Madison Metropolitan School District
Board of Education Policies and Procedures

POLICY	ANIMALS ON SCHOOL PREMISES	4615 Pupils

Introduction

The presence of animals in schools provides many opportunities for addressing academic standards and supporting the social/emotional growth of students. Animals are part of our natural environment and can be used effectively as teaching aids. The positive benefits of the human-animal bond are well established.

The presence of animals in schools may also pose a safety or health risk for some children when they are exposed to allergens that activate allergy and/or asthma symptoms. Other students may be afraid of animals and feel emotionally unsafe in their presence. The purpose of this policy is to allow animals in the classroom while providing for the health and safety of school staff, students, and animals. Animals will be removed from the classroom and/or the school when this cannot be achieved.

Animal Groups

Animals may be brought into schools and classrooms for a variety of purposes. Each of the purposes is listed below, along with required procedures to ensure the health and safety of staff, students and animals.

1. Animals Used In Educational Presentations

   Animals may be brought into schools by an animal handler for one day or less for presentations to the whole school, several classrooms, or a single classroom. The animal handler must have extensive knowledge and experience with the animal and experience providing educational demonstrations on a regular basis.

   Procedures for Educational Presentations with Animals

   1. Before bringing an animal into the school or a classroom,
      • Staff must provide the principal with information about how the animal will support the academic program or the social emotional development of students.
      • Upon enrollment all parents/guardians of students will be provided with a letter.
        • The letter must contain the following:
          • Information about any health concerns that could result from the animal's presence.
          • A paragraph that encourages parents to report to the principal any observable symptoms or concerns their child may exhibit in the presence of the animal.
        • All letters must be translated to meet the language needs of non-English speaking parents either in writing or through oral translation.
        • Written consent from parent/guardian is not required.
      • Information that documents the animal is healthy and appropriate for classroom use shall be made available for parent/guardian review. Such documentation shall include:
        • A signed statement of health from an organization (e.g., Humane Society) or veterinarian that states at the time of the examination the animal is free of external and internal parasites or disease, and has proof of current, necessary vaccinations, and
        • Verification that the animal's temperament is conducive to being around children,
          or
        • Verification that the animal is part of a presentation conducted by an animal handler who has extensive knowledge and experience with the animal and engages in educational demonstrations in a school setting on a regular basis.
      • Students who require modifications due to animal fears or allergies or who will be excluded from activities with animals will be provided alternative activities that address the same concepts.
        • Students whose parents do not want them to participate in school activities with animals will be excused.
   2. The staff member bringing the animal into the school must obtain the written approval of the principal.
      • Before granting permission, the principal shall be satisfied that all requirements listed above have been met.
2. Animals Not Handled by Children

   Cold blooded animals that will not be handled by children may be brought into the classrooms or school for observation and discussion for up to one semester. There is no limit on the number of extensions. For example, an aquarium may be placed in the Library Media Center or in a classroom.

   Procedures for Cold Blooded Animals Not Handled by Children

   1. Before bringing a cold blooded animal into the school or classroom,
      • Staff must provide the principal with information about how the animal will support the academic program or the social emotional development of students.
      • Upon enrollment all parents/guardians of students will be provided with a letter.
        • The letter must contain the following:
          • Information about any health concerns that could result from the animal's presence.
          • A paragraph that encourages parents to report to the principal any observable symptoms or concerns their child may exhibit in the presence of the animal.
        • All letters must be translated to meet the language needs of non-English speaking parents either in writing or through oral translation.
        • Written consent from parent/guardian is not required.
      • Information that documents the animal is healthy and appropriate for classroom use shall be made available for parent/guardian review. Such documentation shall include:
        • A signed statement of health from an organization (e.g., Humane Society) or veterinarian that states at the time of the examination the animal is free of external and internal parasites or disease, and has proof of current, necessary vaccinations, and
        • Verification that the animal's temperament is conducive to being around children,
          or
        • Verification that the animal is part of a presentation conducted by an animal handler who has extensive knowledge and experience with the animal and engages in educational demonstrations in a school setting on a regular basis.
      • Students who require modifications due to animal fears or allergies or who will be excluded from activities with animals will be provided alternative activities that address the same concepts.
        • Students whose parents do not want them to participate in school activities with animals will be excused.
   2. The staff member bringing the animal into the school must obtain the written approval of the principal.
      • Before granting permission, the principal shall be satisfied that all requirements listed above have been met.
      • Once granted, this approval may be rescinded or revoked by the principal if the policy and procedures are not followed.
      • Written approval of the principal is valid for a maximum of one semester, at which time the teacher may re-submit the request for an extension of an additional semester. There is no limit on the number of extensions.
3. Classroom Animals

   Animals may be present in a classroom for up to one semester (there is no limit on the number of extensions) when their presence supports instructional purposes and/or the social emotional development of students. In these situations, students may experience daily, direct contact with the animal.

   Procedures for Classroom Animals

   1. Before bringing an animal into the school or a classroom, staff must provide the principal the following:
      • Information about how the animal will support the academic program or the social emotional development of students.
      • The letter that will be sent to parents/guardians of students who will be exposed to the animal.
        • All letters must be translated to meet the language needs of non-English speaking parents either in writing or through oral translation.
        • The letter must contain the following:
          • the type and number of animals that will be present,
          • the MMSD academic standards, and/or the social- emotional objectives that the animal's presence will support,
          • the length of time the animal will be present,
          • the animal's location and enclosure,
          • information about any health concerns that could result from the animal's presence,
          • a paragraph that encourages parents to report to the principal any observable symptoms or concerns their child may exhibit in the presence of the animal.
        • Written parent consent must be obtained in response to the letter.
          • If a parent requests that modifications be made for a student who, for example, has allergies or is afraid of animals, the teacher may develop an alternative plan for each such student that does not interfere with or adversely affect the education of the child. (The plan shall also be approved by the parent and principal). Animals will be removed from the classroom and/or the school when the health and safety of the child cannot be achieved.
      • Information that documents the animal is healthy and appropriate for classroom use shall be made available for parent/guardian review. Such documentation shall include:
        • A signed statement of health from an organization (e.g., the Humane Society) or veterinarian that ensures that the animal is free of external and internal parasites or disease, and has proof of current, necessary vaccinations, and
        • Verification that the animal's temperament is conducive to being around children.
   2. Staff bringing the animal to school must also:
      • Provide instruction for students in the proper care and handling of the animal.
        • Students may only care for or handle animals under the supervision of a staff member.
        • Instruction should include a plan of action should a student, staff member, or animal be in danger.
        • Instruction should include a plan of action to ensure that animals are not abused, mistreated or neglected.
      • Identify the area in which the animal will be housed.
        • Free roaming animals are not permitted in the classroom or on the school premises.
      • Provide an appropriate plan and be responsible for cleaning the area in which the animal is housed, as well as the proper disposal of animal waste.
        • Students shall not be allowed to handle or clean up any form of animal waste (feces, urine, blood, soiled bedding, etc.). When staff are disposing of animal waste and/or cleaning up, the following procedures must be followed:
          • Dispose animal wastes where children cannot come into contact with it, such as in a plastic bag or a container with a well fitted lid or via the sewage system for feces.
          • Wear disposable gloves and wash hands after glove removal.
          • Clean cages, surfaces, and sinks using disinfecting guidelines.
      • Ensure that animals are not allowed in the vicinity of sinks where children wash their hands, in any area where food is prepared, or stored, or in areas used for storage of food utensils or dishes.
   3. Because of the potential risk for salmonella infection, the following additional procedures should be used for reptiles and amphibians:
      • Reptiles and amphibians are not appropriate for classrooms with children under age five or in classrooms with students whose immune systems are compromised.
      • Reptiles should never be allowed to roam freely outside of their cage or enclosure. If they are removed for a limited period, any hard surface touched by the reptile must be cleaned and disinfected using a 10% bleach solution and water prior to allowing students in the area.
      • After any direct contact with reptiles, amphibians, or their enclosures, students must immediately wash hands with warm soapy water for at least 15 seconds or use antibacterial hand sanitizer with 60% - 70% alcohol content.
      • Reptiles must never be near sinks or counters that may be used for food preparation.
   4. The staff member bringing the animal into the school must obtain the written approval of the principal or principal designee.
      • Before granting permission, the principal shall be satisfied that all requirements listed above have been met.
      • Once granted, this approval may be rescinded or revoked by the principal if the policies and procedures are not followed.
      • Written approval is valid for a maximum of one semester, at which time the teacher may re-submit the request for an extension of up to one semester. There is no limit on the number of extensions.
4. Animals Excluded from School or Classroom Use by the Policy
   • Because poisonous, venomous animals are dangerous if mishandled, they are not appropriate in school settings and are not permitted on school premises under this policy.
   • A family pet is prohibited on school premises unless the family pet meets the requirements set forth in this policy and procedures.
5. Animals Exempt From Compliance with the Policy

   The following animals are exempt from compliance with this policy:

   • Trained and certified (service) animals which support individual students and/or adults with disabilities.
     • Neither the permission of the principal, principal designee, nor any other provision in this policy or procedure shall be used to limit the right of a person with disabilities to be on school premises with his/her specially trained and certified service animal as provided by section 174.056 of Wisconsin State Statute.
   • Animals from the Science Materials Center used in grades K-8 science curriculum.
     • MMSD K-8 Science Scope and Sequence incorporates the use of a variety of animals in the science curriculum. These animals directly support the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards in Science.
     • All animals that are used in the K-8 Science Scope and Sequence are distributed through the Science Materials Center with specific documentation describing appropriate care, feeding, handling and health issues for each organism.
   • Invertebrates for specific use with the grades 9 - 12 science curriculum.
     • Any live non-poisonous and non-venomous invertebrates and fish may be used in the high school biological sciences program under the supervision of a certified biology instructor for the purpose of meeting the life science standards as described in the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards.
     • The use of animals in the high school biological sciences program must meet the standards approved by the National Science Teacher's Association, the National Biology Teacher's Association and the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research.
     • Under these conditions, District employees do not have to obtain the approval of the principal or follow the procedures set forth herein.
       • Preserved specimens for dissection are excluded.

Additional Requirements

1. Transportation
   • Animals may not be transported to and/or from school on yellow school buses or via any other transportation provided by the School District.
2. Communication
   • The principal will inform parents, staff and the PTO about the policy and include it in the parent handbook, yearly.
3. Conditions Requiring Animals To Be Immediately Removed From School Premises
   1. If a student or staff member has an allergic reaction or other health problem because of the presence of an animal, the animal must be immediately removed from the classroom/work space of the affected individual, and removed from the school grounds until the situation is resolved.
   2. If an animal is aggressive, the animal must be immediately isolated and removed from the school grounds by the District.
   3. If a student, staff member or anyone else on school premises is injured by an animal:
      • the animal shall be isolated immediately,
      • an Injury Report will be completed and submitted to the principal if the injury requires treatment outside the classroom,
      • appropriate medical care shall be provided to the person who has been injured, and
      • the principal or designee shall notify the owner of the animal of the injury, and request that the animal be removed from the school grounds until the situation is resolved.
   4. If an animal consistently has a powerful unpleasant odor that cannot be resolved, the animal will be removed.
   5. If an animal disrupts the classroom learning environment (e.g., shrieking of a bird), the animal will be removed.
   6. If an animal exhibits any signs of illness and/or distress, the animal will be immediately isolated and removed from the school grounds.
   7. If there is an outstanding air quality complaint that has been filed under the District's indoor air quality procedure, no animals, except service dogs as provided by section 174.056 of the Wisconsin State Statute, shall be present on school premises.

   If problems are resolved through modifications or adaptations in how the animal is managed, the animal may be returned to the classroom with the written consent of the principal or principal designee.

4. No Animal Training by School Employees

   Training animals while in pay status as an employee of the District is prohibited per Board Policy 9000 and Board Policy 8381. This provision shall not be construed to restrict an employee from training an animal while such employee is not working for the District.

5. Appeal Process

   Teachers may appeal the decision of the principal to allow an animal to be present in the school with the appropriate Assistant Superintendent. The appeal must be in writing and filed within ten days of the denial.

8/7/06

Last Updated: Wed Nov 14 08:07:26 2007
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