Absenses
The attendance policy of the Des Moines School District states that students are expected to attend classes regularly and to be on time in order to benefit academically, to develop self-discipline and responsibility, and to keep disruption of the educational program to a minimum.

Last school year our Pleasant Hill daily attendance rate fell dramatically. We are especially concerned about excessive and unexcused absences. Six (6) or more absences or tardies per semester are excessive.

If your child does see a medical professional, please bring a note to the school from the doctor so that the absence can be marked as excused. Family vacations and trips are UNEXCUSED absences.

Iowa Law states that all children ages 6-16 must attend school and that it is the parent’s responsibility to cause the child to attend. If a child has six or more UNEXCUSED absences per semester, the parent can be referred to truancy court and will need to attend court and mediation regarding these absences.

IN ORDER TO AVOID A TRUANCY COURT REFERRAL, please communicate with the school when your child is absent and provide documentation of doctor visits during the school day. Also, it is always best to schedule routine medical care and family trips during scheduled school breaks so your child is not missing school.

If you have concerns or questions regarding your family’s specific situation, please don’t hesitate to contact the principal, social worker or nurse to discuss the attendance policy. Thank you for your work in assuring that your work in assuring that your child has a successful school year!

Evacuation Plan
In case of an emergency in our building, the students will walk to the Doanes Park Shelter or to  Pleasant Hill City Hall.  If the city of Pleasant Hill has an emergency, the students will be taken by school buses to Hoyt Middle School.

Stormy/Rainy Days
Except for stormy or rainy days, it is anticipated that the students will go outside each noon hour.  We will go outside whenever the temperature is at or above 25 degrees.  We do take into account the wind chill factor.  On stormy/rainy days when we have to stay inside for noon recess, students play rainy day games in their homeroom areas.

Gym Shoes
Please note the days your child attends P.E. classes.  Students need to wear “gym” shoes on those days.  It is not safe for students to attend gym class in stocking- feet.

Weapons at School
Please refer to the district’s handbook, Appendix G, “Weapons Policy.” “Simulated weapons” refers to any object that could be used to injure someone.  A suspension will be given for “weapons” which are accidentally brought to school.

Lunch
For your convenience, students have two options for lunch: the student may bring a sack lunch to school or the student may purchase a hot lunch at the school.  Sack lunch students may also purchase milk at school. Soda - pop should not be sent .

Our lunchroom philosophy is based on continuous and consistent good manners. All students should walk through the hall quietly and use low voices when in the cafeteria.  Students are expected to eat at least two items on their tray (cookies don't count as an item) and drink their milk before raising their hand to be dismissed. Student cafeteria helpers will check to see that the area is clean before the student is dismissed from the cafeteria.

The lunch period for each student is 40 minutes.  Students may take up to 40 minutes to eat their lunches.

We prefer that students remain at school during the noon hour.  If your child may be eating at home, please send a note to the homeroom teacher.  This enables us to know the whereabouts of all students during the lunch period.  Students who go home for lunch should not return to school until just prior to the starting of their afternoon classes.

Daily count is taken for those eating school lunches.  If a child will not be at school  by 8:35 a.m., the parent must telephone (265-7573) the school office to reserve a lunch for their child.  Our school order is placed by 9:15 a.m.

If financial assistance is needed, please complete the "Free and Reduced Price Meal Application" form.  Last year's free or reduced lunch authorizations are in effect through the month of September.  A new application must be completed during the month of September.  Persons who are new to the program must have their application approved prior to receiving free or reduced lunches.  This application may be completed on Registration Day (August 7) or may be obtained in the office.

Cost and procedure for student buying a hot lunch at school:
 Daily student lunch           -$1.60
 Reduced price lunch           - .40

Parents are encouraged to make a deposit into their child's computerized cafeteria account  EACH MONDAY.  Students may make a deposit into their cafeteria account at anytime.  If payment is made by a check, please put the child's name and account number on the check.  If payment is made with cash, please put the child's name and account number on the outside of a sealed envelope.

The price of milk is 40 cents (low fat, skim, chocolate and whole milk).

Parents are welcome to eat at school with their children at any time.  
Be certain your child informs the teacher or that you call the office (242-8432) so an adult lunch can be ordered.  Adult lunches are $2.50.

Lunch loan policy and procedure:
                      A.  Parent send a note or call (242-8432) the school requesting a loan.
                      B.   Students will call parent if money is lost or lunch was forgotten.
                      C.   If the parent cannot be contacted, the secretary or principal will authorize the loan.
                      D. An outstanding lunch loan must be repaid before another one may be authorized.  

Make checks payable to: Des Moines Public Schools Food Service.