Lind-Ritzville Schools adopt 10 new policies

The Lind and Ritzville school boards voted to adopt 10 new policies at their monthly meeting on Oct. 28.

Highlighting new additions is Policy 2409, which allows Lind-Ritzville Schools Co-Op Superintendent Don Vanderholm to create a program that recognizes and rewards students for learning a world language.

Under the program, students will be able to earn high school credits by learning a language on their own and passing a proficiency exam.

“We are excited to add language proficiency exams to our menu of credit options,” Vanderholm said. “Qualifying students can earn high school credits in one or more foreign language courses.”

Vanderholm said the exams are programmed by experts.

“[The] proficiency exams are provided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and are administered locally,” Vanderholm said. “Students who demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting designated requirements and demonstrate proficiency in one or more world languages can also earn the Seal of Biliteracy. This special achievement is included on the student’s transcript and diploma.”

Spanish is still offered to students wanting to learn a world language in the classroom.

Some of the new policies are based on policies passed in other districts. Some just clarify existing rules.

Policy 3416 clarifies rules regarding the use of medication at school. It says that when possible, medicine, both over-the-counter and prescription, should be taken at home before school. When that is not possible, parents are to “submit a written parental request and a written authorization form from a licensed healthcare practitioner.”

The policy also states that, “Except for limited situations, no school staff other than an RN or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may administer suppositories, rectal gels, or injections (except for emergency injections for students with anaphylaxis).”

Policy 2100 addresses children with a parent in the military. The policy begins, “The board recognizes that the children with a parent in the military encounter unique educational and emotional challenges related to enrollment, course placement, and graduation because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents.”

The policy states that the districts will adopt the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. According to the compact’s website, “The Interstate Compact provides for the uniform treatment of military children transferring between school districts and states. It was developed by The Council of State Governments’ National Center for Interstate Compacts; the Department of Defense; federal and state officials; state departments of education; school administrators; and military families.”

Policy 2410 addresses professional boundaries between students and staff. The policy states that its purpose is to “provide all staff, students, volunteers, and community members with information about their role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults.“

Among other things, the policy states, “Staff members are expected to be aware of the appearance of impropriety in their own conduct and the conduct of other staff when interacting with students. Staff members will notify and discuss issues with their building administrator or supervisor whenever they suspect or question whether their own or another staff member’s conduct is inappropriate or constitutes a violation of this policy.”

The full text of all the policies adopted have been added to the Lind-Ritzville Schools website, lrschools.org/. Hover the mouse over “Board of Directors” and links to different policies will appear. Policies are listed by number.

Other new policies adopted last week but not mentioned above include: Policy 1105P - Electoral System; Policy 2418 - Waiver of High School Credits; Policy 3120 - Enrollment; Policy 3207 - Prohibition of Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation; Policy 4218 - Language Access Plan and Policy 5201 - Drug Free Schools.