
• 8th Tardy - 1 Day ISS and attendance intervention meeting
• Excessive tardies - Discipline plan reflecting board policy and school expectations 

1st Hour Tardies- If a student arrives after 7:35 AM they must report to the office for a pass to class. If a student arrives after 8:00am and is involved in activities they will not be allowed to practice or participate that day.

Homecoming Dance/Prom Attendance: Any student with 10 or more total tardies will not be permitted to attend the Homecoming Dance. Any student with 20 or more total tardies will not be permitted to attend Prom. 

Truancy

Truancy: An absence from school, class, Eagle Time, lunch, or other assignments without the permission of parents or school officials. If a student absence is not verified within 48 hours, they are considered truant.  Students must have permission from the office to leave the school building. Truancy will result in the following: 

Truancy

Offense	Time	Consequence
1	Any time span student is unaccounted for	Red Card and/or detention
2	Any time span student is unaccounted for	1 Day ISS
3	Any time span student is unaccounted for	2 Day ISS
4	Any time span student is unaccounted for	3 Days ISS/Referral to Local Authorities

 

Bullying 

Reference Policy JFCF

Bullying is not tolerated at Grain Valley High School and staff members will take steps to prevent and curb all actions related to bullying. Bullying involves more than the target and the bully and everyone has a responsibility to prevent bullying, as well as, intervene when it occurs. Student witnesses who observe bullying play a critical role in eliminating bullying behaviors in our school. 

Bullying is defined as 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/her physical safety or property: substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of any student without exception: or 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 of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.  These can happen in person or through the internet and social media. If a student feels like this is occurring they should report it to an adult as soon as possible. School staff members cannot help if they are not made aware of the situation.

If a student feels they are being bullied, they should report it immediately to: School Counselors, School Resource Officer, teachers, administrators, or any adult in the building using written or verbal communication. Anonymity will be honored.  Any person may also report bullying through the online report form which can be found on the district website with this link: District Bullying Incident Report. 

Prohibition Against Illegal Discrimination & Harassment  

Reference Policy AC

General Rule

The Grain Valley R-V School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against 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. The Grain Valley R-V School District is an equal opportunity employer.

The board also prohibits:

1. Retaliatory actions including, but not limited to, acts of intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against those who:
   1. Make complaints of illegal discrimination or harassment.
   2. Report illegal discrimination or harassment.
   3. Participate in an investigation, formal proceeding or informal resolution, whether conducted internally or outside the district, concerning illegal discrimination or harassment.
2. Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliatory actions.
3. Discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any person because of such person's association with a person protected from discrimination or harassment in accordance with this policy and law.

As used in this policy, "discrimination, harassment or retaliation" has the same meaning as "illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation" and is limited to acts prohibited by law. All employees, students and visitors must immediately 

report to the district for investigation any incident or behavior that could constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. 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.

Sexual Harassment Reporting and District Response

Sexual harassment is prohibited under this policy and policy ACA, but policy ACA applies only to a narrower category of sexual harassment under Title IX, as defined in the federal regulations. All sexual harassment reports must be made to the Title IX coordinator identified in policy ACA and evaluated for policy ACA applicability. If a sexual harassment report is made to any other district employee, the report must be promptly referred to the Title IX coordinator for intake. Incidents of alleged sexual harassment that are not investigated under policy ACA may be referred for processing under policy AC. 

Additional Prohibited Behavior

Behavior that is not unlawful or does not rise to the level of illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation might still be unacceptable for the workplace or the educational environment. The district encourages students, employees and the public to report such behavior so that it can be promptly addressed, but the grievance process in this policy is reserved for allegations of illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Interim Measures

When a report is made or the district otherwise learns of potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation, the district will take immediate action to protect the alleged victim, including implementing interim measures. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, altering a class seating arrangement, providing additional supervision or suspending an employee pending an investigation. The district will also take immediate steps to prevent retaliation against the alleged victim, any person associated with the alleged victim, or any witnesses or participants in the investigation. These steps may include, but are not limited to, notifying students, employees and others that they are protected from retaliation, ensuring that they know how to report future complaints, and initiating follow-up contact with the complainant to determine if any additional acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred.

Consequences and Remedies

If the district determines that discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred, the district will take prompt, effective and appropriate action to address the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.
Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined, which may include suspension or expulsion. Patrons, contractors, visitors or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from district property or otherwise restricted while on district property. The superintendent or designee will contact law enforcement or seek a court order to enforce this policy when necessary or when actions may constitute criminal behavior.
Students, employees and others will not be disciplined for speech in circumstances where it is protected by law.
In accordance with law and district policy, any person suspected of abusing or neglecting a child will be reported immediately to the CD.

Definitions

• Compliance Officer – The individual responsible for implementing this policy, including the acting compliance officer when performing duties of the compliance officer.
• Discrimination – Conferring benefits upon, refusing or denying benefits to, or providing differential treatment to a person or class of persons in violation of law based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law, or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists.
• Grievance – A verbal or written report (also known as a complaint) of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made to the compliance officer.
• Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, that occurs when the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough that it unreasonably alters the employment or educational environment.

Behaviors that could constitute illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, the following acts if based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists: graffiti; display of written material, pictures or electronic images; name calling, teasing or taunting; insults, derogatory remarks or slurs; jokes; gestures; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; physical acts of aggression, assault or violence; theft; or damage to property.

Sexual Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, on the basis of sex. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct that occurs when a) benefits or decisions are implicitly or explicitly conditioned upon submission to, or punishment is applied for refusing to comply with, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or conduct of a sexual nature; or b) the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is based on sex or is sexual in nature and that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of participation in the district's programs and activities or the conditions of employment. Sexual harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite sex. The district presumes a student cannot consent to behavior of a sexual nature with an adult regardless of the circumstance. "Sexual Harassment under Title IX" is a subset of this definition, and the district's response to qualifying allegations is set forth in policy ACA.
Behaviors that could constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

1. Sexual advances and requests or pressure of any kind for sexual favors, activities or contact.
2. Conditioning grades, promotions, rewards or privileges on submission to sexual favors, activities or contact.
3. Punishing or reprimanding persons who refuse to comply with sexual requests, activities or contact.
4. Graffiti, name calling, slurs, jokes, gestures or communications of a sexual nature or based on sex.
5. Physical contact or touching of a sexual nature, including touching of intimate parts and sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching or rubbing.
6. Comments about an individual's body, sexual activity or sexual attractiveness.
7. Physical sexual acts of aggression, assault or violence, including criminal offenses (such as rape, sexual assault or battery, and sexually motivated stalking) against a person's will or when a person is not capable of giving consent due to the person's age, intellectual disability or use of drugs or alcohol.
8. Gender-based harassment and acts of verbal, nonverbal, written, graphic or physical conduct based on sex or sex stereotyping, but not involving conduct of a sexual nature.

Working Days – Days on which the district's business offices are open.

Compliance Officer

The board designates the following individual to act as the district's compliance officer:

Director of Student Services
101 NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy, P. O. Box 304, Grain Valley, Missouri, 64029
Phone: (816) 847-5006 / Fax: (816) 229-4831

In the event the compliance officer is unavailable or is the subject of a report that would otherwise be made to the compliance officer, reports should instead be directed to the acting compliance officer:

Director of Human Resources
101 NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy, P. O. Box 304, Grain Valley, Missouri, 64029
Phone: (816) 847-5006 ext. 1005 / Fax: (816) 229-4831

See PUBLIC NOTICES below for more details, or see the full policy language. 
Adapted from Policy AC.

SOS Suicide Prevention Program

The teen years can be challenging, and it's not always easy to distinguish between typical adolescent ups and downs and more serious issues like depression. Given the rising rates of depression and suicide among young people, Grain Valley High School is committed to proactively addressing this concern through the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Prevention Program. This program, which has a proven track record over 14 years at GVHS and in thousands of other schools, teaches students how to recognize the signs of depression and potential suicidality in themselves and their friends. Our goal is to ensure students understand that depression is treatable, suicide is preventable, and most importantly, how to seek help. Ninth-grade students will participate in an anonymous depression screening to help them determine if they should talk to a trusted adult. For more information and to preview the program, please visit the Mindwise Website. 

One-to-one School and Electronic Communication Devices 

Grain Valley Schools 1:1 Chromebook Guidelines

The Chromebook guidelines have been developed for students and families participating in the Grain Valley School District’s 1:1 program. The 1:1 Chromebook program assigns a Chromebook to grades 6-12 students. The Grain Valley School District (GVSD) will loan a Chromebook to each student. 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 information 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 these guidelines 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 these guidelines, 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.

Insurance

GVSD operates a self-funded insurance program to repair and replace devices when accidental damage occurs. All students receiving a device are required to participate in the program. Students are responsible for protecting the Chromebook from loss or damage. When an accidental damage and normal wear and tear occur, repairs will be covered by the insurance. In exchange for full damage costs to students and families, the GVSD requires an annual insurance contribution of $25. The Chromebook charger is not covered under any warranty. If a charger is lost, stolen, or damaged, students must pay $25 to replace the charger. A new charger will not be issued until the replacement fee is paid.

Loss, Theft, or  Intentional Damage

By taking possession of a borrowed device, the borrower agrees to assume full responsibility for its safety, security, and care. Students who carelessly handle the property resulting in vandalism, decoration, removal of the factory serial number, or any other intentional damage to the device's exterior, may be subject to the full replacement cost of $250. Missing devices without an accompanying police report will be considered lost, and a full replacement cost will be required.

Students and families who are financially stressed may be eligible for a reduction of the insurance fee. Parents must complete the Reduction Request Form to be considered for this opportunity. The assistant superintendent will review all waiver/reduction forms.

In the event a student breaches any part of the Grain Valley School District’s Acceptable Use Policy or the Grain Valley 1:1 Chromebook guidelines, the school will impose consequences consistent with the policies in these guidelines. Each situation will be considered independently, and consequences will range from a discussion about the rules and expectations regarding Chromebook usage and/or a complete withdrawal of access to a Chromebook.

Consent

By accepting a Grain Valley Schools Chromebook, you commit to the Grain Valley 1:1 Chromebook guidelines, including all recommendations and expectations, and understand the consequences of violation. You also understand and agree with all insurance and deductible fees associated with these guidelines and acknowledge my required and potential financial requirements. 

Cell Phones

There will be no use of phones or personal electronic devices from the start of 1st block at 7:35 am, until the end of the school day. Students are not permitted to use cell phones in classrooms. Upon entering the classroom, students are required to place their phones in the cell phone pocket holder. Phones are not allowed to leave the classroom during restroom breaks or lunch.

Students should not bring any of the following to school: cellular phones, wireless earphones/airpods, smart watches, video games, cameras, portable speakers, or other personal electronic devices. Items of value should be left at home for safekeeping. The school is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. 

Students can not take, or possess pictures or videos of other people without their consent (Board Policy KKB). Any electronic device has the same level of privacy as other student possessions (i.e.-bag, locker, or vehicle).  All electronic devices are subject to search by school administration and students should not have an expectation of privacy. Refusal to comply with the confiscation of, search of, or disciplinary action related to electronic devices may result in further disciplinary action.

No camera or video-capable electronic device may be used in the locker rooms or restrooms at any time. 

Consequences for electronic devices/accessories offense:   

• 1st Offense - Phone or device turned in to Main Office
• 2nd Offense - 1 hour Detention.
• 3rd Offense - 1 day ISS.
• 4th Offense - 2 days ISS. 
• 5th Offense - Parent/Guardian will be contacted by admin. A student will forfeit the right to carry a personal electronic device at school. If a student must have access to an electronic device, the device will be checked into the office at the beginning of the day and will be checked out to the student at the end of the day.

If a student on cell phone suspension is found with a cell phone at school, the student will have a day of ISS. If a student refuses to give their phone to an administrator when asked it will result in an ISS.  If a student has questions regarding the confiscation of their electronic device they should give it to the adult and then ask to speak with them at an appropriate time and place. 

Acceptable Use Policy Computer/ Internet Behavior

Use of computers and the Internet provide great educational benefits to students.  Unfortunately however, some materials accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, or potentially offensive to some people.  Access to the Internet is given as a privilege to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  We require that students and parents or guardians read, accept, and sign the following rules for acceptable computer and Internet usage before the student may access the computers or the Internet.

1. Students are responsible for good behavior on the computers, the network and the Internet just as they are in school.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply. 
2. Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers.  Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that users are using the system responsibly.  Users should not expect that files will always be private.
3. The following are not permitted in Grain Valley Schools:
   1.  Damaging computers, peripherals, computer systems, or computer networks
   2. Downloading programs
   3. Personal e-mailing, chatting, blogging and instant messaging
   4. Using another’s password to access the network
   5. Trespassing in another’s folders, work or files
   6. Revealing the personal address or phone number of yourself or any other person without permission from your instructor
   7. Violating copyright laws
   8. Accessing inappropriate web pages
   9. Accessing game sites during class time
   10. Downloading or streaming unapproved music
   11. Saving, printing or distributing inappropriate material
   12. Altering with computer settings (control panel, desktop, screen savers, wallpaper, and etc)
4. Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. 

I have read the rules for acceptable computer/Internet behavior, understand the rules, and agree to comply with the above stated rules. Should I violate the rules, I understand that I may lose all computer privileges at school.  Additionally, the student or guardian will be held financially responsible for any damages caused by abuse or misuse to the computer system(s). 

Electronic Communication Guidelines With Staff

When you communicate with school staff electronically, remember that these interactions are mainly for educational purposes. Your messages should always be respectful and appropriate. It's important to use school-provided email addresses or platforms for these conversations whenever possible. Keep in mind that staff are discouraged from communicating with students for personal reasons; if you have non-educational questions, it's usually best to ask them in person during school hours.

Dress Code

A student’s dress should be appropriate for a school learning environment.  Any student whose attire is viewed as disruptive to the educational process will be asked to change. Only clothing and personal grooming that dignifies the person for the occasion of teaching and learning is expected. Proper dress is expected at school activities as well. Exceptions are granted for religious or medical reasons only.

Acceptable standards for dress and personal appearance for all students are as follows:

1. Some type of footwear must be worn (Flip flop sandals are allowed. However, some courses may prohibit exposed footwear for safety purposes. i.e. Industrial Arts, PE, Environmental Science).
2. Headcovers/hats will be allowed in the building.  However, any staff member can ask that headcovers/hats be removed if it is a disruption to the learning environment or deemed inappropriate.
3. Wearing apparel that has written and/or graphic items which are prohibited by law for minors to use will not be allowed (intoxicating beverages, tobacco, drugs, or other controlled substances or companies or celebrities that promote these products).
4. 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 (for example KKK, swastika, and the Confederate Flag), color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religious affiliation.
5. Except during approved spirit days or for other approved exceptions, attire must be worn in the manner for which it was designed, non-clothing items are not permitted to be worn as clothing, and only typical accessories are permitted to be worn or carried.
6. Students should keep a separate set of gym clothes for physical education courses.
7. Any part of a student’s wardrobe, personal grooming or overall appearance which in the reasonable estimation of the administration, would disrupt the classroom and/or interfere with the intended function of the school will not be allowed and students will be asked to make changes or face disciplinary action. 

?????Students found in violation of the dress code may be sent to the office by any member of the GVHS staff at any time of the school day. Students are given the following choices upon receipt of a dress code referral:

1. Adjust their own clothing to meet dress code requirements, (i.e. add a jacket or other appropriate item to cover up the “exposed” area(s) or turn shirt inside out if applicable)
2. Wear one of the office-provided t-shirts (if applicable)
3. Phone home and have alternative clothing brought to the student at school. Students will NOT be allowed to leave school to get appropriate clothing.  If the student chooses this option, they will wait in ISS for clothing. 

Students who are habitual offenders of the school dress code policy will face appropriate disciplinary action. 

Bus Conduct 

Riding the bus to school is a service provided by the Grain Valley School District. Students who ride the bus are expected to follow the rules of the GVHS Handbook while traveling to and from school on the bus as well as being respectful and obedient to the bus driver. If a student violates bus rules, the driver will write a bus referral and consequences will be issued from the Director of Transportation. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, short-term or long-term removal from the bus. Administration reserves the right to impose school-related discipline.

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, they will be issued a Bus Misconduct Notice and may be denied the privilege of riding the bus.

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 is issued, the Director of Transportation will contact the parent/guardian of the student and enforce consequences.
 

 
 

Extra-Curriculuar Activities 

A program of activities for all students is offered by the Grain Valley Schools.  Activities are offered to complement the goals and objectives of education.  Consider it a privilege and a duty to encourage everyone (participants and spectators alike) to live up to the spirit of the rules and of fair play and sportsmanship.
         
Academic bowl, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, color guard, cross country, debate, drama, flag football, football, golf, instrumental music, robotics, dance, soccer, softball, swim and dive, tennis, track, vocal music, volleyball, winter guard, and wrestling are offered for GVHS students.  Each participant must have an approved physical before practicing and must view the parent/AD meeting prior to participating in any competition.
         
At the beginning of each school year season tickets are offered to take advantage of savings for home sports events.  All Sports Digital Passes may be purchased on GoFan and can be used at any GVSD athletic event..  Prices are as follows:

• Family of 5 – $150
• Family of 4 – $130
• Single Adult – $50
• Single Student – $30

Extra-Curricular Participation 

It is important that students keep the following points in mind in connection with school activities:

1. Participation is a part of the educational process. Interschool competition should present great educational possibilities; when and where they fail to provide educational values, they should cease to be a school function.
2. Participation is a privilege, not a right, that carries with it responsibilities to the school, to the team, to the student body, to the community, and to yourself.  You are representing all of these groups.  Good citizenship is expected.
3. Student eligibility will be based upon the student’s 1st Semester, and 2nd Semester grades.
4. Students must be enrolled in at least 7 credit earning classes each semester in order to participate in extracurricular activities.
5. Students falling below the MSHSAA minimum standards for the semester (3.5 units of credit) will be declared ineligible for the following semester.
6. In accordance with MSHSAA regulations, a student must be in attendance at school all day in order to be eligible to participate in any activity on that day, unless excused, in advance, by school administration.   See the Activity Handbook for details.
7. General Citizenship Requirement- Students who represent a school in interscholastic activities must be credible citizens and judged so by the proper authority.  Those students whose character or conduct is such as to reflect discredit upon themselves or their schools are not considered “credible citizens.”  Conduct shall be satisfactory in accord with the standards of good discipline.
   1. Student Responsibility: Each student is responsible to notify the school of any and all situations that would affect his/her eligibility under the above standards.  If the student does not notify the school of the situation prior to the school’s discovery, then the student shall be ineligible for up to 365 days from discovery, pending review by the Board of Directors.

School Spirit 

 The combined spirit of all those individuals making up the school system must be kept positive if educational goals and objectives are to be met.  Good school spirit does not just happen.  It is developed by the contribution of each person’s courtesy, pride and sportsmanship.

• Courtesy toward teachers, fellow students, our guests and their followers, and officials,
• Pride in everything Grain Valley High School has accomplished or endeavors to accomplish, and
• Sportsmanship is the ability to win and lose gracefully.       

These are your school activities; please show your enthusiasm and support for your school in a positive manner.  A loyal student supports GVHS and its activities, and does his/her utmost to keep his/her scholastic and activity standards at the highest level. 

Substance Abuse Policy for Activities 

The use, possession, or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or any substance defined by law, as an illegal controlled substance is Absolutely Prohibited.  Possession includes on your person, in your locker, clothing, or vehicle.  The following policies will be considered to be in effect for the entire school year and including the summer months.  Suspensions for summer violations will begin on the first day of any organized practice/activity for students participating in a fall activity and the first day of school for all other students.  While school is in session, suspensions will begin on the date of the violation.

Tobacco/Vaping

• 1st Offense- One event suspension
• 2nd Offense- 30- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 3rd Offense- 45-day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program

Alcohol

• 1st Offense- 30- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 2nd Offense- 45-day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program
• 3rd Offense- 365-day suspension from all activities

Illegal Controlled Substance/Mood Altering Chemicals

• 1st Offense- 45- day suspension from all games, competitions, performances, the student must fulfill all program/coach expectations prior to full reinstatement to the program.  The student and parent/guardian must also agree to the following requirements:
  • Students must undergo drug treatment/drug counseling, complete and pass a drug screening PRIOR to full reinstatement of activities.
  • Student must agree to complete and pass random drug screening throughout the remainder of their participation in High School activities at Grain Valley.
  • The student will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the above requirements.
  • Failure to agree or abide by these requirements will result in a COMPLETE ACTIVITY SUSPENSION for 365 days from the date of the violation.
• 2nd Offense- a 365- day COMPLETE ACTIVITY SUSPENSION from the date of the violation
  Students and parents should be aware that these offenses and policies are applicable over a student’s entire activity career (grades 7-12).  If a student commits an infraction at a lower grade level, the next offense will be considered a second offense.

School-Sponsored Activities 

All school-sponsored activities must be scheduled through the office.  The school calendar is in the Activity Director’s office.  All school policies are to be followed.  If students are behavior problems in one activity, sponsors and the administration are not obligated to allow them to participate in other activities.

School Dances 

School dances are special school events where the student code of conduct will be enforced.  All students must provide a photo ID for admittance and students will not be readmitted to a dance after leaving.  All out of school guests must have a completed permission form on file in the activities director’s office one week in advance.  Only those out of school guests who are past graduates of GVHS or who are currently enrolled in another high school will be allowed to attend.  No one below grade nine (9) or over the age of twenty-one (21)  may attend as a guest. Guests are expected to follow all school rules and the host student is responsible for their behavior.  All student obligations must be cleared/paid before any student is allowed to attend any school sponsored dance.  Students must be in attendance the day of/or day prior to the dance to attend. In addition, students must maintain 90% attendance to attend school dances and have less than 10 total tardies for Homecoming or less than 20 total tardies for Prom participation. 

**This student handbook has been prepared for your information to help you understand the philosophy of our building and school district, as well as understand our rules and regulations. The District Board Policies can be located on the district web site for additional information. 
 

Student Government 

Grain Valley High School’s Student Government is a student-led organization with the purpose of serving current students, alumni, the school, and community.  The organization focuses on student leadership, parliamentary procedures, character & ethics, leadership styles & theories, and using collaborative techniques to benefit others.  Student Government also meets as a class for one credit per year.

Advisors:

• Mr. Carter Behler – Executive Officers, Seniors, Juniors 
• Ms. Katelyn Long – Sophomores, Freshman 

Executive Board: 

• President: Harper Ward (S) 
• Vice President: Lincoln Smith (S)
• Executive Board: Grace Harmsen (S) 
• Executive Board: Craig Haywood Jr. (S)
• Executive Board: Madison Neer (J)
• Executive Board: Sophie Romo (S)

Seniors (Class of 2027) 

• Ava Borns – Senior Class Rep. 
• Owen Hames – Senior Class Rep. 
• Cailyn Murray – Senior Class Rep. 

Juniors (Class of 2028)

• Maddie Collums – Junior Class Rep. 
• Macy Crane – Junior Class Rep. 
• Charles Greene – Junior Class Rep. 
• Landon Hadowaine – Junior Class Rep. 
• Luis Lara-Dolan – Junior Class Rep. 
• Rhiannon Monrian – Junior Class Rep. 
• Bella Turner – Junior Class Rep. 

Sophomore (Class of 2029) 

• Reid Albin – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Lucas Bariani – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Sophia Epping – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Nycole Leeper – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Ryan Ogle – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Cason Philbrick – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Charlotte Reynolds – Sophomore Class Rep. 
• Everett Smith – Sophomore Class Rep. 

Freshman (Class of 2030) 

• Cayden Bobzien – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Declan Cramer  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Destiny Good  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Mason Hames  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Paityn Killingsworth  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Dawson Leeper  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Maclin Rodgers  – Freshman Class Rep. 
• Abram Ward  – Freshman Class Rep. 

 

Public Notices 

See the district’s FAMILY INFORMATION BOOKLET at GrainValleySchools.org for a comprehensive listing of PUBLIC NOTICES and other important information.

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.

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.

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

The Grain Valley R-5 School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability, 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, Director of Student Services, Coordinator of Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX, 504/ADA/Age Act), at PO Box 304, Grain Valley, MO 64029, 816-847-5006, creich@gvr5.net or RELAY MISSOURI TTY (800) 735-2966.

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. 

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 
• Date of birth                                                          
• Parents’ names
• Grade level
• Enrollment Status (e.g., full-time or part-time)
• Student Identification Number
• User Identification or other unique personal identifier used by student for the purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems as long as that information alone cannot be used to access protected educational records,
• Participation in in district-sponsored or district-recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Athletic Performance Data
• Photograph, videotape, digital image, recorded sound
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Artwork or coursework on display by the district                                            
• Dates of attendance
• Schools or school districts previously attended

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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).

Personal Property

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

Virtual Courses Public Notice 

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. In addition, the District will provide a readily viewable link to the guidance document on the main page of its website.

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 parttime 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 for details regarding:

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

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) 

Programs include Title I. A, B, C, D, Title II, Title III, Title IV.A, Title V Revised 4/17 2 In compliance with ESSA Title VIII- Part C. Sec. 8304(a)(3)(C) Local education agencies are required to disseminate, free of charge, this information regarding ESSA complaint procedures to parents of students and appropriate private school officials or representatives. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Complaint Procedures for ESSA Programs Table of Contents General Information

1. What is a complaint? For these purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA. 
2. Who may file a complaint? Any individual or organization may file a complaint. 
3. How can a complaint be filed? Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department. 
4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated? Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures. 
5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)? A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department. 
6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department? A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes: 1. A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA program has been violated by the LEA or the Department, and 2. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated. 
7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated? The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties. The following activities will occur in the investigation: 1. Record. A written record of the investigation will be kept. 2. Notification of LEA. The LEA will be notified of the complaint within five days of the complaint being filed. 3. Resolution at LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level. 4. Report by LEA. Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution. This report is considered public record and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public. 5. Verification. Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone call(s). 6. Appeal. The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S. Department of Education. 
8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently? In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint. Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department’s resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint). 
9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated? The Department will initiate an investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal. This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant and the LEA. Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA. 
10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)? The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.

Prohibition Against Illegal Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation 

Adapted from Policy AC. See the full policy language for more details.

General Rule

The Grain Valley R-V School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against 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. The Grain Valley R-V School District is an equal opportunity employer.

The board also prohibits:

1. Retaliatory actions including, but not limited to, acts of intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against those who:
   1. Make complaints of illegal discrimination or harassment.
   2. Report illegal discrimination or harassment.
   3. Participate in an investigation, formal proceeding or informal resolution, whether conducted internally or outside the district, concerning illegal discrimination or harassment.
2. Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliatory actions.
3. Discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any person because of such person's association with a person protected from discrimination or harassment in accordance with this policy and law.

As used in this policy, "discrimination, harassment or retaliation" has the same meaning as "illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation" and is limited to acts prohibited by law. All employees, students and visitors must immediately report to the district for investigation any incident or behavior that could constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation in accordance with this policy. 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.

Sexual Harassment Reporting and District Response

Sexual harassment is prohibited under this policy and policy ACA, but policy ACA applies only to a narrower category of sexual harassment under Title IX, as defined in the federal regulations. All sexual harassment reports must be made to the Title IX coordinator identified in policy ACA and evaluated for policy ACA applicability. If a sexual harassment report is made to any other district employee, the report must be promptly referred to the Title IX coordinator for intake. Incidents of alleged sexual harassment that are not investigated under policy ACA may be referred for processing under this policy.

Additional Prohibited Behavior

Behavior that is not unlawful or does not rise to the level of illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation might still be unacceptable for the workplace or the educational environment. The district encourages students, employees and the public to report such behavior so that it can be promptly addressed, but the grievance process in this policy is reserved for allegations of illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act

As required by law, the district will provide equal access to district facilities and related benefits and services and will not discriminate against any group officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America or any other youth group designated in applicable federal law.

School Nutrition Programs

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the district is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA. These programs include the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, the School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program.
Any person or representative alleging discrimination based on a prohibited basis has the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action with the USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights or the district's compliance officer using the process outlined in policy EF.
Our school offers free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs for eligible students. Families can easily apply online and find more information about the program. 

Interim Measures

When a report is made or the district otherwise learns of potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation, the district will take immediate action to protect the alleged victim, including implementing interim measures. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, altering a class seating arrangement, providing additional supervision or suspending an employee pending an investigation. The district will also take immediate steps to prevent retaliation against the alleged victim, any person associated with the alleged victim, or any witnesses or participants in the investigation. These steps may include, but are not limited to, notifying students, employees and others that they are protected from retaliation, ensuring that they know how to report future complaints, and initiating follow-up contact with the complainant to determine if any additional acts of discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred.

Consequences and Remedies

If the district determines that discrimination, harassment or retaliation have occurred, the district will take prompt, effective and appropriate action to address the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined, up to and including employment termination. Students who violate this policy will be disciplined, which may include suspension or expulsion. Patrons, contractors, visitors or others who violate this policy may be prohibited from district property or otherwise restricted while on district property. The superintendent or designee will contact law enforcement or seek a court order to enforce this policy when necessary or when actions may constitute criminal behavior.

Students, employees and others will not be disciplined for speech in circumstances where it is protected by law.
In accordance with law and district policy, any person suspected of abusing or neglecting a child will be reported immediately to the CD.

Definitions

• Compliance Officer – The individual responsible for implementing this policy, including the acting compliance officer when performing duties of the compliance officer.
• Discrimination – Conferring benefits upon, refusing or denying benefits to, or providing differential treatment to a person or class of persons in violation of law based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law, or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists.
• Grievance – A verbal or written report (also known as a complaint) of discrimination, harassment or retaliation made to the compliance officer.
• Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, that occurs when the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough that it unreasonably alters the employment or educational environment.

Behaviors that could constitute illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, the following acts if based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists: graffiti; display of written material, pictures or electronic images; name calling, teasing or taunting; insults, derogatory remarks or slurs; jokes; gestures; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; physical acts of aggression, assault or violence; theft; or damage to property.

• Sexual Harassment – A form of discrimination, as defined above, on the basis of sex. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct that occurs when a) benefits or decisions are implicitly or explicitly conditioned upon submission to, or punishment is applied for refusing to comply with, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or conduct of a sexual nature; or b) the school or work environment becomes permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is based on sex or is sexual in nature and that is sufficiently severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of participation in the district's programs and activities or the conditions of employment. Sexual harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite sex. The district presumes a student cannot consent to behavior of a sexual nature with an adult regardless of the circumstance. "Sexual Harassment under Title IX" is a subset of this definition, and the district's response to qualifying allegations is set forth in policy ACA.

Behaviors that could constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

1. Sexual advances and requests or pressure of any kind for sexual favors, activities or contact.
2. Conditioning grades, promotions, rewards or privileges on submission to sexual favors, activities or contact.
3. Punishing or reprimanding persons who refuse to comply with sexual requests, activities or contact.
4. Graffiti, name calling, slurs, jokes, gestures or communications of a sexual nature or based on sex.
5. Physical contact or touching of a sexual nature, including touching of intimate parts and sexually motivated or inappropriate patting, pinching or rubbing.
6. Comments about an individual's body, sexual activity or sexual attractiveness.
7. Physical sexual acts of aggression, assault or violence, including criminal offenses (such as rape, sexual assault or battery, and sexually motivated stalking) against a person's will or when a person is not capable of giving consent due to the person's age, intellectual disability or use of drugs or alcohol.
8. Gender-based harassment and acts of verbal, nonverbal, written, graphic or physical conduct based on sex or sex stereotyping, but not involving conduct of a sexual nature.

• Working Days – Days on which the district's business offices are open.
   

Compliance Officer

The board designates the following individual to act as the district's compliance officer:

Director of Student Services
101 NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy, P. O. Box 304, Grain Valley, Missouri, 64029
Phone: (816) 847-5006 / Fax: (816) 229-4831

In the event the compliance officer is unavailable or is the subject of a report that would otherwise be made to the compliance officer, reports should instead be directed to the acting compliance officer:

Director of Human Resources
101 NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy, P. O. Box 304, Grain Valley, Missouri, 64029
Phone: (816) 847-5006 ext. 1005 / Fax: (816) 229-4831

For matters within the scope of this policy, the compliance officer or acting compliance officer will:

1. Coordinate district compliance with this policy and the law.
2. Receive all grievances regarding discrimination, harassment and retaliation except as provided in policy ACA.
3. Serve as the district's designated Title VI, Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, as well as the contact person for compliance with other discrimination laws.
4. Forward reports of sexual harassment and otherwise assist in Title IX compliance as directed in policy ACA.
5. Investigate or assign persons to investigate grievances; monitor the status of grievances to ensure that additional discrimination, harassment and retaliation do not occur; and recommend consequences.
6. Review all evidence brought in disciplinary matters to determine whether additional remedies are appropriate, and recommend which interim measures should be implemented.
7. Determine whether district employees with knowledge of discrimination, harassment or retaliation failed to carry out their reporting duties and recommend disciplinary action, if necessary.
8. Communicate regularly with the district's law enforcement unit or other law enforcement point of contact for the district to determine whether any reported crimes constitute potential discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
9. Oversee discrimination, harassment or retaliation grievances, including identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems and reporting such problems and patterns to the superintendent or the board.
10. Seek legal advice when necessary to enforce this policy.
11. Report to the superintendent and the board aggregate information regarding the number and frequency of grievances and compliance with this policy.
12. Make recommendations regarding changing this policy or the implementation of this policy.
13. Coordinate and institute training programs for district staff and supervisors as necessary to meet the goals of this policy, including instruction in recognizing behavior that constitutes discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
14. Periodically review student discipline records to determine whether disciplinary consequences are applied uniformly.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

See PUBLIC NOTICES below for more details, or see the full policy language. 

Reporting

Students, employees and others may attempt to resolve minor issues by addressing concerns directly to the person alleged to have violated this policy, but they are not expected or required to do so. Any attempts to voluntarily resolve a grievance will not delay the investigation once a report has been made to the district.

Reports Involving Sexual Harassment

In cases involving sexual harassment, all persons must report incidents directly to the Title IX coordinator for evaluation under policy ACA. All district employees will instruct all persons seeking to make a report or complaint to communicate directly with the Title IX coordinator. Even if the suspected victim of discrimination, harassment or retaliation does not report on their own behalf, district employees are required to report to the Title IX coordinator any observations, rumors or other information about actions prohibited by this policy and policy ACA.

All Other Reports

Unless the concern is otherwise voluntarily resolved, all persons must report incidents that might constitute discrimination, harassment or retaliation directly to the compliance officer or acting compliance officer. All district employees will instruct all persons seeking to file a grievance to communicate directly with the compliance officer. Even if the suspected victim of discrimination, harassment or retaliation does not file a grievance, district employees are required to report to the compliance officer any observations, rumors or other information about actions prohibited by this policy. If a person refuses or is unable to submit a written complaint, the compliance officer will summarize the verbal complaint in writing. A grievance is not needed for the district to act upon finding a violation of law, district policy or district expectations.

Even if a grievance under this policy is not directly filed, if the compliance officer otherwise learns about possible discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including violence, the district will conduct a prompt, impartial, adequate, reliable and thorough investigation to determine whether unlawful conduct occurred and will implement the appropriate interim measures if necessary.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT UNDER TITLE IX
Adapted from Policy ACA. See the full policy language for more details. 

The Grain Valley 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; P O Box 304, 31606 E. Pink Hill Road, Grain Valley, MO 64029; (816) 847-5006, Fax: (816) 229-4831; Email: creich@gvr5.net. 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 thefull 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 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