RVE Handbook
Elementary School Handbook
2026-2027
Student/Parent Handbook
RIVER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
830 W. Daley St., Spring Green WI 53588
608.588.2559
Welcome from Mrs. Peterson
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We look forward to another great year focusing on the total growth of your child. We are committed to educating the whole child while providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes a passion for learning, respect for self and others, and an appreciation for individual differences.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide basic information about River Valley Elementary. Please read our handbook carefully and go over the rules and suggestions with your children. It will provide you with a great deal of valuable information and will answer many of your questions. We feel that open and clear communication between school and home is important to the success of our educational program. We look forward to working with you and your child and to a wonderful, productive school year filled with rich academic experiences. We appreciate your cooperation and support, and we welcome your suggestions and ideas for improvement.
Our elementary team looks forward to working with you!
Building Contacts
Carla Peterson
Principal
Shannon Gutknecht-Hagmann
Administrative Building Coordinator
sgutknecht-hagmann@rvschools.org
Stacy Hauden
Counselor
Sarah Schaller
Principal’s Secretary
Building Schedule
River Valley Elementary
Arrival: 7:45 - 8:05
Breakfast: KG-2nd 7:45 - 8:05. Students having school breakfast will report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival, then to the classroom for check-in. *Breakfast is offered to any students that may arrive late.
Breakfast: 4K 8:05. Students having school breakfast will report directly to their classroom upon arrival. 4K students will eat in their classroom.
Class Start Time: Students are expected to be IN their classrooms by 8:05. Arrivals after 8:05 will need to stop in the office for a tardy slip before going to class.
4K Lunch & Recess: Lunch: 11:40-12:10 Recess: 9:30 and 2:45
KG Lunch & Recess: Lunch: 11:15 - 11:35 Recess: 11:35 - 11:55
1st gr Lunch & Recess: Lunch: 11:30 - 11:50 Recess: 11:50 - 12:10
2nd gr Lunch & Recess: Lunch: 11:55 - 12:15 Recess: 12:15 - 12:35
Dismissal Times: Regular/Full Day: Dismissal process begins at 3:10.
Picker-Uppers first, followed by Bussers, then Walkers.
Wednesday Early Release: Dismissal process begins at 1:45.
Picker-Uppers first, followed by Bussers, then Walkers.
Wednesday Early Release: Lil’ Hawks Care pick up time is 3:30
Building Discipline
RVE SCHOOL-WIDE APPROACH TO POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
At River Valley Elementary we are committed to working with our students and staff to create a respectful, safe, and productive school-wide learning community that is free from disruption. We follow the Blackhawk Code.
- We treat adults with kindness and respect.
- We treat students with kindness and respect.
- We show good work habits.
- We always use our manners.
- We own our choices and behaviors.
- We do what is right.
The goals of our approach to student behavior are to teach students self-control, hold students accountable for their behavior, and facilitate the reparation of harm that may have occurred to other students, staff members, and the greater school community. Ultimately, we want students to take ownership over their actions and learn and grow from their mistakes. This positive approach to helping our students meet these expectations is based on the research based Responsive Classroom framework and the field of Restorative Practices.
The RV Elementary discipline philosophy regarding student behavior includes the following beliefs:
• Foster awareness: Most young people are so absorbed with the daunting task of growing up and finding themselves that they often don’t realize how their behavior affects others. Staff members ask students restorative questions to foster awareness of how others are affected by the inappropriate behavior or they may just express their own feelings to the student.
• Encourage Empathy and Avoid Lecturing: We all may react defensively when lectured – and may see ourselves as victims. Students are no exception. We try to refrain from lecturing to give students room to notice how others are affected by their behavior and to allow them to feel empathy for the others involved.
• Involve students actively: Punishment alone allows students to remain completely passive and to assume the role of the victim. We try to involve students in the process as much as possible, asking them to think about how they can repair the harm done and how they plan to keep their commitment to changing inappropriate behavior.
• Accept ambiguity: Sometimes the answer to the question, “Who is at fault here?” is unclear and we simply have to accept this uncertain state and move forward, encouraging students to accept as much responsibility for the situation as possible.
• Separate the deed from the doer: We always start from the initial position that our students do not mean to harm anyone. We want to be clear that we recognize our students’ worth as individuals and disapprove only of their inappropriate behavior.
• See every instance of inappropriate behavior as an opportunity for learning: We understand that many of our students have things to learn about appropriate behavior. We view school problems and incidents as opportunities to teach our young people what they need to know to be successful at school and in the future.
• Differentiated discipline: We recognize that the behavior of two students may look the same, yet the causes for this behavior and the subsequent interventions may be different. We believe in order for a student to learn and grow from her or his mistakes, the intervention must fit the needs of the individual student. Fair is not always equal. Consistency in handling behavior situations will be considered.
- Connect behavior and interventions: We believe as often as possible the disciplinary interventions should be logically connected to the students’ behavior.
RVE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO BEHAVIORS
River Valley Elementary staff strive to foster a learning atmosphere that is conducive to the educational well-being and the personal safety of all students and staff members. Behavior consequences are opportunities for students to learn from their experiences and grow in character. Our goal as staff is to work collaboratively with parents to correct behavior issues, in an effort to support the child in exercising responsibility and self-control.
- Behaviors are generalized into 2 categories: Classroom handled or Office handled
- An “Oops Form” is informal documentation of minor behaviors that supports reteaching
- A “Fix-It” form (Grades 1 and 2) or “Ice Cream apology” is formal documentation of behavior
- A Bus Write Up is formal documentation of poor bus behavior
- 4K is a time for learning with lots of reteaching, only major physical incidents or classroom disruptions are documented.
Staff response to classroom handled behaviors
When these behaviors are observed, staff will first try to redirect/distract student with some of these strategies:
- Ignore the behavior; or
- Restate Directive; or
- Give limited choices; or
- Use proximity towards student (non-threatening); or
- Use RESET space and kit; or
- Use a buddy teacher time-out; or
- Use a buddy room (have the student take a break in another teacher’s classroom); or
- Give a task (examples: take something down to the office or a classroom); or
- Take a lap around the school; or
- 1-2-3 Magic Reminders
Classroom Handled Behaviors Include: Possible Restorative or Natural Consequences:
Inappropriate Language - The student will call a parent to explain their
- Potty Talk, Frickin’ behavior
- Unkind words
Noncompliance - The student copies sentences from the Blackhawk
Examples: Code
- Refusing to do work, but quiet
- Not following a direction - The student writes a list of replacement words
- Continuing to play after time is up
- The student eats lunch in the office
Disrespect of Student
- The student loses recess
Not Following Expected Behaviors
Examples: - The student will complete work at recess; the
- Running in the hallway student may go out when work is finished
- Yelling/screaming
- The student apologizes to student or staff and restores relationship
Office Handled Behaviors and Consequences
The principal or ABC will contact parents (by email or phone). Documentation will occur in all cases, it may be a Fix-It form, an Ice Cream apology, or a Bus Write Up.
Field Trips/Activities/Celebrations
If a student has accumulated 3 Fix-It forms/Ice Cream apologies/Bus Write Ups within a quarter, they will not be able to participate in one or more field trips or school wide/classroom activities or celebrations within the quarter.
If a student has been suspended (in or out of school) within a quarter, they will not be
able to participate in one or more Field Trips or school wide/classroom activities or celebrations within the quarter.
Office Handled Behaviors Include:
Cellphone or Smart Watch Use
Offense: 1st: Device will be confiscated and held in the office for guardian pick up.
2nd: Device will be confiscated and held in the office for guardian pick up. 1 day loss of recess
3rd: Device will be confiscated and held in the office for guardian pick up. 3 days loss of recess
Fighting
Offense: 1st: In-school suspension for the remainder of the day.
2nd: In-school suspension for a full day and phone or in person conference; student, guardian and principal.
3rd: Out-of-school suspension and phone or in person conference; student, guardian and principal.
Striking a Student or Throwing Objects at a Student with Intent to Harm
Offense: 1st: In-school suspension. If a student cannot remain in an in-school suspension, the guardian will be called and the student will go home.
2nd: One day out-of-school suspension. Phone or in person conference; student, guardian and principal.
3rd: Multiple days of out-of-school suspension. Phone or in person conference; student, guardian and principal.
Classroom Disruption
*Ex: slamming items, verbal outbursts, screaming
Offense: 1st: The student will be asked to take a break in the office.
2nd: The student will be out of the classroom for the remainder of that half day. Missed work will need to be made up by the student. Restoration with the classroom/teacher must occur before returning to the room where the incident occurred.
3rd: In-school suspension and phone or in person conference with the guardian, student, teacher, and principal.
Unsafe Behaviors
*Ex: fleeing, leaving the building, hiding, climbing in unsafe areas
Offense: 1st: The student will be asked to take a break in the office. Work will need to be Made up by the student.
2nd: The student will be out of the classroom for the remainder of that half day. Missed work will need to be made up by the student. Restoration with the classroom/teacher must occur before returning to the room where the incident occurred.
3rd: In-school suspension and phone or in person conference with the guardian, student, teacher, and principal.
Swearing/Hand Gestures
Offense: 1st: Eat lunch in the office for 1 day.
2nd: Eat lunch in the office for 3 days.
3rd: Eat lunch in the office for a week and have a phone conference with guardian, student, and principal.
Theft
Offense: 1st: The student will return the item/s and apologize. Reteaching respect.
2nd: Repeat steps above. Loss of independence in areas where theft occurred until trust can be earned.
3rd: Repeat previous steps and an in-school suspension.
Striking an Adult or Throwing Objects at an Adult with Intent to Harm
Any Offense: Guardian is called and the student goes home for the day. To return to school, a phone or in person meeting must be held with the guardian, student, staff member involved and principal. Option of further days out of school suspension.
Harassment/Bulling
*Ex: gender, race/ethnicity, disability, sexual/sexual orientation, religious beliefs
Offense: 1st: The student will restore relationships with whoever they threatened. The student will receive re-teaching about harassment during their free time.
2nd: Repeat steps above, in-school suspension.
3rd: Repeat steps above, depending on severity, another suspension in or out of school. Phone or in person meeting with guardian, student, and principal.
Threat
Offense: 1st: The student will restore relationships with whoever they threatened. Reteaching respect.
2nd: Repeat steps above, in-school-suspension.
3rd: Repeat steps above. Depending on severity, another suspension (in or out of school). Phone or in person meeting with guardian, student, and principal.
Misuse of School Technology-Chromebook or iPad
Offense: 1st: Loss of technology for a day.
2nd: Loss of technology for a week.
3rd: Loss of technology for the remainder of the year.
Damaging Property
Offense: 1st: The student will clean up or fix the items. This will occur during the student’s free time. The guardian may be charged for the item if things cannot be repaired.
2nd: Repeat above , in-school suspension for the remainder of that half day.
3rd: Repeat above, in-school suspension for a whole day or more. Phone or in person meeting with guardian, student, and principal.
Weapons with Intent to Harm
Any Offense: Out-of-school suspension and meeting with guardian, student, and principal. Consideration of expulsion.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
REPORT CARD PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of our Standards Based Report Card is to provide families with written communication about the learning progress of their individual students.
We expect the student progress report to be:
- Clearly understood by teachers, students, and families
- A reflection of the adopted state standards in ELA and Mathematics
- An accurate, concise, and consistent communication of student performance and growth over time, based upon grade-specific standards
- The basis for ongoing conversation between schools and families in supporting each student for success.
SUCCESS SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENT
Success skills play an integral role in a student's success. Separating academic achievement from success skills provides parents with a clearer picture of their child's academic performance and success skills.
UNDERSTANDING THE ACHIEVEMENT SCALE
Four levels of progress are noted using an achievement scale (numbers 1-3, letter E). The numbers themselves are not the focus. Rather, the descriptor that coincides with each number is most important. The descriptors indicate the student's level of skills in comparison to the end of year grade level standards. (Kindergarten-Grade 2)
E - Exceeds Grade Level Standards
Works consistently and independently on above grade level standards.
3 - Meets Grade Level Standards - Target
Consistently applies knowledge that meets end-of-grade level concepts and skills.
Requires minimal support to complete grade level work.
2 - Developing Grade Level Standards
Has developed partial understanding of end-of-grade level concepts and skills.
Requires regular support to complete work.
1 - Does Not Meet Grade Level Standards at This Time
Area of concern, student has minimal understanding.
Needs extra time and support.
Student’s progress is below grade level.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
If your student is unable to attend school on any given day (ie: ill, personal, or medical reasons), or will be arriving late (after 8:05), please contact the office by no later than 8:30am.
- River Valley Elementary. Sarah Schaller. sschaller@rvschools.org or 608.588.2559. Press one (1) for the attendance line to leave a detailed message or press zero (0) to speak to the office staff directly.
- If leaving a voicemail message, please provide a detailed reason for absence so we may record appropriately.
- If absence is related to an appointment (medical or legal), it is recommended to get a school-excuse note so that the absence can be documented as medically/professionally excused. Absences that accompany a school-excuse, or any event where your child is instructed by school personnel to leave school due to illness are not factored into allowed absences.
Your child's attendance in school is important. Every day missed has an impact on your child’s academic success. In accordance with state law, all children between 6 and 18 years of age must attend school full-time, unless they have a legal excuse according to state statutes.
RVSD policy (431 Rule) states students are allowed 5 illness-related days per semester and 10 personal days over the course of the school year. Any days beyond are considered unexcused unless a school excuse is received from a medical or professional entity, or approved by school administrator.
STUDENT CUBBIES
Students have designated hooks to use as their space to keep their belongings (ie: outerwear, backpack). Students are expected to respect others’ belongings by not touching or taking what is not theirs.
The River Valley School district will not be responsible for any item of property left in or at a River Valley school building, whether with or without knowledge of school district employees. The school district does not carry a non-ownership policy on these items. Any loss suffered, directly or indirectly, will be at the owner’s risk. Please refrain from sending unnecessary money or valuables with children to school.
BIRTHDAY/CLASSROOM TREATS
If providing a treat that will be shared by the classroom, please follow these guidelines:
- Check Allergies: please consult with the health office or your child’s teacher to see if there are any classroom food allergies beforehand.
- Individual Sizes only: please send only treats that are already wrapped or separated into individual servings. (avoid whole cakes or anything requiring a knife or server)
- Easy to handle: Treats should be items students can open and eat independently.
- Easy cleanup: Choose treats that do not require forks, spoons, or plates.
BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS
Birthday Invitations at School: Birthday invitations should not be sent to school. To protect instructional time, school staff and students will no longer be permitted to distribute party invitations.
Introducing the Student Directory! We understand that connecting with other families for birthdays and playdates is important. To help you stay in touch, we will be creating a voluntary Student Directory this year! At the start of the school year, a form will be sent to families where you can choose to opt-in and share your contact information (such as your name, email, or phone number) with other families in your child's grade. This information will be shared only with participants of the directory.
APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
Students regularly participate in activities that are held outside; daily recess and also for physical education. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately and according to outdoor weather conditions.
COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION
Notifications and communication from RVE’s office are most commonly sent electronically to families in multiple formats. Messages are typically sent to your email, posted in your Skyward Family Access account, and also posted in Seesaw.
STUDENT USE OF CELLPHONES/SMART WATCHES
In accordance to River Valley School District Board Policy 443.6
Cell phones, AirPods, Smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming devices and all other personal electronic devices will not be allowed during school hours.
Backpack Rule: ALL devices must be powered off/silenced and kept inside the student’s backpack for the entire school day.
No Wearables: Smartwatches (or any watch that has capabilities of communicating or video/audio) may not be worn during the school day - these must also be kept in your child’s backpack.
Contacting your Child: If an emergency arises or you need your child to receive a message before the end of the school day, contact the office and your message will be passed along in a timely manner.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Stacy Hauden. Elementary Counselor. 608.588.2559 ext: 3006 / shauden@rvschools.org
- Family Resources Information will be sent out by Ms. Hauden throughout the school year.
Districtwide Contacts
Loren Glasbrenner, District Administrator
Brian Krey, Assistant Superintendent/Director of Finance and Operations
Jaime Hegland, Activities Director
Claire Knoll, Pupil Services Director
Savannah Johnson, School Psychologist
Shawn Duren, Technology Director
Kaile Wellner, Food Service Director
Board of Education
Aaron Maes (Area 1)
Pam Gauger, Treasurer (Area 2)
Jeff Maier (Area 3)
Jenna Poad (Area 4)
Elisabeth Minich (Area 5)
Emily Beck, (Area 6)
Frederic Iausly, President (Area 7)
Kiley Cates, (Area 8)
John Bettinger, Vice President (Area 9)
District Belief Statements
(Adopted November 2014)
At River Valley we believe...
- Students are our number one priority
- Every student has the right to learn
- Instruction is rigorous and relevant
- Assessment is purposeful and drives instruction
- Learning is a collaborative process
Strategic Plan 2023-2028 Overview
(Adopted June 2023)
Student Achievement and Instruction
Provide a challenging array of courses and improve all students’ academic achievement to prepare them for post-secondary education, productive careers, and successful lives.
- Implement the District’s Curriculum Renewal and Design Plan. Refine the Curriculum Plan as warranted to include both academic and social-emotional curriculum, recognize individual student differences in learning, properly integrate technology, and take advantage of the District’s unique assets.
- Assure that teachers are well trained in and follow the District’s curriculum and beliefs.
- Provide additional and customized support to students who require it, including assistance for both high-need and high-achieving students.
- Improve readiness for post-secondary education, job training, and careers, among students of all achievement levels and career paths.
Student Engagement and Support
Encourage social, emotional, and physical health and growth in all of our students, and strong and meaningful connections to others and the broader world.
- Enhance efforts to welcome and transition students and families to schools.
- Establish a sense of belonging for all students.
- Clearly communicate expectations for student behavior and development at all grades at the start of each school year and regularly thereafter, and provide customized support to individual students as needed to support positive behaviors.
- Vary teaching methods and classroom opportunities to enhance student engagement.
- Identify and break-down barriers to co-curricular participation at both middle and high schools, and engage with students with no or low participation to learn/address what inhibits participation.
- Explore summer student programming beyond credit recovery offerings.
Facilities
Provide facilities that deliver safe, comfortable, modern, and sustainable environments in which to learn, grow, and collaborate.
- Implement results of the long-range facility planning effort, prioritizing facility enhancements and ongoing operating cost reductions (e.g., transportation) and recognizing enrollment changes and budget limitations. Assure that the long-range facility plan clearly includes or is paired with benefits for the entire District community.
- Follow the District’s maintenance plan for its facilities, and adjust as necessary to be consistent with the selected long-range facilities plan.
Community Communications and Engagement
Continually improve communications and relationships within and beyond the River Valley area to exchange information, build and maintain trust, and facilitate community growth and health.
1. Initiate annual parent and staff satisfaction and performance surveys.
2. Welcome involvement, maintain transparency, and regularly engage the community on District operations, decision making processes, academic and co-curricular offerings, and success stories. 3. Increase positive interaction outreach with the entire District community, including with businesses, volunteers, and other adults. 4. Improve communication with outgoing and former students, to maintain connection, provide resources for current students, and encourage eventual return for those who have left the District.
Finance and Operations
Responsibly manage operations and finances during a time of significant transition, focusing on student achievement and engagement as the top priority, and on maintaining comprehensive educational programming and moderate class sizes.
- Remain competitive on teacher and other staff pay, benefits, and support.
- Reward teachers and other staff who demonstrate growth, development, and long-term commitment.
- Provide time and opportunities for teacher training, idea sharing, planning, interaction, and leadership development.
- Correlate District staffing to student enrollment numbers, student interests, and goals to maintain comprehensive educational programming and moderate class sizes.
- Increase funding avenues, including through grants, public-private partnerships, and donation opportunities.
- Pursue operating referenda to maintain moderate class sizes and comprehensive educational programming across subjects.
Student Academic Standards
The River Valley School District follows the Wisconsin Academic Standards as adopted by the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as an outline of base expectations. The related accountability and testing is conformed to as appropriate to be in compliance with all state and federal laws. Where appropriate, classroom materials have been aligned to research and standards. These academic standards serve as an outline of base expectations, which are exceeded in almost all areas of school offerings.
For more information on these standards, visit the DPI website using this link:
Wisconsin DPI Website Link to Academic Standards
River Valley School District Calendar 2026-2027 (At a Glance)
11/13/25 Revised 4/9/26
* Early Release Wednesdays, EXCEPT JUNE 2 – dismissal time for students = Elementary School 1:45 pm; Intermediate School and Junior High/High School 2:00 pm
September
1: 4K–12th First Day of School
7: Labor Day (No School)
25: School Fair/TEACHERS ONLY (No School)
October
15: Parent/Teacher Conference 3:30-7:30 pm
16: Parent/Teacher Conference 7:30-11:30 am (No School)
30: End Quarter 1 (41 days)
November
25-27: (No School)
December
23-25, 28-31: (No School)
January
1: (No School)
15: End Quarter 2/Semester 1 (44/85 days)
18: TEACHERS ONLY (No School)
February
15: ALL STAFF (No School)
March
11: Parent/Teacher Conference 3:30-7:30 pm
12: Parent/Teacher Conference 7:30-11:30 am (No School)
25: End Quarter 3 (46 days)
26, 29-31: (No School)
April
1-2: (No School)
May
29: Graduation (11:00 am)
31: Memorial Day (No School)
June
3: Last Day of School and End Quarter 4/Semester 2 (43/89 days)
4: TEACHERS ONLY ALL STAFF (No School)
Planned Responses for Emergencies
(Board Policy 722.6)
SHELTER: This term will be used when there is a weather event (tornado, severe weather, or other natural occurrence) that requires attention. Families will be notified each time this term is practiced or used at school. Email updates will be sent from your student’s school site as the situation progresses and will be shared as needed. Please remain at home until you are notified by the school.
HOLD: This term will be used in our buildings when there is a severe student behavior event in the hallway or someone has a medical emergency. Your student may share that they had to stay in their classroom due to a problem in the hallway. Again, an email will be sent to all families if the event significantly alters the school day.
SECURE: This term is important if we need to get students into the building but can continue business as usual. There are times in a school day when kids need to return to their classrooms and lock all outside doors. Communication with families would be sent to explain why and when this step was utilized in a school.
LOCKDOWN: This term is reserved for a threat inside/outside the school. This could also be called if there were an emergency or dangerous situation very near the building. Emergency responders will be involved and families will know as soon as communication can be sent. Updated communication as the situation progresses will be shared, so please remain at home until receiving further communication.
EVACUATE: This term will be used when there is a building fire or gas leak. There is a chance that an unsafe situation could also happen near us in the community and may affect release times. Emergency responders will be called and active in this situation; again, family members should stay at home and wait for additional information sent through school email.
Student Nondiscrimination and Equal Educational Opportunity
(Board Policy 411)
The River Valley School District does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law, in any of its programs or activities. The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The District will identify, evaluate, and provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities who are determined eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).
The District shall provide for the reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements. Requests for accommodation shall be made in writing and approved by the building principal. Accommodation may include, but not necessarily be limited, alternative assignments or activities, released time from school to participate in religious activities, and opportunities to make up work missed due to religious observances. Any accommodation granted under this policy shall be provided to students without prejudicial effect.
Children of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth (youth not in physical custody of a parent/guardian) residing in the district shall have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including comparable services, as provided to other children and youth residing in the district. Homeless children and youth shall not be required to attend a separate school or program for homeless children and shall not be stigmatized by school personnel.
The following people have been designated to serve as the District’s Compliance Officers (“COs”), who are responsible for coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with applicable state and federal nondiscrimination laws, respond to inquiries about the District’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures, and receive and process discrimination complaints filed under this Policy:
Assistant Superintendent – Director of Finance Operations – Pupil Services Director
608-588-2551 608-588-2556
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex (Title IX) in Education Programs
or Activities and Related Grievance Process
(Board Policy 411.5/511.3)
The River Valley School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator is provided below:
Assistant Superintendent -- Pupil Services Director – Director of Finance and Operations
608-588-2556 or 608-588-2551
Bullying
(Board Policy 411.1)
Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying typically is repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power. The behavior may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion; gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social, economic, or family status.
Bullying behavior can be:
1. Physical (e.g. assault, hitting or punching, kicking, theft, threatening behavior)
2. Verbal (e.g. threatening or intimidating language, teasing or name-calling, racist remarks)
3. Indirect (e.g. spreading cruel rumors, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion, and sending insulting messages or pictures by mobile phone or using the internet – also known as cyber bullying).
Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing. Use of the District’s Student Bullying Report Form (Policy 411.1/411.2 Exhibit 3) is encouraged.
Student Anti-Harassment
(Board Policy 411.2)
“Harassment” means behavior towards a student based, in whole or in part, on the student’s sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability which substantially interferes with a pupil’s school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment.
Harassment may be physical, verbal, or written. Harassment of a student may be committed by another student, an employee, or third party (e.g., a parent, visitor, or vendor).
The following people have been designated to serve as the District’s Compliance Officers (“COs”), who are responsible for responding to inquiries about the District’s student anti-harassment policies and procedures and for receiving and processing harassment complaints filed under this Policy:
Assistant Superintendent -- Pupil Services Director – Director of Finance and Operations
608-588-2556 or 608-588-2551
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
(Board Policy 441)
The Board respects the privacy rights of parents and their children. No student shall be required, as a part of the school program or the District's curriculum, without the prior written consent of the student (if an adult, or an emancipated minor) or, if an unemancipated minor, their parents, to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning items A-H.
A. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or their parents;
B. mental or psychological problems of the student or their family;
C. sex behavior or attitudes;
D. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
E. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;
F. legally recognized privileged and analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
G. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student's parents; or
H. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program).
The District Administrator shall establish procedures to provide parents with the opportunity to inspect any materials created by a third party used in conjunction with any such survey, analysis, or evaluation before the survey is administered or distributed by the school to the student. The parent will have access to the survey within a reasonable period of time after the request is received by the building principal.
Food Service Management
(Board Policy 760)
The River Valley School District shall provide hot lunches through participation in the National School Lunch Program. The district administrator, or his/her designee, shall enter into an agreement with the Department of Public Instruction and the federal government for participation in such child nutrition program. As required for participation in the National School Lunch Program, the school district agrees to the following: 1) That a school lunch meeting federal regulations be made available for all students; and 2) That free and reduced price lunches be offered to eligible students who apply and who meet the federal income guidelines. Food service and milk prices shall be established annually by the Board.
Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Use of Artificial Intelligence
(Board Policy 443.9)
The River Valley School District values honesty and expects its students to maintain academic integrity at all times. Students are prohibited from engaging in academic dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Plagiarism
- Not using quotation marks and citing the source when copying text word-for-word (generally more than a few words);
- Representing someone else’s work as your own;
- Representing work created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms/tools as your own;
- Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up most of your work; and
- Cheating, including but not limited to copying someone else’s work (with or without permission) and distributing copies of/answers to an assignment, quiz, test, lab work, or any other work that is assessed or scored.
For the purposes of this Policy, academic dishonesty does not include working with other students for a group project or the authorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as outlined below.
Permission Required
Students must obtain permission from their teacher prior to using any AI tools to assist in completing assignments or other coursework, unless the tool is part of the standard instructional materials.
Transparency and Citation
All submissions that incorporate content generated by AI must clearly indicate: the specific tool(s) used; a description of how the tool was used (e.g., idea generation, grammar correction, image creation); and proper attribution using a standard citation format (APA, MLA, or as directed by the teacher).
Review and Verification
Teachers may request drafts, process documentation, or conduct interviews to verify student understanding of their work product and the use of AI or other sources in the creation of their work.
Enforcement
Students who violate this policy are subject to consequences, including but not limited to parent contact, not receiving credit for the assignment, lab work, quiz, test, or any other work that is assessed or scored, and discipline up to suspension or expulsion from school.
Acceptable Use of Networked Computers,
Electronic Mail, and Internet Safety
(Board Policy 743)
The River Valley School District network and Internet access enables district students and staff to explore thousands of libraries and databases and connect with other people in the District and throughout the world. The Board believes that the benefits to users from access in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. When connecting to the network on a personal device, the user is subject to the rules and regulations in this policy.
Access to the network is provided solely for educational purposes. Users are responsible for good behavior and proper conduct on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. All activity through the River Valley network is subject to the right of the River Valley School District to monitor, access, read, and review. Violations may result in a loss of access, as well as other disciplinary or legal action. The District will fully cooperate with requests from law enforcement and regulatory agencies. The District will charge students/families for negligent use resulting in computer damage.
Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions
(Board Policy 443.3)
The River Valley School District prohibits the possession, use and distribution or delivery of alcohol and controlled substances by students on school property or at any school sponsored event.
For purposes of this policy “drugs and/or controlled substances” shall mean:
A. All controlled substances as designated and prohibited by Wisconsin Statute;
B. All chemicals which release toxic vapors;
C. All alcoholic beverages;
D. Any prescription or over the counter drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to board policy;
E. “Look-alikes” including but not limited to controlled substance analogs and any substance represented to be a drug, controlled substance or controlled substance analog;
F. Anabolic Steroids;
G. Any other illegal substance so designated and prohibited by law.
Therefore, any student who is found to have used alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance or to be (under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance), found to have drugs, controlled substances or alcohol in his or her possession, or found to have delivered or distributed alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance at school or at a school sponsored event shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures and state or federal law.
In addition, any student found to be in possession, using or delivering drug paraphernalia on school property or at a school sponsored event shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures and state or federal law.
Guidelines for Maintenance and Confidentiality of Student Records
(Board Policy 347 Rule)
The Board recognizes the need for confidentiality of student records. Therefore, student records shall be available for inspection or release only with prior approval of or notification to the parent/guardian or adult student, except in situations where legal requirements specify release of records without such prior approval or notification, and for the release of “Student Directory Data.” (Policy 347)
Student Directory Data
As allowed by law, the District provides student records considered “Student Directory Data” to interested persons, unless the adult student, parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem of any student specifically requests that the Student Directory Data may NOT be released without the prior consent of the adult student, parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem.
Such request for nondisclosure must be made annually within 14 days after student registration (use Policy #347-Exhibit 2).
There are three categories of “Student Directory Data” as follows:
General Profile Data – Name, Address, Telephone Number, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Dates of attendance, Name of the previous school most recently attendance
School Activity Data - Name as part of their participation in officially recognized activities/programs and/or sports; Weight and height, if a member of an athletic team; Photographs and associated name; Degrees and awards received and associated name; Major field of study and associated name
Data for Institutions of Higher Education and Military Recruiters - To institutions of higher education: a high school student’s name, address, and telephone number; To military recruiters: a high school student’s name, address, telephone number, and electronic mail address.
Search of Students and/or Their Property
(Board Policy 445)
The River Valley School District recognizes its responsibility to provide students and staff with a safe environment that is conducive to learning. Students are entitled to the guarantees of the fourth amendment, and they are subject to reasonable searches and seizures. When necessary and appropriate, School Officials are empowered to conduct searches of students and/or their property (including automobiles) when they have reasonable suspicion that students may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol and other materials (“contraband”) in violation of district policy, school rules or state law.
Student lockers and other school property are subject to search (including canine searches) at any time by School Officials without consent, notification, or search warrant. Students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property. Personal searches of student belongings may be made when there is reasonable suspicion but strip searches are never allowed.
Any unauthorized item found during a search may be confiscated. Items confiscated may be held by the school for return to the parent/guardian of a minor student, or to an adult student. If unauthorized items involve a violation of school policies, rules, or laws, such items may be retained for disciplinary proceedings, or turned over to law enforcement officials. The adult student or parent/guardian of a minor student shall be notified of items removed to be retained by the District and/or turned over to law enforcement officials.|
Student Attendance and Truancy Guidelines
(Board Policy 431 Rule)
State statute requires students enrolled in a public or private school to attend regularly during the full period and hours that school is in session during the school year. It is the responsibility of any person having control of a child to see that the child meets this requirement.
School attendance officers or their designees shall determine daily which students enrolled are absent from school and whether the absence is excused or unexcused. This determination shall be made in accordance with the district s student attendance policy and procedures.
A student should not be excused by parent/guardian request more than 10 occurrences/year.
Additional absences for the following reasons will not be more than 5 occurences/semester:
- Personal illness (doctors confirmation may be required)
- Medical appointments
- Religious observances in family
- Medical emergency in family
- Death in family
Upon using all excused absences and medical/illness absences for the semester, the school attendance officer shall notify the parent or guardian of a child's truancy and direct the parent or guardian to return the child to school no later than the next day on which school is in session or to provide an excuse. The notice under this paragraph must be given before the end of the second school day after receiving a report of an unexcused absence and may be made by personal service, mail or telephone call on which a written record is kept.
“Truancy” means any absence of part or all of one or more school days during which the school attendance officer, principal or teacher has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student, also means intermittent attendance carried on for the purpose of defeating the intent of the compulsory attendance law.
The school attendance officer shall notify the parent or guardian of a child who is a habitual truant at the time the child becomes a habitual truant. This will be done by registered or certified mail.
Student Dress Code
(Board Policy 443.1)
Generally, students may dress in any style they desire as long as their choice does not reveal intimate body parts or pose a safety risk to the student or others. The following examples are intended to represent these limitations:
- Students may not wear multi-fingered rings, large metal chains or other jewelry that may be used as a weapon.
- Students may not wear clothing with vulgar or obscene statements or statements or pictures promoting illegal drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, tobacco or gang activities.
- Students may not wear clothing with words, pictures or caricatures based on negative stereotypes.
- Students must wear shoes or footwear.
Students who are dressed in a manner that does not fit within these guidelines may be asked by school staff to change their clothing or address the dress code violation. Students failing to comply may be sent home. Students are expected to follow staff direction regarding dress code violations.
Student Cell Phones and Personal Communication Devices
(Board Policy 443.6)
As part of our continued commitment to creating a safe, focused, and supportive learning environment, the River Valley School District is implementing personal communication device guidelines. In compliance with 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, student use of a Personal Communication Device (PCD) is generally prohibited on school grounds during the school day.
If a student brings a PCD to school, it must be powered off and stored in the student’s locker or vehicle for the entirety of the school day.
Students who choose to bring a device to school do so at their own risk. The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices.
DEFINITIONS
“Personal Communication Device (PCD)” is defined as a portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, message, or other data communication between two or more parties. Examples of PCDs include, but are not limited to:
● Cell phones
● Tablet computer (e.g., iPad)
● Laptop computer
● Gaming devices
● Smartwatches
“School day” is defined as start-time through dismissal, according to the official school schedule.
VIOLATIONS AND DISCIPLINE
Violations of this policy may result in the student’s PCD being confiscated for the rest of the school day, disciplinary action, and referral to law enforcement if the violation involves possible illegal activity (e.g., distributing a “private or intimate representation,” as defined by Wis. Stat. § 949.09).
EXCEPTIONS
Student use of PCDs in the following circumstances will not be considered a violation of this policy:
• Use authorized by administration, in the event of an emergency or perceived threat.
• Use needed to manage the student’s healthcare, if included in an individual health plan or with the approval of the school nurse or building administration. Medical documentation may be requested prior to approval.
• Use included in a student’s individual education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
• Use authorized by a teacher for educational purposes during instructional time.
CAMERA AND RECORDING CAPABILITIES PROHIBITIONS Notwithstanding the above exceptions, the use of PCDs with cameras or recording capabilities in restrooms and locker rooms is strictly prohibited at all times, including on school grounds outside of the school day and at school-sponsored events and activities off school grounds.
SCHOOL PHONE USAGE Students may not use the school's phones or extensions throughout the building unless it is for school business or is in an emergency, and they have obtained permission from a staff member to use the phone. Students may use the phone in the office should they need to contact home.
MESSAGES Only messages from parents/guardians will be given to students. Students will not be called out of class or Blackhawk Period for phone calls except for family emergencies. To avoid classroom interruptions, the office staff will take pertinent messages from incoming calls and relay them to the student as soon as possible. It is the student’s responsibility to listen for announcements and pick up messages in the office.
Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices Possession
and/or Use on School Premises
(Board Policy 832)
It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or staff member of River Valley School District to possess, use, consume, display, promote, or sell any commercial tobacco products, tobacco-related devices, imitation tobacco products, tobacco product look-alikes (including all pouches, whether they contain tobacco or not) or electronic smoking devices at any time on all premises owned by, rented by, or under the control of the school district, at district sponsored events, and in all school vehicles thereby providing an environment for learning and working that is safe, healthy, and free from unwanted smoke and commercial tobacco use for the students, staff, and visitors.
Exception: Should a student have medical orders to use nicotine products as a part of a treatment plan established by a physician or other health care provider, the school will require the student to have written medical orders and will administer said medication in a controlled environment.
For the purposes of this policy, “use of all tobacco products” means to chew or maintain any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, in the mouth to derive the effects of tobacco, as well as all uses of tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, any other matter or substances that contain tobacco, tobacco product look-alikes (including all pouches, whether they contain tobacco or not). Also included are papers used to roll cigarettes and/or the possession or use of electronic smoking devices, defined as any electronic device containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that an individual may use to simulate smoking by inhaling vapor or aerosol from the device, regardless of whether the device is manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an “e-cigarette,” “e-cigar,” “e-pipe,” “e-hookah,” “vape pen,” “mods,” “tank systems,” “JUUL,” or under any other product name or descriptor, or other substitute forms of cigarettes, clove cigarettes and any other lighted smoking devices for burning tobacco or any other substance.
Weapons in the Schools
(Board Policy 443.4)
No one shall use or possess a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any destructive device, or other dangerous weapon (as defined under section 948.61 of the state statutes) in school buildings and other buildings owned, occupied or controlled by the school district, on school premises, in school provided transportation, or at any school- sponsored or school-supervised activity, except as otherwise specifically authorized in this policy. Any object which could be used to cause bodily injury or property damage and which has no school-related purpose for being in school or on school grounds, will be considered a weapon for purposes of this policy.
Weapon – means:
(a) a device, instrument, material or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for or is readily capable of causing death, bodily injury, or property damage or that readily can be used to intimidate
others;
(b) any device, realistic toy, inoperable weapon, or fake replica that is readily perceived or believed to be an actual working weapon;
(c) any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm;
(d) knives and cutting instruments; or
(e) any electric weapon or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
“Weapon” also includes BB and pellet guns and look alike or facsimile devices that can be interpreted or believed to be a weapon and/or can be used to intimidate or threaten others.
The following is an exception to the policy prohibition:
- The District Administrator may allow a weapon on school premises for purposes of demonstration, educational presentations, or other pre-approved educational programming. This approval must be in writing and granted prior to the weapon being brought to the school. The weapon shall be maintained in the possession of the principal or the principal’s designee except during the actual demonstration, presentation, or program.
A student who possesses a weapon, firearm or destructive device in violation of this policy may be suspended from school, referred for an expulsion hearing, and may be expelled from school. Students possessing other weapons in violation of this or any other policy or rule shall be subject to appropriate school disciplinary action, up to and possibly including suspension and expulsion from school. A parent or guardian with access to student records will be notified of student weapons violations in all cases. A law enforcement or juvenile justice referral may also be made for all students violating this policy.
Highlighted District Policies
The policies listed below, and all Board policies,
can be found on the district website using this link:
River Valley School District Website Link to Policy Manual
* = policies that are found in this handbook
*Acceptable Use of Networked Computers,
Electronic Mail, and Internet Safety - Board Policy 743
Administering Medication to Students - Board Policy 452.4
*Bullying - Board Policy 411.1
Bus Evacuation Drill - Board Policy 751.3 (Rule 2)
Bus Rules and Regulations - Board Policy 751.3
Bus Rules and Regulations Discipline
Procedures - Board Policy 751.3-Rule 1
*Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions - Board Policy 443.3
*Food Service Management - Board Policy 760
*Guidelines for Maintenance and Confidentiality
of Student Records - Board Policy 347 Rule
Healthy Kids Policy (Wellness Policy) - Board Policy 763
*Nondiscrimination on the Basis Of Sex
(Title IX) in Education Programs or
Activities and Related Grievance Process - Board Policy 411.5/511.3
*Planned Responses for Emergencies - Board Policy 722.6
Promotion and Retention - Board Policy 345.3
School Closing Procedure - Board Policy 722.3-Rule
School Volunteers - Board Policy 861
*Search of Students and/or Their Property - Board Policy 445
Special Education - Board Policy 342.1
*Student Anti-Harassment - Board Policy 411.2
*Student Attendance and Truancy Guidelines - Board Policy 431-Rule
*Student Dress Code - Board Policy 443.1
*Student Nondiscrimination and Equal
Educational Opportunity - Board Policy 411
*Student Privacy and Parental Access to
Information (Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment - PPRA) - Board Policy 441
*Student Use of Personal Communication
Devices - Board Policy 443.6
*Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices
Possession and/or Use on School Premises - Board Policy 832
Title IX: Sexual Harassment Policy for
Students and Other Applicable Individuals - Board Policy 411.3
Use of Cameras Or Recording Devices On
School Buses or Other Authorized Vehicles - Board Policy 751.4
Visitors to Schools - Board Policy 860
*Weapons in the Schools - Board Policy 443.4
Weapons on School Premises - Board Policy 837