NCSD makes it a priority to communicate with parents/guardians as soon as practical when there are weather, safety, or other adverse events involving students.

In situations involving student safety, communication will occur once measures have been taken to respond to the emergency to help ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors, and when accurate information is confirmed. When an emergent situation occurs in a school, the District will take reasonable measures to notify families while balancing student privacy (FERPA), safety, ongoing investigations, and coordination with local authorities.

In accordance with Iowa Code §279.83 the District shall notify the parents or guardians of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator within 24 hours when:

  • Bullying or harassment is reported, witnessed, or confirmed (see Policy Series 104)
  • Bullying or harassment is observed in person or via video surveillance
  • A threat of violence, injury, or property damage occurs

Further, Parent/Guardian notification will occur when (but not limited to) the following pertain to their child(ren):

  • Emergency services are contacted
  • A student is injured, becomes ill, or receives medical treatment
  • A student is sent home or advised to seek medical care
  • A physical altercation or inappropriate contact occurs
  • A threat of violence or serious harm is made
  • A student experiences significant emotional or psychological distress
  • Law enforcement or child protective services become involved
  • The incident may reasonably result in discipline or legal action

The methods used to reach parents and guardians may vary, depending on the nature of the situation. Parents should make sure phone and email information is current and correct in the District’s student information system (PowerSchool). PowerSchool is used to disseminate calls and text/email messages.

This policy applies to all district-sponsored or district-supervised activities, regardless of location or time, including:

  • School buildings and grounds
  • Transportation to and from school or school activities
  • Athletic events, practices, and competitions
  • Field trips and travel
  • Extracurricular and co-curricular activities
  • Out-of-district events

Students remain under District responsibility whenever they are participating in a district-sponsored or
supervised activity.

If appropriate to the situation alerts/notifications may also be posted via website, social media, and/or news
media.