The mission of Nixa Public Schools, dedicated to our legacy of excellence, is to ensure all students achieve maximum potential and graduate with the knowledge, skills and character necessary to succeed as productive, informed, and engaged citizens in a diverse society by providing a quality, comprehensive, world-class education in a safe and secure learning environment.

Use of the Internet is a part of classroom instruction in both the regular classroom and the computer lab. Students are taught digital citizenship and made aware of procedures and expectations when using the internet. Failure to follow proper use procedures may result in disciplinary action for the student (see School Board Policy EHB and EHB-R). A copy of the Technology Usage is provided to each student at the time of registration. Opportunity for a parent to deny their child access to the Internet in writing will be made available. For more information see the CONNECTED policy.

School hours Tuesday-Friday will be 8:45 a.m. - 3:50 p.m. School will start at 9:15 a.m. each Monday to provide for teacher collaboration. Dismissal time will remain the same each day. Students should not arrive at school earlier than 8:15 a.m. (8:50 am on Mondays) unless special arrangements have been made through the XLT program. Please contact your child’s teacher for additional information.

Attendance in school is extremely important. Please make every effort to have your child in school every day on time. If a student is absent, a phone call or email should be made to the school’s office manager by 9:00 a.m. When returning to school, the student should have a note explaining the reason for the absence. Any student who arrives late to school must be accompanied by an adult and must check in at the office. The student will be given a tardy slip by office staff to be admitted to class.

Nixa School Board Policy JED-R designates eight days of absences and/or tardies per semester as excessive. Formal steps will be taken by the school to contact parents/guardians to rectify chronic/excessive absences/tardies. If the child continues to be absent/tardy, parents/guardians will be contacted by the county juvenile and/or prosecutor’s office (see School Board Policy JED-R).

The Nixa Public Schools prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying, and student intimidation. Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with School Board Policy JFCF which is located at the end of this handbook.

As a political subdivision, employer, recipient of federal funds and educational institution, the Board of Education is prohibited from, and hereby declares a policy against, engaging in unlawful discrimination, including harassment creating a hostile environment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age or use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, in its programs, activities, and with regard to employment. The Board is an equal-opportunity employer.

Any person having inquiries, including persons with impaired vision or hearing can obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting the Executive Director of Special Services, 301 S. Main, Nixa, MO 65714, KarenMcKnight@nixaschools.net, (417) 724-6260 or the Sodexo Facilities Director, RobertKlug@nixaschools.net, (417) 724-6392. Questions concerning the Nixa Public Schools’ compliance with regulations implementing Title II of the Americans Disabilities Act, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, or Equal Opportunity Employment is directed to contact the following designated coordinators:

Equal Opportunity Employment – Mark McGehee, Faught Administration Center, (417) 724-6270

Title VI and Title IX – Mark McGehee, Faught Administration Center, (417) 724-6270

Section 504 – Michelle Miller, Faught Administration Center, (417) 724-6275

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Karen McKnight, Faught Administration Center, (417) 724-6260 and Robert Klug, Sodexo, (417) 724-6392

Homeless Liaison – Jenn Finke, 417-839-2936

Displayed Work of Special Services Students

Teachers of students in special services classrooms may display class work in the hallway or another fashion in the school where it is in view of others in the building. Please note that since the school buildings are used by the public, your child's name or identity may be revealed on the work. If this is of concern to you, please speak to your child's special services teacher.

For the safety of all students, rules of conduct must be obeyed. When they are not, a disciplinary report is written by the bus driver and given to the principal. A conference between the child and principal will be held, and a copy of the referral will be sent to the parents. The transportation department has outlined specific rules and consequences. Written notification to the teacher is required when a child is not riding the usual bus home. Glass containers, skateboards and balloons are not permitted on school buses. Food Allergy Policy: No food or drinks, other than bottled water, are allowed on bus transportation to and from school unless there is a medical need and the student has written permission from his/her building principal. For full bus regulations, please refer to the Transportation section of the handbook starting on page 16.

Students should pay for meals prior to eating. Payments for student meal accounts can be completed at Schoolpay.com or by cash/check at the school building.

Any changes in meal prices may be found on the school’s website www.nixapublicschools.net.

Parents are encouraged to complete and submit free and reduced applications if they feel they may meet the criteria for qualification. Applications can be obtained from the elementary office or completed online at SchoolCafe.com.  All applications are kept highly confidential.

The administration and all faculties are available to meet with parents for a conference whenever the parent or school staff member feels it would be beneficial. Classroom teachers will schedule conferences in the fall and in the spring.

“Directory Information” is information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Nixa Public Schools designates the following items as “Directory Information:” student’s name, parent’s name, address, telephone number, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities including audiovisual or photographic records of the openly visible activities thereof (e.g., artistic performances, sporting contests, assemblies, service projects, awards ceremonies, etc. ), honors and awards received, and photographs including photographs of regular school activities and videotape that does not disclose specific academic information about the child and/or would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

Parents will have ten (10) school days after receiving the student/family handbook information to provide notice in writing to the school district that they choose not to have this information or any portion of the “Directory Information” released. Unless notified to the contrary in writing within the ten (10) school-day period, the school district may disclose any of those items designated as “Directory Information” without the parent’s or eligible student’s prior written consent including in print and electronic publications of the school district.

School:

• arrive at school on time with necessary supplies and ready to learn

• follow the teacher’s directives

• be responsible and work to best ability

• no electronic games or devices are allowed without prior permission from building principal

Classroom:

• each classroom has specific rules to follow

• rules will be discussed throughout the year

• parents are asked to help children realize the importance of an environment conducive to learning

Playground:

• fighting, including play fighting, will not be allowed at any time

• equipment is to be used correctly

• no hard balls are allowed

• toys from home are not allowed

Lunchroom:

• good manners are a must

• talking is to be only at the table one is seated

• students are to stay seated until dismissed

• students should raise hands for assistance

• food is not allowed to be shared

• children who do not respect lunchroom rules may be asked to sit at a designated area away from peers

Students are expected to come to school in a positive frame of mind and be ready to actively cooperate and participate in educational activities. Parents are expected to support the school in helping their child to maintain a positive attitude. Disciplinary problems will be handled in accordance with School Board Policies JGA and the Missouri Safe Schools Act. No person employed by or volunteering on behalf of Nixa Public Schools shall administer or have cause to administer corporal punishment upon a student attending district schools (Policy JGA). Students may be disciplined or suspended for any of the following:

• Possession, transmission, and/or use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol

• Vaping and/or possession of vaping paraphernalia

• Disrespect or insubordination

• The use of improper language

• Fighting

• Inappropriate display of affection

• Rowdy behavior such as pushing & shoving

• Leaving a classroom or school grounds without permission

• Vandalizing, damaging, or stealing school or private property

• Threatening, intimidating, or causing bodily harm to any person

• Weapons (as described in the Missouri Safe Schools Act)—Students who bring a weapon to school will be expelled for a period of one year. The superintendent of schools may modify this expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The minimum punishment shall be a parent conference and the maximum punishment shall be one-year expulsion.

Sexual harassment—complaints shall be forwarded to the principal for investigation. A substantiated charge against a student shall subject that student to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. False accusations will result in the same disciplinary action applicable to the one found guilty of sexual harassment.

Arson 

Setting something on fire.

1st Offense - 1 day Out of School Suspension (OSS)

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Assault

i.e. One student hits another student and other student does not fight back.

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Bullying and Harassment

i.e. Repeated and Targeted

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

*Requires Additional Paperwork

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Elopement

Leaving the building

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Fighting

Includes verbal or physical contribution

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Physical Abuse of Staff

1st Offense - 3 days OSS

2nd Offense - 5 days OSS

3rd Offense - 10 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - Referral to Superintendent for long-term suspension

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Physical Confrontation with Injury

i.e. Shove that results in substantial injury or destruction of property

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Physical/Verbal Abuse of Student

i.e. Cussing or verbal attack at another student

1st Offense - 1 day ISS (in School Suspension)/ ASD (after school detention)

2nd Offense - 1 day OSS

3rd Offense - 3 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 5 days OSS

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Sexting

i.e. sharing or displaying images

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

SPO (School Police Officer) Report

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Sexual Harassment (Physical)

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

*Additional Paperwork/Discipline Possible

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Sexual Harassment (Verbal)

1st Offense - 1 day ISS/ASD

2nd Offense - 1 day OSS

3rd Offense - 3 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 5 days OSS

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Theft (Greater than $10)

1st Offense - 1 day ISS/ASD and Restitution

2nd Offense - 1 day OSS and Restitution

3rd Offense - 3 days OSS and Restitution

4th Offense and Beyond - 5 days OSS and Restitution

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Threats and Verbal Assault

School Police are notified dependending on the severity of threat.

1st Offense - 1 day ISS/ 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - Referral to Superintendent for long-term suspension

4th Offense and Beyond - Referral to Superintendent for long-term suspension

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Vandalism (Major +$500)

1st Offense - 3 days OSS and Restitution

2nd Offense - 5 days OSS and Restitution

3rd Offense - 10 days OSS and Restitution

4th Offense and Beyond - Referral to Superintendent for long-term suspension

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Vape Distribution (Tobacco)

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Vape Possession/Use (Tobacco)

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Verbal Abuse of Staff

i.e. Cursing at a teacher, threats

1st Offense - 1 day OSS

2nd Offense - 3 days OSS

3rd Offense - 5 days OSS

4th Offense and Beyond - 10 days OSS

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Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) such as portable video games, tablets, smart watches, cell phones and other electronic devices are discouraged from being brought to school. The school cannot be responsible for stolen or broken items. Upon arrival at school, these items should be turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours (Mondays, 9:15 a.m. - 3:50 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 8:45 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.). If PED use violates policy, the school officials may hold the item until the end of the day (parent pick-up may be necessary) or the student may be banned from bringing the PED to school and/or school activities for a length of time assigned by the administration. Students may be subject to other/additional disciplinary measures.

General guidelines for confiscated PED’s:

First Offense: PED will be confiscated by school officials. A parent contact will be made, and the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day.

Second Offense: PED will be confiscated by school officials.  A parent contact will be made, and the parents may pick up the device during regular school hours or a time agreed upon by parent and principal.

Third Offense: PED will be confiscated by school officials. A parent contact will be made, and the parents can pick up the device during school hours or at an agreed time by parent and principal. The student may be subject to other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate by the principal.

The Board of Education expects student dress and grooming to be neat, clean and in good taste so that each student may share in promoting a positive, healthy and safe atmosphere within the school district.

Student dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the individual and parents/guardians, within the following guidelines:

1. Dress and grooming will be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary and safety requirements.

2. All students must wear shoes, boots or other types of footwear.

3. Dress and grooming will not disrupt the educational environment.

4. Class activities that present a concern for student safety may require the student to adjust hair and/or clothing during the class period in the interest of maintaining safety standards.

5. Additional dress guidelines may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities and PE class.

When, in the judgment of the principal, a student's appearance or mode of dress does not comply with the above criteria, the student may be required to make modifications. No employee or volunteer shall direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia or garment, as long as it is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the confidentiality of a student’s educational records. It also requires schools receiving federal money to provide parents access to their child’s records and allows them to request modification of the child’s educational records. This right is also extended to students the age of 18 and older.

Parental permission is required for any trips taken outside the school district boundaries. Parents wishing to chaperone or serve a supervisory role while attending the field trip must follow our district Volunteer policy, per district policy, GBEBC: The district will conduct FBI background checks for each volunteer who has regular and frequent contact with students, unsupervised or one-on-one contact with students, or serves in a supervisory role. A criminal background check will be conducted on these volunteers regardless of their role, membership, or affiliation with organizations who exist to support the district, such as the PTO.

The practice of sending flowers, balloons, and other such remembrances to friends and family at school has grown to the point of disruption. Therefore, such deliveries at school are discouraged. In the event that such remembrances are delivered at school, they will be held in the office until the end of the school day. Students may claim their delivery at the close of school. Glass containers and balloons will not be permitted on school buses.

Student participation in PTO or school fundraising is strictly voluntary. Fundraising by other organizations or individuals is prohibited on school property.

Standards-Based grade cards/progress reports are issued at the end of each quarter. Grade cards/progress reports are available to parents through the parent portal in PowerSchool.  Students in Kindergarten through sixth grade receive indicators of progress to denote level of mastery of Missouri Learning Standards.

Nixa Public Schools will implement the components of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) in order to monitor the progress of all students in meeting the Missouri Learning Standards, as set forth by the Missouri State Board of Education. (See Policy IL) The MAP test will be given to students in Grades 3 through 8 by subject. End-of-Course tests will be given to students in Grades 8 through 12 by enrolled courses. A schedule and information will be sent home with students prior to testing.

Verification of current immunizations must be on file with the school nurse before new students begin classes. Also, it is very important that the school have every child’s emergency information form on file with the nurse so that parents may be contacted quickly if necessary.

Good attendance is important to your child’s learning; however, there are times when your child may be too sick to attend school. Please keep your child home from school and contact your child’s physician if they: 

• are unable to participate fully in all school activities due to illness

• have symptoms of a contagious condition or a rash with an unknown cause 

• have a fever of 100 degrees or more within the last 24 hours, without fever-reducing medication

• have been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea within the past 24 hours or if they are unable to eat normally

• have persistent coughing with shortness of breath

• have a diagnosis of strep throat that has not been under antibiotic treatment for 24 hours

If your child has any of these symptoms while at school, a parent/guardian will be contacted to pick him/her up.

Medication Administration

If your child must have medication of any type given during school hours, including over-the-counter drugs, you have the following choices:

• You may come to school and give the medication to your child at the appropriate time(s).

• You may obtain a copy of a medication form from the school nurse or school secretary. Take the form to your child’s healthcare provider and have him/her complete the form by listing the medications(s) needed, dosage, and number of times per day the medication is to be administered. 

• Prescription and non- prescription medicines must be brought to school by a parent or guardian in the originally labeled bottle which contains instructions on how and when the medication is to be given. 

• When you get a prescription filled, ask the pharmacist to make an extra container with the label on it for the school nurse. 

Students are not allowed to carry any medication in backpacks or on the bus unless it is a pre-approved emergency medication and appropriate paperwork is on file with the nurse. Medications will not be sent home with students. 

You may discuss with your healthcare provider an alternative schedule for administering medication (e.g., outside of school hours).

All medication must be kept and administered through the school nurse office.

School personnel will administer any medication to students ONLY when they have received a medication form properly completed and signed by the prescriber. Medication must be received in an appropriately labeled container.

Emergency Medication

All student-occupied buildings are equipped with epinephrine for emergency anaphylaxis, albuterol for respiratory emergencies, and naloxone for opioid overdose. Students who cannot receive epinephrine, albuterol, or naloxone in the case of an emergency must have written parent documentation on file.

Please refer to The 2024-2025 Missouri School Immunization Requirements for Nixa Public Schools immunization requirements. 

It is recommended that each parent provide insurance to cover injuries sustained by their child during the school day. Student insurance is available for a nominal fee at the beginning of each school year and available on the website.

Students must live within the district’s boundaries to attend Nixa Public Schools. Elementary schools’ boundaries have been set by the district. Proof of residency or a change of residency must be on file in the school office at all times.

Each child has on file a cumulative permanent record. These are available for review at any time by appointment. When transferring to another school, the school should be notified as soon as possible. Records are forwarded to the new school as soon as our school receives a “records request” from the new school.

Periodic drills are conducted at school to teach children what to do in the event of a fire, tornado, earthquake, intruder or other crisis situation. Teachers and students practice proper procedures regularly to ensure preparation in the case of an emergency. In the event of a total building evacuation, parents will be notified through Rapid Notification System.

In case of inclement weather or other emergency situations, announcement of school closings will be made through the Nixa Schools App Rapid Notification System and QuickNews in addition to information being posted on Facebook www.facebook.com/nixapublicschools and Twitter (@nixaschools). Information will also be supplied to local television stations, radio stations and other news outlets. As soon as a decision is made, the media will be notified. Additionally, our school website can be accessed for school closing information or other important information at www.nixapublicschools.net. Please check the district website or social media outlets for information rather than calling the school. The school phone lines need to be kept open for emergency purposes.

If school is dismissed early, all efforts will be made to notify parents through the methods listed above. Parents should have arrangements made each school year for emergency-type situations. These arrangements should be discussed with your child/children so they will know what to do. During early dismissal days, XLT will not be available for after school care.

If school is announced as a late start, students will come to school two hours later than the usual start time. Bus routes will also run 2 hours later than usual. During late start days, XLT will not be available for before school care.

Nixa is using a rapid notification system that allows schools to contact thousands of parents within minutes. Nixa Public Schools has implemented this to substantially improve its ongoing communication with parents. This service, currently through Blackboard Connect is only available to parents of children in the Nixa School District.

Our Rapid Notification System allows school administrators to keep parents updated quickly and efficiently with personalized messages and helps parents stay actively involved in their child’s education.

The Rapid Notification System has the ability to do the following:

• Reach thousands of parents per minute (calls and text alerts)

• Send notifications even when school phone lines are down

• Inform parents the very morning of a child’s absence from school

• Rapidly deliver first-hand information during a crisis situation

Parents will receive the following types of alerts from schools:

• Routine notification calls do not directly affect the safety of students, staff or parents. These calls include upcoming events, delayed school bus routes and absenteeism.

• Emergency notification calls are used during critical incidents where a child, staff member or parent’s safety is in immediate jeopardy. These calls include lockdowns, evacuations and relocations.

• Text alerts will be used to distribute quick reminders or information. If your primary phone is your cell phone, you will receive text alerts. (You will have the option to opt- out of receiving alerts.) Text alerts will be limited but will occur more frequently than our routine notification calls.

• Email Updates will be sent out to the email address that parents enter into the student information system. These will include reminders and updates on various school events. Emails will be limited but will occur more frequently than our routine notification calls.

QuickNews is the district’s weekly e-newsletter that is sent out to all members of the community who sign up. This service is delivered by e-mail and includes updates for events across the district as well as news items in the district. Sign up for QuickNews on the District’s homepage at www.nixapublicschools.net.

Our school nurses facilitate a variety of health screenings for our elementary students to promote wellness. A hearing and vision screening will be conducted annually in Kindergarten, First Grade, Third Grade, and Fifth Grade. Dental screenings are periodically conducted for elementary students when provider services are available to do so. Head lice screenings are conducted anytime a child has symptoms.  A written request must be provided to the school nurse by a parent/guardian for a child to be excused from school health screenings. A parent/guardian may also request a specific screening upon notification to a school nurse at any time.

Nixa Public Schools has a vital interest in providing a free and appropriate education for all students in the community. Early intervention is the key to ensuring the success of all students. Our district’s goal is to promote success at every educational level.

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. Nixa Public Schools 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, multiple disabilities, other health impairments, mental retardation/intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/ blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

Nixa Public Schools 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 programs.

Nixa Public Schools assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purpose 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). 

Nixa Public Schools has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for 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 assurance that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the Special Education Office located at 301 S. Main St., Nixa, MO 65714.

(See Board Policies IGBA, IGBCA, IGBCB and IGBH)

All classroom snacks must be commercially purchased and follow district adopted wellness policy guidelines. These guidelines have been established in efforts of cutting down on the risk of spreading communicable diseases and teaching students how to make healthy eating choices.

Nutrition Guidelines

All foods and beverages sold to students during the school day on any property under the jurisdiction of the district will meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These nutrition standards apply to all food and beverages sold to students, including those sold in vending machines, school stores and through district- sponsored fundraisers (which encompasses fundraising conducted by district-sponsored and student-initiated groups), unless an exemption applies. For the purposes of this procedure, the school day is the time period from the midnight before to 30 minutes after the official school day.

Fundraising Exemption to Nutrition Guidelines

Unless otherwise prohibited by Board policies or limitations on marketing, the following are exemptions to the rule requiring that foods sold as fundraisers meet USDA standards:

1. Foods sold off campus, outside the school day or to nonstudents do not have to meet the USDA standards.

2. Distribution of order forms for and delivery of foods that do not meet USDA standards and are not intended for consumption at schools are permitted during the school day to the extent it otherwise complies with district policies and procedures.

3. Each school building within the district may hold up to five one-day fundraisers per school year on district property during the school day that involve the sale of foods that do not meet USDA standards.

Water and Milk

Students will have access to free drinking water during mealtimes in the places where meals are served. Lunch served by the district will include a variety of fluid milk options consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Food and fluid milk substitutions will be provided to students in accordance with law and Board policy.

Rewards – should not include candy or soda. Non-food incentives should be encouraged. Optional Classroom Snacks – students should bring only snacks which meet the nutrition standards established by the USDA. Possible suggestions are found within the Healthy Snack List. If snacks are used they should be eaten at one designated snack time.

Celebrations and Parties – in keeping with the overall nutritional guidelines, party and celebration foods and beverages will not include soda. Non-nutritional items will be limited to 25% (1 out of 4 food items) of foods offered at special parties. The remaining party foods offered should meet the nutrition standards established by the USDA. A list of healthy suggested food and beverage items will be provided to teachers and parents.

All textbooks are furnished by the school district and loaned to the students free of charge. Students will be expected to pay for lost or damaged books or school supplies provided by the school.

In order for students to be transported safely, discipline rules must be established and adhered to by everyone. Driving a school bus that is much larger than an automobile and transporting not just one, but a large number of students, requires a certain amount of skill and a great responsibility. With the cooperative effort of the parents, students, and bus drivers, we have a safe and efficient transportation system.

Safety is our primary concern. Students shall be expected to follow all bus rules. Please review the transportation handbook with your child so he/she will be aware of the rules and so that a safe ride can be assured for everyone.

Transportation for the Nixa Public Schools is provided by Alliance Bus Company. If you have any questions about service, please feel free to contact Alliance at 417-414-0960 or speak with your child’s principal.

 Driver’s Responsibilities

1. Driver shall be on time at the scheduled location.

2. Driver shall maintain the highest degree of safety at all times.

3. Driver shall encourage and commend good student conduct.

4. Driver shall use reasonable and consistent discipline procedures.

5. Driver shall maintain a businesslike, friendly relationship with all students.

 Student’s Responsibilities:

1. Student shall be on time at scheduled bus stop and wait for the bus in a safe manner.

2. Students shall wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to get on or off the bus.

3. Student shall go directly to his/her seat, sit down and stay there until the bus comes to a complete stop at the assigned bus stop or school.

4. Carry-on items (backpacks, instruments, etc.) must be placed on the student’s lap. Glass items, skateboards and balloons are not permitted on the bus.

5. Student shall obey the rules that have been established for school bus riders.

 Parent’s Responsibilities:

1. Parent shall make sure the child/children are on time at bus stop.

2. Parent shall accompany small children to the bus in the morning and meet them in the afternoon, if at all possible.

3. Parent shall instill in their own children habits of punctuality and correct behavior.

4. Parent shall understand the importance of school bus safety and review bus rules with each child.

Bus Passes:

Students shall be expected to ride to and from school on the same bus on a regular basis. Exceptions will require a note from parents. The note must be signed by the school office and should contain the following information: student’s name, regular bus number that student rides, destination and bus number wishing to ride, phone number of contact parent if needed, parent signature and date.

Student must have a note signed by the principal or teacher. The student must present this note to the bus driver when boarding the bus.

If a student needs to get off the regular bus some place along the route other than home, the student must have a bus pass (note). Same procedure must be followed listed above.

The district cannot accommodate large groups of students going to parties, etc., on a bus different from the one that brought them to school. In those instances, parents will have to make their own transportation arrangements.

Additional riders may cause a strain on the maximum capacity load count. If the maximum capacity exceeds the limit, students will not be able to ride, and the student will have to ride their assigned bus route or make other arrangements.

A student without a bus pass (note) will not be allowed to ride a bus other than the one they are assigned to ride.

Bus Safety:

Although every reasonable effort is made by the school to prevent accidents to students, it is inevitable that accidents occur. Illnesses are also unpredictable.

The bus drivers are directed to take prompt action to minimize the effects of accidents and illness and to provide first aid and notify the transportation office. The transportation office will notify the school as quickly as possible. The bus driver will determine if an ambulance is needed. In the event of an accident, the bus driver will notify the transportation director and the school administrator will be notified.

School Closing:

When bad weather conditions occur, announcements of school closing will be made as outlined in the School Cancellations/Delayed Starts/Early Dismissal section above.

Food Allergy Policy:

No food or drinks, other than bottled water, are allowed on bus transportation to and from school unless there is a medical need and the student has written permission from his/her building principal.

Field Trips:

Students shall be expected to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and to follow the school bus rules as they do on a daily schedule route. Students who fail to follow the safety rules will receive a misconduct notice.

Student Misconduct:

• Excessive noise

• Excessive tardiness at bus stop

• Destruction of bus property

• Use of profane language/gestures

• Head/arms out of the bus window

• Improper boarding/improper departing

• Refusing to obey driver’s instructions

• Scuffling/pushing/tripping/hitting

• Spitting/littering/spraying (aerosol/pump)

• Throwing objects out of bus window/throwing objects inside bus

• Rude/discourteous and annoying conduct

• Does not stay seated/not seated properly

• Stealing

• Eating/drinking (non-alcohol, beverages) on bus

• Riding another bus unauthorized

• Nuisance items/or any item that has sharp or exposed edges.

Transportation Discipline Policy

Kindergarten through 4th grade

1st bus referral - conference with principal

2nd bus referral - conference with principal and notify parent

3rd bus referral - one day bus suspension

4th bus referral - three day bus suspension

5th bus referral - ten day bus suspension and conference with parent, principal, driver, and transportation director (parent conference may reduce suspension)

6th bus referral - removal from bus for 30 days

7th bus referral - removal from bus permanently.

Severe Student Misconduct 

*Possible law enforcement notified

Pending an investigation: bus riding privileges may be permanently and immediately suspended for the following:

Physical Assault/Fighting

Possession of drug/alcohol/tobacco

Gang conduct or activity

Sexual misconduct/sexual harassment

Weapons/knives/guns/any object being used to commit unsafe act

1st bus referral - five day bus suspension/parent conference

2nd bus referral - ten day bus suspension/ parent conference 

3rd bus referral - removal from bus permanently

School Bus Rules:

1. To insure safety, the driver must be in charge at all times. Students must respond promptly to instructions given.

2. The use of tobacco, food, drink, or vaping on the bus is prohibited. Glass items, oversize objects, skateboards, balloons (of any kind) are not permitted.

3. Passengers must observe classroom conduct. Ordinary conversation is permitted. Horseplay, unruly behavior, abusive and obscene language or gestures are unacceptable.

4. Keep aisles and step well clear at all times

5. Never extend any portion of your body out windows. Never throw objects out bus window or inside the bus.

6. Do not attempt to get off or move about while the bus is in motion. Always remain seated until bus stops.

7. If you cause damage to the bus, you or your parents must pay for the damage.

8. Regular schedules must be observed. The bus cannot wait for tardy passengers. Students should be at the bus stop five minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time.

9. Wait at the proper stop and never stand in the roadway; if you cross the street or road to board, check for traffic. Cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Never walk behind the bus.

10. Spraying of any kind (pump or aerosol) is not permitted on the bus.

11. Students will not be allowed to load/unload at places other than their designated stop without proper written authorization from the parent and school officials.

12. Drivers have the authority to assign seats.

13. Students are not allowed to bring animals or insects of any kind on the bus.

14. Students are not allowed to go to the mailbox until the bus has pulled away from the stop.

15. Upon entering the bus, no student will be allowed to wear anything covering head or face that would conceal his/her identity to the driver (i.e., hood, stocking cap, scarf).

16. Failure to follow these rules may result in loss of transportation.

Parents are encouraged to attend school functions and be a part of their child’s academic program. All visitors and guests to our buildings will be required to sign in. Parents will have their own QuickPins assigned to them. All other visitors and guests will be asked to present state-issued photo identification that will be scanned into our system to generate a visitor log. We have opted to implement this system so that we have a quicker and more efficient way of knowing who is present and not present in the building during emergency situations.

Per district policy GBEBC: The district will conduct FBI criminal background checks for each volunteer who has regular and frequent contact with students, unsupervised or one-on- one contact with students, or serves in a supervisory role. An FBI criminal background check will be conducted on these volunteers regardless of their role, membership, or affiliation with organizations who exist to support the district, such as the PTO. This also includes all volunteers who attend field trips with students as a chaperone or serve in a supervisory role. Please visit our district website for any updated information at: www.nixapublicschools.net/volunteer

Parents should make sure chromebooks and all library books are returned, lunches are paid, textbooks are returned, and a child’s personal belongings are picked up when a child is going to move. Please notify the school office at least three days in advance, if possible.

Century Elementary

Mrs. Cara Blevins, Principal

Mrs. Mandi Williams, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Charla Bennett, Office Manager (417) 724-3800

Espy Elementary

Mrs. Karrie Long, Principal

Mrs. Abby Wright, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Misty Whitten, Office Manager (417) 724-6820

High Pointe Elementary

Mrs. Marilyn Hanna, Principal

Mrs. Lindsey Koelling, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Jamie Doran, Office Manager (417) 724-6700

Mathews Elementary

Dr. Rebecca Quackenbush, Principal

Mrs. Sarah Miesner, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Leandra Keller, Office Manager (417) 724-6520

Please refer to the 2024-2025 District Calendar Page.

In compliance with Section 161.670, RSMo, Nixa Public Schools allows students to access virtual learning opportunities when it is in the best educational interest of the student. The district’s preferred provider for virtual learning is the MOCAP approved LAUNCH program (launchpad.fueledbylaunch.com/). Please note the following parameters:

1. The student must be enrolled in Nixa Public Schools as a full-time student. Additionally, the student must have been enrolled in a public school as a full-time student the semester prior to accessing virtual coursework. Students must meet and maintain all pertinent residency requirements of the district. Virtual enrollment will only occur within the registration windows each Fall and Spring semester (enrollment closes 2 weeks into any given semester). Students entering Kindergarten are eligible for virtual enrollment only if they have attended our district Early Childhood programs due to the requirements of enrollment in Nixa Schools prior to starting virtual learning. Documented medical or psychological conditions preventing students from attending school may waive eligibility requirements.

2. Acceptance into the virtual program for students with an IEP or 504 will depend on the decision of the IEP or 504 team, as they determine the best educational placement for the individual student.

3. Students must attend all required state testing in person. On the scheduled testing date(s), students must report to the designated testing location in the same manner they would report to any seated class.

4. Enrollment in full virtual may prohibit participation in activities or athletics based upon state law and MSHSAA guidelines.

5. Enrollment requests are considered for one semester at a time. Students who are approved as virtual students will remain virtual students for the entire semester, unless the district determines the virtual placement is not in the best educational interest of the student.

6. Student performance will be reviewed each semester. Virtual students who are failing and/or missing an excessive number of assignments in a virtual course will be contacted for consideration to return to seated courses. If students are not successful in virtual courses, it is the school’s decision whether or not a student must return to seated courses. If a student is removed due to lack of progress during the semester, it may result in loss of credit (if a suitable seated class is not available).

For the CONNECTED Policies, Procedures, and Damage Waiver, please refer to the Nixa Public Schools CONNECTED Program Handbook.

August, 2024

Dear Parent /Guardian,

Nixa Public Schools are required to inform you of information that you, according to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), have the right to know.

Upon your request, our District is required to provide to you in a timely manner the following information:

• Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject area in which the teacher provides instruction.

• Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

• Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.

• Whether your child is provided services by a paraprofessional and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title IA funds must provide to each individual parent:

• Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title IA.

• Timely notice that your child has been assigned to or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

NOTE: If your child participated in the spring state required academic assessment, results are provided to you each fall as soon as they are returned to the district.

Sincerely,

Nixa Public Schools