This doesn’t really take the sting out though, does it?

- This month is now known as Movember. Grow a mustache and support prostate cancer research.

- Obama won. What does this mean for us in Stuart?

It’s snowing today. Slow down, drive safely and come see Mojo play at Ruby’s tonight.

- Visit the new site for the Saints Center for Culture and the Arts.

- Watch KCCI’s video about raising the dome cylinder at the new community center.

- Read more about the community center at the Guthrie Center Times site.

- Read the November construction update from Project Restore.

Happy Halloween. Don’t forget to wear a costume to Ruby’s tonight for a chance to win a free Vegas hotel stay.

- Tonight is the last home football game. The Cats will take on the Guthrie Center Tigers (4-4 overall, 2-4 district). WCV stands at 2-6 and 1-5 in district play.

- The West Central Valley volleyball team will travel to Bondurant Tuesday night and play 14th-ranked Bondurant-Farrar in the 2nd round of the Regional tournament. The Cats defeated Panorama in the first round.

- Don’t forget my Halloween Party next Friday. Everyone wearing a costume will be entered into a drawing for a 3-day 2-night stay at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Happy birthday, Bill. Miss you!

- Feeling green today? Stop using plastic bags.

- The footballers play at Prairie Valley tonight. Prairie Valley is 6-1 on the season and undefeated in district play. Let’s see if the Cats can play spoiler tonight.

- Dirt work has started at the new high school site, and the Cultural Center project continues to move toward completion.

Anything else?

West Central Valley has a Good Conduct Policy that all extracurricular participants must sign before they are allowed to play/sing/act/etc. It states that participation in school activities is a privilege. It also states that participants are “to be held in higher standards of conduct.” They must “display appropriate behavior, and conduct themselves in an exemplary manner.” Why is it that this policy is rarely or only partially enforced? What is the point of making the kids sign it if the punishments are not real and concrete?

First Offense:
Individuals committing a first violation of the Good Conduct Policy will be ineligible for participation in extra curricular activities for four consecutive weeks.

How often have you seen this actually enforced? More likely you get a new interpretation of what constitutes a violation. Calling a school employee a “fucking bitch” and a “cunt” seems pretty concrete though. That doesn’t fit the description of appropriate or exemplary.

Here’s an idea: Make the punishments public. Announce them over the intercom with the lunch menu for the day. Take away the massive gray area and enforce the punishments as they are listed.

Teachers, coaches, all school employees: You are the authority.  Don’t forget that.

Administration: Show your employees that you support them and you won’t let the students get away with verbal and physical abuse.

It’s clear that this behavior problem will not go away over night. To use one commenters word, this problem has been festering for some time. But without a doubt, unless the kids, parents and administration all make changes we will continue to find ourselves in the same rut making little progress. It’s no one group’s fault alone, but that doesn’t allow any party to shuck the responsibility of saying enough is enough.

A mom calling someone else a bitch because this person possesses the courage she herself doesn’t is ridiculous. Yelling at a coach from the stands that the team would be better if Little Johnny was playing is foolish. Sometimes parents need to detach themselves from the situation and look at it as an outsider would. Accept the fact that maybe your child isn’t the second coming of Christ.

Everyone wants the best for their own kids. It’s understandable to want your kid to play in the game or to believe that your child isn’t capable of telling a lie. But it’s time to take off the blinders. Shut off the tunnel vision. Quit playing ostrich and pull your head out of the sand.

The problem isn’t going to go away just by turning away and ignoring it. Take a stand and be the adult in the relationship. Set a good example. It’s what the kids need. Telling your kid you love them no matter what they do will not get them going down the right track, but setting limits with defined boundaries and real consequences for not acting appropriately might.

So come on Mom and Dad. Do your part to raise a young adult that is ready to face the real world. Give them the attitudes and beliefs to succeed. Stop enabling this bad behavior and tell your son or daughter “Enough is enough.”

Today we’re focusing on the kids. We continue to see examples of students who hold in complete disregard anyone in authority. A prime example of this is the student body-elected Homecoming King calling one school employee a “fucking bitch” and a “cunt” and telling another to “suck his dick.” Is this acceptable from a student? It certainly is not tolerable from a so-called king. What is it about this type of behavior that draws other students in and persuades them to elect someone with this attitude as royalty?

Week after week we see leaders of the football team make poor decisions. Not because they don’t have the talent, but because they suffer a complete lack of self-respect and self-dignity. Slinging your helmet across the field is not ok. Showing up your teammates is not ok. Throwing a tantrum like a 2-year old is most definitely not ok. Why are other team leaders so afraid to step up and put an end to this?

It’s time for these kids to take accountability for their actions. It’s time for these kids to take responsibility for their actions. It isn’t someone else’s fault. It isn’t someone else’s job. Find out what discipline means. Begin to act like the young adults you are. This isn’t a game. More is expected of you. It’s time you learn that enough is enough.

More tomorrow…

 (Reference 503.4)
(Adopted 2003)
(Revised 2006)

Mission
Participation in school activities is a privilege. School activities provide the benefits of promoting additional interests and abilities in the students during their school years and for their lifetimes. Students who participate in extracurricular activities serve as ambassadors of the school district throughout the calendar year, whether away from school or at school. Students who wish to have the privilege of participating in school extracurricular activities must conduct themselves in accordance with board policy regarding student conduct. Students who fail to abide by this policy and the administrative regulations supporting it may be subject to disciplinary measures. The principal shall keep records of violations of the good conduct rule.

GOOD CONDUCT RULES AND PROCEDURES
The purpose of the Good Conduct Policy is to establish and provide clear and reasonable standards of conduct and procedures for the enforcement of these standards of conduct for all students participating in extra-curricular activities. It is the belief of West Central Valley that participation in activities is a privilege (not a right) that carries with it responsibilities to the school, the activity, and the students themselves. Activity participants serving as representatives of the school are role models for younger students and are thereby to be held in higher standards of conduct. Therefore, participants in district programs must adhere to rules and regulations, and display appropriate behavior, and conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. These rules are in force twelve (12) months of the year on or off of school property. The following are major, but by no means the only considerations in the establishment of these rules:

1. Pride, morale, and positive attitudes are important to the success of any activity. Students who violate established rules with impunity have a detrimental effect on other participants.

2. Public confidence is necessary for long-range continuation of activity programs in the public schools. Students whose actions are not consistent with the goals to be achieved through activity programs erode the public’s support of the program and jeopardize their continuation.

3. The use of controlled substances, not pursuant to a physicians prescription or direction, and the use of alcohol or tobacco is detrimental to the physical and psychological development of adolescents and reduces a participant’s ability to perform at his/her fullest capacity, and is illegal.

4. Physical conditioning is an important part of all athletics. Optimum physical conditioning is most efficiently maintained through a year round program.

The Activities Director shall keep records of violations of the Good Conduct Policy. Activities and Organizations subject to the good conduct rules include all athletic programs, non-curricular band and choral activities*, speech, FFA, FCCLA, cheerleading, drill team, drama, and elected or honorary positions including class officers, student council officers, homecoming king and queen, and all other school activities, clubs and organizations wherein students participate on a volunteer basis.
*A curricular band or choral activity is any performance that is required of all band and choir students as a part of their grade.

Violations:
. The determination of violation of these rules is not dependent on whether the student is prosecuted or convicted of any crime.
. No student in any extra-curricular program shall be found to have or admit to possessed, acquired, delivered, transported, or used: alcohol, tobacco, or a controlled substance.
. No student in any extra-curricular program shall be in attendance at an event where alcohol or drug violations occur. Students consuming alcohol during a religious ceremony supervised by clergy, or possessing a controlled substance prescribed by a physician will be allowed. This rule shall not include parties where the student’s parents are in attendance, or anniversaries, graduations or wedding receptions. Drinking or use of drugs by students at such events is still prohibited and will be penalized according to Good Conduct Policies.
. No student in any extra-curricular program shall engage in any act that would be grounds for arrest or citation in a criminal or juvenile court system (excluding minor offenses such as traffic or hunting/fishing violations) regardless of whether the student was cited, arrested, convicted or adjudicated for the act(s).
. No student in any extra-curricular program shall commit repeated violations or serious violations of any written policy, rule or regulation approved by the Board of Education.
. Additional requirements and regulations may be issued by the coach of each individual activity. These rules shall be presented in writing to the participants at the beginning of the season.

Reporting Good Conduct Violations:
Violations must be reported within 48 hours of the violation to West Central Valley administrative personnel. Violations observed by a faculty member, West Central Valley administrator, or civil authority will be acted upon immediately by the administration. The administration may require written, dated, and signed documentation of Good Conduct violations. The administration will notify the parents after substantiating the alleged infraction.

Sanction Options:

First Offense:
Individuals committing a first violation of the Good Conduct Policy will be ineligible for participation in extra curricular activities for four consecutive weeks. In an effort to provide further education and reinforcement for a substance-free lifestyle, the student will complete a licensed and certified program. Arrangements for the program can be made through the school, but must be paid for by the student and his/her family. Violations not involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances
shall not require the completion of a substance-abuse program. Additionally, the student will perform five hours of school related
community service that must be approved by the AD or high school principal. The community service must be completed prior to being
declared eligible to particiipate in each of the contest/event it was intended to reduce.

Second Offense:
Individuals committing a second violation of the Good Conduct Policy will be ineligible for participation in extra curricular activities for nine weeks beginning immediately upon the disclosure of said violation. In an effort to provide further education and reinforcement for a substance-free lifestyle, the student will complete a licensed and certified program. Arrangements for the program can be made through the school, but must be paid for by the student and his/her family. Violations not involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances shall not require the completion of a substance-abuse program. Additionally, the student will perform twenty hours of school related community service that must be approved by the AD or high school principal. The community service must be completed prior to being
declared eligible to participate in each of the contest/event it was intended to reduce. The student is also required to have a conference with the superintendent, high school principal, AD, and parents to set up guidelines for returning to extra curricular events or activities.

Third Offense:
Individuals committing a third violation of the Good Conduct Policy will be ineligible for participation in extra curricular activities for 12 calendar months beginning immediately upon discolosure of said violation. In an effort to provide further education and reinforcement for a substance-free lifestyle, the student will complete a licensed and certified program. Arrangements for the program can be made through the school, but must be paid for by the student and his/her family. Violations not involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances shall not require the completion of a substance-abuse program. Additionally, the student will perform forty hours of school related community service that must be approved byt he AD or high school principal. The community service must be completed prior to being declared eligible to participate in each of the contest/event it was intended to reduce. The student is also required to have a conference with the superintendent, high school principal, AD, and parents to set up guidelines for returning to extra curricular events or activities.

Fourth Offense:
Individuals committing a fourth violation of the Good Conduct Policy will be given a permanent suspension for the remainder of their high school career.

Re-eligibility:
All student’s eligibility will start anew on the last day of their eighth grade academic year.

Eligibility:
Violations will be cumulative beginning on the last day of their eighth grade academic year and continuing until the completion of the summer season after their graduation.

Transfer Students:
Failure to inform West Central Valley of an on-going good conduct suspension will be considered a violation of the West Central Valley Good Conduct Policy.

Student Participation in Non-School Sponsored Sports:
A West Central Valley high school student (grades 9-12) who participates in school sponsored athletics may participate in a non-school sponsored sport during the same season with the approval of the Activities Director. A student who participates in a sport in violation of this policy shall be in violation of the West Central Valley Good Conduct Policy.

Hearing Officer:
All suspensions involving West Central Valley athletics and activities directly related to West Central Valley athletics and activities will be initiated by the Activities director and/or High School Prinicpal or their designee. Violations of the Good Conduct Policy will affect the students ability to earn a letter and awards.

Procedure for Investigation
Whenever it appears that a participant has violated one or more of the foregoing rules, the following procedures shall be involved:

A. Suspension Hearing: The participant shall appear before the hearing officer who shall inform the participant of the nature of the alleged violation and the evidence against him/her. During this hearing, the participant has the opportunity to admit or deny the allegations and to provide a defense to or explanation for the alleged offenses. The hearing officer shall then make a finding of whether or not acts or conduct of the participant violated any school rule or policy, and if so, the student will be suspended and informed of the length of the suspension and the procedure for appeal.

B. Parent/Guardian Notificiation: Whenever a suspension occurs, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the suspended participant shall be notified of the suspension in writing and provided a copy of the suspension and appeal procedures. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the suspended participant may request a conference with the hearing officer to discuss the reason for the suspension.

Appeal Procedure:
Within five (5) school days following the hearing officers decision, the participant or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) may, by written request to the principal or his/her designee appeal the decision to a review panel. This panel shall be assembled by the Principal or his/her designee and consist of the high school principal, the activities director, and an additional building principal. One non-voting staff member may be selected by the participant or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) to be added to this panel, if such selection is in writing and attached to the written request for review. The members of the review panel, and the aggrieved student shall be notified of the date, time and place of reivew panel meeting. Such meeting shall be held no later than five (5) school days following receipt by the hearing officer of the written request for the meeting. The panel shall hear evidence presented by both sides and shall recommend a decision (the review panel may recommend the removal of the suspension, increase or decrease the period of suspension, or affirm the suspension of the hearing officer) in writing to the Principal within two (2) school days of the meeting. Within three (3) school days of the review panel’s recommendation, the Principal shall make a final decision. Within five (5) school days following the Principal’s decision, the participant or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) may, by written request to the Superintendent, appeal the decision to the Superintendent who may affirm, reverse, or modify the Principal’s decision. The Superintendent shall notify the participant and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing of his/her decision within five (5) school days of receipt of the letter of appeal. Within five (5) days following the Superintendent’s decision, the participant or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) may, by written request to the secretary of the Board of Directors of the West Central Valley Community School District, appeal the decision to the Board of Directors. The Board may hear the appeal in closed session at the Board’s next regular meeting or sooner at a special meeting of the Board of Directors if so ordered by the Board. Formal action will be taken in an open meeting. After consideration, the Board may affirm, reverse, or modify any previous decision. The Board will apply a “preponderance of the evidence”, i.e. “greater weight of the evidence” standard in deciding appeals. Appeals will be limited to:

- whether the student violated the Good Conduct Rule
- whether the procedures of the Good Conduct Rule have been followed;
- whether the penalty imposed is in violation of the Good Conduct Rule

Upon specific written request, if the issue alleged is that the student did not violate the Good Conduct Rule, evidence through documents and witnesses may be allowed by the Board President within parameters as established by the Board President. The written appeal shall state the specific grounds of appeal and may include a specific written request for the right to present evidence as above noted.

D. The decision of the Board of Education may be appealed to the Iowa Department of Education and from their decision, to the District Court, as provided by law.

Note: During the appeal procedure, a participant will be ineligible.

Where is this all going? I’ll tell you.

Have you seen the latest McDonald’s commercial? There’s a guy walking around town asking what he can get for his dollar. He gets a little palm tree and an empty dry cleaning plastic bag then goes to McDonald’s where he finds out from the cashier (who can actually speak in complete sentences and has a personality) that he can get a double cheeseburger for a dollar.

Wait a second! What about sales tax? The guy doesn’t ask what he can get for $1.06 or $1.08! He says for a dollar. I bet if I tried to pay $1 for a double cheeseburger at the McDonald’s out here that wouldn’t be enough.

To top it all off, at the end of the commercial they show this happy customer sitting outside biting into his delicious burger with a whole slew of other items on his tray. He’s got a delectable ice cream treat, a cup of only-good-at-McDonald’s Coke, some crispy golden french fries, probably a fresh baked apple pie or two. If he can afford all that, why is he worrying about what he can get for a dollar?

***

My second day of work at Ticket Solutions one of the guys asked if I wanted anything from Wendy’s. Knowing that they had chicken nuggets for $.99 I said “Yeah, get me a couple things of nuggets” and gave him a couple bucks. I also said that because I only had $2 to my name at the time. Can you guess what happened? He brought me one order of nuggets and $.94. You can’t forget the sales tax!!

Thank you Shirley!

To Benefit: The Cardiac Rehab Center at Guthrie County Hospital

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4 Person Best Ball Golf Outing
18 Holes

When: October 4

Where: 5×80 Golf and County Club
Menlo, Iowa 641-524-2345

Registration: 10:30 am
Golf begins: 11:00 am

Cost is $140 per team. Call the club for cart reservations or provide your own cart.

Tournament is limited to the first 18 teams pre-registered.

Awards and door prizes will be given at Ruby’s after golfing is completed.

***

To register or with any questions, please contact:

Nate Westre
515-422-6208 cell
515-523-9942 bar