2024-25 Family Handbook
Programs & Supports for Students
School-Based Support Services
The Bettendorf Community School District, in conjunction with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (the AEA) and other community agencies, provides many school-based support services. The purpose of these services is to reduce barriers that may interfere with student success or to enhance educational opportunities for students. Parents interested in these school-based support services may contact the principal or school counselor at their student's school.
Building-level assistance teams, physical therapists, school psychologists, school nurses, social workers, speech-language pathologist, preK-12 school counselors, special education occupational therapists preK-12 student services counselors, audiologist consultants, breakfast/lunch programs with free or reduced meals are all available for qualifying children.
Provision of Special Education - Parents who suspect their child has a disability requiring accommodation or special education are urged to contact their child's school or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (1-800-947-2329) for additional information and a copy of the booklet entitled Parental Rights in Special Education.
The Bettendorf Community School District’s Special Services Department takes pride in offering extensive support services to meet the needs of all learners.
English Learners (EL)
The English Learners program helps students become English proficient in the language skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Programming and support is offered to students who qualify.
Extended Learning Program (ELP)
ELP is dedicated to providing students with challenging educational opportunities beyond their classroom experience.
Title 1 is a federally funded supplemental program established to improve student achievement. Students receive instruction on an individual and small group basis.
Section 504 is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination based upon a disability. Section 504 covers eligible students for accommodations that enable them to work or learn. The great majority of academic accommodations should take place in the general education classroom. A school team knowledgeable of the student determines, with evaluation data, if the student meets eligibility criteria. For additional information, please contact the building principal of your child's school or the student services office.
Working to ensure that each student with a disability has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with his/her potential to achieve.
Student Support Services
The mission of the Bettendorf Community School District School Counseling Program is to provide services that will:
Enhance each student’s knowledge, attitude and skills in the academic, career, and personal-social arenas.
Advocate for all students to become positive, contributing members of our diverse society.
The comprehensive developmental school counseling program will include curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support. These services help to ensure the success of every student.
Homelessness
501.16 Homeless Children and Youth
If you or your family lives in any of the situations listed below, then you and your children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground;
On the street;
In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations; or,
Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.
Contact your school principal, counselor, or the district’s liaison for homeless education for more information. These individuals can help you enroll your child in a new school or arrange for your child to continue in his or her former school. We can also help contact a local shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.
Please contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances. Ask the local liaison for homeless education, school counselor, shelter provider, or social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies if needed.
Local Contacts: Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant - (563) 359-3681 - khenson@bettendorf.k12.ia.us
State Coordinator: Carolyn Cobb, Consultant, Title I/Homeless Education and SIG Consultant, Iowa Department of Education, (515) 402-2736, Carolyn.cobb@iowa.gov
If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Helpline number: 1-800-308-2145.
Special Instruction Services & Alternative Options in Education Programs
The Bettendorf Community School District provides instructional program opportunities and alternate options in education for students who may need additional help to succeed academically. These programs enhance the educational opportunities for those students who qualify.
The following list is not all-inclusive, since self-assessment continues at each building, creating new program opportunities that address the needs of our specific population of children. Parents interested in these program opportunities should contact the principal at their student's school. If you believe your child may have a disability that requires special education or accommodation, you may request an evaluation of your child. Students, parents, employees and others doing business with or performing services for the Bettendorf Community School District are hereby notified that this school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities.
Any person having inquiries concerning the school district's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), S504 or Iowa Code S280.3 is directed to contact: the Director of Student Services, (563) 359-3681, who has been designated by the school district to coordinate the district's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing these laws.
504 Plans
Open enrollment
Home schooling support
Gifted Education
Special Education
Summer school
Home-bound tutoring
Comprehensive guidance program
School-Wide Instructional Model to differentiate learning
Small group support groups with school counselor
Personal safety program
Peer mentoring program
Alternative assessment to measure achievement (portfolios, etc.)
Class meetings for building the "Classroom Community"
Provision of Special Education
Parents who suspect their child has a disability requiring accommodation or special education are urged to contact their child's school or the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (1-800-947-2329) for additional information and a copy of the booklet entitled Parental Rights in Special Education: Processes to Help Resolve Differences Between Parties.
The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency provides for a process to aid parties in resolving differences:
Resolution Facilitator Process - This involves using a Resolution Facilitator (impartial person) who is trained in mediation. The process may be requested to address issues between educators (district or AEA) and parents of general education, Section 504, or special education students. It can also be used between other parties involved with the district. The Resolution Facilitator will assist in resolving differences by talking them out. The process helps make clear what the problems really are and helps everyone involved work toward an agreement that is acceptable to all. The Resolution Facilitator may be someone from within the AEA who is considered impartial to the conflict or may be selected from outside the AEA. Additional information can be requested by contacting the director of special education at the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency by calling 1-800-947-2329, ext. 6201.
The Iowa Department of Education provides a process for issues involving special education:
Pre Appeal Conference - Instead of a due process hearing or formal mediation, this mediation option is designed to be a less stressful, less formal process. It is voluntary for all parties and involves the use of a trained, impartial mediator who contracts with, and is assigned by, the state Department of Education. The process helps make clear what the problems are and helps everyone involved work toward an agreement that is acceptable to all. For more information, contact Sharon Hawthorne at 1-515-281-3946. A copy of the model form is available in the Procedural Safeguards Manual for Parents or view the manual on the DE website.
The Bettendorf Community School District has a team of professional therapy/certified assistance dogs working with counseling staff in the Bettendorf Community School District.