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www.driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | Vol. 6 Issue 40
october breast cancer awareness month
Keeping kids in classroom is goal for new absenteeism laws BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER The Decorah Community School District is taking steps to adjust its attendance policies in response to a recent change in state law. “Attendance is a shared responsibility among students, parents and the school, and any absence can disrupt learning,” Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin and assistant Winneshiek County Attorney Charles W. Crain said in a joint letter, which was recently sent to district families. “Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s success and ensures they receive the full benefit of our educational program. It also prepares students for success in the future.” The new law — Senate File 2435 — was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in early May after passing through both the Iowa House and Senate
on April 18 — with lawmakers voting 32-13 in the Senate and 52-43 in the House. The Decorah School Board met in special session Sept. 18 to conduct the first reading of new board policies regarding compulsory attendance, chronic absenteeism and truancy. Cronin said chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing specific tiers and thresholds. School officials noted there is now no distinction between excused and unexcused absences under the new law. “While Decorah Community Schools can view family trips and vacations as excused absences locally, Iowa law requires these days to be counted toward chronic absenteeism calculations,” the district’s letter to families said. The new state law requires districts to identify students who have missed 10 percent of a given grading period. If a
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student reaches that 10 percent mark, the district is then required to report the absences to the Winneshiek County Attorney’s office, and families are to be notified of the issue via certified mail. Should a student reach the 15 percent threshold, the district must create an action plan to prevent further absences and meet with the student and family on a regular basis. “This meeting will involve the student, parents or guardians and school officials, where we will collaborate to address the reasons for the absences and create actionable steps to improve attendance,” the district told families. “Should the student and their parent or guardian not attend the meeting, fail to agree to a plan or violate its terms, the school will notify the county attorney.” The new state law says the county attorney may then initiative a proceeding to resolve the issue — failure to participate in the meetings or violation of an agreed upon plan could be considered a misdemeanor offense, according to state law cited in the new bill, but a court would have the option to require the individual to perform unpaid community service in lieu of a fine or jail time. Once a student misses 20 percent of school in a grading period, they are considered truant by law, again requiring a notice to the county attorney and additional certified letters be mailed to parents. “These new policies are intended to keep students engaged and supported in their education while addressing absenteeism early,” the district said in its letter to families. “We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to your child’s education.” Decorah School Board President Cindy Goodner expressed concern during last week’s special session as to whether the new legislation will require additional staffing and cause added expense. Cronin indicated other districts have expressed similar concerns over the costs associated with staff potentially preparing and sending the certified letters. “It’s going to be more work,” Cronin said. “More time and more meetings.” The superintendent said he has met with representatives of the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office regarding the new regulations, and Cronin expects school staff could also potentially use Powerschool software tools to help generate e-mail alerts for parents if students cross the thresholds defined in the new state law The Decorah School Board must still hold additional readings of the proposed changes to its attendance policy before they become official — state law allows additional readings to be waived in some instances, but the school board chose not to exercise that ability at this time. Original article published in full in the September 26 Decorah Leader newspaper.
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strategies that can lower breast cancer risk
Breast cancer affects millions of individuals each year. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women across the globe, affecting roughly 2.3 million women each year. Despite the global prevalence of breast cancer, various organizations report high fiveyear survival rates, particularly among women whose cancers are detected in the earliest stages of the disease. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal BMJ found that the risk for dying from breast cancer in the five years after an early-stage diagnosis fell to 5 percent in recent years, a notable improvement from the 14 percent risk of death that was reported in the 1990s. Increased survival rates for breast cancer are welcome news for women and their families. The higher survival rates are a byproduct of the tireless efforts of cancer researchers, who also have discovered links between the disease and certain lifestyle factors. Though there’s no way to eliminate one’s risk for breast cancer entirely, the American Cancer Society notes certain variables are within women’s control. With that in mind, women can consider these three strategies that can lead to improved overall health and might help women lower their risk for breast cancer as well.
1
REACH AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight include a lower risk for heart disease and stroke, and women should know that weight and breast cancer risk are linked as well. According to the ACS, increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. That’s particularly so among postmenopausal women. A 2023 study published in the journal BMC Women’s Health found that the chances of developing
(File photo)
Maintaining a commitment to a physically active lifestyle throughout life can help women lower their risk for breast cancer. breast among women
cancer increase post-menopausal who are obese.
2
AVOID A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE. Exercise is one of the ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, so it makes sense that being physically active can reduce breast cancer risk. The National
Cancer Institute reports that a 2016 meta-analysis of 38 cohort studies found that the most physically active women had between a 12 and 21 percent lower risk for breast cancer than women who were the
Strategies continued on page 3
Early detection saves lives
OCTOBER
Breast Cancer Awareness month
In loving memory of Maureen “Mags” Yahr EARLY DETECTION
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast selfexams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY BODY!
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