Section 500
Policy 530

Educational Services - Educational Extensions

1. Homework is defined as assignments to be completed by students outside of class either at home or at other locations.
   
   
2. Homework shall be assigned for a specific educational purpose including skill practice, applications of acquired information, enrichment, research projects and reading. Homework should not be used as the primary method of instruction or for the acquisition of information or skills in lieu of classroom instruction.
   
   
3. The Board recognizes the difficulty of setting parameters for amounts of homework to be assigned. Teachers are asked to balance homework requirements with other student obligations and family activities. Teachers are also asked to keep homework assignments to a minimum during extended breaks and holiday times to allow for family activities.
   
   
4. When absences are excused, students shall be provided at least one day for each day of absence to makeup missed assignments.

1. Teachers are encouraged to invite speakers to address students on educational topics and issues appropriate for their age and educational content being studied.

1. Field trips may serve as valuable learning opportunities that enhance the attainment of learning expectations.
   
   
2. Field trips that are identified as a curricular component adopted by the Board are considered to be required. Such trips shall be given priority for bus scheduling. Students shall not be charged for required field trips.
   
   
3. The Principal must approve trips that are not identified as a curricular component.
   
   
4. The Superintendent must approve in-state overnight trips prior to any notices that the trip will occur and prior to any financial commitments. The Superintendent and Board of Education must approve all out-of-state trips prior to any notices that the trip will occur and prior to any financial commitments.
   
   
5. Trips must be justified based upon educational value. Safe transportation, adequate lodging, and sufficient adult supervision must be documented as well as costs and sources of funding.
   
   
6. The Director of Transportation may cancel any trip based upon unsafe weather conditions, lack of a qualified bus driver, or inability to accommodate the trip because of scheduling conflicts.
   
   
7. The Principal or his/her designee must secure written permission from a student's parent or guardian before a student is permitted to go on the trip. If a student is not permitted to go on the trip, his/her teacher shall be responsible for arranging an alternative, meaningful educational experience at the school or with the parent or guardian.
   
   
   
8. The Student Code of Conduct applies to students traveling to and from trips as well as at the location of the activity. A student participating in overnight trips must sign a statement of understanding that the Student Conduct Code applies to him/her while on the trip and a statement that he/she agrees to abide by the Conduct Code.
   
   
9. For any overnight trip, a complete itinerary and a complete list of all participants, including sponsors, with phone numbers must be filed with the Principal, Transportation Director, and Superintendent.
   
   
10. School District vehicles shall routinely be used for trips. The Superintendent must approve use of privately owned vehicles or commercial vehicles. When privately owned vehicles are to be used, owners/drivers must provide proof from their insurance company that their insurance is sufficient and in effect for the trip. Under no circumstance shall a student be permitted to drive other students on a District sanctioned/sponsored trip or to or from a District sponsored activity.
    
    
11. At times, employees participate with other agencies, to offer trips for students to foreign countries. These trips are not sanctioned by the District. Any staff member notifying students and/or parents of such a trip or soliciting students to participate must, through verbal and written means, clarify that the trip is not sponsored by the School District. No employee sponsoring, supervising or participating in such trips is covered by School District liability insurance.

1. Persons bringing animals into the school, except service dogs, must obtain prior permission from the Principal. Service dogs for students, staff, or visitors are permitted in classrooms.
   
   
2. Animals may be brought into classrooms for educational purposes. Any animal kept in the classroom must be appropriately housed and provided humane care. On days when classes are not in session, the teacher shall be responsible for the care and safety of the animals.
   
   
3. Prior to bringing or keeping an animal in a classroom, teachers are to check student's records or to ask parents of any known allergies. If allergies exist, parents must be contacted for further direction before having the animal in the classroom.
   
   
4. Animals may not be transported on school buses, except for service dogs.
   
   
5. If a student or staff member is bitten by an animal, and the skin has been pierced, the incident must be reported immediately to the Principal and the Nurse. The Principal or Nurse shall notify parents, and public health authorities. Staff members are to follow established District Workers Compensation procedures. The animal shall be impounded until it is released to public health authorities for observation.