Rider Way 2025-2026

 

First day of school:  Monday, August 25 (no early dismissal)

 

Link to School Supply lists: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/150NoqsnW1QOVUYU3duJTjE-zssyuGifx    

 

Anamosa Community School District

2025-2026 Program Fees  

 

Textbook Rent

K-4th grade - $50   

5th-8th grade - $65 

9th-12th grade - $75 

 

K-12 Student Athletic Pass:  $65

• Admission to home AHS & AMS athletic events.
• Pass must be presented at event for admission
• Passes are not good for state events hosted by AHS or fundraisers by Booster Clubs

 

K-12 Student Activities Pass:  $75

• Admission to home AHS & AMS athletic events, AHS & AMS band/choir concerts & drama performances.
• Pass must be presented at event for admission
• Passes are not good for state events hosted by AHS or fundraisers by Booster Clubs.

 

Cost to attend athletic events:

*High School: Middle School

$7 for all ages Adults:    $5

Students/Senior Citizens:  Free

 

* High School admission prices are established by River Valley Conference.

 

High School Supply Fees:

Safety Goggles/Ear Protective Devices (Tech Classes) - $3

Parking Fee - $10 (per year)

Diploma Cover - $10 (12^th grade only – optional)

Choir Robe Cleaning Fee - $15

Band Uniform Cleaning Fee - $15 

 

High School & Middle School Instrument Rent:  $85 (Includes Percussion)
 

2025-2026 Lunch/Breakfast/Milk Prices:

 

Open Houses  – Save the Date          

There will be an in-person Open House in all buildings on Thursday, August 21.

Strawberry Hill:  4:30 – 6 p.m.

Anamosa Middle School – 5 – 6:30 pm

Anamosa High School –
9^th Grade:  5:30- 7 p.m. (Parent meeting at 6 p.m.)
10^th – 12^th Grade: 6– 7 p.m. (Parent meeting at 6:30 p.m.)

 

NUTRITIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM  

 

The Nutritional Services department provides nutritional lunches each day school is in session.  Breakfast is provided for grades K-12.  The Nutritional Services department uses an ID/picture program in all buildings.  This is a computerized accounting system.

 

Lunch accounts are set up by families.  All students in the family, regardless of which school they attend, will share one lunch account.  Therefore, only one payment has to be sent for everyone in the family.  Parents can go online to monitor their child’s lunch account.  Parents who have students in middle school or high school can place restrictions on a particular student to limit the dollar amount spent per day.  Families are now notified of low balances via email.  To receive emails you must log on to School Dining System and enter your email address.  To receive your family ID number and password, please contact the Nutrition Services Director at 462-3549 ext. 1210.

 

Online Payment Program  

Anamosa Schools offers an online payment processing system that brings online payment convenience to you directly through your Infinite Campus Portal account (Click on “Payments”).  The Anamosa Community School District offers this system to allow parents to have easy and convenient online access to purchase and pay school fees and lunch fees 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

A convenience fee has been added to each transaction for the online payment processing system.  This fee does not provide additional revenue to the district, it helps to cover the cost of the fees the district is charged by the company providing the online service.

 

MISSION STATEMENT  

 

The mission of the Anamosa Community School District is to provide opportunities for all students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a rapidly changing global society.

 

  

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING GUIDELINES  

 

The Superintendent shall have the authority to close schools because of extreme weather or other emergencies for the length of time the emergency exists.  The Superintendent shall make provisions to publicly announce such closings via available mass communications media as soon as possible after the decision is made to close schools.

 

If you have children in the district, Anamosa Schools uses an electronic service that sends a text message or email to the parents letting them know that school is cancelled or delayed or any other emergency notification.  This works in conjunction with our student information system (Infinite Campus).  If you did not receive electronic notifications last year, please contact the building your child attends and they can make sure the settings are correct in the student information system for you to receive these notifications.  

 

The following television stations will also be contacted in the event of the emergency closing of school:  KCRG, KGAN, and KWWL.

 

ASBESTOS MONITORING AND NOTIFICATION  

 

The Anamosa Community School District is required by law to provide annual notification regarding asbestos and the monitoring of our asbestos plan.

 

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA) was enacted to determine the extent of and to develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos.

 

Thomas E. Haas, a licensed Asbestos Inspector/Management Planner conducts required re-inspection of our school district’s facilities every three years.  

 

We have implemented our District’s Asbestos Management Plan.  It is the District’s responsibility to comply with federal, state, and local regulations governing asbestos.  We plan on taking those steps necessary to ensure that our children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to learn and work.  This annual notification, education and training of our employees, a set of plans and procedures to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos-containing materials, and plans for regular six-month surveillance of the asbestos-containing materials, are all part of our continuing efforts to meet governmental regulations (AHERA).  

 

The District trained staff performs periodic surveillance of our facilities, at least once every six months.  Our District does plan to continue with the six month surveillances, training, annual notifications and remove asbestos-containing materials as needed.

 

A copy of the district’s Asbestos Management Plan is available for inspection at our facilities’ Administrative Offices during regular school hours.  All inquiries regarding the Asbestos Management Plan should be directed to Superintendent Darren Hanna at 319-462-4321.

 

ANNUAL & CONTINUOUS NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
(Board Policy 102.0E1 and 102.0E2)

 

It is the policy of the Anamosa Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination.  If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Superintendent Darren Hanna, 200 S. Garnavillo Street, Anamosa, IA  52205, 319-462-4321, dhanna@anamosa.k12.ia.us

 

The Anamosa Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

• Agricultural Education
• Business Education
• Health Occupations Education
• Family & Consumer Sciences Education
• Industrial Education
• Marketing Education

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION   

 

Regular meetings for the Board of Education of the Anamosa Community School District are held on the third Monday of each calendar month.  Work Sessions may be scheduled if necessary.

 

The meetings are held in the Administrative Offices Board Room, unless changed by majority vote.  Meetings of the Board of Education follow an agenda prepared by the Superintendent of schools. Following the roll call of members, the Board proceeds to the items on the agenda.

One of the first items is the recognition of visitors and representatives who may wish to address the Board members.  Anyone wishing to address the Board may attend the meeting and make a request to the Board Secretary/Recorder.

 

Following the recognition of visitors, the Board proceeds to the other items on the agenda.  These may include:

Routine business:  For efficiency of operation, the Board may condense the routine business into lists or schedules.

Reports from members of the Board, the Superintendent, or the staff: These reports are usually on the matters relevant to the operation of the school that do not require formal Board action.

Agenda items: These are matters which require formal action of the Board.

 

The members of the Anamosa Community School District Board of Education are as follows:  Carl Chalstrom, Dennis Holland, Eric Wickham, Brian Hurt, Matt McQuillen, Katie Gombert and Adam Miller.

School Board Members:  

 

Carl Chalstrom, President 

Carl was first appointed to the board in June 2017, and elected to a full term on the board later that year.  He lives with his wife Polly and son Victor.  Carl is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and is a pharmacist at Jones Regional Pharmacy. 

 

Dennis Holland, Vice President

Dennis was elected to the school board in 2021.  He is a 1993 graduate of Anamosa and continued his education at Kirkwood and Iowa State earning a MS in Agronomy.  He works for Pioneer Hi-Bred as an agronomist.  He and his wife Amber are proud parents of their daughter Chelsea who graduated with the Anamosa High School Class of 2023 and a son Camden who is in high school.

 

Matt McQuillen 

Matt has served on the board since 2017. Matt and his wife, Beth, have a daughter who is an Anamosa High School graduate. Matt has a bachelor's degree and law degree both from the University of Iowa.  He has been an attorney in Anamosa since 1988 and has served on many area boards and volunteer groups.    

 

Brian Hurt

Brian has served on the board since September, 2017. He and his wife Rosy have 6 adult children and 6 grandchildren. Brian is a 1977 graduate of Anamosa High School.

 

Eric Wickham

Eric has served on the board since 2020. He grew up in Jones County and graduated from Anamosa High School. Eric lives in Anamosa with his wife Sarah and their three children, Cole, Austin and Rylee. Eric serviced five years in the U.S. Navy and then attended and graduated college in Texas. For years, he has been active in the community and school district serving in various roles from coaching youth and club teams of all sports to serving on the Anamosa Athletic Booster Club and volunteering at school with Watch Dogs. 

 

Katie Gombert

Katie has served on the board since November, 2019. She was born and raised in Anamosa and is a 1997 Anamosa High School graduate. She went on to study and graduate from the University of Northern Iowa and lived in Nashville, TN for a few years with her husband, Brooke, until moving back to Anamosa in 2006 to raise their family. She is an area realtor and has been very active in volunteering on several groups and committees in Anamosa. Her sons Rydan and Rayce are both students at Anamosa Schools.
 

Adam Miller
Adam Miller was appointed in 2024. He graduated from Edgewood Colesburg in 2001 and Kirkwood in 2003 with an Agricultural business degree. He moved to Anamosa in 2012 along with his wife Jill. Adam has 3 kids attending Anamosa Community School District Addy, Alan and Ava. He is active in coaching Football, Wrestling for the AWC and Baseball.

 

ANAMOSA RAIDERS’ KIDS CLUB BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE     

The Anamosa Community School District provides quality before and after school care for students.  The Kids Club program serves children from age 4 to 12.  This program is located at Strawberry Hill Elementary.   Kids Club offers students age appropriate opportunities to participate in activities such as games, crafts, outdoor fun, free exploration and much more.  It also supports homework completion for the older children attending this program.

 

Preschoolers: Once your child begins preschool in the fall, you may enroll them into Anamosa Raiders Kids Club. We are a Play/Center based preschool child care program. Children may start August 18, 2025.

 

During the school year, Kids Club is open from 6:30-8 a.m. and 3:10-6 p.m. Preschool wrap-around hours to be announced at the beginning of the school year. Services are also available on early release days and in-service/vacation days.   Summer care is available from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Children may attend regularly or on an as needed basis. 

 

For more information or to register, contact Dawn Langevin, Kids Club Director at 462-3549 ext. 1116 or 1219.  

 

 

ANNUAL HEARING TESTS  

 

Grant Wood AEA Hearing Department provides the district with annual hearing testing.  Routine screening is performed in grades K, 1, 2 and 5.  Students in other grades may be tested if there is a known history of ear problems or if the student is new to the school.  Parents who do not want their child's hearing tested will need to indicate IN WRITING TO THE SCHOOL.  The school will then notify their school audiologist of the request.

 

P.E./HEALTH EXEMPTION FOR RELIGIOUS CONFLICT 

 

According to the Iowa Code, Chapter 256.11, a pupil is not required to enroll in either physical education or health courses if the pupil's parent or guardian files a written statement with the school principal that the course conflicts with the pupil's religious belief.

 

SUPPORT SERVICES 

 

Additional support services are available to assist teachers and families when concerns arise with students. These services include building staff, (special education teacher, counselor, nurse, health administrative assistant, etc.) and Grant Wood Area Education Agency staff, (psychologist, social worker, consultant, speech-language pathologist, occupational and physical therapist, work experience coordinators and others).  Teachers and families may use input on an informal basis or request formal assistance in identifying strategies to address a concern, in carrying out these strategies, or in monitoring individual student progress.  These services are available for all students by teacher or parent request through the counselor at the student’s school.  Working together, we can provide the best education possible for all of our children.

 

SEARCH AND SEIZURE 

 

School officials may conduct periodic inspections of all, or a randomly selected number of student lockers.  At the beginning of each year, the District shall provide written notice to each student and the student’s parents, guardians, or legal custodians that school officials may conduct periodic inspections of all school lockers without prior notice.  Any locker inspection conducted pursuant to this policy shall either occur in the presence of the students whose lockers are being inspected or in the presence of at least one other person.  An inspection of the lockers may be accomplished using methods such as, but not limited to, a visual search of lockers by school officials or the use, by school officials or law enforcement at the direction of school officials of a drug sniffing dog.

 

School district property is held in public trust by the board.  School district authorities may, without a search warrant, search students or protected student areas based on a reasonable and articulable suspicion that a school district policy, rule, regulation or law has been violated.  The search is in a manner reasonable in scope to maintain order and discipline in the schools, promote the educational environment, and protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors to the school district facilities.  The furnishing of a locker, desk or other facility or space owned by the school and provided as a courtesy to a student, even if the student provides the lock for it, will not create a protected student area and will not give rise to an expectation of privacy with respect to the locker, desk, or other facility.

 

School authorities may seize any illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials discovered in the search.  Items of contraband may include, but are not limited to, nonprescription controlled substances, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, apparatus used for controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, weapons, explosives, poisons and stolen property.  Such items are not to be possessed by a student while they are on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.  Possession of such items will be grounds for disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion and may be reported to local law enforcement officials.  The board believes that illegal, unauthorized or contraband materials may cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or presents a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district.

 

ANAMOSA FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER  
The Jones County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, the Jones County Family Council, and Early Childhood Iowa provide resource information and resources for families in need in Jones County.  Additional services include preschool scholarships for 3 and 4 year olds, and school supplies for students prek-12^th grade winter coats for families in need.

 

The Family Resource Center (FRC) is located at Strawberry Hill Elementary School, but services are available to all residents of Jones County. For more information, please call the FRC office at 319-462-5318 or Sherri Hunt at 319-551-3402, follow the Jones County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children on Facebook, or utilize the Jones County website https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/children_services/.

 

ANAMOSA SCHOOLS DROP-OFF AND PICK UP ZONES FOR CHILDREN 

 

Please observe the signs regarding drop-off and pick-up zones for children who arrive by parent vehicles. If possible, please do not drop your child off at school before 8 A.M.  Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

 

HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH 

 

The District will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth within the District, will encourage their enrollment in school, will eliminate existing barriers in District policies and procedures which may serve as barriers to their enrollment, and will ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free public education, including public preschool education, as is provided to other children and youth.  The elementary principal shall serve as the District’s liaison for homeless children and youth.

 

SMOKEFREE AIR ACT   

 

The Smokefree Air Act was signed into law by Governor Chet Culver on April 15, 2008. The law went into effect on July 1, 2008. Smoking will be regulated in public places, places of employment, and certain outdoor areas.  The Smokefree Air Act outlines areas where smoking is prohibited, areas where smoking is not regulated, enforcement details, and scheduled penalties for persons and businesses that violate the law.  

 

Anamosa Community School District campus, buildings, and vehicles shall be kept tobacco-free by all students, employee’s and visitors.  

 

ANAMOSA HIGH SCHOOL PARKING PERMITS  

 

Anamosa High School will continue to require all vehicles that park at the high school parking lot on a regular basis to display a parking permit in the vehicle.  Parking permits will need to be renewed annually at a cost of $10.  Parking permits will be for sale at registration or can be purchased in the Activities Office at the high school.

 

School Day Times and Phone Numbers   
 

Strawberry Hill

319-462-3549

Starting Time – 8:10 a.m.

Dismissal  –
• Bus Students: 3:15 p.m.

• Walkers: 3:25

Early Dismissal Time:   - 1:15 p.m. 

 

Anamosa Middle School

319-462-3553
Starting Time - 8:10 a.m.

Dismissal -
• Walkers: 3:20 p.m.

• Bus Kids: 3:25 p.m.

Early Dismissal Time:  1:25 p.m.

 

Anamosa High School

319-462-3594

Starting Time:  8:05 a.m. 

Dismissal:  3:20 p.m. 

Early Dismissal Time:  1:20 p.m.

 

SCHOOL RECORDS NOTICE

The Anamosa Community School District maintains records on each student in order to facilitate the instruction, guidance and educational progress of the student.  The records contain information about the student and his or her education and may include, but are not limited to, the following types of records:  identification data, attendance data, record of achievement, family background data, aptitude tests, educational and vocational plans, honors and activities, discipline data, objective counselor or teacher ratings and observations, and external agency reports.

 

The records of each student are generally located in the school, which he or she is attending.  Any exception will be noted in the student’s other records or by the person in charge of record maintenance for each school building.  The district policy on student records can be secured on request.  The name and position of the person responsible for maintenance of student records for each school building is listed below: 

 

High School – Lauren Bickford, School Counselor Office Administrative Assistant

Anamosa Middle School – Brenda Lehrman, Administrative Assistant 

Strawberry Hill Elementary – Deneen Jordan – Administrative Assistant

 

The following persons, agencies and organizations may have restricted access to student records without prior written consent of the parent or student over the age of 18 years.  Any other access to student records shall be only upon written consent or upon court order or legally issued subpoena.

 

A. School officials, teachers and AEA personnel with a legitimate educational interest.

B. Officials of other schools in which the student proposes to enroll.

C. Representatives of state and local government when auditing and evaluating Federal education programs.

D. Officials connected with a student’s educational financial aid applications.

E. Governmental officials to which information is to be reported under state law adopted prior to November 19, 1974.

F. Organizations which process and evaluate standardized tests.

G. Accrediting organizations for accrediting purposes.

H. Parents of dependent children, regardless of child’s age.

I. Appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.

 

Student records are reviewed and inappropriate material removed periodically and, at a minimum, whenever a student moves from the elementary to middle school level to high school level and when a student transfers out of the district.  Those records not of permanent importance are destroyed within three years of graduation or discontinued attendance.

 

Parents of students under age 18 and students over age 18 may exercise the opportunity to review educational records of the student, to obtain copies of the records at a reasonable cost, to write a response to material in the record, to challenge the content of the record on grounds of inappropriateness, inaccuracy or an invasion of privacy, and to have the records explained.

 

Students and parents may file with the Department of Education, complaints concerning alleged failures of the school district to comply with federal legislation dealing with student records.  Correspondence should be addressed to: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, Switzer Building, 330 C. Street S. W., Washington, D.C. 20201. 

 

Teacher Qualification  

 

Parents/Guardians in the Anamosa Community School District have the right to learn about the following regarding their child’s teacher’s qualifications:  state licensure status, special endorsements for grade level/subject area taught, and baccalaureate/graduate certification/degree.

 

Parents/Guardians may request this information from the Office of the Superintendent by calling (319) 462-4321 or sending a letter of request to Office of the Superintendent, 200 S. Garnavillo Street, Anamosa, Iowa  52205.

 

NOTICE:  Use of Directory Information (Board Policy 506.2E2)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Student’s name
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• The most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
• Photograph and other likeness

 

NOTICE:   ANTI-BULLYING/ANTI-HARASSMENT (Board Policy 104.0) 

The Anamosa Community School District is committed to providing all students, employees, and volunteers with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect.  Bullying and/or harassing behavior can seriously disrupt the ability of school employees to maintain a safe and civil environment, and the ability of students to learn and succeed.  
 

Bullying and/or harassment of or by students, employees, and volunteers is against federal, state, and local policy and is not tolerated by the board.

Accordingly, school employees, volunteers, and students shall not engage in bullying or harassing behavior while on school property, while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles, while attending or participating in school-sponsored or sanctioned activities, and while away from school grounds if the conduct materially interferes with the orderly operation of the educational environment or is likely to do so.

Complaints may be filed with the superintendent or superintendent’s designee pursuant to the regulation accompanying this policy.  Complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time frame. 

A school employee, volunteer, or student, or a student’s parent or guardian who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment, in compliance with the procedures in the regulation, to the appropriate school official designated by the school district, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to participation in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from or relating to the report.
 

Retaliation Prohibited

Individuals who knowingly file false bullying or harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation may be subject to discipline by appropriate measures.

Any student found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, suspension and expulsion.  Any school employee found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, termination of employment.  Any school volunteer found to have violated or retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to, and including, removal from service and exclusion from school grounds. 
 

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the defined words shall have the following meaning: 

• “Electronic” means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optic cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means.  “Electronic” includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, and electronic text messaging.  “Harassment” and “bullying”  mean any repeated or potentially repeated electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or other ongoing conduct toward an individual based on any trait or characteristic of the individual which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

1. Places the individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual’s person or property.
2. Has a substantial detrimental effect on the individual’s physical or mental health.

3. Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s academic or career performance.  Has the effect of substantially interfering with the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

• “Trait or characteristic of the individual” includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

• “Volunteer” means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

Publication of Policy

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

• Inclusion in the student handbook,
• Inclusion in the employee handbook
• Inclusion in the registration materials
• Inclusion on the school or school district’s web site,
• Annual Notification in Anamosa, Iowa newspaper

Supporting forms to Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Policy Code No. 104.0 (Investigation Procedures; Complaint Form; Witness Disclosure Form; Disposition of Complaint Form) may be found at:
https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/PolicyListing.aspx?S=150085

 

 

FERPA ANNUAL NOTICE  (Board Policy:   506.1E8)  

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records.  They are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.

Parents/guardians or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The principal (or appropriate school official) will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents/guardians or eligible students who wish to ask the school district to amend a record should write the school principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed.

If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the district will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist: a parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

 (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 

             400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

 

PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, requires Anamosa Community School District to notify parents/guardians and obtain consent or allow parents/guardians to opt their child/children out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):
 

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent.
• Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family.
• Sex behavior or attitudes.
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
• Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have family relationships.
• Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers.
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents.
• Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.

Anamosa Community School District will provide parents/guardians, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, notification of the surveys and activities and give parents/guardians an opportunity to opt their child/children out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

 

Notice:  Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement and Detention 

State law forbids school employees from using corporal punishment against any student.  Certain actions by school employees are not considered corporal punishment.  Additionally, school employees may use “reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain” to do certain things, such as prevent harm to persons or property.

 

State law also places limits school employees’ abilities to restrain or confine and detain any student.  The law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child.  If a child is restrained or confined and detained, the school must maintain documentation and must provide certain types of notice to the child’s parent.

 

If you have any questions about this state law, please contact your school.  The complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s website:  www.iowa.gov/educate.

 

Compliance Coordinators   

Level One Child Abuse Investigator

Joshua Bentley 319-462-3594 Ext. 1610

Nick Breuer 319-462-3553 Ext. 2107

Ellen Recker 319-462-3549 Ext. 1204
 

Level One Alternate Child Abuse Investigator

Anamosa Police Chief 319-462-4434

 

Title IX and Title VI Education Equity Program Coordinator

Darren Hanna 319-462-4321 Ext. 1712

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance 

Darren Hanna 319-462-4321 Ext. 1712

 

Section 504 Coordinator

TBD 319-462-3553 Ext. 2114
 

Homeless Coordinator
Ellen Recker 319-462-3549 Ext. 1204

TITLE I PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT 

 

Parent and family engagement is an important component in a student’s success in school.  The board encourages parents and families to become involved in their child’s education to ensure the child’s academic success.  The board will:

 (1) Involve parents and families in the development of the Title I plan, the process for school review of the plan and the process for improvement;

 

(2) Provide the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance;

 

(3) To the extent feasible, coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies under Title I with parent and family engagement strategies outlined in other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs; 

(4)    Conduct with the involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of the school served including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in Title I activities (with particular attention to low-income parents, Limited English Proficient (LEP) parents, parents of any racial or ethnic minority, parents with disabilities and parents with limited literacy);

 

(5)    Use the findings of the annual evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent and family involvement and to revise, as necessary, the parent and family involvement policies; and;

 

(6) Involve parents and families in Title I activities.

 

The board will review this policy annually.  The superintendent is responsible for notifying parents and families of this policy annually or within a reasonable time after it has been amended during the school year.  The superintendent may develop an administrative process or procedures to implement this policy.

 

MEAL CHARGES 

 

In accordance with state and federal law, the Anamosa Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program. 

 

Payment of Meals   

 

Students have use of a meal account. 

• When the balance reaches $0.00 a student may charge no more than $10 to this account. 
• When an account reaches the $10 limit, the student will not be allowed to charge a reimbursable meal
  • The student will be provided an alternate meal (sandwich, choice of fruit or vegetable, and milk) that will be charged to their account ($1.50/meal) until the negative balance is paid or a repayment plan has been arranged and is being followed.
• When a balance is $0.00 or below a student will not be allowed to charge additional ala carte items. 

 

Money may be added to a student’s account by paying at the school office or electronically through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. 

 

Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. 

 

Students with outstanding meal charge debt shall be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal when it is received. 

 

Employees have use of a meal account, but will not be allowed to charge meals or a la carte items.  An employee must have sufficient funds or cash to make a purchase.

 

In accordance with state and federal law, the Anamosa Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.

 

Negative Account Balances 

The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low. However, the failure of the school district to notify families will not relieve the families’ obligations to keep meal account balances current; nor will it prevent the school district from being able to take actions legally available to collect any delinquent account balances.  Additionally, the school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt.  Negative balances of more than $ 50, not having an agreed upon repayment plan, not paid prior to the end of the quarter will be turned over to the superintendent [or designee] for collection.

 

Notice of Digital Equipment Use in District 

 

The Anamosa Community School District Board of Directors has authorized the use of digital equipment in the district school buildings, school buses and on school property.  The digital equipment will be used to monitor student behavior in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for students and staff.  Students and parents are hereby notified that the content of the digital equipment may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding.  The content of the digital equipment is a confidential student record and will be retained with other student records.  Digital equipment will only be retained if necessary for use in a student disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration.  Parents may request in writing to view digital equipment of their children if the digital equipment is used in disciplinary proceedings involving their children.

 

In order to assure your child’s safety on the bus and assist with management on the bus, surveillance equipment is periodically placed on our school buses.  These records will be viewed only by the driver involved, the transportation director, administrators, superintendent, or in the case of suspected “stop-arm” violations, the state patrol and/or court system. 

 

The District will annually provide this notice to students and parents.

 

2025-2026 Lunch and Breakfast Important Information 

A new application for free or reduced price meals must be submitted each school year. This may be used for other fees associated with your students' school and P-EBT benefits.

Forms for 2025-26 are located on the school website: www.anamosa.k12.ia.us

Please complete, sign, and return all 3 pages of the application form as soon as possible. You may return the form in one of four ways:

1. Return the form to your students school office or Mail or bring to the Tammy Seeley, Nutritional Services Director, 200 South Garnavillo St, Anamosa, IA 52205
2. Complete, sign, scan and email to: tseeley@anamosa.k12.ia.us or dcarver@anamosa.k12.ia.us
3. Fax the form to 319-462-4322

If you have questions regarding applying for free or reduced meals, please contact Tammy Seeley or Deb Carver at 319-462-3459.

Meal choices are the same for all students regardless of their status.

• Information regarding eligibility for free or reduced meals is confidential. Students are not identified as eligible for free or reduced meals through ID cards or choice of meals. Cashiers at the point of service are not able to determine if a student is eligible for free or reduced meals.
• IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free or reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit, if your household size goes up, or if you start getting Food Assistance, FIP or other benefits.

Open Enrollment Notice  

 

Open Enrollment is the process by which a parent or guardian residing in an Iowa district may enroll their child(ren) into another Iowa school district under the terms and conditions of Iowa Code 282.18.  The application and process for open enrollment are outlined in the open enrollment application. Please mail, email, or fax copies of the application to your resident school district and the district you would like for your child to attend.

A copy of the Open Enrollment Handbook and 2025-2026 application can be found at:
https://www.anamosa.k12.ia.us/open-enrollment-deadlines/

 

Open Enrollment Deadlines

* If a parent/guardian moves and wishes for their student to continue at the original resident district under open enrollment (often known as the “continuation rule”), requests cannot be denied due to insufficient classroom space policies.

**A list of Good Cause Circumstances can be found at:
https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/open-enrollment

Open Enrollment Transportation Assistance
Information and eligibility guidelines can be found at:
https://educate.iowa.gov/media/10174/download?inline=

Open Enrollment Athletic Eligibility
Unless an exception applies, the General Transfer Rule (281—IAC 36.15(3)) prohibits a student-athlete from participating in varsity athletics for 90 school days (not including summer school) after transferring from one Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) or Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) member or associate member school or school district to another.

 

If you have questions or for further details, contact the District Office at 319-462-4321.

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION   

 

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. 
Registration information is available at:  https://tinyurl.com/3k5p733r
Please review the site completely before starting the online registration.   Step 5 in the above information will direct you to the link to complete the E-registration process.
 

Anamosa Community School District will NOT be hosting an in-person registration day; families will need to register students online.  Fee payments may be mailed or dropped off to the building of attendance if you do not wish to utilize the online payment option

 

Free and reduced lunch applications are available to download on the link listed above.

 

If you are new to the district, please contact the building your child will attend to get instructions on how to get your child(ren) registered.

You may contact the administrative assistant in the building your child attends after August 1 and they will answer any questions you may have.

Strawberry Hill – 319-462-3549 X 1200   email:  djordan@anamosa.k12.ia.us

Anamosa Middle School – 319-462-3553 X 2105 email:  blehrman@anamosa.k12.ia.us

Anamosa High School – 319-462-3594 X 1611 email:  sdecker@anamosa.k12.ia.us

District Office – 319-462-4321 email: catwehling@anamosa.k12.ia.us 

 

Free and Reduced Meal Plan Media Release 

 

Public Release for Schools Operating the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program

The Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services, has finalized its policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and the Afterschool Care Snack Program.

State and Local school officials have adopted the following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility:

 

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (Effective 7-1-2025)

 

Households may be eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits one of four ways
1. Households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for reduced price meals or free meals, if they complete an application for free and reduced price school meals/milk. Households may complete one application listing all children and return it to your student’s school. When completing an application, only the last four digits of the social security number of the household’s primary wage earner or another adult household member is needed.
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Most students from SNAP and FIP households will be qualified for free meals automatically. These households will receive a letter from their student’s schools notifying them of their benefits. Households that receive a letter from the school need to do nothing more for their student(s) to receive free or reduced price meals. No further application is necessary. If any students were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free or reduced price meal benefits extended to them. If you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits and received notification qualifying for reduced price benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals. Households must contact the school if they choose to decline meal benefits.
3. Some SNAP and FIP households will receive a letter from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) which will qualify the children listed on the letter for free meals. Parents must take this letter to the student’s school to receive free meals.
4. SNAP or FIP households receiving benefits that do not receive a letter from Iowa HHS must complete an application with the abbreviated information as indicated on the application and instructions, for their students to receive free meals. When the application lists an assistance program’s case number for any household member, eligibility for free benefits is extended to all students in a household. 

 

Eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same school for up to 30 operating days into the new school year. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their students are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the students must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. If a family member becomes unemployed the family should contact the school to complete an application. Households notified of their student’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. 

Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits. 

 

Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits. Some foster students will be qualified for free meals automatically through the state direct certification process. Their host family will receive notification of these benefits. Families that receive this notification from the school need to do nothing more for their foster students to receive free meals. If a family has foster students living with them and does not receive notification and wishes to apply for such meals, instructions for making application for such students are contained on the application form. A foster student may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other students. Including students in foster care as household members may help other students in the household qualify for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster student from receiving benefits. Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals based on a completed application. 

 

When known by the school, households will be notified of any child eligible for free meals if the children are enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start program or are considered homeless, migrant or runaway. If any children are not listed on the notice of eligibility, contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits. If households are dissatisfied with the application approval done by the officials, they may make a formal appeal either orally or in writing to the school’s designated hearing official. The policy statement on file at the school contains an outline of the hearing procedure. School officials may verify the information in the application, and that deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal criminal statutes. Households should contact their local school for additional information. 

 

There will be no discrimination against individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the school meal programs.

 

 

Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online

at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed

AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

 

1. mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-9410; or

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

 

Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement: (revised 7-1-25) It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 6200 Park Ave, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone number 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.

 

 

 

Anamosa Music Boosters  

The Anamosa Music Boosters welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year!

The mission of the Anamosa Music Boosters is to support and enrich the music education experience for students in the Anamosa Community School District by encouraging excellence in music arts through financial support, volunteer opportunities, community involvement, leadership, collaboration and technical assistance. 

Anamosa Music Boosters (AMB) gives students the opportunity to participate in music programs and expand their talents, education and music appreciation. This is accomplished throughout the year with the financial support of and direct assistance from the boosters. AMB currently raises funds through special events, concession stands and direct donations. Special events this year will include the Sadie Street Showcase (our annual show choir competition) and Sounds and Sweets (our annual talent show and dessert auction).

In the coming year, AMB will be purchasing new marching band uniforms and a new trailer for the marching band and show choir. This past year, AMB purchased wireless microphones for the Performing Arts Center auditorium. In the past, AMB has purchased or funded: elementary school xylophones, a popcorn machine for the football field, Jazz Band's trips to the Iowa Jazz Championships, a marching band podium, a state-of-the-art audio-visual recording system with streaming capabilities for the Performing Arts Center, audio equipment for the Blue Raider Marching Band front ensemble, concert attire, band instruments, color guard items, marching drill expenses, show choir costumes, honor band registrations, music licenses, choreography, college scholarships and many other items. 

The music boosters not only provide assistance to the choir, band, drama and speech directors, they also help recruit volunteers. Volunteers are always welcome and necessary for working at concession stands, helping with the Sadie Street Showcase and chaperoning various events. Volunteers are also necessary for setting up for events and concerts and donating baked goods for concession stands. AMB appreciates your support! 

The music boosters consist of ACSD parents and community members. The boosters hold monthly general membership meetings from August through May. Meeting times will be posted on the school district’s monthly calendar and the Anamosa Music Boosters’ Facebook page. If you would like to receive direct communication from AMB, request more information about the organization, or would like to get involved, please email Anamosa Music Boosters at anamosamusicboosters@gmail.com

If you would like to make a donation to the Music Boosters, please visit anamosamusicboosters.com and click the Donate button. You can also donate by mailing a check to Anamosa High School, 209 Sadie Street, Anamosa, c/o Anamosa Music Boosters. Thank you for your continued support!

 

 

 Anamosa Athletic Boosters 

 

 

The Anamosa Athletic Boosters is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to provide assistance for student athletes from middle school to the high school varsity level. We do this by supplying the funding for equipment and technology the school district is not able to accommodate in their budget. The Athletic Boosters raise funds by selling sponsorships, operating concession stands at our middle and high school sporting events, holding youth basketball tournaments, a golf outing, and other fundraisers. 

In the last five years, Athletic Boosters have donated over $250,000 to our athletic programs.  Our purchases in the past few years include score table and cushioned chairs for new gym, high school and middle school uniforms, track timing system, Hudl - hardware and software, camp fees, shot clocks with back lights, a golf cart for field transportation, equipment trailer, strength and speed equipment, indoor batting cage and pitching machine, meals for state participants, warm-ups, and college scholarships. 

For more information about our organization or our current Athletic Booster events, go to our Facebook page or the Athletic Booster link on the school district’s website.

You can help! The Athletic Boosters run concessions at over 100 home athletic events. The money generated from concessions is one of our main fundraisers. Having a concession stand enables the Athletic Boosters to raise money to purchase items for our coaches and athletes that will allow them to compete and succeed! 

It is our expectation that at least one representative from each family of our Grade 7-12 student athletes volunteer in the concession stand at least one time per sport that each of your children are in. We have at least two shifts per event to allow parents to both volunteer for a concession shift and be available to watch your child participate. For example, if your child is on a varsity team, volunteer for a shift during the games of other levels. Concession volunteers get into the event at no charge. You’ll have fun and meet new people!

To volunteer, please see our online sign up through Sign Up Genius under the Volunteer Opportunities section of the District’s website.  Links for concession sign up are available by season:  Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer

Interested in joining the Athletic Booster Board of Directors? If you are interested in joining the Athletic Boosters as a board member, please contact Dan Paulsen (anamosaaboosters@gmail.com), Krysta Dawes, Katy Appelhans (katyappelhans@yahoo.com) or Jill Miller. The 2025/2026 Booster Board of Directors are: Heidi Capron, Tara Dieteker, Dusty Embree, Megan Gerst, Kelly Gibbs, Wes Gibbs, Holly Kreger, Kathy LaDue, Annie Lloyd, Shane Lloyd, Brooke Paulsen, Jessica Shaffer, Abbie Petsche, Holly Randall, Jon Reiss, Jessica Rohwedder, Paula Buck, Jessica Gorman, Kandis Bixler, Carrie Plymesser, Jason Plymesser, and Annette Wheeler.

 

Sponsorship Opportunities:  Please consider supporting our student athletes by making a monetary donation.  Your donation will be recognized in our sports programs.  Individual Sponsorship levels are below: 

If interested, please message us on our Facebook page or complete this form and mail Anamosa Boosters, c/o Dusty Embree, 602 N Linn St, Anamosa, IA 52205.  Contact a booster member for our business sponsor opportunities.

ATHLETIC BOOSTER SPONSOR FORM

Name:___________________________________

Email/phone#:______________________________

Address:___________________________________

Sponsorship Level/Amount enclosed:_____________________________

When we all help, we can make a difference -  GO RAIDERS!

 

School Board Election Information

 

The city/school election is November 4, 2025. The Anamosa School District has three directors whose terms are expiring. All school board positions in the Anamosa School District are at-large positions. Interested candidates will need to complete an Affidavit of Candidacy and Nomination Petitions. The nomination petitions must include at least 50 signatures of eligible electors of the school district. Nomination papers may be obtained from the Secretary of State's website at http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/candidates/index.html, the Jones County Auditor website at www.jonescountyiowaelections.gov, or from the Anamosa School's District office at 200 S. Garnavillo Street, Anamosa. 

 

Anamosa School Board candidate papers must be filed in the Anamosa School’s District Office at 200 S Garnavillo Street, Anamosa. The filing period begins Monday, August 25, 2025, and ends Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5 p.m.

 

More information can be found at the websites above or by contacting the Anamosa School District Office at 319-462-4321.