District and Library Policies

Benton Community School Board Policies on Instructional Materials

Below are the policies adopted by the Benton Community School Board on the selection of instructional materials within the school school district.  These policies are reviewed by the school board.  If you have have questions about board policies, you may contact the superintendent of schools Dr. James Bieschke at jbieschke@benton.k12.ia.us or Associate Superintendent Anna Selk at aselk@benton.k12.ia.us.

Instructional Materials
605.1 Instructional Materials Selection
605.1R1 Selection of Instructional Materials
605.2 Instructional Materials Inspection
605.3 Objection to Instructional Material
605.3E1 Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee
605.3E2 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials
605.3E3 Sample Letter to Individual Challenging Instructional Materials
605.3R1 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation
605.4 Technology & Instructional Materials
605.5 School Library

Use of Technology

602.8 Responsible Use of Internet & On-Line Services

602.8R1 Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy Regulations

Fines

503.11 Fine - Fees - Charges

Library Collection Development

Selection of library materials will be based on board policy 605.1R1 stated in the above board policies.  It is a goal for our libraries to give accurate information to stakeholders, and have a diverse selection of books.  Diverse materials can include stories that recognize a variety of experiences from a variety of different people.  Weeding of material may happen when the material is inaccurate, aged, or in poor condition.  

Library Book Check-Out Procedures (From Student Handbook)

Library books can be checked out for one week at a time.  There is no fine for overdue books, but we ask parents to communicate with their son/daughter as to the books he/she checks out.  Please help us get our library books returned to their proper place on time.  Students are expected to cover the replacement costs of any book they lose.

MS/HS IMC/Library Guidelines (From Student Handbook)

The IMC (LIBRARY) combines print and electronic resources to support and enrich both the middle and high school curricula. Students are encouraged to research and to prepare class assignments at the library. The collection also includes fiction titles, magazines and newspapers for leisure reading. The library should be used for education-related purposes.

Class research needs determine whether the library will be open for general use or reserved to class use. When open for general use, students are to sign-in at the circulation desk in accordance with the procedures established by the IMC Supervisor.

Books may be borrowed for up to two weeks, and checked-out materials may be renewed for an additional loan period.  Reference volumes may be checked out at the end of the school day and must be returned by the start of the following school day. If materials are lost or damaged, students are responsible for paying replacement costs.

Library computers should be used only for educational purposes. Game playing, chat and instant messaging, e-mail, and inappropriate internet surfing are strictly prohibited. There is no charge for printing, but it should be limited to that which is essential for class assignments.

When using the library, students should work independently, quietly, and producitvly. Students should treat others in the library with courtesy and respect. Misuse or abuse of library materials or other school property is prohibited. 

Cheating and Plagiarism (From Student Handbook)

Students at Benton Community High School are expected to produce work to the best of their ability. Work submitted for credit or recognition is to be done by each individual student and must be their own work.

Cheating and plagiarism will be handled according to the following guidelines:

1. Any student caught cheating in class may receive a failing score for the assignment in question.

2. Any student cooperating in a situation involving cheating may also receive a failing score for the assignment. 

3. Repeated cheating or individual instances of cheating may result in removal from class with a failing grade and no credit.