ING: Animals and Plants in the School

Prior Approval

Animals or plants may be brought to school for instructional purposes only after obtaining prior approval of the principal. Principals will follow the Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, specifically Appendix "Guidelines for Exhibition of Animals in School and Childcare Settings' and other applicable State laws, regulations, and guidelines in making the decision to approve specific animal or plans into schools.

Prohibited Animals and Plants

Baby chicks and ducks are specifically prohibited in schools because of the high risk of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis from these animals. However, fertilized chicken eggs provided under the Shawnee County K-State Research and Extension Office School Enrichment Program are allowable so long as newly hatched chicks are promptly removed from the classroom as directed by the program. Animals with venom that is harmful to humans and toxic plants are prohibited on school property.

Environment for Animals Housed in Schools

All animals housed in schools will be provided an appropriate environment and a proper diet. A proper plan for the continued care of these animals during the days that school is not in session must be in place.

Injury from Contact

Humans that come in contact with animals or plants shall be instructed about proper handling and hand washing procedures. If someone is injured by an animal or by contact with a plant, the incident shall be immediately reported to the principal by the supervising teacher. The principal shall ensure that an accident report is forwarded to the superintendent. A proper plan for the protection of students who my have allergies to the animal must be in place.

With the prior approval of the principal, animals or plants may be brought to school for instructional purposes.

If someone is injured by an animal or comes into contact with a toxic plant, the incident shall be immediately reported to the administration by the supervising teacher. The principal shall notify the appropriate persons.

Service Animals in the Schools

Service animals are permitted in the schools and on school property in accordance with federal law. In order for the district to accommodate the health and safety of our students and staff while maintaining our educational services, programs, and activities, employees and students are encouraged to notify their building administrator prior to bringing a service animal to school for the first time. Patrons or individuals attending functions or having short term business on school property are not required to provide advance notice to school staff in order to be accompanied by a service animal on school property.

Access to school buildings will not be denied to a service animal as long as the animal is individually trained and required to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Such work or tasks must be directly related to the individual's disability. District staff shall not be responsible to provide care or control of a service animal, and any service animal which is out of control or is not housebroken may be excluded by district staff.

For the purpose of this policy, "service animals" is not deemed to include animals provided by the school for instructional purposes or for therapy or comfort animals.