Motto…………………………………………………………… 03
Introduction……………………………………………………. 03
Board of Education……………………………………………. 03
General Information
Academic Dishonesty………………………………………….. 04
Animals on School Grounds…………………………………… 04
Announcements………………………………………………… 04
Automated
External Defibrillator (
Beginning of School Day……………………………………… 04
Book Bags………………………………………………………. 04
Care of Books/Equipment………………………………………. 04
Chain of Command……………………………………………... 04
Closed Campus…………………………………………………. 04
Dances………………………………………………………….. 04
Electronic Communicator Devices on School Property……….. 05
End of School Day……………………………………………... 05
Family Access…………………………………………………... 05
Field Trips……………………………………………………… 05
Inappropriate Display of Affection…………………………….. 06
Internet Acceptable Use………………………………………… 06
Invitations & Gifts……………………………………………… 07
Locker Policy………………………………………………….. 07
Non-School Sponsored Publications/Websites………………… 07
Passes…………………………………………………………... 08
Safety Drill Procedures & Conduct……………………………. 08
School Breakfast & Lunch Program………………………….. 08
Search and Seizure…………………………………………….. 08
Signing Out to
Student Records……………………………………………….. 09
Use of Electronic Study Aides………………………………… 09
Video & Audio Monitoring Systems………………………….. 09
Visitors………………………………………………………… 10
Waiver of Student Fees, Fines, and Charges…………………. 10
Attendance Information
Attendance……………………………………………………. 10
Student Absences…………………………………………….. 11
Tardy Regulations……………………………………………. 12
Truancy………………………………………………………. 12
Academic Information
Bell Schedule…………………………………………………. 12
Conferences…………………………………………………... 12
Grade Point Average…………………………………………. 12
Grading & Promotion………………………………………… 12
Grading Scale………………………………………………… 13
Home & Hospital Instruction………………………………… 13
Homework……………………………………………………. 13
Honor Roll…………………………………………………….. 13
Make-up Work………………………………………………… 13
Progress Reports………………………………………………. 13
Semester Exams……………………………………………….. 13
Disciplinary Information
General Building Conduct………………………………………. 13
Philosophy of Discipline ……………………………………….. 14
Student Responsibility/Rights………………………………….. 14
Teacher Responsibility/Rights………………………………… 14
Parent Responsibility/Rights…………………………………… 15
Acts of Misconduct……………………………………………. 15
Daily Work and Homework…………………………………… 20
Student Discipline…………………………………………….. 20
Corporal Punishment………………………………………….. 21
Detentions…………………………………………………….. 21
Ejection from Class or Study hall…………………………….. 22
Firearms, Knives, Brass Knuckles & Other Objects…………. 22
Gang & Gang Activity……………………………………….. 22
Bullying, Intimidation & Harassment………………………… 22
Lunch & Cafeteria Rules……………………………………… 23
Search & Seizure…………………………………………….. 23
School Property and Equipment………………………………… 23
Student Attire During the School Day………………………… 24
Physical Education “No Dress” Policy……………………….. 24
Lockers and Other School Property…………………………... 24
Repeated Failure to Prepare For Class……………………….. 25
Behavioral Interventions for Students With Disabilities…….. 25
Medical Information
Communicable Diseases…………………………………….. 25
Emergency Contact Forms………………………………….. 25
Head Lice…………………………………………………… 25
Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations……… 25
Transportation Information
Bus Regulations……………………………………………. 27
Bus Transportation………………………………………… 27
Evacuation Drills………………………………………….. 28
Video Surveillance………………………………………… 28
Parent Rights, Notifications, and Services
School Counselor………………………………………….. 28
Education of Children w/Disabilities……………………… 28
Discipline of Students w/Disabilities……………………... 28
Accommodating Individuals w/Disabilities………………. 28
Student Privacy Protections………………………………. 28
Student Records………………………………………….. 29
Student Biometric Information…………………………… 29
Requests from Military or Institutions of Higher Learning… 29
Teacher Qualifications…………………………………….. 30
Sex Offender & Violent Offender Community Notification Law 30
Standardized Testing………………………………………. 30
Homeless Child's Right to Education……………………… 30
Sex Education Instruction…………………………………. 31
Parent Involvement………………………………………... 31
School Visitation Rights………………………………….. 31
Pesticide Application Notice…………………………….. 31
Mandated Reporters (DCFS)…………………………….. 31
Equal Opportunity Statement…………………………….. 31
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act…………… 32
Public Notice (SASED)……………………………….. 32
Social Services………………………………………… 33
References…………………………………………….. 33
Extra-curricular Information
Athletic Code………………………………………….. 34
Distribution of Steroids and Performance Enhancing Drugs 36
NORTH
Middle School Handbook 2011-2012
Marlene Brady, Superintendent
217-627-2915
Ron Graham, Assistant
Superintendent
217-627-2915
Patrick Bowman, Principal
Grades 6-8
217-627-2136
|
Motto |
Educate – Inspire – Transform
This handbook is provided to the students and their families
to acquaint them with the rules, regulations, procedures and other relevant
information necessary for the orderly functioning of the school. It has been structured to help promote
student progress as well as an interest of modeling appropriate school
government. In addition, this handbook
provides for the psychological and physical safety of the students through
appropriate rules and regulations. The
policies and procedures in this handbook are summaries of Board of Education
policies and regulations which are available for review in the
When breaches of school disciplinary rules and regulations occur, it is the responsibility of involved teachers and administrators to work with the student, his/her parents, and other support personnel to help the student correct his/her behavior. All disciplinary actions shall be directed toward protecting the welfare of the school community as well as helping the student develop self-discipline. When determining the response for a specific breach of discipline, school personnel will consider the nature of the act, the student’s previous history, his/her age and maturation, any mitigating circumstances, and the effect of his/her actions on the welfare of the school community. Disciplinary responses may include but are not limited to the actions described in this handbook.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Steve Furman, President Charles Handy, Treasurer
Farley Cole, Vice-President Robyn Hays, Secretary
Jim Matuska Scott Etter
Mark Sloman
GENERAL INFORMATION
Academic Dishonesty: The
Animals on school grounds: In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property, except in the case of a service animal accompanying a student or other individual with a documented disability. This rule may be temporarily waived by the building principals in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.
Announcements: Announcements will be made daily. All announcements must have the signature of the sponsor or instructor and must be submitted to the school office by the beginning of the school day.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Automated external defibrillators are located within the school building.
Beginning of School Day: Unless the weather is bad and/or students have been given permission by the administration to enter the building and go to the designated area, students are not to be in the building prior to the first bell. On days when they can enter the building, students cannot go to their lockers before going to the designated area, nor should they be in the halls or any classroom unless they are talking with a teacher who is present. A student in an unsupervised or unauthorized area before or after school will face disciplinary action.
Book Bags: Students shall not carry book bags or purses
in the building during the school day except upon arrival and/or departure from
school.
Care of
books/equipment: Students are
expected to take reasonable care of their books and other equipment and
materials. Students will be responsible
for all damages such as repair or replacement.
Failure to make arrangements for fulfilling this responsibility will
result in action being taken by the
Chain of Command: If a parent/guardian has a concern, the proper chain of command will be used. School personnel should be contacted in this order:
·
Teacher/Coach/Supervisor
·
Principal
·
Superintendent
·
Board Member
When you make a call with your concern, you will be asked if you
followed the chain of command.
Closed Campus: Students
may not leave school grounds once on school property without permission of the
principal. The
Violations of the Closed Campus Policy will result in the following disciplinary steps:
· First offense – the student will receive three (3) days out of school suspension.
· Second offense – the student will receive five (5) days out of school suspension
· Third offense – the student will receive ten (10) days out of school suspension or
be recommended for expulsion.
Dances: All dances will be under the supervision of the school administration and the organizational sponsors. Other persons may chaperone at the sponsors’ request, provided that they are listed on the school’s volunteer list.
All students who attend the dances will remain in the building until the end of the dance. Any student who leaves the building without specific permission to do so will not be permitted to re-enter.
Only
School dress codes will apply to all dances with exceptions to be prior approved by the administration or sponsors.
Dances are a
privilege for students. Students must
abide by all school policies during dances.
Failure to abide by school rules during a dance may subject the student
to discipline.
Electronic Communicator Devices on School Property:
Any unapproved use of a cell phone or electronic device, which includes calling, texting, playing games, or receiving messages on an electronic device, during school hours (8:00a.m.-3:00p.m.) will be subject to the following penalties:
· First violation – electronic device will be taken away from the student, turned in to the office, a verbal warning issued, and returned to the student at the end of the school day by the classroom teacher.
· Second and subsequent violations – electronic device will be taken away and delivered to the school office. An office detention will be issued and the parent/guardian must pick up the device from the office. Repeated violations may result in suspension from school.
Parents/Guardians will also be notified by
Skylert School Messenger if they have a current telephone number on file.
For your child’s safety, make certain your child knows ahead of time where to go in case of an early dismissal. If we dismiss early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically cancelled.
End of School Day: Students shall leave the building within ten (10) minutes after their school day ends unless they are involved in an activity under the supervision of a staff member, attending a detention, or in the office.
Family Access: Family Access provides the ability to view grades, discipline, lunch accounts, and attendance via the Internet. Family Access is available through our website, www.northmacschools.org). Grades will not be available during semester exams. Also, family access is not available during the summer months.
Please contact the appropriate office if you have any questions.
Field
Trips: Field trips are a privilege
for students. Students must abide by all
school policies during transportation and during field-trip activities, and
shall treat all field trip locations as though they are school grounds. Failure to abide by school rules and/or
location rules during a field trip may subject the student to discipline.
All students who wish to attend a field trip must receive written permission from a parent or guardian with authority to give permission. Students may be prohibited from attending field trips for any of the following reasons:
· Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher;
· Failure to complete appropriate coursework;
· Behavioral or safety concerns;
· Denial of permission from administration;
· Other reasons as determined by the school.
To earn the privilege of attending the eighth grade promotion field trip, students must meet the following criteria:
· Must not have had more than one in-school suspension per semester
· Must not have had any out-of-school suspensions during the school year
· Must not have had more than ten detentions during the school year
· Must be passing four of the five core subjects
· Must not have had more than twenty excused or unexcused absences. Any absence over this amount must be excused by a doctor.
Inappropriate Display of Affection: This type of
activity will not be allowed at school or at school functions and may result in
disciplinary action.
Internet Acceptable Use: All use of electronic network use must be consistent with the school’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These rules do not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these rules will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.
Unacceptable Use - The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:
·
Using the network
for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts,
or transmitting any material in violation of any State or Federal law;
·
Unauthorized
downloading of software;
·
Downloading
copyrighted material for other than personal use;
·
Using the network
for private financial or commercial gain;
·
Wastefully using
resources, such as file space;
·
Hacking or
gaining unauthorized access to files, resources, or entities;
·
Invading the
privacy of individuals, that includes the unauthorized disclosure,
dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature
including a photograph;
·
Using another
user’s account or password;
·
Posting material
authored or created by another without his/her consent;
·
Posting anonymous
messages;
·
Using the network
for commercial or private advertising;
·
Accessing,
submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate,
abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive,
harassing, or illegal material; and
·
Using the network
while access privileges are suspended or revoked.
Network Etiquette - The user is expected to abide by
the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the
following:
·
Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.
·
Use appropriate
language. Do not swear, use vulgarities
or any other inappropriate language.
·
Do not reveal
personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students
or colleagues.
·
Recognize that
electronic mail (e-mail) is not private.
People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal
activities may be reported to the authorities.
·
Do not use the
network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
·
Consider all
communications and information accessible via the network to be private
property.
No Warranties - The school
and district make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for
the service it is providing. The school
and district are not responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from
delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by
its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the
Internet is at the user’s own risk. The
school and district specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or
quality of information obtained through its services.
Indemnification - The user
agrees to indemnify the school and district for any losses, costs, or damages,
including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the school or district relating
to, or arising out of, any violation of these procedures.
Security - Network security
is a high priority. If the user can
identify a security problem on the Internet, the user must notify the system
administrator or building principal.
Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual’s account
without written permission from that individual. Any user identified as a
security risk may be denied access to the network.
Vandalism - Vandalism will
result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt
to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other
network. This includes, but is not
limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Copyright Web Publishing
Rules - Copyright law prohibits the republishing of text or graphics found on
the Web without explicit written permission.
·
For each
re-publication (on a Web site or file server) of a graphic or a text file that
was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page
crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was
granted. If possible, the notice should
also include the Web address of the original source.
·
Students engaged
in producing Web pages must provide library media specialists with e-mail or
hard copy permissions before the Web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of “public
domain” documents must be provided.
·
The absence of a
copyright notice may not be interpreted as permission to copy the
materials. Only the copyright owner may
provide the permission. The manager of
the Web site displaying the material may not be considered a source of
permission.
·
The “fair use”
rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit
limited use of graphics and text.
·
Student work may only
be published if there is written permission from both the parent/guardian and
student.
Use of Electronic Mail – The E-mail system is owned
and controlled by the school and district.
E-mail may be provided to aid students in fulfilling their duties and
responsibilities, and as an educational tool.
Invitations & Gifts: Party invitations or gifts for classmates should not be brought to school to be distributed. The office is unable to release addresses and phone numbers of students. Flowers and balloons are not to be sent to the school. These items may cause a distraction to the educational process.
Locker Policy: The school district provides a number of lockers and locks for student use. While the district may permit a student to use a locker and may assign a locker to a student, the locker remains the property of the school district.
Every student is assigned a locker for his or her own use only. It is strongly recommended that all lockers be locked because there is no school insurance to cover stolen items. The board of education, to preserve its property and to ensure the security, cleanliness, and physical integrity of the locker and the safety and well-being of the students and faculty, reserves the right to inspect, through its agents, any or all of the lockers. All inspections of the lockers shall be made in the presence of one or more members of the administration.
Students should not keep opened food or drink in their lockers.
Non-School Sponsored Publications/Websites: Students are prohibited from accessing and/or
distributing at school any pictures, written material, or electronic material,
including material from the Internet or from a blog that:
·
Will cause
substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of
the school or school activities;
·
Violates the
rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous,
invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
·
Is socially
inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including
but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd
and vulgar, or contains indecent and vulgar language;
·
Is primarily
intended for the immediate solicitation of funds; or
·
Is distributed in
kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students,
unless it is being used for school purposes. Nothing herein shall be
interpreted to prevent the inclusion of material from outside sources or the
citation to such sources as long as the material to be distributed or accessed
is primarily prepared by students.
**The distribution of non-school-sponsored written
material must occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause
disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or
the material is endorsed by the school district.
Passes: A student must
pick up a pass for a conference with an instructor or to participate in
extra-curricular activities before school. Except for passes to the library,
passes must be issued by the teacher who will be directly responsible for the
student and will be actually present during the period in which the pass will
be issued.
No permanent passes will be
issued. Passes will be issued only to
students assigned to a study hall and not to a class. A student late to study hall with a pass from
another teacher to leave study hall, but without a pass into study hall, will
receive one or more detentions from the study hall teacher for being late to
study hall. (This does not apply to a
“late pass” issued by a teacher who must detain a student a few minutes into
the next period.)
A student will be
considered tardy for going to the office or the nurse between classes without
receiving prior permission from their next hour teacher.
Safety Drill Procedures & Conduct: Safety drills will occur at times established
by the school board. Students are
required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials
during emergency drills. There will be a
minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather
(shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement drill, and a
minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of
the administration. Drills will not be
preceded by a warning to the students.
Students and staff are to evacuate the building in an orderly fashion, as quickly and quietly as possible, following the evacuation plans posted in each classroom.
School Breakfast & Lunch Program: Breakfast is served every school day from 7:30
a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Lunch is served every
school day from 12:07 a.m. to 12:37 p.m. for sixth grade and 12:37 p.m. to 1:07
p.m. for seventh and eighth grades except when there is an 11:15 a.m. or
earlier dismissal.
A student may purchase breakfast for $1.50. Students may bring a sack lunch from home or may purchase a school lunch for $2.25. Milk cost is $.35. Free or reduced price meals are available for qualifying students. Contact the building office for an application.
All food purchased from the
district cafeteria will not be allowed out of the cafeteria. Breakfast and
lunch will need to be eaten during the allotted time frame.
Students will access their accounts using a Bio-metric scan
school program.
Search and Seizure: To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. “School authorities” include school liaison police officers.
Signing Out to
Student Records: Student records are classified as permanent or temporary. These records are maintained, transferred, and reviewed in accordance with the Illinois School Student Records Act (Illinois Revised Statutes, 1985, Ch. 22, 50-1, et. seq.) and its implementing regulations. A complete copy of these regulations is maintained in the Superintendent’s office.
Permanent records shall consist of basic identifying information, academic transcripts, grades, grade level achieved, attendance record, accident reports, health records, as well as a record of releases of this information. Permanent records may also include honors and awards achieved and information concerning in-school-sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations.
Temporary records shall include information pertaining to release of temporary records, scores received on state assessment tests administered in the elementary grade levels, and information regarding serious infractions involving drugs, weapons, or bodily harm to another that resulted in expulsion, suspension, or the imposition of punishment or sanction. Temporary records may include family background information, intelligence, and aptitude scores, and achievement test results including scores on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, psychological evaluations, participation in extra-curricular activities, honors and awards, as well as teacher anecdotal records, other disciplinary information, special education files, and any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies or organizations, other verified information of clear relevance to the student’s education.
If a parent/guardian wishes to review their child’s records, they must contact the Principal. An appointment should be made for the review. Those persons eligible to review a student’s record include natural parents with legal custody, an adoptive parent with legal custody, or the student. These rights and privileges become exclusively those of the student when the student is legally emancipated. If, upon reviewing the records, parents or students who are eighteen years of age or older wish to have portions of the record expunged, removed, altered, or added to in any way, requests should be made to the principal. If agreement cannot be reached with the person having custody of the record, an appeal to the superintendent is in order.
Copies may be made of any portion or all of the permanent or temporary record. This may be done on school equipment. The charge will be the actual cost of copying the material, not to exceed 35 cents per sheet. At no time may records be taken from the school.
Student Directory Information (SDI) for special needs students contains data such as general types of services provided and dates of service and may be released by the school to the Department of Public Aid for Medicaid eligible students. Parents may request that such information not be released.
Transfer/Withdrawal: If a student
is withdrawing or transferring to another district, a parent must contact the
office so the required forms can be completed.
Students transferring to North Mac CUSD #34 from another district in the
state must present a completed copy of the State Board of Education’s Student
Transfer Form from the previous district.
All transfer students must provide evidence of proper grade placement
from the previous district and proof of residency in the North Mac school
district before they will be allowed to enroll.
Complete information regarding student residency is available in the
Superintendent’s office. Students
transferring from an out of state district must also receive a physical
examination by an
Use of Electronic Study Aides: Electronic study aids may be used during the school day if use of the device is provided in the student’s IEP or permission is received from the student’s teacher. Examples of electronic devices that are to be used as study aids include tape recorders, palm pilots, laptop computers, and ipads. Examples of electronic devices that are not to be used as study aids include hand-held electronic games (e.g., Game Boy), CD players, MP3 players, AM/FM radios. The school district is not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device brought to school.
Video & Audio Monitoring Systems: A video and/or audio monitoring system is in
use on school busses and a video monitoring system is in use in public areas of
the school building. These systems have
been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors and school
property. If a discipline problem is
captured on audiotape or videotape, these recordings may be used as the basis
for imposing student discipline. If
criminal actions are recorded, a copy of the tape may be provided to law
enforcement personnel.
Visitors: All
visitors, including parents and siblings, must enter through the front door of
the building and proceed immediately to the main office. Visitors should
identify themselves and inform office personnel of their reason for being at
school.
Visitors must sign in, identifying their name, the date and time of arrival, and the classroom or location they are visiting. Approved visitors must take a tag identifying themselves as a guest and place the tag to their outer clothing in a clearly visible location. Visitors are required to proceed immediately to their location in a quiet manner. All visitors must return to the main office and sign out before leaving the school.
Visitors are expected to abide by all school rules during their time on school property. A visitor who fails to conduct him or herself in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespass and/or disruptive behavior.
Any items or messages that need to be given to a student or staff member will be delivered by office personnel. Classroom disruptions are to be kept to a minimum; therefore, visitors are not to go directly to those areas without permission from office personnel. Students from other schools are not allowed to visit unless permission has been received from the Principal. No visits will be granted before or after a holiday or during semester exams.
Waiver of Student Fees, Fines, and Charges: The school establishes fees and charges to
fund certain school activities. Some
students may be unable to pay these fees.
Students will not be denied educational services or academic credit due
to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges.
Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive
a fee waiver. A fee waiver does not
exempt a student from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials,
supplies, and/or equipment.
Applications for fee waivers may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee. A student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met:
· The student currently lives in a household that meets the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the National School Lunch Act; or
· The student or the student’s family is currently receiving aid under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Aid to Families of Dependent Children).
The building principal will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present:
· An illness in the family;
· Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.;
· Seasonal employment;
· Emergency situations; or
· When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Attendance:
There are certain exceptions to the attendance requirement for children who attend private school, are physical or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), have a religious reason requiring absence, or are 16 or older and employed and enrolled in a graduation incentive program.
Students must be present at least 150 minutes per day (4 periods) to count for one/half day attendance and at least 300 minutes per day (8 periods) for a full day attendance, not including the passing times between classes or the lunch period time.
Student Absences: Excused absences include, but are not limited to:
· Illness (not allowed to participate in activities or athletic practices)
· Doctor/dental appointments (with a medical slip from the physician)
· Observance of a religious holiday/instruction
· Death in the immediate family
· Family emergency
· Situations beyond the control of the student
· Circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student's safety or health
· College visitation/job shadowing (pre-arranged with the Guidance Counselor and have a signed statement from the college or job supervisor verifying the visit) There is a limited number of days for both of these unless approved by the Guidance Counselor/Principal.
· Family trips (must be accompanied by the parent/guardian and give 24 hour notification) for these days. These days are included in the ten day per semester limit.
· Pre-arranged absences as approved by the Principal.
· Court (a letter from the court official is required)
· Out of school suspension
Illnesses of longer than three consecutive days or beyond the ten day semester limit must have a doctor's note to be excused. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in an unexcused absence.
Parents are responsible for contacting the Principal if their student has a chronic illness or one that forces the student to be absent for an extended period of time. Homebound instruction will be arranged if needed. A medical excuse from a doctor is required.
In the event of any absence, the student's parent/guardian
is required to call the school before
An unexcused absence indicates that the student is absent from school WITH OR WITHOUT consent of the parent/guardian, but for a reason which is not acceptable to the school. Students who are unexcused during the day are not allowed to attend school activities or participate in athletic practices on that day/evening.
Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
· Truancy
· Cutting classes or leaving any classroom, media center, or lunch room without the permission of the teacher/supervisor/Principal. Penalties for class cutting follow a three incidence procedure:
1. First violation – Principal's discretion
2. Second violation - one-half or full day in-school suspension
3. Third or more violations - out-of-school suspension
· Babysitting
· Hair or other voluntary appointments
· Visiting friends
· Working
· Shopping or other non-school related activities
· Leaving school without prior clearance from the office
· Oversleeping, missing the school bus, car trouble
· Appointments for anyone other than the student
· Other situations at the discretion of the principal
Students receiving an unexcused absence will be advised of the work they missed, but will earn zero points for the day. A student will have two days to clear up an unexcused absence. Parents/guardians may appeal any denial of academic credit pursuant to these regulations to the Principal who may consider and determine whether circumstances exist to justify a waiver of these rules as applied to a student. The principal's decision may be appealed to the superintendent whose decision shall be considered final.
Tardy Regulations: Students are considered tardy if they are not in the classroom when the tone sounds at 8:00 a.m. These students must receive an admission slip to class from the office. Teachers will not allow late students to enter first period class without this slip. Students who are detained by a staff member at any time during the day should get a pass from that staff member. Any student needing more than the three minute passing time between classes should speak with the Principal.
When a student accumulates two tardies in a quarter, the classroom teacher will give them a thirty minute detention to be served with that teacher. The third and continued offenses will be dealt with by the principal.
Truancy: A
parent/guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant may be
convicted of a Class C misdemeanor which carries a maximum penalty of thirty
days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500.
Supportive services and other school resources shall be made available
to students who are chronically truant as defined by Illinois Law.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
|
8:00 a.m. to 8:47 a.m. |
First Period |
|
8:50 a.m. to 9:37 a.m. |
Second Period |
|
9:40 a.m. to 10:27 a.m. |
Third Period |
|
10:30 a.m. to 11:17 a.m. |
Fourth Period |
|
11:20 a.m. to 12:07 p.m. |
Fifth Period |
|
12:07 p.m. to 12:37 p.m. |
6A Lunch/Enrichment |
|
12:37 p.m. to 1:07 p.m. |
6B Lunch/Enrichment Period |
|
1:07 p.m. to 1:23 p.m. |
Advisory Period |
|
1:23 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. |
Seventh Period |
|
2:13 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
Eighth Period |
Conferences: Parents are encouraged to confer with teachers concerning their child’s educational progress. They are requested to call the teacher before making a visit to avoid scheduling conflicts. Parents should confirm their appointments in the office before going to the teacher’s room. Teachers are generally available between 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Arrangements may also be made for other times during the school day.
Times are set aside each school year specifically for parent-teacher conferences. We attempt to talk with most of our parents on these dates. However, we do not limit our conferences to these times. It is our philosophy that the education of each child requires a joint effort by both parents and school personnel.
In order to allow parents/guardians the opportunity to attend school conferences or classroom activities related to their child, the School Visitation Rights Act (“Act”) requires an employer to grant an employee leave of up a total of 8 hours during any school year, and no more than 4 hours of which may be taken on any given day, if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during nonworking hours. However, no leave may be taken by an employee of an employer that is subject to the Act unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave and any other leave that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability leave. Please contact the Illinois State Board of Education for more information on parental rights under the School Visitation Rights Act.
Grade Point Average:
The GPA is determined by assigning the following values to grades: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F =
0. The total points are divided by the
number of credits taken. The GPA is
carried out to 3 decimal places to avoid ties in GPA and class rank.
Grading & Promotion: School report cards are issued to students on
a quarterly basis. For questions
regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher or log into our Skyward
Program to view your child(s) grades. All
students must have a 60% average for the year in 4 out of 5 core subject areas
in order to be promoted to the next grade.
For example, if a student received a 55% first semester the student must
receive at least a 65% second semester. A
student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not
related to academic performance.
Grading Scale: Middle school teachers will use the following grading scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
59 or below F
Home & Hospital Instruction: A student who is absent from school for an
extended period of time, or has ongoing intermittent absences because of a
medical condition, may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or
hospital.
A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy will be provided home instruction, correspondence courses, or other courses of instruction before the birth of the child when the student’s physician indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction as well as for up to 3 months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.
Homework: Homework
is used as a way for students to practice what they have learned in the
classroom. The time requirements and the frequency of homework will vary
depending by teacher.
Honor Roll: The
Honor roll is figured each quarter.
Honors are 3.25 to 3.74. For high
honors a student must achieve a 3.75 or better for the quarter.
Make-up Work: If
a student’s absence is excused, he/she will be permitted to make up any missed
work, including homework and tests. The
student will be permitted the same number of days as he/she was absent to turn
in the make-up work. The student is
responsible for obtaining assignments from his/her teachers. Students who are unexcused from school will
not be allowed to make up missed work.
Term papers, projects, etc. are due on the assigned deadline.
Progress Reports: All students are given progress reports at
the mid-term of each grading period.
Grades are also available on the Skyward Family Access at any time.
Semester Exams: A semester grade including an exam is calculated as follows:
45%.............................................1st
or 3rd quarter grade
45%.............................................2nd
or 4th quarter grade
10%.............................................semester
exam
100%...........................................SEMESTER
GRADE
All students are required to take semester exams.
DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
General Building Conduct: Students shall not arrive at school before 7:30
a.m. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. each
day. The following rules shall apply,
and failure to abide by the rules may result in discipline.
North Mac students are prohibited from engaging in behavior that will endanger – or threaten to endanger – the safety of others, that will damage property or that will impede the orderly conduct of the school program. The Code of Conduct applies to all students to and from and during school or while on District #34 property, adjacent property, or engaged in school-sponsored activities.
All provisions of the special education laws, including I.D.E.A., are considered to govern the administration of discipline in District #34. Consequently, students eligible for special education and whose individualized education programs include a behavior management plan may only be subject to discipline pursuant to the provisions of that plan, except as may be required on an emergency basis and as otherwise provided in North Mac Board of Education Policy Handbook.
Below are examples of offenses which are prohibited by the North Mac Schools’ Code of Conduct and the disciplinary actions and procedures used in dealing with those offenses. While the offenses are generally separated into various levels of misconduct, these levels shall serve as mere guides to the disciplining of students. The creation of different levels of misconduct does not prohibit the Board of Education or the Administration from re-categorizing a student’s offense and/or disciplining a student at a higher or lower level of misconduct. The Board of Education and the Administration also retain the discretion to decrease or increase any form of discipline as it deems appropriate on a case by case basis.
Philosophy of Discipline: DISCIPLINE
“Controlled behavior to develop within an individual responsibility for his/her own action in accordance with socially accepted conduct.”
Student Responsibility/Rights: Students Should:
· Obey school rules
· Obey city, state and federal laws
· Respect the rights of fellow students and school personnel
· Avoid abusive written or verbal language, bullying, harassment of any kind, or intimidation
· Dress appropriately and practice habits of personal cleanliness
· Be punctual and attend school regularly
· Bring books and other necessary classroom materials
· Not disrupt the educational process
· Attain the best possible level of academic achievement
· Respect school and community property
· Be responsible for their own actions
· Know reasons and methods of discipline, including suspension and expulsion
Students Have The Right To:
· A meaningful learning experience
· An appropriate and challenging curriculum
· Protection from physical or verbal abuse, bullying, harassment of any kind, or intimidation
· The opportunity to practice decision-making within the democratic process
· Be disciplined in private, if possible
· Be disciplined in a humane and appropriate manner
· A school climate free of violence and disruption
· A written code of conduct
· Knowledge of the reasons for any discipline which may be administered
· Due process to the extent provided by law in matters of disciplinary action
Teacher Responsibility/Rights: Teachers should:
· Develop and enforce a Classroom Management Plan that is approved by the building administration
· Be guided by professional ethics in relationships with others
· Inform parents about academic progress and conduct of students
· Show concern and respect for each student
· Plan and conduct an effective and motivating instructional program
· Manage classroom routines that contribute to instruction, a well-ordered classroom and the development of civic responsibility
· Be sensitive to the behavior of students and alert to changes that require additional assistance for the student
· Know and enforce the rules courteously, consistently and fairly—deal with misconduct quickly, firmly and impartially
· Handle behavior problems according to established practices
· Report undesirable school situations to the principal promptly
· Take advantage of opportunities for academic growth at all levels
Teachers have the right to:
· Require a reasonable standard of orderly behavior in the classroom
· Use reasonable force, if necessary, to protect him/herself, another teacher or student
· Protection against any loss of, damage to, or destruction of personal property as a result of any assault/battery during school activities
· Support and assist in the maintenance of control and discipline in the classroom
· Initiate a conference with all parties involved when a student behavioral problem has not been satisfactorily resolved
· Appeal to a higher administrative level if a disciplinary/behavioral problem has not been satisfactorily resolved
Teachers, other certified employees, and any other person, whether or not certified, providing a related service for or with respect to may use reasonable care as needed to maintain safety for the other students, school personnel or persons or for the purpose of self defense or the defense of property. Teachers shall have the Board’s assistance in any case where a student has assaulted the teacher while the teacher is performing his/her assigned duties. That Board assistance shall consist of:
· Notifying the proper authorities (police or sheriff) once the incident has been
reported to the building principal and superintendent.
· Consultation by the Board’s attorney with the teacher in outlining the teacher’s
legal rights and alternative courses of action.
· Any student(s) committing an assault and/or battery on a teacher shall be
immediately suspended by the administrator in charge in accordance with the Board’s
suspension policy. The administrator shall then present the facts and his/her
recommendations to the superintendent for further action.
Parent Responsibility/Rights: Parents should:
· Assume responsibility for their child’s prompt and regular school attendance
· Instill in the child respect for the law, for lawful authority, for the rights of others, and for private and public property
· Talk with their child about school activities; share with their child and with teachers an active interest in report cards and in school progress
· Safeguard the physical and mental health of their child and be responsible for periodic health examinations as required by law
· Attend individual and group conferences and special school programs
· Plan the time and place for homework assignments; provide necessary supervision
· Cooperate with the school in fulfilling recommendations made and in carrying out disciplinary actions taken in the best interest of their child
Parents have the right to:
· Know that disruptive action of a few will not interfere with the opportunity of the majority for academic and social growth
· Be granted reasonable access to all school records pertaining to their child
· Be given the opportunity to confer with their child’s teacher and/or principal regarding academic placement, progress, and social adjustment
· Share in the activities of school organizations
· Be notified of their child’s violation of school rules and regulations and the disciplinary and due process procedures applicable to such violation
Acts of Misconduct:
Level I Acts of Misconduct are misbehaviors which impede the orderly
operation of the classroom, school and/or bus.
Such misbehaviors can usually be
handled by an individual staff member but sometimes require the intervention of
other school support personnel. At
the Board’s or Administrator’s discretion any of the following misbehaviors may
be deemed to constitute a higher offense.
Level I misbehaviors include the following:
· Creating disturbances in classrooms or on school-controlled grounds or property.
· Confiscated cell phone
· Dishonesty / Lying
· Littering
· Tardiness
· Disrespect for property
· Failure to carry out directions / disobeying
· Sexual Harassment (Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
· Failure to abide by Student Dress Policy
· Bringing prohibited items to school
· Failure to abide by the classroom technology management plan
· Public Display of Affection
· Bullying, harassment of any kind, or intimidation
Disciplinary Procedures: There is immediate intervention by the staff
member who is supervising the student or who observes the misbehavior. If the violation occurs in the classroom
setting, the teacher invokes the Classroom Management Plan as approved by the
building principal. Repeated misbehavior
may require a parent / teacher conference or a parent conference with guidance
personnel and /or administrator. A
proper and accurate record of the offense and disciplinary action shall be
documented by the staff member, and a copy must be given to the principal on
the day the offense occurs.
Disciplinary Options:
· Consequences as stipulated in the approved classroom management plan
· Verbal reprimand
· Withdrawal of privileges
· Conference with student
· Conference with parent / guardian ( by phone or in person)
· Detention
· Counseling / Student Assistance
· Behavioral contract
·
· Suspension – In or Out of school
Level II – Acts of Misconduct are misbehaviors whose frequency or seriousness disrupt the learning climate of the school. Those infractions which result from the continuation of Level I misbehaviors require the intervention of personnel on the administrative level because the execution of Level I disciplinary options have failed to correct the situation. Included in this level are misbehaviors which do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others, but whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of the administrative personnel. At the Board’s or Administrator’s discretion, any of the following misbehaviors may be deemed to constitute a higher or lower offense. These include such misbehaviors as:
· Repeated or serious offenses of Level I Acts of Misconduct
· Failure to abide by corrective measures for misconduct
· Confiscated cell phone
· Forgery or the use of forged notes or excuses- Counterfeiting documents, signatures, etc. to deceive
· Gambling- Participation in games of chance or skill for money or profit and/or possession of unauthorized gambling paraphernalia
· Loitering- Standing idly about or loafing in classrooms or other parts of a school building or on school grounds when asked to refrain from this action
· Misrepresentation / Refusal to identify self
· Stealing- Limited to inexpensive items, i.e., books pencils, etc. The unauthorized taking of more expensive items would make the infraction a Level IV Act of Misconduct
· Truancy- Unexcused absences from school, classes, study halls, homerooms or other school assignments
· Verbal abuse- Name calling, profanity, obscenity, racial slurs or other discriminatory or derogatory statements or gestures.
· Displaying gang membership or affiliation- Wear, possess, draw, use, distribute, or sell clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol or sign which evidences membership or affiliation in any gang.
· Cheating/Plagiarism- To take others ideas, writings, etc. and pass off as one’s own
· Disrespect / insubordination / vulgarity / open or persistent defiance of authority and/or school rules and regulations- Included are verbal abuse, recognizable derogatory gestures, or other obscene acts, or refusal to abide by student dress policy.
· Intimidation
· Sexual Harassment- Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
· Indication of Drug/Alcohol use
· Failure to abide by the School Technology Policy
· Bullying, harassment of any kind or intimidation
· Unauthorized use of or occupancy in, a vehicle during school lunch
DISCIPLINARY RESPONSE: Disciplinary Procedures: The student is referred to the administrator for appropriate disciplinary action. The administrator meets with the student and/or teacher. A copy of the Discipline Referral Report form which indicates actions taken will be given to the staff member making the office referral. A copy will also be mailed to the parents. A proper and accurate record of the offense and disciplinary actions taken is maintained by the administrator.
Disciplinary Options:
·
Conference with student
·
Conference with parents/guardian (by phone or in
person)
·
Detention
·
Withdrawal of privileges
·
·
In-school suspension or out-of-school suspension
·
Referral to outside agency or school district
support services
·
Social probation (withdrawal of extra-curricular
privileges)
·
Restitution
·
Service to School or Community
·
Loss of credit for assignment, test or project
(to be applied only in case of plagiarism or unauthorized possession / use of
instructional materials)
·
Behavioral contract among student, parent, or
teacher(s)
Level
· Repeated or serious offenses of Level I or II Acts of Misconduct including Bus Misconduct
· Flagrant disrespect/insubordination/vulgarity/open or persistent defiance of authority and/or school rules and regulations. Included are verbal abuse, recognizable derogatory gestures, or other obscene acts
· Extortion- Use of force or threatened use of force to obtain another person’s property or money
· Fighting- (provoked or unprovoked)
· Affray- Group fighting and brawling
· Unlawful assembly - The gathering of students which in any way violates community, village, or state statutes
· Possession, use, or under influence of controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, look-alike drugs, or inhalants), use of substances or items not being used for intended purposes, and possession of drug paraphernalia on any school property or while attending any school-sponsored or school-related function, unless such substances were obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a medical doctor
· Complicity in the possession/use of controlled substances (alcohol, drugs or look-alike drugs).
· Trespassing on non-school property
· Trespassing on school property - Trespassing on school property means one or more of the following acts and applies to all District #3 schools and facilities.
· Entering upon or in property without justification or without implied or actual permission
· Entering or remaining upon or in school property without justification after being notified or requested to abstain from entering.
· Entering an area of the school building which is restricted in use and so posted
· Vandalism - Defacement or destruction of any school building or fixture including the willful writing, making marks, drawing characters, etc. on walls, furniture and fixtures
· Malicious mischief, including, but not limited to, damage to real or personal property of the District, its employees, students or others
· Unauthorized possession or use of instructional materials
· Participating in gang activities - Committing acts associated with gang (two or more gathered for unlawful activity) affiliation, including intimidation of others
· Soliciting others for membership in any gang
· Possession or use of pocket pagers, electronic paging devices, lasers, iPods/MP3 players or unauthorized use of cell phones
· Possession or use of tobacco products or paraphernalia, including look-alikes, on or adjacent to school property
· Threats to others – a threat to apply force or a threat to do physical injury to another student, school employee, or another person.
· Sexual Harassment - any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
· Bullying, harassment of any kind, or intimidation
·
Failure to serve a
·
Received 3
DISCIPLINARY RESPONSE: Disciplinary Procedures: The administrator initiates disciplinary action by investigating the infraction and conferring with staff, the student, and the student’s parents about the misconduct and subsequent disciplinary actions to be taken. A copy of the Discipline Referral Report Form which indicates action taken will be given to the staff member making the office referral and a copy will be mailed to the parents. A proper and accurate record of the offenses and disciplinary actions is maintained by the administrator.
Disciplinary Options:
·
Temporary removal from class
·
Alternative programs
·
·
Financial restitution (in cases where damage or
loss is incurred)
·
In-school suspension
·
Out-of-school suspension
·
Suspension of bus privileges
·
Unauthorized items will need to be picked up by
parent/guardian
Level IV – Acts of Misconduct involve actions which
are so serious that they always require administrative actions which result in
at least temporary removal of the student from the school. Level IV Acts of Misconduct may involve the
intervention of law enforcement authorities and action by the Board of
Education. At the Board’s or Administrator’s
discretion, any of the following misbehaviors may be deemed to constitute a
higher or lower offense. These include:
·
Repeated or serious offenses of Level I, II, or
· Bomb threat** Making threats or false information concerning the placements of bombs
· Furnishing, selling, or possession with the intent to sell or distribute alcohol,
controlled substances (drugs or look-alike drugs) on any school property or
while attending any school-sponsored or school-related function**
· .Possession and/or sale of stolen property
· Possession/use of/or transfer of weapons/or objects capable of producing bodily harm**
· Setting false fire alarms**
· .Setting fires. This offense is committed when a student without the permission of or unless under the supervision of school personnel creates a flame, lights a fire, or uses explosives/combustible materials in a manner that poses potential danger to or potential damage to real or personal property or the safety of others**
· Taking the property of another with or without force, including theft/robbery/larceny
· Threats to others - A threat to apply force or a threat to do physical injury to another student, school employee, or another person.
· Assault/sexual assault/battery/intimidation of a student, school employee, or another person**
· Criminal damage to property - Acts of misconduct which result in serious damage to or destruction of school property or the property of staff or students.
· Possession or use of fireworks or other explosive materials**
· Other acts of misconduct which are seriously disruptive and/or which create a safety hazard to students, staff and/or school property.
· Gang/Group Violence - Participating in acts of physical violence (fighting, affray, or assault on students or staff) or inciting other students to do so in connection with gang affiliation or group activities**
· Severe Fighting
· Continued Failure to abide by the District Technology Policy
· Sexual Harassment - any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
· .Bullying, harassment of any kind, or intimidation
** This offense shall result in the assignment of the student to ten (10)
days out-of-school suspension, referral to law enforcement authorities, and
possible expulsion by the Board of Education for a maximum of two calendar
years subject to reduction at the discretion of the Board of Education.
DISCIPLINARY RESPONSE: Disciplinary Procedures: The administrator verifies the offense, confers with the staff member(s) involved and meets with the student. The student is immediately removed from the school environment and parents are notified. School officials contact law enforcement officials, if and when appropriate. A complete and accurate report is submitted to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent(s).
Disciplinary Options:
·
Out-of-school suspension
·
Suspension or Expulsion of Bus Privileges
·
Alternative
Programs
·
Board action which results in appropriate
placement
·
Expulsion
·
Referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies
Student rights in disciplinary procedures: Authorized personnel may place on probation, detained after school, suspend in-school or otherwise discipline a student. The Superintendent and Principal are authorized to suspend a student from school or from riding the school bus for up to ten (10) consecutive days. Teachers may remove disruptive students from the classroom. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus.
To ensure that the student receives fair treatment consistent with the fundamental requirements of due process, student suspension or recommendations for expulsion are made in accordance with the following procedures:
Out-of-School Suspension / Bus Suspension: A student must be given the opportunity to respond on his/her own behalf prior to suspension. Prior to or during this opportunity, the authorized administrator shall ascertain whether the student is a special education student or may be eligible for special education services. If so, the authorized administrator must follow the procedures set forth in the School Board Policy Handbook. The suspension shall be reported immediately to the parents or guardians of each suspended student, and the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools. The report to the parents shall be made by letter through the U.S. Mail or by personal delivery. A copy of this letter will be sufficient notification to all others. If the situation is such that the physical well-being of the student, other individuals or the property of the school district are in jeopardy, then the student may be suspended immediately and given an opportunity to respond on his/her behalf within 24 hours. The authorized administrator, after following the above pre-suspension procedures, may determine whether to suspend the student. The suspension letter shall give full statement of the reasons for the suspension and notice to the parents or guardians of their right to review. A student shall be reinstated after suspension by the principal or his/her representative only. Further continuance of school is contingent upon the conduct of the student being consistent with that which is expected of good school citizens. Reinstatement should occur only after a parental conference involving appropriate school personnel. When a student is suspended from school, that student is prohibited from entering onto any school property, adjacent school property, or attending any school-sponsored event whether on or off school property.
Expulsion: Prior to any recommendation for expulsion, the authorized administrator shall ascertain whether the student is a special education student. If so, then the procedures set forth in the School Board Policy Handbook shall be followed. An expulsion may be issued only by the Board of Education and may be issued for up to two (2) calendar years, subject to reduction at the discretion of the Board of Education. Expulsion shall take place only after the parents have been requested by registered or certified letter to appear at a meeting of the Board of Education, or with a hearing officer appointed by it, at such meeting, shall state the reasons for dismissal and the date on which the expulsion is to become effective. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he/she shall report to the Board a written summary of the evidence heard. A pupil may be readmitted to school after expulsion only by official action of the Board of Education. Reinstatement should occur only after a parental conference involving appropriate school personnel.
Guidelines
for work missed during in-school suspension and out-of school suspension: Any student who is
assigned an out-of-school suspension is encouraged to continue doing all school
work during the time of that suspension.
This recommendation is made for the purpose of helping students to avoid
major gaps during a suspension. Also, it
is the best way for a student to ensure his/her ability to successfully
complete work assigned upon return to school following the out-of-school
suspension. Possible schoolwork is
listed below in two major categories.
Student Discipline: Students may be disciplined for misconduct,
including but not limited to the following:
·
Using,
possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials.
·
Using,
possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages.
·
Using,
possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling:
1.
Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or
cannabis (including marijuana and hashish).
2.
Any anabolic
steroid or performance-enhancing substance not administered under a physician’s
care and supervision.
3.
Any prescription
drug when not prescribed for the student by a licensed health care provider or
when not used in the manner prescribed.
4.
Any inhalant,
regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be
capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the
brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior
that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the
inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the
brain or nervous system.
5.
“Look-alike” or
counterfeit drugs, including a substance not containing an illegal drug or controlled substance,
but one: (a) that a student believes to
be, or represents to be, an illegal drug or controlled substance; or (b) about
which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to
believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal
drug or controlled substance.
6.
Drug
paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or
controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal
cannabis or controlled substances.
Students who are
under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend
school or school functions and are treated as though they have the prohibited
substance, as applicable, in their possession.
·
Using,
possessing, controlling or transferring a firearm or “look alike,” knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its
composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used
to cause bodily harm.
·
Using or
possessing an electronic paging device.
·
Using a cellular
telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or similar
electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or
violates the rights of others. All cell phones and similar electronic devices must be kept powered-off and
out-of-sight during the regular school day unless: (a) the supervising teacher grants
permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized
education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the
safety of students, staff, or other individuals.
·
Using or
possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and
in the context of instruction.
·
Disobeying rules
of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials.
·
Engaging in
academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully
giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully
obtaining test copies or scores.
·
Bullying, hazing
or any kind of aggressive behavior or encouraging other students to engage in
such behavior.
·
Causing or
attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school
property or another person’s personal property.
·
Being absent
without a recognized excuse.
·
Being involved
with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
·
Being involved in
a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols
or paraphernalia.
·
Violating any
criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft
·
Gambling,
eavesdropping, and hazing.
·
Engaging in any
activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely
affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function,
including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered
to: (a) be a threat or an attempted
intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of
students, staff, or school property.
·
Sending,
receiving or possessing sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate pictures
or images, commonly knowing as “sexting.”
For
purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control,
custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance,
including situations in which the item is:
(a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to,
or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing,
backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other
school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a
school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances
ingested by the person.
No disciplinary action
shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the
refusal of the student’s parent/guardian to administer or consent to the
administration of psychotropic or psycho stimulant medication to the student.
The grounds for
disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably
related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:
·
Traveling to or
from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
·
Anywhere, if the
conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment,
school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to,
conduct that may reasonably be considered to:
(a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b)
endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
·
On, or within
sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at anytime.
·
Off school
grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that
bears a reasonable relationship to school
Corporal Punishment: Corporal
punishment is illegal and will not be used.
Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged
maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional
infliction of bodily harm. Corporal
punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for
students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or
defense of property.
Detentions: Office
detentions will be served after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays
from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Failure to
serve an office detention will earn two (2) additional detentions. If any one of these three (3) detentions is
not served an in-school suspension will be issued.
Teacher detentions will be
served with the issuing teacher. Failure
to serve a teacher detention will result in referral to the office and an office
detention will be issued.
Ejection from Class or
Study Hall: Class ejections will result, at minimum, in
the following consequences (per quarter):
·
1st
ejection – one (1) office detention
·
2nd
ejection – three (3) office detentions
·
3rd
ejection – one (1) day of in school suspension
·
4th
and subsequent ejections – minimum one (1) day of out of school suspension
The teacher will attempt to
notify the parent/guardian by telephone on the day of the ejection.
Firearms,
Knives, Brass Knuckles & Other Objects Used or Attempted to Be Used to
Cause Harm: A student who is
determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any
school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a
reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less
than one year:
For the purposes of this Section, “firearm” means any gun,
rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United
States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification
Card Act, or firearm as
defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The expulsion period may be
modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be
modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless
of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to
be used to cause bodily harm, including “look alikes” of any firearm as defined
above. The expulsion requirement may be
modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent's determination may be
modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.
Gang & Gang Activity: “Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of
two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No
student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the
student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall: (1) wear,
possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia
or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any
act or omission, or use either verbal or non‐verbal
gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang; or (2) use
any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any
gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for
membership in any gangs; (3) request any person to pay protection or otherwise
intimidate, harass or threaten any person; (4) commit any other illegal act or
other violation of district policies, (5) or incite other students to act with
physical violence upon any other person.
Bullying, Intimidation & Harassment: Bullying, intimidation, and (sexual)
harassment are not acceptable in any form and will not be tolerated at school
or any school-related activity. The
school will protect students against retaliation for reporting incidents of
bullying, intimidation, or (sexual) harassment, and will take disciplinary
action against any student who participates in such conduct.
No person shall harass,
intimidate or bully another based upon a race, color, nationality, sex, sexual
orientation, ancestry, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability,
gender identity, order of protection status, status as homeless, or actual or
potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, or other protected
group status. The school and district
will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal,
physical, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that
unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that
creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
Examples of prohibited
conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, causing psychological
harm, threatening or causing physical harm, or wearing or possessing items
depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated
above. Examples of sexual harassment
include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences,
teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s
alleged sexual activities.
Students who believe they
are victims of bullying, intimidation or harassment or have witnessed such
activities are encouraged to discuss the matter with the student
nondiscrimination coordinator, building administrator or a complaint
manager. Students may choose to report
to a person of the student’s same sex.
Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the
need to investigate. Students who make
good faith complaints will not be disciplined.
Any student who is determined, after an investigation, to
have engaged in bullying, intimidation or harassment will be subject to
disciplinary consequences as provided in this handbook, including but not
limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the school and district’s
discipline policy. Parents of students who have engaged in the above behavior
will be notified. Any student making a
knowingly false accusation regarding harassment may also be subject to disciplinary
consequences.
Lunch & Cafeteria Rules: Students may not leave campus during lunch,
except with permission granted by administration or authorized staff. During lunch, students must proceed directly
to the cafeteria or designated lunch area, and, after getting their lunch,
shall immediately sit in a chair at a table.
Students shall remain seated until the lunch tone rings, at which point
they shall clean the area in which they are seated, dispose of any trash in the
appropriate receptacle, and exit the cafeteria to their assigned location. Students shall follow all cafeteria rules
during lunch.
· Loud talking, yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited.
· Students shall not throw food, drinks.
· Students shall not trade food.
· Students shall not save places in line, cut in line, or otherwise cheat or intimidate their way into line for food service.
· Students shall not leave the cafeteria until after the appropriate tone rings, or otherwise directed by staff.
· Students shall follow the instructions of the cafeteria aides and other staff and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel.
· Students shall immediately become silent when staff or presenters make announcements in the cafeteria.
· Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.
Misbehavior will result in disciplinary action according to the school’s disciplinary procedures.
Search & Seizure: School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the school or district’s student rules and policies. The search will be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objective of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction. If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the school or district’s policies or rules, evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.
School Property and
Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students: School authorities may inspect and search
school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as,
lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a
student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of
privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there.
The building principal may
request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and
searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and
equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances
or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained
dogs.
Student
Attire During The School Day: Student clothing should in no way distract
from the learning environment, school activities, nor create a danger to the health
and safety of students. School policy
regarding student attire is summarized in the words “clean, neat, reasonable,
and appropriate”.
The
following are prohibited:
·
Purses/backpacks
are not allowed in the classrooms
·
Tops/shirts that
do not cover the midsection or are unbuttoned
·
Clothing that is
considered too short or too tight (shorts/skirts length should extend to the
students fingertips as they are standing up)
·
Clothing that
exposes the chest, abdomen, or undergarments
·
Clothing made of
see through or fishnet fabric
·
Revealing tops,
blouses, or dresses
·
Spaghetti strap
or off the shoulder shirts/blouses
·
Tube or halter
tops, tank tops, or tops that expose any part of the bra
·
Clothing or
apparel containing any information which may tend to advertise, promote, or
suggest the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs
·
Clothing
displaying indecent/vulgar writing or indicating prejudice or bias, or illegal
activities, violent behavior, or sexual subjects, pictures, designs, or slogans
which in the teacher’s opinion are
disruptive to the educational process
·
Caps
or hats (unless part of a school sponsored activity)
·
Clothing
or jewelry of any kind that presents a safety hazard
·
Chains hanging
from clothing
·
Gloves worn
during class
·
Bandanas
·
Shoes
must be worn at all times for health and safety purposes
·
Body
piercings are not allowed if they pose a danger to themselves or others
·
Students
will not be allowed to wear pants that hang below the waistline
When, in the opinion of the
administration, a student is considered in violation of the above guidelines,
the student will be required to change their clothing, turn a shirt inside out,
or return home for appropriate attire.
Repeated violations will result in disciplinary action.
1st No Dress –
2nd No Dress – 30 minute detention with teacher
3rd No Dress – 30 minute detention and grade lowered one letter grade
4th No Dress – 30 minute detention and a failing grade
A student is allowed one parent note per quarter as an excuse from PE class. Any illness lasting longer must be excused by a doctor along with a note stating restrictions and length of excuse.
Lockers and Other School
Property: School officials may inspect and search
places and areas such as lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school
property and equipment owned or controlled by the school, as well as personal
effects left in these places and areas.
Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or
areas or in their personal effects left there, WITH OR WITHOUT a student’s
notice, knowledge or consent. School
authorities may request the assistance of law enforcement officials for the
purpose of conducting inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots,
and other school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school for
illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials,
including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs. Students are responsible for their assigned
locker which means they must be kept clean and undamaged inside and out. Students are to use only the locker assigned
to them. The school is not responsible
for items lost or stolen out of lockers.
Students should use their locks at all times and should not reveal their
locker combinations to other students.
Lockers must be cleaned out upon a student’s withdrawal from school or
at the end of the school year. A $5.00 fine
will be assessed for locks not returned to the office. NO SODA OR DRINKS OF ANY KIND OR OPENED
Repeated Failure to Prepare For Class: Students should bring books and class
materials daily. Students who repeatedly
fail to have homework completed or to bring proper materials to class will be
assigned time outside the regular school day to correct their
shortcomings. This may be before or
after school or during the school day.
Behavioral Intervention For Students With Disabilities: It is the policy of the
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Communicable Diseases: The school will observe recommendations of
the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.
· Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.
· In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.
· A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.
Emergency Contact Forms: You are asked to complete an emergency form
which tells us who to contact and where in case your child is involved in an
emergency situation. If you do not have
a telephone, please list a number of a neighbor or relative who can make
contact with you. Please complete this
form and return to your child’s office.
We require a working emergency contact number for each student.
Head Lice: The
school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health
regarding head lice.
· Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has head lice.
· Infested students will be sent home following notification of the parent or guardian.
· The school will provide written instructions to parent or guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the infestation.
· A student excluded because of head lice will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings the student to school to be checked by the school nurse or building principal and the child is determined to be free of the head lice and eggs (nits). Infested children are prohibited from riding the bus to school to be checked for head lice.
Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations:
· Required Health Examinations and Immunizations: All students are required to present appropriate proof that the student received a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:
1. Entering Kindergarten
2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
3.
Enrolling in an
Failure to comply with these requirements by the first day of student attendance of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school. New students who register mid-term shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations.
·
Eye
Examination: All students entering
Kindergarten or school for the first time must present proof before October 15
of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year
prior to entry of Kindergarten or the school.
Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the
student’s report card until the student presents:
1.
proof of a
completed eye examination;
2.
that an eye
examination will take place within 60 days after October 15 or
3.
a completed eye
examination waiver form.
·
Vision and
Hearing Screenings: Vision and hearing
screening will be done for all students in grades mandated by the State of
·
Dental
Examination: All children entering Kindergarten and the second and sixth grades
must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15
of the current school year. Failure to
present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the
student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a
dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15; or (3) a
completed dental examination waiver form.
Exemptions: A student will be exempted from the above
requirements for:
· Religious or medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;
· Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
· Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack or access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
·
Dental examination requirement if the student’s
parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.
Insurance: All
students are covered with school-time accident insurance. Insurance for 24-hour coverage is
available. Covered accidents must be
reported to the insurance company within ninety (90) days of the accident or
injury.
Student Medication:
Taking medication during school hours or during school-related
activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student’s health and
well-being. When a student’s licensed
health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the
student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities,
the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the
child by completing a “Student Medical Authorization Form.”
No school district employee shall administer to any student, or
supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or
non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication
Authorization Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student is allowed to possess or consume
any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a
school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure.
A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and/or an
asthma inhaler prescribed for immediate use at the student’s discretion,
provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed an
Authorization for Student Self-Medication Form.
The school and district shall incur no liability, except for willful and
wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s
self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector or the storage
of any medication by school personnel. A
student’s parent/guardian must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the school
district and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based
on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration
of an epinephrine auto-injector and/or asthma inhaler, or the storage of any
medication by school personnel.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Bus Regulations: All
students who ride buses are expected to follow the established rules of
conduct. The driver is in full charge of
the bus and the students, and students shall comply promptly with the requests
of the driver or bus monitor. If the
driver cannot obtain the cooperation of the students in observing the
established rules, the driver may request the assistance of the Principal. The riding privilege of the student may be
revoked for violation of the rules or for conduct that is detrimental to the
safe operation of the school bus.
STUDENTS WHO
Bus Transportation: The district provides bus transportation to and from school for all students living 1.5 miles or more from the school. A list of bus stops will be published at the beginning of the school year before student registration. Parents must, at the beginning of the school year, select one bus stop at which a student is to be picked up, and one stop at which a student is to be dropped off. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the building principal. While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, bus discipline problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal. Parents will be informed of any and all inappropriate student behavior on a bus. Parents are encouraged to discuss bus safety and appropriate behavior with their children before the beginning of the school year and regularly during the year. In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are expected to observe the following rules:
·
Choose a seat and sit in it immediately upon entering the
bus. Do not stand in the entrance or in
the aisle.
·
Do not move from one seat to another while on the bus.
·
Keep all parts of the body and all objects inside the bus.
·
Loud conversation, singing, boisterous conduct, unnecessary
noise or profanity is not allowed.
·
Enter and exit the bus only when the bus is
fully stopped.
·
All school rules apply while on the bus, at a bus stop, or
waiting for the bus.
·
Use emergency door only in an emergency.
·
In the event of emergency, stay on the bus and await
instructions from the bus driver.
·
Good behavior and behavior that will not distract the bus
driver from operating the bus safely is required. Crowding, pushing, scuffling, and other
needless commotion are grounds for disciplinary action.
·
Do not open windows.
·
Keep the bus neat and clean.
·
Athletic footwear equipped with cleats or spikes are not
allowed on the bus. No sunflower seeds.
·
Inappropriate behavior will be reported to school authorities
and failure to observe safety rules may result in suspension from bus services.
·
Be waiting at your bus stop on time.
·
Never tamper with, damage, or deface anything in or on the
bus, or any of the bus or school equipment.
·
Keep book bags, books, packages, coats, and other objects out
of the aisles. Keep all body parts clear
of the aisles when seated.
·
Eating is not permitted on the bus.
·
Parents will be liable for any defacing or damage students do
to the bus.
· Observe safety precautions at the discharge point. Where it is necessary to cross the highway, proceed to a point at least 10 feet in front of the bus on the right shoulder of the highway where traffic may be observed in both directions. Then wait for a signal from the driver before crossing.
· A student that is not normally transported by bus may do so with written permission from his/her parent/guardian. The written request must be presented to the office responsible for that student at the beginning of the day, and a bus pass will be issued.
· No animals are allowed on buses.
· No smoking or possession of tobacco products on the bus.
Evacuation Drill:
Video surveillance: Video and audio cameras may be active on busses to record student conduct and may be used for the purposes of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus.
PARENTS RIGHTS, NOTIFICATIONS
School Counselor: The school provides a guidance and counseling
program for students. The school’s
counselors are available to those students who require additional assistance.
Education of Children w/Disabilities: It is the intent of the district to ensure
that students who are disabled within the definition of
· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.
· The School provides a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term “children with disabilities” means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22nd birthday for which it is determined that special education services are needed. It is the intent of the school to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.
· A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the school district office.
Discipline of Students w/Disabilities: The school will comply with the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students. Behavioral
interventions will be used with students with disabilities to promote and
strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate
behaviors. No special education student shall be expelled if the student’s
particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or
her disability as determined through a manifestation hearing. Any special
education student whose gross disobedience or misconduct is not a manifestation
of his or her disability may be expelled pursuant to the expulsion procedures.
Accommodating Individuals w/Disabilities: Individuals with disabilities will be
provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services,
programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the
superintendent or building principal if they have a disability that will
require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far in
advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.
Student Privacy Protections - Surveys by Third
Parties:
· Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parent/guardian may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request. This applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a district official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.
· Parents who object to disclosure of information concerning their child to a third party may do so in writing to the building principal.
Surveys Requesting Personal
Information
·
School officials
and staff members will not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student
who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity,
including the school or district) containing one or more of the following
items:
1.
Political
affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
2.
Mental or
psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
3.
Behavior or
attitudes about sex.
4.
Illegal,
anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
·
Critical
appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family
relationships.
·
Legally
recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers,
physicians, and ministers.
·
Religious
practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s
parent/guardian.
·
Income other than
that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or
for receiving financial assistance under such program.
**The
student’s parent/guardian may inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and refuse
to allow their child to participate in the survey. The school will not penalize
any student whose parent/guardian exercised this option.
·
Instructional Material: A student’s parent/guardian
may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of
their child’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request.
Student Records:
School student records are confidential and information from them will
not be released other than as provided by law. The school and district routinely discloses
“directory” type information without consent.
Directory information is limited to: name, address, gender, grade level,
birth date and place, parents’ names and address; academic awards, degrees and
honors; information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations,
and athletics; major field of study; and period of attendance at the school. Any parent/guardian or eligible student
(student 18 or older) may prohibit the release of directory information by
delivering a written request to the building principal.
State and Federal law gives parents and eligible students certain rights with respect to their student records. These rights are:
· The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 15 school days of the
day the school receives a request for access. There may be a small charge for copies, not
to exceed $.35 per page. This fee will be waived for those unable to afford such cost.
· The right to request the amendment of the portion student’s education record that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes is inaccurate, misleading, irrelevant, or improper.
·
The right to permit disclosure of personally
identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except
in certain circumstances. Disclosure is permitted without consent in the case of
directory information and to school officials with legitimate educational or
administrative interests. Disclosure is
also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical
reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent/guardian can be
identified; any person named in a court order; appropriate persons if the
knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of
the student or other persons; juvenile authorities when necessary for the
discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication
of the student; and in other cases permitted by law.
Student Biometric Information: Before collecting biometric information from
students, the school must seek the permission of the student’s parent/guardian
or the student, if over the age of 18.
Biometric information means information that is collected from students
based on their unique characters, such as a fingerprint, voice recognition or
retinal scan.
Requests from Military or
Institutions of Higher Learning: Upon
their request, military recruiters and institutions of higher learning will be
given access to student's names, addresses and telephone numbers. Parents who do not want their child’s name to
be released (or students over the age of 18 who do not want their name
released) should contact the building principal.
Teacher Qualifications: Parents may request information about the
qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:
· Whether the teacher has met State certification requirements;
· Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status by which State licensing criteria have been waived;
· The teacher’s college major;
· Whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees; and
· Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.
Sex Offender & Violent Offender Community Notification Law: State law requires that all school
districts provide parents/guardians
with information about sex offenders and violent offenders against youth. You may find the Illinois Sex Offender
Registry on the Illinois State Police’s website at: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/.
You may find the Illinois Statewide Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry on the Illinois State Police’s website at: http://www.isp.state.il.us/cmvo/.
State law prohibits a convicted child sex offender from
being present on school property when children under the age of 18 are present,
except for in the following circumstances as they relate to the individual’s
child(ren):
· To attend a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of their child.
· To participate in a conference in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to their child’s special education services.
· To attend conferences to discuss issues concerning their child such as retention or promotion.
In all other cases, convicted
child sex offenders are prohibited from being present on school property unless
they obtain written permission from the superintendent or school board. Anytime that a convicted child sex offender
is present on school property – including the three reasons above - he/she is responsible for notifying the
principal's office upon arrival on school property and upon departure from
school property. It is the
responsibility of the convicted child sex offender to remain under the direct
supervision of a school official at all times he/she is in the presence or
vicinity of children. A violation of
this law is a Class 4 felony.
Standardized Testing:
Students and parents/guardians should be aware that students in grades
6-8 will take standardized tests.
Parents are encouraged to cooperate in preparing students for the
standardized testing, because the quality of the education the school can
provide is partially dependent upon the school’s ability to continue to prove
its success in the state’s standardized tests.
Parents can assist their students achieve their best performance by
doing the following:
· Encourage students to work hard and study throughout the year;
· Ensure students get a good night’s sleep the night before exams;
· Ensure students eat well the morning of the exam, particularly ensuring they eat sufficient protein;
· Remind and emphasize for students the importance of good performance on standardized testing;
· Ensure students are on time and prepared for tests, with appropriate materials, including number 2 pencils;
· Teach students the importance of honesty and ethics during the performance of these and other tests;
· Encourage students to relax on testing day.
Homeless Child’s Right to
Education: When a child loses
permanent housing and becomes a homeless person as defined at law, or when a
homeless child changes his or her temporary living arrangements, the parent or
guardian of the homeless child has the option of either:
· continuing the child's education in the school of origin for as long as the child remains homeless or, if the child becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year during which the housing is acquired; or
· enrolling the child in any school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
Sex Education Instruction: Students will not be required to take or
participate in any class or course in comprehensive sex education if his or her
parent or guardian submits a written objection.
The parent or guardian’s decision will not be the reason for any student
discipline, including suspension or expulsion.
Nothing in this Section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene or
traditional courses in biology.
Parents or guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course.
Parent Involvement: The school and its teachers provide meetings, including parent/teacher conferences, at flexible times to accommodate a variety of parent schedules. Parents/Guardians will be given notice of meeting availability at the beginning of each year, and at least two weeks before conferences or other regularly scheduled meetings, to provide sufficient opportunity to schedule and attend meetings with teachers. Additionally, teachers are available regularly to meet with parents/guardians to discuss the success of their child. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to inquire about available meeting times, and to work with teachers. Parents/Guardians will be involved in an organized and timely way when any programs are created, considered, or altered, and will be continually involved in the ongoing development of programming, curriculum, and policy.
The school provides Parents/Guardians with access to:
· school performance profiles required by Federal law and their child's individual student assessment results, including an interpretation of such results;
· a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet;
· opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions, share experiences with other parents/guardians, and participate as appropriate in decisions relating to the education of their children if such parents/guardians so desire; and timely responses to suggestions.
· Everyone is responsible for the success of the students of the school. While the school provides the best education we can, it is critical to the success of students that parents assist us in meeting the goals of education set forth by the state, the federal government and ourselves. In order to better assist in educating the students, we need the help of all parents and guardians. We ask that you help us educate children by monitoring attendance, homework completion, and television watching; by volunteering in your child's classroom; and participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of children and positive use of extracurricular time.
· The state’s resources on parental involvement can be located at http://illinoisparents.org/. The state’s website on parental involvement provides information, training, and support for parents and schools on various websites which may be useful or interesting to parents and students, and provides advice and information about how to get involved and participate in the educational process. Resources are provided by search, by county, and by categorical query.
School Visitation Rights: The School Visitation Rights Act permits
employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a
work conflict, the right to time off from work under certain conditions to
attend necessary school functions such as parent-teacher conferences. Letters verifying participation in this
program are available from the school office upon request.
Pesticide Application Notice: The district maintains a registry of parents
and guardians of students who have registered to receive written or telephone
notification prior to the application of pesticides to school grounds. To be added to the list, please contact the
office. Notification will be given
before application of the pesticide. Prior notice is not required if
there is imminent threat to health or property.
Mandated Reporters:
All school personnel, including teachers and administrators, are
required by law to immediately report any and all suspected cases of child
abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Equal educational and extracurricular
opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color,
nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religious
beliefs, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, or actual or
potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.
No student shall, based on sex or sexual orientation, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.
Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact the superintendent.
Safe Schools: North Mac CUSD
#34 remains committed to the goal of safe schools and an orderly process of
instruction. Reaching this goal has
required that everyone (members of the Board of Education, central office
personnel, school administration, teachers, parents and students) assume his or
her share of responsibility toward attainment of that goal. To do otherwise would be a great disservice
to the young people of North Mac.
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act: In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Board of Education of the District, this notification has the intent to inform workers, building occupants and their legal guardians of activities related to asbestos containing building materials in the school. Copies of the inspection reports and the management plans are available for inspection during normal office hours in the office of each school in the district. Periodic surveillance is conducted at least every six months as long as asbestos materials remain in the building(s). The District will continue its efforts to maintain all asbestos containing materials remaining in an intact state and undamaged condition. School maintenance and custodial personnel have received asbestos awareness training.
Public Notice: North Mac
Community #34, a member of the Sangamon Area Special Education Cooperative (SASED),
offers a free and appropriate education to all school age children up to 21
years of age legally residing in District #34.
Any child is eligible for special education and related services to
address the adverse effect of the disability on his or her education if he/she
has any of the following:
Deafness Autism
Deafness-Blindness ` Specific Learning Disability
Hearing Impaired Speech and Language Impaired
Mentally Impaired Visually Handicapped
Multi-Handicapped Emotionally Handicapped
Traumatic Brain Injury Orthopedic Impairments
Other Health Impairments, including, but not limited to, attention deficit disorder
The district also shall actively seek out and identify all children from birth through age 21, within the district, including children not enrolled in the public schools, who may be eligible for special education and related services.
Referrals to District #34, for preliminary evaluation, may be made by school district personnel, the parent/guardian of the child, persons having primary care and custody of the child, community service agencies, other professional persons having knowledge of the child’s problem, the child, or the Illinois State Board of Education, when there is reason to believe that a child may require special education services.
Parents and other members of the community may review a copy of the Rules and Regulations to Govern Special Education at the Superintendent’s office.
SOCIAL SERVICES:
Macoupin
Co. Mental
Outpatient Counseling for Youth & Adults Runaways and Lockouts
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) 942-6600
Carlinville - 854-3166
Dept. of Children & Family Services RICS - Rape Info and Counseling
For Physical, sexual abuse & neglect Services
800-252-2873 For Sexual Assaults/Rape
Sojourn Women’s Center Survivors of Incest
For Battered Women Rape Information &
Medical exam/legal evidence for rape victims Medical exam/legal evidence
800 N. Carpenter,
788-3030
Libertas
Chemical Dependency Program
Outpatient Counseling for Teens Dependency Program
544-9858
REFERENCES:
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EXTRA-CURRICULUM INFORMATION
The Athletic Code applies to all students who want to participate in athletics. Athletics includes competitive sports, extracurricular activities, cheerleading and pom-poms. This code applies in addition to other rules and regulations concerning student conduct and imposes additional requirements on student athletes and cheerleaders.
Participation in athletics is a privilege. Those who participate in athletics have a responsibility to favorably represent the school and community. Student athletes are expected to conduct themselves both in and out of school in a manner appropriate to their responsibilities as representatives of the school and district. If a student fails to comply with the terms of this code, the privilege to participate in athletics may be lost in accordance with the terms of this Athletic Code.
The following rules apply to all competitive sports, extracurricular activities, cheerleaders, and managers.
· Eligibility for athletics is governed by the rules of the Illinois High School Association or Illinois Elementary School Association and, if applicable, these rules will apply in addition to this Athletic Code. In a case of a conflict between IHSA or IESA and this Athletic Code, the most stringent rule will be enforced.
1. Eligibility for athletes, cheerleaders, and managers will be checked every Thursday and
extends from Monday through Saturday. All grades are accumulated per semester.
2. A student in Middle School must be passing all classes each week according to the IESA
Rules on Eligibility.
· All athletes must have a health physical, copy of birth certificate and a signed waiver of insurance coverage or athletic insurance turned into the school office before they are allowed to participate in either practice or games. Managers must have a signed waiver of insurance coverage or athletic insurance.
· All players must wear the uniform supplied by the school or clothing that is agreed upon by the coaching staff of that particular sport.
· Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco: Except with respect to prescription drugs used by the person for whom such drugs were prescribed in the manner intended by the prescribing medical doctor, the possession, use, distribution, purchase or sale of any alcoholic beverage, drug, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance, look alike, tobacco or tobacco product or any other substance which, when taken into the human body is intended to alter mood or mental state, including any item or substance which is represented by a student to be, or is believed by a student to be any of the foregoing, regardless of the true nature or appearance of the substance, is prohibited in school buildings, on school buses and on all other school property or school related events at any time. This prohibition shall include all school sponsored or school related activities, whether held before or after school, evenings or weekends and shall additionally include a prohibition of use by a student athlete in any instance where the school can demonstrate a reasonable connection to the school program or school athletic program. For purposes of this procedure, students who are under the influence of prohibited substances shall be treated in the same manner as though they had prohibited substances in their possession. Any participant in one or more extra-curricular activities will be subject to discipline in accordance with the terms of this policy as documented by the police or certified school personnel or self-admission.
1. 1st offense: the student will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular
activity(ies) in which he/she may be involved, for ten percent (10%) of the activities
total contest.
2. 2nd offense: school administration will contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) for a
conference as soon as possible. The student will not be allowed to participate in any
extra-curricular activity(ies) in which he/she may be involved, for a period equivalent
to fifty percent (50%) of the activity’s total contest. If the punishment can not be
completed in the season it occurred, the punishment will carry over to the next season or year. If the student fails to participate fully in the therapeutic option which he/she has chosen, the student will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activity(ies) for the period equivalent to one hundred (100%) of the activity’s total contest.
3. 3rd offense: school administration will contact parent(s) or guardian(s) for
conference as soon as possible. The students will be suspended from all sport
participation for one calendar year.
4. 4th offense: The student will be suspended from all sports the remainder of his/her
middle/high school career.
· Any student denied participation in any extra-curricular activities under the terms of this policy shall be offered therapy/counseling assistance through the Student Assistance Program.
· Misconduct by student-athletes will not be tolerated. Misconduct shall include but shall not be limited to:
1. Insubordination: or
2. Any behavior or action which is negligently or intentionally injurious to a person or
property or which places a person or property at risk of injury or damage: or
3. Any behavior which disrupts the appropriate conduct of a school program or activity: or
4. Hazing, bullying, or harassment of any kind: or
5. Use of profanity; or
6. Exhibition of bad sportsmanship; or
7. Violation of any school rules or regulations or law.
· Coaches and school officials will impose disciplinary measures appropriate to the offenses committed. The discipline imposed for any particular offense shall be at the sole and exclusive discretion of the coaching staff and school officials.
· When a violation occurs, the building principal(s) will meet with the coach(es), and after all individuals present discuss the case, a decision will be made for disciplinary action. The violation and disciplinary action will be discussed with the student. A certified letter will notify the parent(s) or guardian(s). The letter will list the specifics of the suspension (contest, activities, dates, etc.) and the dates of the probation period.
· If a student is suspended from participation in an extra-curricular activity(ies), the student and/or parent(s) or guardian(s) shall have five (5) school days to appeal the disciplinary action. Those present during the appeals process shall be the building principal(s), coach(es) or sponsor(s) of the activity(ies). If you do not agree with the building level decision you may appeal in writing within (10) days. If they elect to appeal, the Board of Education will set a hearing date.
· Nonresident students will not be enrolled in North Mac Community Unit District #34 during the term of a disciplinary suspension or expulsion from another school district. Parent(s) or guardian(s) seeking to enroll nonresident students may be asked to provide evidence of whether or not their children are subject to disciplinary proceedings in their previous school.
· No player may practice for, or appear in any competition for any interscholastic competition during the time they have a medical excuse (from a doctor or administration) taking them out of a P.E. class.
· The coach will determine which excuses are "excused" or "unexcused".
· When school is closed for the day or dismissed early due to inclement weather all student extracurricular activities and athletic games and/or practices for the day shall be cancelled. Exceptions: tournaments.
· If an athlete receives an "unexcused absence" the following will apply:
1st offense........... athlete suspended one (1) game
2nd offense.......... athlete suspended from the next two (2) games
3rd offense........... athlete dismissed from the athletic team
·
To practice or to play in an athletic game the
player must be in school for
· A pre‑arranged doctor or dental appointment will be acceptable anytime during the
school day.
· Detention hall takes precedence over all other activities such as athletics, band, dramatics, or outside employment. This also includes practice for sports or participating in any athletic competition/games.
· Any athlete who is suspended or expelled from school will not be allowed to participate in games or practices during the time of his/her suspension or expulsion.
· Every team/squad member is required to ride the team bus to and from each game. Exceptions will be made only when the athlete rides home with the parents/guardian and direct contact is made by the parent/guardian with the head coach. It should be noted that these exceptions should NOT become frequent, and the athletes should realize that riding the bus as a team is important to making a group of individuals into a cohesive team.
·
All athletes, cheerleaders, and managers are
expected to follow the rules in the Student Handbook and the Athletic Rules and
Regulations section. As a member of an
athletic team or a cheerleading squad, remember you represent the
· Any athlete guilty of hazing/bullying/harassment will be disciplined by the coach and the administration.
· The rules set forth in this Athletic Code are in effect throughout the calendar year and twenty-
four (24) hours a day, whether or not school is in session and including vacation periods, and
holidays. The rules apply on and off campus and whether or not the misconduct occurs at
school or a school-sponsored activity or in some other locale. The rules apply from the
beginning of the athlete’s first tryout or practice in the first sport which the athlete attempts
until the completion of the athlete’s athletic eligibility in all sports.
Distribution of Steroids and Performance Enhancing Drugs: No coach, administrator, school official or employee, or booster club/support group member may sell, distribute, or promote the use of any anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing dietary supplements to students at member schools. A coach, administrator, school official or employee, or booster club/support group member may provide only permissible nutritional supplements to students at any time for the purpose of providing additional calories and electrolytes, provided they do not contain any dietary supplements banned by the Association. Permissible nutritional supplements are identified according to the following classes: Carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks, energy bars, carbohydrate boosters and vitamins and minerals.