Parent/Student Handbook

General School Information

This handbook has been prepared to answer your questions and to acquaint you with the policies and procedures of District 96 schools.

We ask your help in reinforcing with your child the message that everyone at home and at school expects respectful, appropriate, and considerate behavior from your student at all times–not only in school, but while waiting at the bus stop, while riding the bus, and during school-sponsored field trips. Your sharing the responsibility for communicating this important message will go a long way toward maintaining a safe and orderly environment in our schools.

By working together and sharing responsibility for communicating behavioral expectations, we can ensure that District 96 schools continue to be great places to learn.

The Board’s comprehensive policy manual is available for public inspection through the District’s website, www.kcsd96.org, or at the Board office, located at:
1050 Ivy Hall Lane
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Visitors

One of the school District's responsibilities is to maintain a safe and orderly environment free from activities that may be disruptive to the educational process. All visitors, including parents and siblings, are required to 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 on 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 themselves in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespassing and/or disruptive behavior.
No person on school property or at a school event shall perform any of the following acts:

1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, board member, sports official or coach, or any other person.
2. Behave in an unsportsmanlike manner or use vulgar or obscene language.
3. Unless specifically permitted by State law, possess a weapon, any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or looks like a weapon, or any dangerous device.
4. Damage or threaten to damage another’s property.
5. Damage or deface school property.
6. Violate any Illinois law or municipal, local or county ordinance.
7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products.
8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be impaired by or under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug.
9. Be present when the person’s alcoholic beverage, cannabis, other lawful product, or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred.
10. Use or possess medical cannabis, unless he or she has complied with Illinois’ Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act and district policies.
11. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner).
12. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the board.
13. Operate a motor vehicle: (a) in a risky manner, (b) in excess of 20 miles per hour, or (c) in violation of an authorized district employee’s directive.
14. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
15. Violate other district policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or district employee.
16. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the district or a school function.

Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person may also be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year.
 If the visit to a child's classroom is for observation of the classroom activities/instruction, parents must seek approval for the observation and arrange the date and time for the visit with the school principal at least ten (10) school days before the visit.

When requesting an opportunity to visit, parents and community members should state clearly the purpose of the visit. In addition to the impact of the visit on the learning environment, principals may consider a variety of other factors, including the impact of the visit on the child, other children, and peer relationships.

From time to time, and when deemed appropriate, parents and community members may also visit classrooms other than those attended by their own children. Requests by parents or community members to visit classrooms other than those of their own children must be made in writing two (2) weeks in advance and preapproved by the school principal.

The school principal retains the right to decline a request if he or she feels the visitation might be potentially disruptive or not be in the best interest of creating a safe and orderly environment in the school. The decision of the school principal is final.

Parent Meetings

Parents may request meetings with their child's teacher or building principal. In order to ensure the appropriate information is available and prepared, these meetings should be scheduled in advance. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period.

School Visitation by Students

Outside student visitors will not be permitted during the school day.

Statutory Restrictions on Sex Offender Proximity and Visits to School

The Illinois Criminal Code generally makes it unlawful for a child sex offender to be present in any school building, on real property comprising any school, or in any conveyance owned, leased, or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school-related activity when persons under the age of 18 are present in the building, on the grounds, or in the conveyance, except in very specific cases as they relate to the individual’s child(ren). In all cases where a sex offender is allowed to be present in a school building, on school grounds, or at a school activity, permission must be granted in advance by the superintendent or his or her designee and the individual must remain under the direct supervision of a school official at all times.

Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, reproductive health decisions, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.
 
No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity 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:
Dr. Jane Pedersen
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
1050 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
jpedersen@kcsd96.org
847-459-4260

Any student may file a sex discrimination complaint under the District’s Title IX Grievance Procedure.
 
Any student may file a sex equity complaint under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.  A student may appeal the Board’s decision to the Regional Superintendent and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education.

Animals on School Property

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 principal 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.

School Volunteers

Volunteers are required to check in and out at the main office and receive a visitor badge before going to their destination. Volunteers who will be repeatedly visiting a school for volunteer purposes or working directly with students must be fingerprinted. 
Cross-Reference: 6:250, Community Resource Persons and Volunteers

Invitations and Gifts

Distribution of Party Invitations. Out of courtesy to others, please do not send out-of-school party invitations for distribution at school unless inviting the whole class. The office is unable to release addresses and phone numbers of students who are not listed in the school directory.

Treats and Snacks

As part of our ongoing commitment to student health, safety, and academic readiness, KCSD96 is updating our snack list to fruits and vegetables (pouches labeled 100% fruit/vegetable are acceptable).

Our intention is for all students to feel safe and included at school. Limiting snacks to fruits and vegetables helps us maintain clean, allergen-conscious classrooms where every child can thrive. If you have any questions or need support finding snack ideas, please contact your school office.

Emergency School Closings

KCSD96 families should always consider school open UNLESS you directly hear otherwise. If a decision to close access to our schools is reached, the District will:
Send a robocall/text/email home to families (please be sure you are signed up or subscribed to receive text notifications)
If your contact information changes, please be sure to notify the administrative assistant at your student’s school to update our database with your new email/phone number.
Publish a pop-up notification of school closing on the KCSD96 website (beside the robocall text/email, this is the most reliable form of confirmation)
Alert School Closures for local news/media outlets
Post on KCSD96 social media accounts
If we dismiss early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically canceled.

Cross Reference: 4:170, Safety

Video and Audio Monitoring Systems

In order to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees, video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school busses and a video monitoring system may be 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.
 
 Cross-Reference:
PRESS 4:110, Transportation

Accommodating Individuals with 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. 
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 8:70, Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Students with Food Allergies

State law requires our school district to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations and state rules.
 
If your student has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the building principal.
 
Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your student has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed supports so that your student can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.
 
Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. Our school district also may be able to appropriately meet a student's needs through other means.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:285-AP, E,  Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan

Care of Students with Diabetes

If your child has diabetes and requires assistance with managing this condition while at school and school functions, a Diabetes Care Plan must be submitted to the building principal. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:
a.     Inform the school in a timely manner of any change which needs to be made to the Diabetes Care Plan on file with the school for their child.
b.     Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.
c.     Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.
d.     Grant consent for and authorize designated School District representatives to communicate directly with the health care provider whose instructions are included in the Diabetes Care Plan.
For further information, please contact the building principal.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:120-AP4 – Care of Students with Diabetes
PRESS 7:270-AP1 – Dispensing Medication

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide impacts the safety of the school environment. It also affects the school community, diminishing the ability of surviving students to learn and the school’s ability to educate. Suicide and depression awareness and prevention are important goals of the school district.
 
The school district maintains student and parent resources on suicide and depression awareness and prevention. Much of this information, including a copy of school district’s policy, is posted on the school district website.  Information can also be obtained from the school office.

If you need assistance, help is also available from the following organizations:2
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or text 988 

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 
Safe2Help Illinois

Call 844-4-SAFEIL (723345)
Text SAFE2 (72332)

Cross-Reference:
PRESS 7:290, Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Parent organizations and booster clubs are invaluable resources to the District’s schools. While parent organizations and booster clubs have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.
 
Parent organizations and booster clubs may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District’s name, a District school’s name, or a District school’s team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee’s express written consent. Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization or club has by-laws containing the following:
 
1.     The organization’s or club’s name and purpose, such as, to enhance students’ educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to provide extra athletic benefits to students, to assist specific sports teams or academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
2.     The rules and procedures under which it operates.
3.     An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
4.     A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members.
5.     A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization’s or club’s business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization or club websites or social media accounts.
6.     An agreement to maintain and protect its own finances.
7.     A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but cash or other valuable consideration must be given to the District to use at its discretion. The Board’s legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization or club’s recommendation.
 
Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District’s representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization or booster club regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations or booster clubs. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 8:90, Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Student Appearance

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. Students are expected to wear clothing in a neat, clean, and well-fitting manner while on school property and/or in attendance at school-sponsored activities. Students are to use discretion in their dress and are not permitted to wear apparel that causes a substantial disruption in the school environment.

Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.

Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols.

Hats, coats, bandannas, sweatbands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.

Hairstyles, dress, and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in the shop, laboratories, or during physical education.

Clothing with holes, rips, tears, and clothing that is otherwise poorly fitting, showing skin and/or undergarments may not be worn at school.

The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment.

Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.

If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, the building principal will make the final decision.

Students whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.

Student Involvement in Gangs. Student involvement in gangs or gang-related activities–including the display of gang symbols or gang paraphernalia on school grounds or wearing of clothing in ways that indicate gang affiliation or membership while in school, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored events–is strictly prohibited. Any student who violates these guidelines shall be subject to possible suspension or expulsion and notification to law enforcement authorities in accordance with the District's student discipline policy.

The school does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists, or religious hairstyles, hair related religious practices, or facial hair worn in accordance with sincerely held religious beliefs, observance, or practice, including but not limited to, uncut hair or sidelocks, or beards, mustaches, or other facial hair. The school will not prohibit students from wearing or accessorizing the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.
 
Cross Reference: 7:160, Student Appearance

 

Awareness and Prevention of Child Sex Abuse, Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations

Child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations harm students, their parent/guardian, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn.
 
Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
 
Warning signs of child sexual abuse include the following.
 
Physical signs:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing
Unusual weight gain or loss
Behavioral signs:
Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
Keeping secrets
Not talking as much as usual
Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers
Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors that the child had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
Overly compliant behavior
Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
Spending an unusual amount of time alone
Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe
Emotional signs:
Change in eating habits or unhealthy eating patterns, like loss of appetite or excessive eating
Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
 Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
Decrease in confidence or self-image
Anxiety, excessive worry, or fearfulness
Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
Self-harming behaviors or expressing thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
Failing grades
·       Drug or alcohol use
 
Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors
School and District employees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels.
Prohibited grooming is defined as (i) any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, (ii) by an employee with direct contact with a student, (iii) that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples of grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:
·      Sexual or romantic invitations to a student
·      Dating or soliciting a date from a student
·      Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog with a student
·      Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
·      Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
·      Sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student
·      Failing to respect boundaries or listening when a student says “no”
·      Engaging in touching that a student or student’s parents/guardians have indicated as unwanted
·      Trying to be a student’s friend rather than filling an adult role in the student’s life
·      Failing to maintain age-appropriate relationships with students
·      Talking with students about personal problems or relationships
·      Spending time alone with a student outside of their role in the student’s life or making up excuses to be alone with a student
·      Expressing unusual interest in a student’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors
·      Giving a student gifts without occasion or reason
·      Spending a lot of time with a student
·      Restricting a student’s access to other adults

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations
School and District employees breach employee-student boundaries when they misuse their position of power over a student in a way that compromises the student’s health, safety, or general welfare.  Examples of boundary violations include:
·      Favoring a certain student by inviting the student to “hang out” or by granting special privileges
·      Engaging in peer-like behavior with a student
·      Discussing personal issues with a student
·      Meeting with a student off-campus without parent/guardian knowledge and/or permission
·      Dating, requesting, or participating in a private meeting with a student (in person or virtually) outside of a professional role
·      Transporting a student in a school or private vehicle without administrative authorization
·      Giving gifts, money, or treats to an individual student
·      Sending a student on personal errands
·      Intervening in a serious student problem instead of referring the student to an appropriately trained professional
·      Sexual or romantic invitations toward or from a student
·      Taking and using photos/videos of students for non-educational purposes
·      Initiating or extending contact with a student beyond the school day in a one-on-one or non-group setting
·      Inviting a student to an employee’s home
·      Adding a student on personal social networking sites as contacts when unrelated to a legitimate educational purpose
·      Privately messaging a student
·      Maintaining intense eye contact with a student
·      Making comments about a student’s physical attributes, including excessively flattering comments
·      Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
·      Making sexually suggestive comments directed toward or with a student
·      Disclosing confidential information
·      Self-disclosure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
·      Full frontal hugs
·      Invading personal space

If you believe you are a victim of child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, or boundary violations, or you believe that your child is a victim, you should immediately contact the Building Principal, a school counselor, or another trusted adult employee of the School. 

Additional Resources include:
National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Abuse Chatline at online.rainn.org
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (2873)
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors
PRESS 5:120-AP2, Employee Conduct Standards
PRESS 5:120-AP2,E, Expectations and Guidelines for Employee-Student Boundaries

Faith's Law Notifications

Employee Conduct Standards
 
School districts are required to include in their student handbook the District’s Employee Code of Professional Conduct.  These standards, in part, define appropriate conduct between school employees and students.   A copy of these standards can be found on the District’s website or requested from the Superintendent’s office.[1]
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 5:120, Employee Ethics; Code of Professional Conduct; and Conflict of Interest
PRESS 5:120-AP2, Employee Conduct Standards

Prevention of Anaphylaxis

While it is not possible for the School or District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency, the District maintains a comprehensive policy on anaphylaxis prevention, response, and management in order to reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students who desire more information or who want a copy of the District’s policy may contact the Building Principal.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:285, Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program
PRESS 7:285-AP, Administrative Procedure – Anaphylaxis Prevention, Response, and Management Program

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) maintains a resource guide on sexual abuse response and prevention.  The guide contains information on and the location of children’s advocacy centers, organizations that provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of child sexual abuse, organizations that provide mental health evaluations and services to victims and families of victims of child sexual abuse, and organizations that offer legal assistance to and provide advocacy on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse.  This guide can be accessed through the ISBE website at www.isbe.net or you may request a copy of this guide by contacting the school’s office.

Lunch Program

If your student brings a bag lunch, please pack foods they can reasonably eat in the allotted time. Please contact your school principal if your student needs more time to eat or has an allergy to specific foods and requires special arrangements.

In elementary schools, a computerized "debit card" system is used for the purchase of hot lunches. At both Twin Groves and Woodlawn Middle Schools, meals and snacks may be purchased. For all schools, parents must fund their student’s school lunch account for purchases to be made. At all schools, other menu items and snack options also are available. Students who bring lunch may purchase juice and/or milk. Contact the building school administrative assistant for details of the lunch program for that school.
Free or reduced-price meals are available for qualifying students. For an application, contact the school office. 

Students Leaving School at Lunch. Parents wishing to take their students out of school for lunch must follow the sign-out procedures established at each school. 

Parents Delivering Lunch for Students.  If a parent is bringing a student their lunch, it must be dropped off in the office and labeled with the student’s name and grade. Parents may bring food only for their own students. School offices cannot accept deliveries (food or other items) from restaurants or delivery services for students.

Free and Reduced Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services Eligibility
When the parents/guardians of students are unable to pay for their child(ren)’s meal services, meal charges will apply per a student’s eligibility category and will be processed by the District accordingly.
 
A student’s eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.
 
Meal Charges for Meals Provided by the District
The Building Principal and District staff will work jointly to prevent meal charges from accumulating. Every effort to collect all funds due to the District will be made on a regular basis and before the end of the school year. Contact your Building Principal or designee about whether your child(ren)’s charges may be carried over at the end of the school year, i.e., beyond June 30th.
 
Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is overdue as defined by Board policy 4:45, Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery and the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act (105 ILCS 123/). The District will make reasonable efforts to collect charges classified as delinquent debt, including repeated contacts to collect the amounts and, when necessary, requesting that the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for meal benefits to determine if the student qualifies for such benefits under Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. The District will provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of the student's ability to pay or negative account balance.
 
When a student’s funds are low and when there is a negative balance, reminders will be provided to the staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) at regular intervals during the school year. State law allows the Building Principal to contact parents(s)/guardian(s) to attempt collection of the owed money when the amount owed is more than the amount of five lunches [or insert lower amount]. If a parent/guardian regularly fails to provide meal money for the child(ren) that he/she is responsible for in the District and does not qualify for free meal benefits or refuses to apply for such benefits, the Building Principal or designee will direct the next course of action. Continual failure to provide meal money may require the District to notify the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or take legal steps to recover the unpaid meal charges, up to and including seeking an offset under the State Comptroller Act, if applicable.

School Operations During a Pandemic or Other Health Emergency

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and, because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably.  Your child’s school and district play an essential role, along with the local health department and emergency management agencies, in protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic or other health emergency.
 
During a pandemic or other health emergency, you will be notified in a timely manner of all changes to the school environment and schedule that impact your child.  Please be assured that even if school is not physically in session, it is the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best educational opportunities possible. 
 
Additionally, please note the following:
 
All decisions regarding changes to the school environment and schedule, including a possible interruption of in-person learning, will be made by the superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor, Illinois Department of Public Health, local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or Regional Office of Education.
 
Available learning opportunities may include remote and/or blended learning.  Blended learning may require your child to attend school on a modified schedule.
 
Students will be expected to participate in blended and remote instruction as required by the school and district.  Parents are responsible for assuring the participation of their child.  Students who do not participate in blended or remote learning will be considered truant.
 
All school disciplinary rules remain in effect during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for disruption of the traditional classroom.
 
Students and parents will be required to observe all public health and safety measures implemented by the school and district in conjunction with state and local requirements.
 
During a pandemic or other health emergency, the school and district will ensure that educational opportunities are available to all students.
 
School personnel will work closely with students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations to minimize the impact of any educational disruption.
 
Students who have a compromised immune system, live with an individual with a compromised immune system, or have a medical condition that may impact their ability to attend school during a pandemic or other public health emergency should contact school officials.
 
During a pandemic or other health emergency, teachers and school staff will receive additional training on health and safety measures.
 
In accordance with school district or state mandates, the school may need to conduct a daily health assessment of your child.  Parents and students will be notified of the exact assessment procedures if this becomes necessary.
 
Parents should not send their child to school if their child exhibits any symptoms consistent with the pandemic or other health emergency.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact school or district officials if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education, health or safety.

Cross Reference: Press 4:180
 

Proof of Residency

Parents/guardians of all students new to District 96 will need to provide photocopies of two (2) proofs of residency when registering their student. A student’s teacher assignment/class schedule will not be provided until the required proof of residency document photocopies are received.

Photocopies of two documents showing proof of residency will be required for each student new to the District and periodically thereafter. Families who register with a valid lease one year in length or shorter will be required to re-submit proof of residency upon expiration of the lease or prior to the start of the next school year, whichever occurs sooner. One document photocopy must come from the following list: tax bill, real estate closing document, bill of sale, warranty deed, monthly mortgage statement, or current and valid lease. (You may block out any confidential financial information.) The second document of residency must be a photocopy of one of the following: a current utility bill, home insurance bill, auto registration, or driver’s license (including the certificate of extension on the reverse side, if applicable).

Education of Homeless Children and Youth — Homeless person, child, or youth includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: (1) An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime place of abode; and (2) An individual who has a primary nighttime place of abode that is (A) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and traditional housing); (B) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or (C) a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Whether a child or youth meets the definition of homeless depends on the living situation and the individual circumstances.

District 96 ensures that students enrolled have full and equal opportunity to succeed. Consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship on a case-by-case basis.

Families are encouraged to contact the Student Services Department at the District Office should they believe they meet the homeless criteria.

Attendance 

Illinois law requires that whoever has custody or control of any child between six (by September 1st) and seventeen years of age shall assure that the child attends school in the district in which he or she resides, during the entire time school is in session (unless the child has already graduated from high school). Illinois law also requires that whoever has custody or control of a child who is enrolled in the school, regardless of the child’s age, shall assure that the child attends school during the entire time school is in session.
Cross Reference: PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Student Absences

Regular attendance is essential to a student’s academic success and overall well-being. Being present at school allows students to engage in learning, build relationships, and fully participate in the school community. KCSD 96 partners with families to support regular attendance and address barriers when they arise.

Excused and Unexcused Absences

When a student must be absent, families should notify the school as soon as possible on the day of the absence.

Excused Absences
An absence may be excused for reasons including, but not limited to:
Student illness, including up to five (5) days per school year for mental or behavioral health
Medical, dental, or therapeutic appointments
Observance of a religious holiday or religious instruction
Death in the immediate family or family emergency
Circumstances beyond the student’s control, as determined by the school
Situations causing reasonable concern for the student’s physical, emotional, or mental health or safety
Civic engagement activities, including voting (for eligible students)
Parenting responsibilities or circumstances related to domestic or sexual violence
Military-connected absences related to a parent or guardian’s deployment or return from service

In the case of a prolonged, legitimate absence, parents will not be expected to call every day of the absence, but they are asked to keep in touch with the building or attendance secretary at their child’s school. A doctor's note excusing the child’s absences is needed when a child has been absent from school for three or more consecutive days; the district may require a doctor’s note clearing the student to return dependent upon the student’s symptoms.
We understand that life happens. If you are unsure whether an absence should be excused, please contact your school office. Our goal is to work with families, not penalize students.

The District is required to maintain attendance records on all children. The Illinois State Board of Education has established guidelines for what counts as half-day and full-day attendance. The guidelines are based on instructional time with the following general parameters:
 

	Kindergarten	1st Grade	Grades 2-8
Full Day Minimum	4 hours/240 minutes	4 hours/240 minutes	5 hours/300 minutes
Half Day Minimum	2 hours/120 minutes	2 hours/120 minutes	2.5 hours/150 minutes

These attendance guidelines do not apply to disabled children below the age of 6 who, because of disability, cannot attend a two-hour session, or to students receiving home/hospital instruction.

Students who are in the Tuition-Based Blended Preschool Program must commit to attending the full 5 days of the program in order to be given a spot.  Students who have 10 consecutive days of unexcused absences will be dropped from the program.  If a student needs to be re-enrolled, that student’s name will be added to the waitlist.

Students who are excused from school will be given a reasonable timeframe to make up missed homework and classwork assignments.

All other absences are considered unexcused. Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the building principal. 
The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

In the event of any absence, the student’s parent/guardian is required to call the school, listed below. before 8:00 a.m. to explain the reason for the absence. If a call has not been made to the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence, a school official will call the home to inquire why the student is not at school. If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent/guardian explaining the reason for the absence. Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence. Upon request of the parent/guardian, the reason for an absence will be kept confidential.

School	Phone
Willow Grove	847-541-3660
Country Meadows	847-353-8600
Kildeer	847-634-3243
Ivy Hall	847-459-0022
Prairie	847-634-3144
Woodlawn	847-353-8500
Twin Groves	847-821-8946

Student Absence Due to Vacations and Family Trips
While removing students from school for vacation is generally discouraged, the District recognizes that family vacations are important. Parents are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans and other such activities with school vacations. All family trips are considered unexcused absences.  We ask that parents/guardians consider that there are some classroom experiences that cannot be repeated for students who are absent. 
Whenever possible, early notification is appreciated. Arrangements should be made with the attendance office, principal, and teachers so that the reason for the absence and plans for keeping up with school work are known.
In the event students are taken out of school, specific assignments replicating classroom instruction will not be assigned by the teacher before or during the absence. General academic activities, such as keeping a journal and reading books while on vacation, may be recommended. If assignments are provided upon return to school, a timetable for making up missed work will be developed with the student after they have returned.
Any vacation or family trip exceeding fifteen (15) consecutive school days during a school year shall result in the student being unenrolled. Upon return to school, a parent or guardian must re-enroll the student and comply with all registration requirements.  While every effort will be made to place your child with the teacher they were with prior to unenrollment, this cannot be guaranteed.

Diagnostic Procedures for Identifying Student Absences and Support Services to Truant or Chronically Truant Students
State law requires every school district to collect and review its chronic absence data and determine what systems of support and resources are needed to engage chronically absent students and their families to encourage the habit of daily attendance and promote success. This review must include an analysis of chronic absence data from each attendance center.
Furthermore, State law provides that school districts are encouraged to provide a system of support to students who are at risk of reaching or exceeding chronic absence levels with strategies and are also encouraged to make resources available to families such as those available through the State Board of Education's Family Engagement Framework to support and engage students and their families to encourage heightened school engagement and improved daily school attendance.
"Chronic absence" means absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause, and out-of-school suspensions.
The School and District use the following diagnostic procedures for identifying the causes of unexcused student absences:  Interviews with the student, his or her parent/guardian and any school officials who may have information about the reasons for the student’s attendance problems.
Supportive services to truant or chronically truant students include: parent conferences, student counseling, family counseling, and information about existing community services.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-reference:
PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance

A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction.  The student’s parent/guardian must make an effort to give written notice to the building principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s). Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:80, Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observation

Make-Up Work

If a student’s absence is excused or if a student is suspended from school, he/she will be permitted to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit. If a student is absent for only one day, assignments should be obtained from his or her teacher(s) upon return to school. Middle school students are encouraged to obtain information about their daily assignments by checking Google Classroom.
  Students who are unexcused from school will not be allowed to make up missed work for credit, if so determined by the teacher in collaboration with school administration.  
Cross-reference:
PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Truancy

Student attendance is critical to the learning process. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district. 
Students who miss more than 1% but less than 5% of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are truant.  Students who miss 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause are chronic truants.  Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.
If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:
Referral to the truancy officer
Reporting to officials under the Juvenile Court Act
Referral to the State’s Attorney
Appropriate school discipline
A student who misses 15 consecutive days of school without valid cause and who cannot be located or, after exhausting all available support services, cannot be compelled to return to school is subject to expulsion from school.
A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.
Cross-references:
PRESS 7:70, Attendance and Truancy

Home and Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant or licensed advance practice registered nurse anticipates his or her absence from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital.
Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a written statement from a physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.
A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, the fulfillment of parenting obligations related to the health of the child, or health and safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence will be provided home instruction under the following circumstances:
1.    Before the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction.
2.    For up to three months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.
3.    When a student must care for his or her ill child if:
a. The child's physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse informs the school, in writing, that the child has a serious health condition that would require the student to be absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks; and
b. The student or the student's parent/guardian informs the school, in writing, that the student needs to care for the child during this period.
4.    The student must treat physical or mental health complications or address safety concerns arising from domestic or sexual violence when a health care provider or an employee of the student's domestic or sexual violence organization informs the school in writing that the care is needed by the student and will cause the student's absence from school for two or more consecutive weeks.
The school may reassess home instruction provided to a student under No. 3 or No. 4 every two months to determine the student's continuing need for home instruction.
Periodic conferences will be held between appropriate school personnel, parent(s)/guardian(s), and hospital staff to coordinate course work and facilitate a student’s return to school.
For information on home or hospital instruction, contact: Elizabeth O’Connor
Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:150, Home and Hospital Instruction

Grading & Promotion

Overview of Districtwide Curricular Standards
Districtwide curricular standards have been established for all grade levels in all content areas. Refer to the district website under teacher and learning.
School report cards are issued to students every trimester; 3 times per school year. .  For questions regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher. Typically, instructions to access report cards online will be sent one week after the end of the grading period.
The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests and other testing. A student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:280, Grading & Promotion

Reporting Student Progress to Parents - Family/Educator Conferences

In addition to these regularly scheduled report cards, the equivalent of three full days are set aside in the school calendar for Family/Educator conferences. One and one-half days are scheduled in the late fall and another one and one-half days are scheduled in the spring. Conference appointments are scheduled for the fall and spring conference windows.
Parents/guardians are able to contact a staff member at any point within the school year to discuss student performance.  It is not a district expectation  that staff recreate the conference experience outside the dates/times identified on the calendar. The intent of scheduled conference days is to provide an opportunity for parents and staff to come together to share information in a brief conference–not to replace the opportunity for these same people to come together whenever needed.

Middle School Graduation

A ceremony is held each year to commemorate graduation from the District. Exclusion from Graduation Activities. Students who receive numerous or significant disciplinary referrals during the 8th-grade school year may be excluded from participation in graduation activities. (See Disciplinary Referrals.)

Overview of Districtwide Special Instructional Programs

In addition to a core curriculum aligned with Stevenson High School District 125, the district offers specialized programs in several areas.

Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs. As required by Section 5/27-13.2 of the Illinois School Code, students will be provided with instruction in recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse. Parents may submit a written request that their child be excluded from this instruction.

Drug Awareness Programs. The curriculum shall include the required instructional activities designed to provide information and instruction on drug awareness and avoidance. The curriculum shall be presented in such a manner that students understand the social, medical, moral, and legal implications of drug abuse in personal terms. The following curriculum objectives should be included in the program:
l.  To increase an individual’s knowledge about drugs
2. To affect an individual’s attitude toward personal consumption of drugs
3. To alter an individual’s drug use behavior, if necessary

The K-8 health curriculum shall include instruction encouraging the following:
1. Development of a healthy lifestyle
2. Understanding of safe practices
3. Improvement of an individual’s decision-making skills
4. Improvement of an individual’s self-concept
Instrumental and General Music Programs. The District supports the development of musical skills and appreciation. The schools offer general music beginning in kindergarten. Orchestra lessons begin in grade four and band lessons begin in grade five. Students and parents will be informed of the enrollment procedures in their child’s school. The band, orchestra, and choral programs present concerts throughout the school year.

Physical Education Programs. Kindergarten, elementary, and middle school students must have athletic shoes for gym classes. These shoes also are required when students participate in after-school sports. Middle school students are required to wear the school’s official physical education uniforms. The uniforms may be purchased at registration or throughout the school year from the  PTO. Students must also purchase a lock for their gym lockers.

Title III Program. Students not considered proficient in English based on State of Illinois criteria receive support through either a Transitional Program of Instruction or dual language program.

Federal Title I Programs. The Title 1 program is a federally funded program offering services to students at eligible school buildings.

Direct efforts are made to involve parents and other representatives of children in planning, operating, and evaluating the Title 1 programs. Additional information regarding these programs may be obtained by contacting either the building principal, the Title 1 teachers at your child’s school,  or the district office.

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 on a student’s teacher, ability and grade level.

Students who are absent from school for a valid cause (an excused absence) may make up missed homework in a reasonable timeframe.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:290, Homework

 

Exemption from Physical Education Requirement [K-8]

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.
A student in grades 7-8 may submit a written request to the building principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses because of the student’s ongoing participation in an interscholastic or extracurricular athletic program. The building principal will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.
Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in Handbook Procedure 10.30.
Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical education course.
State law prohibits the School District from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.
Students who have been excused from physical education shall return to the course as soon as practical. The following considerations will be used to determine when a student shall return to a physical education course:
The time of year when the student’s participation ceases; and
The student’s class schedule.
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education

Acceleration

 On July 1, 2018 Public Act 100-0421 took effect. This act states that all school districts will have a set policy and procedures which guides how acceleration is determined and supported within the context of school. The policy for this Act can be found in our Board Policy manual under section 6:135. 

KCSD96 has a wide range of diverse student strengths and areas of growth in each grade level. Teams of teachers work together to meet the rigorous state standards as well as individual growth goals for each and every student in a grade level, regardless of whether they may need additional levels of support or acceleration in one or several areas. KCSD96 utilizes a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to identify, support, and progress-monitor students. 

 KCSD96 acceleration policy allows for students to gain access to an accelerated curriculum and aligns with other district in our consortium. There are acceleration time restrictions for some courses because they are prerequisites for future coursework, and students cannot miss the content of those courses.  Additional information, including specific qualification criteria, is available on the district website.

Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs;
Ability to Opt-Out of Certain Course Content and Programs

Parents or guardians have the right to inspect all instructional materials used as a part of their child’s education.  If you believe that curriculum, instructional materials, or programs violate rights guaranteed by any law or Board policy, you may file a complaint under the District’s uniform grievance policy.

Parents or guardians with other suggestions or complaints about curriculum, instructional materials, or programs should complete a Curriculum Objection Form, which is available from the school office. A parent or guardian may also request that their child be exempt from using a particular instructional material or participating in certain course content or programs by completing a Curriculum Objection Form.

Exempting a child from using instructional material or refusing to allow a child from taking or participating in course content or a program that allows parents or guardians to object in writing and/or opt their child out of participation shall not be reason for disciplinary action or academic penalty to the student.

Parental permission will be obtained prior to giving any surveys to students on such topics as substance abuse or other personal behaviors. Students may be surveyed without parental permission to gather data for school improvement.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:60-AP1, Administrative Procedure – Comprehensive Health Education Program 
PRESS 6:260, Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs
PRESS 6:260-AP-E, Exhibit – Curriculum Objection Form

Chapter 3.10 

Fines, Fees, and Charges; Waiver of Student Fees

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular programs of the school district 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 applies to all fees related to school, instruction, and extracurricular activities.

Applications for fee waivers may be obtained from the school office and may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee. As 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 same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals programs;
• The student’s parent is a veteran or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line;
• The student is homeless, as defined by the Mc-Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

The building principal will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present:2

• An illness in the family;
• Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.;
• Unemployment;
• Emergency situations; or
• When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage.

The building principal will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied. Questions regarding the fee waiver application process or an appeal of the District’s decision to deny a fee waiver should be addressed to the Building Principal. Pursuant to the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, the school is required to provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of whether the student has the ability to pay for the meal or snack or owes money for earlier meals or snacks. Students may not be provided with an alternative meal or snack and the school is prohibited from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for or owes money for a meal or snack.3
Fines for loss or damage to school property are waived for students who meet certain eligibility guidelines.
Cross-references:
PRESS 4:110, Transportation
PRESS 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees
PRESS 4:140-AP, Fines, Fees, and Charges – Waiver of Student Fees
PRESS 4:140-E1, Application for Fee Waivers
PRESS 4:140-E3, Response to Application for Fee Waiver, Appeal, and Response to Appeal

Vandalism

The school district will seek restitution from students and their parents/guardians for vandalism or other students acts that cause damage to school property.
Cross-reference:
PRESS 7:170, Vandalism

 

Bus Transportation
 

The district provides bus transportation to and from school for all students living 1.5 miles or more walking distance from the school. The State of Illinois allows for bus stops to be placed 1.5 miles from the student's home for school transportation. District 96, however, attempts to keep the bus stops within a quarter-mile from the student's address where possible. District 96 bus stops are community stops designed to serve the community as safely and efficiently as possible. The bus stops for elementary and middle school may vary and may even be slightly further for middle school students. Some stops will be further than others depending on the structure of the roads in each individual neighborhood.

Fee-Based Transportation

The Board of Education has approved a fee-based transportation program for students living within the 1.5-mile walking areas of Ivy Hall, Prairie, and Twin Groves Schools.
The cost of this service will be based on actual transportation costs for the year. More information about the fee-based transportation system can be obtained by contacting the Transportation Department at 847.459.4260 or emailing transportation@kcsd96.org.
Transportation is provided for all attendance areas of  Kildeer Elementary School, Country Meadows Elementary School, and Woodlawn Middle School.

Activity Bus Service

District 96 offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in after-school activities. Activity buses are provided following the conclusion of the activity period at 3:15 p.m. to encourage participation for any students after school for band, orchestra, chorus, study hall, or a club activity. No bus service is provided following sports practices, games, or meets. 

A smaller number of bus routes run for after-school activities: Stops are consolidated and differ from the assigned morning and afternoon locations. Route lengths may be extended as a result of fluctuating ridership. Requests to change activity stop locations for convenience will not be considered. 

Changes to Assigned Transportation

 

A change in a child's typical bus routine must be communicated through a written and signed parent/guardian note or email provided to the school office staff before noon on the morning the parent/guardian will be picking up the child after school ~ rather than having the child ride the bus. (Due to the young age of Willow Grove students, all Willow Grove parents/guardians must call the main office before noon to make changes.) Otherwise, the child will follow their typical transportation routine.

Due to capacity restrictions and for the safety of our students, riding an unassigned bus for birthday parties, scouts, carpools/playdates, etc., is not considered to be an appropriate use of transportation resources. Emergency changes to the typical routine must be communicated by phone call to the school (no email notification will be accepted). Permission is reserved for emergencies only or at the discretion of the District 96 administration. The building principal or assistant principal will consider the request and will review the request with the transportation department to ensure its feasibility.

Under no circumstances is a student permitted to ride a bus other than the one to which they have been assigned or to leave the bus at a bus stop other than their assigned bus stop.

Any permanent changes to bus plans require at least five (5) school days to process route changes. Changes may exceed five (5) school days depending on the cascading effect on the route.  Temporary changes may not be made to access bus service.

At any time, parents/guardians may change plans from bus to adult pick-up by notifying the school by written and signed note or email by noon (no phone calls). 

Forms requesting alternate pick-up and/or drop-off locations for childcare are available in each school office or through the Transportation Department. Completed forms must be submitted for approval by July 15th to ensure transportation can begin by the start of school. Any request received after July 15 will be considered after Labor Day. 

Students with an address change must notify the school office and provide the required documentation. Address changes made after August 1st are not guaranteed bus service before the start of school. 

 
Permission for Students to Walk Home from School

If a child wishes to walk home from school, the child’s parent/guardian must send a note indicating the date or giving blanket permission for the child to walk home from school on any school day. Under most circumstances, permission given over the telephone is not acceptable. Students will ride their assigned bus each day unless a change is communicated directly to their school’s front office. Children are cautioned against accepting rides from strangers.

 

Behavioral Expectations

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.
 
Students are expected to follow all school rules while on the bus. Students may be suspended from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for violating school rules or for engaging in other gross disobedience or misconduct. The school board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons. The district’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus.
 
A student who is suspended from riding the school bus and who does not have alternative transportation to school shall be allowed the opportunity to make up all missed work for equivalent academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternative transportation to school.
 
In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are also expected to observe the following:

1. Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing. Backpacks and other items are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in the bus doors, railings or aisles. 
2. The district recommends students should arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled bus stop time. 
3. Wait until the bus is at a complete stop with stop signs and stop arm deployed before approaching the bus. Enter the bus in a single-file line, utilizing the handrails. 
4. Find a seat quickly and remain seated facing forward. Remember to keep all hands, arms, legs, and head inside the bus. 
5. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Tablets, iPods, iPads, smartphones, and other electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones. 
6. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus. 
7. Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up and use the handrails when exiting. 
8. Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing. Never crawl under the bus. 
9. If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic. 
10. Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something. 

Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Keep your hands to yourself and avoid making noises. Video and audio cameras may be active on buses to record student conduct and may be used for the purpose of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus. For any questions regarding school transportation issues, contact: transportation@kcsd96.org. Parents/Guardians are not permitted to access the school bus. Only District Administrators and Police may release students from a bus to parents except at the designated bus stop.
 
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.
 
For questions regarding school transportation issues, contact:  Sam Miranda at transportation@kcsd96.org.
Cross Reference:
PRESS 4:110, Transportation
PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

Bus Conduct
 

 

1. Students are expected to follow all school rules when riding the school bus.  A student may be suspended from riding the bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:
2. Violating any school rule or school district policy.
3. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
4. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
5. Repeated use of profanity.
6. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
7. Such other behavior as the building principal deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

 
If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.
 
A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation.
 
 Cross Reference:
PRESS 4:110, Transportation
PRESS 7:220, Bus Conduct

General Health Questions and Procedures

District 96 will follow all health and safety guidance from the Lake County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students will follow the guidance implemented by the school district.  Students who do not comply with the guidance may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Students with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or above, sneezing or runny noses, sore or irritated eyes, vomiting, or severe abdominal cramps should not be in school. A child with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more should stay home for 24 hours after his or her temperature returns to normal without the use of fever-reducing medications. A child should be free of vomiting and diarrhea for at least 24 hours before returning to school. Parents should notify the school whenever there is confirmation of a communicable or contagious illness of any sort.

A doctor's note excusing the child’s absences is needed when a child has been absent from school for three or more consecutive days.
Emergency Forms. Parents are asked to advise school office personnel immediately of any changes to be made to the Emergency contact information you provided when registering your child in the District. This would include a change of doctor or neighbor to notify. It would also include a change in work address, residence address, or phone number(s). It is important that records are up-to-date to ensure quick communication.

Immunization, Health, Eye and Dental Examinations

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations
All students are required to present appropriate proof of a health examination and the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases within one year prior to:

• Entering kindergarten or the first grade;
• Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and
• Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade.

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 6 and 12.  A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required).  Students between the age of one and seven must provide a statement from a physician assuring that the student was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

Failure to comply with the above requirements by October 15 of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the school, subject to certain exceptions. A student will not be excluded from school due to his or her parent/guardian’s failure to obtain a developmental screening or a social and emotional screening.

New students who register mid-term have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization requirements.  If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by October 15, the student must present, by October 15, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay.  The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by an appropriate medical professional.

Diabetes Screening
Diabetes screening is required for all kindergarten and Grade 6 students. Every student with Diabetes should have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan, developed by the student's health care team and family, on file in the school Health Office. Contact your school nurse for the necessary forms or find them online (Student Health Forms / Diabetes Medical Management Plan).

Eye Examination
All students entering kindergarten or the school for the first time must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year.  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, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision and hearing screenings are not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor or an ear examination by a physician or an audiological evaluation by an audiologist.

Vision Screening. The District annually conducts vision screenings for all children in early childhood, kindergarten, grades 2 and 8, and for all newly enrolled students and all those receiving special education services. Children are not required to undergo the vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that a vision examination has been administered within the previous 12 months.

Hearing Screening. Annual hearing screening is conducted for all children in early childhood, kindergarten, grades 1, 2, 3, those newly enrolled, and all those receiving special education services. Children are not required to undergo the hearing screening if a signed report form indicating that a hearing examination has been administered within the previous 12 months is submitted to school.
Screening for both hearing and vision is completed annually on all children referred by parents or teachers.

Dental Examination
All students entering kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months.  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.

Exemptions
A student will be exempted from the above requirements for:

1. Medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection;
2. Religious grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a completed Certificate of Religious Exemption;
3. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification;
4. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or lack of access to a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or
5. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parent/guardian shows an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:100, Health, Eye and, Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students

Student Medication

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 “School Medication Authorization Form.”

No school or district employee is allowed to 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.

Dispensing and Storing of Medicine
For the safety of all, medication must be brought to school by the parent or another responsible adult. The medication must be in its correct prescription container, showing the child’s name, the name of the drug, the dosage to be given, and the time of administration.
Medication containers must be stored in the health office and students may consume medicine only in the health office. This includes acetaminophen or any other nonprescription, over-the-counter medication. Orders for medications must be renewed annually at the beginning of each school year. Any medication not picked up by parents at the end of the school year will be destroyed.

Self-Administration of Medication 
A student may possess and self-administer an epinephrine injector (e.g., EpiPen®) and/or an asthma inhaler or medication prescribed for use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form. 

Students who are diabetic may possess and/or self-administer diabetic testing supplies, equipment, and insulin if authorized by the student’s diabetes care plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students with epilepsy may possess and/or self-administer supplies, equipment and medication, if authorized by the student’s seizure action plan, which must be on file with the school.

Students may self-administer (but not possess on their person) other medications required under a qualified plan, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a School Medication Authorization Form.

The school 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, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan. A student’s parent/guardian must 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 injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan. 

Administration of Medical Cannabis
In accordance with the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program, qualifying students are allowed to utilize medical cannabis infused products while at school and school events. Please contact the building principal for additional information. Discipline of a student for being administered a product by a designated caregiver pursuant to this procedure is prohibited. The District may not deny a student attendance at a school solely because he or she requires administration of the product during school hours.

Undesignated Medications
The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine delivery system; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon.  No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s). All students enrolled in the school may receive medication according to this standing order. A parent's or guardian's failure to acknowledge this notification does not preclude a school nurse, trained personnel, or delegated care aide from administering undesignated medications when indicated.

Emergency Aid to Students
Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication.

Cross-References:
PRESS 7:270, Administering Medicines to Students
PRESS 7:270-AP1, Dispensing Medication
PRESS 7:270-E1, School Medication Authorization Form
 

Guidance & Counseling

The school provides a guidance and counseling program for students. The school’s counselors are available to those students who require additional assistance.

Under Illinois law. any student 12 years of age or older may receive counseling services without consent of the student's parent/guardian. However, until the consent of the student’s parent/guardian has been obtained, counseling services provided to a student under the age of 17 are generally limited to not more than eight 90-minute sessions.
 
Cross-reference:
PRESS 6:270, Guidance and Counseling Programs

Safety Drill Procedures and 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 lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.
Cross-References:
PRESS 4:170, Safety
PRESS 4:170-AP1, Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan

Communicable Diseases

The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.
1.    Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease. 
2.    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.
3.    The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.
4.    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.

Cross-references:
PRESS 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease
PRESS 7:280-AP, Managing Students with Communicable or Infectious Diseases

Head Lice

Procedures for Dealing with Head Lice
When/if a student or adult reports a head condition/possible concern, the student is sent to the nurse. The nurse will check the student privately. If lice or nits are present, the nurse will contact the parents. If the student has siblings, the nurse will contact the parents to have the siblings checked, as well.
Students will be permitted to return to school after having treatment/being checked at home.
The school maintains a “no live lice” policy, which means that a child will not be allowed to return to school if there are any live lice present in his or her hair. The child MUST be checked by the school nurse before admission will be allowed.
The building administrator will send notification to the classroom families via the District's parent notification system the day a student is identified with having live lice.

Cross-References:
PRESS 7:250 AP1, Measures to Control the Spread of Head Lice at School

 

Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Threats and acts of targeted school violence harm the District’s environment and school community, diminishing students’ ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Providing students and staff with access to a safe and secure environment is an important goal of the School and District. While it is not possible to completely eliminate threats, the School and District maintain a  Targeted School Violence Prevention Program and a Threat Assessment Team to reduce these risks to its environment.

Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to report any expressed threats or behaviors that may represent a threat to the community, School, or self.  Reports can be made to any school administrator, law enforcement authorities, or the Safe2Help Illinois helpline (www.safe2helpil.com/).

Students and parents are urged to participate in behavioral threat assessment and intervention programs if the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team believes that intervention is necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. However, if for some reason there is a reluctance to participate in the process by the threat maker(s) or parent/guardian(s), the threat assessment process will continue in order to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all.

For further information, please contact the Building Principal.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 4:190, Targeted School Violence Prevention Program

Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or
Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence 

Domestic and sexual violence affect a student's ability to learn. Students who are parents or expectant parents have unique needs. Providing support services that enable students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence (Article 26A Students) to succeed in school are important school and district goals and are required by law.

Requesting Support Services
To facilitate the full participation of Article 26A Students, the school district provides in-school support services and information regarding non-school-based support services. Article 26A Students are also able to make up work missed on account of circumstances related to their status as a parent, expectant parent, or victim of domestic or sexual violence.

In-school support services include, but are not limited to, enabling a student to meet with counselors or others service providers, excusing the student from class as necessary for circumstances consistent with their Article 26A status, and assisting students with the development of a student success plan.

An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may request a complete copy of the District’s policies related to Article 26A Students and information on support services by contacting the Article 26A Resource Person listed below.

Filing a Complaint
An Article 26A Student and/or their parent/guardian may file a complaint for violations of this procedure with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the person is comfortable speaking.  

Reference Board Policy for District 96  Non-Discrimination Coordinator and Title IX complaint coordinator.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against an Article 26A Student or their parent/guardian for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under this procedure is prohibited. Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:255, Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
PRESS 7:255-A1, Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
PRESS 7:255, A2, Complaint Resolution Procedure for Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

Medical Excuse from Physical Education

A student will not be excused from physical education without a note from the parent/physician. A parental note is acceptable for a period of one school week per school term; thereafter, a note from a physician is required. Both notes should give the date, reason for excuse, and length of time the student should be excused from physical education classes.

Accidents and Illness at School

The district makes an effort to have a trained school nurse available to students at all times. Nursing services are available to assist in cases of extreme emergency. Our role is one of giving first aid only, not treatment. We ask for your cooperation in not sending students to school who are ill or injured.

Occasionally an accident will happen at school. When an accident occurs, first aid is given and every effort is made to contact the parents at home or at work. If the school cannot contact a parent, we will call the responsible adult designated in the information provided in the online student registration process. For this reason, it is imperative that these names reflect choices of individuals whom you feel will make decisions for your child on your behalf.

If the Principal or other person in charge believes a child is too ill to remain in school, the student will be made as comfortable as possible, the student’s parent/guardian contacted, and arrangements made for the student to be taken home. If we cannot contact the child’s parent/guardian, the responsible adult designated in the information provided in the online student registration process will be called. In the event that no contact can be made with the parent(s) or the emergency reference, the school authorities will handle the problem in the manner they believe is best for the welfare of the child.

Sports Physicals

Middle school students who plan to participate in interscholastic sports are also required to have a complete physical examination each school year. Before participation is allowed, a record of such examination must be on file with the nurse. Forms for the physical examination are available at the middle school office and on the District Website. Parents are asked to mail or deliver the completed forms to the middle school.

Individualized Health Plan Request

Students whose health needs impact their daily functioning at school may require an Individualized Health Plan (IHP). Parents should contact their child's school nurse if they believe their child may be eligible for or in need of an IHP. Students who receive school-based accommodations via an IHP may also be eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Parents have the right to request a Section 504 evaluation if they believe their child may have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Please contact the Special Education Department if you have questions about the Section 504 evaluation process or would like additional information.

Railway Safety

The following railway safety messages are provided in accordance with State law.
 
(1)  Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
(2)  Never walk down a train track; it is illegal and dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks, it is too late to stop even when the emergency brakes are activated.
(3)  The only safe place to cross is at a designated public crossing, equipped with crossbucks, flashing red lights, or gates. Crossing anywhere else is trespassing, which can result in a ticket and fine.
(4)  Do not cross tracks immediately after a train passes. Additional trains may be approaching when blocked by the first. Trains can travel at any time and in either direction. Wait until both directions can be clearly observed.
(5)  Flashing red lights signal that a train or rail equipment is approaching from either direction, and a fine can be charged for ignoring such signals. Never walk around or stop between lowered gates at a crossing. Do not cross the tracks until the red lights stop flashing and it is safe to do so.
(6)  Rails and recreation do not mix.
 
Cross-references:
None
 

[1] A school district may opt-out of this requirement if the school board of the school district determines that the inclusion of such messaging is unnecessary based on local context or the messaging's alignment with curriculum.

General Building Conduct

General Expectations for Student Conduct

Student conduct in District 96 schools is governed by two general principles: any conduct that is disruptive of the educational process is prohibited and any conduct that infringes upon the rights of others is prohibited. High standards of courtesy, decency, expression, honesty, morality, and wholesome relationships with others shall be maintained.
Misconduct at school or school-sponsored events will not be tolerated. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in keeping with their level of maturity and the behavioral expectations established by the District.

• Hats and bandanas shall not be worn in the building.  Any hat brought to school shall be removed before entering.
• Students shall not run, talk loudly or yell in the hallways nor shall they push, shove or hit others.
• Students shall not write on walls, desks or deface or destroy school property.
• Chewing of gum is not permitted in the school building.
• Skateboards are not permitted at school.
• Water guns, play guns, and/or real guns are not permitted at school.
• No radios, tape players, CD players, cameras are permitted without permission from the principal.

Student Behavior

 
Prohibited Student Conduct
Students may be disciplined for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to the following:

• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering tobacco or nicotine materials, including electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens or other vaping related products.
• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.
• Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering for sale: 
  • Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish, and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law).
  • Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
  • Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
  • Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law.
  • 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. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.
  • “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; 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, controlled substance or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.
  • 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.
  • Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in a tablet or powdered form.

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 “weapon” or violating the procedures listed below under the Weapons Prohibition section of this handbook procedure.
• Using or possessing an electronic paging device.
• Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, 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, including using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms, cheat, or otherwise violate student conduct rules. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the building principal, all cellular phones, smartphones and other 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); (c) it is used during the student’s lunch period; or (d) 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. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a staff member’s request to stop, present school identification or submit to a search.
• Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
• Engaging in bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, or posting or distributing sexually explicit images.
• Engaging in cyber-bullying, which means bullying through the use of technology or electronic communication. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, assuming the identity or impersonation of another person for the purposes of bullying, distribution of electronic communications to more than one person or posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by more than one person for the purposes of bullying, posting or distribution of an unauthorized replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects of bullying.
• Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning) and sexual assault.
• Engaging in teen dating violence.
• Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
• Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
• In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (calling 9-1-1); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus or at any school activity.
• 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, vandalism 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.
• Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.
• Operating an unarmed aircraft system (AUS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the building principal.
• Sexting, which, for purposes of this procedure, is the act of creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing sexually explicit messages, images, or videos electronically, regardless of whether they are authentic or computer-generated, through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Sexting also includes creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing indecent visual depictions, non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, and non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit digitized depictions, as defined in State law.

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.

Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports shall be made to deter students, while at school or a school-related event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else.
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 psychostimulant medication to the student.

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply
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:

• On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
• Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
• Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; 
• 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; or
• During periods of remote learning.

Disciplinary Measures
School officials shall limit the number and duration of expulsions and out-of-school suspensions to the greatest extent practicable, and, where practicable and reasonable, shall consider forms of non-exclusionary discipline before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out of school voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following measures:

• Notifying parents/guardians.
• Disciplinary conference.
• Withholding of privileges.
• Temporary removal from the classroom.
• Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen or damaged property.
• In-school suspension.
• After-school study or Saturday study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. (If transportation arrangements cannot be made in advance, an alternative disciplinary measure will be assigned to the student.)
• Community service.
• Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of the personal property that was used to violate school rules.
• Suspension of bus riding privileges.
• Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
• Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years. An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
• Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for transfer under State law.
• Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, such as, illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol or weapons or in other circumstances as authorized by the reciprocal reporting agreement between the District and local law enforcement agencies.

The above list of disciplinary measures is a range of options that will not always be applicable in every case. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to avoid suspending or expelling a student because behavioral interventions, other than a suspension or expulsion, will not be appropriate and available, and the only reasonable and practical way to resolve the threat and/or address the disruption is a suspension or expulsion.

Typical Procedures for Disciplinary Referrals
When a student violates expectations for student conduct in the District, a staff member or administrator shall promptly prepare a written report of what took place. Once the disciplinary report has been filed with the school administrator or designee, a determination shall be made whether the conduct warrants a consequence including, but not limited to, consideration of a detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. Parents will be contacted via phone, email, or written notice.
A student will not be able to make up class assignments or attendance obligations in the case of expulsion and/or truancies that are unexcused absences.
Students who receive numerous or significant disciplinary referrals during the 8th-grade school year may be excluded from participation in graduation activities.

General Procedures for Disciplinary Appeals
School administrators are responsible for maintaining an orderly and disciplined environment conducive to learning. In the case in which a parent disagrees with a principal’s decision regarding a behavioral or disciplinary intervention, the parent shall contact the principal to schedule a conference to discuss the incident. If, after this conference, the parent remains dissatisfied with the behavioral or disciplinary intervention or consequence, the parent may contact the superintendent’s office to discuss the incident with the superintendent or designee.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out and Physical Restraint
Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint shall only be used if the student’s behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others and other less restrictive and intrusive measures were tried and proven ineffective in stopping it. The school may not use isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.  The use of prone restraint is prohibited.

Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is prohibited in all circumstances. Corporal punishment is defined as a discipline method in which a person deliberately inflicts pain upon a student in response to the student's unacceptable behavior or inappropriate language, with an aim or set an example for others. It includes 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 permitted by State law.

Weapons Prohibition
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 but not more than 2 calendar years:
(1) A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the Unites 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.
(2) 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 Prohibited
“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.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students
The building principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make-up missed work for equivalent academic credit.
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:190, Student Behavior
PRESS 7:190-AP2, Gang Activity Prohibited

Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important district and school goals. 

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, order of protection status, homelessness, actual or marital status, parenting status, pregnancy, parenting status, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

• During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
• While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
• Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
• Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a non-school-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school.

Bullying includes cyber-bullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 

• Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property; 
• Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health; 
• Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or 
• Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes: (1) the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying; (2) the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying; and (3) the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following:  harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, posting or distributing sexually explicit images, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

The District has adopted a Bullying Prevention Plan, which includes a set of administrative procedures to guide our response to bullying.

A system for responding to students who bully others takes into account that bullying behavior occurs on a continuum ranging from an isolated incident to chronic and persistent behavior. The Bullying Prevention Plan Policy is based on a progressive response, with the severity and duration of the bullying behavior determining the level of response required. Levels I and II are applied sequentially; Level III may be applied after Level II, or Level III may be applied independently to any bullying situation that is considered serious when first brought to the attention of staff. For more information or copies of the Bullying Prevention Plan Policy, parents/guardians should contact their school principal. See the District Bullying Prevention Plan Policy

Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the building principal, nondiscrimination coordinator, district complaint manager or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. All school staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the district complaint manager or any staff member.  Anonymous reports are also accepted by phone call or in writing. 

Nondiscrimination Coordinator:
Dr. Jane Pedersen, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
1050 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-4260
JPedersen@kcsd96.org

Complaint Manager(s):

• Jennifer Smith, Principal, Willow Grove Early Learning Center, jsmith@kcsd96.org, 847-541-3660
• Aska Lempke, Principal, Country Meadows Elementary School, alempke@kcsd96.org, 847-353-8600
• Mike Senatore, Principal, Ivy Hall Elementary School, msenatore@kcsd96.org, 847-459-0022
• Brigitte Cameron, Principal, Kildeer Countryside Elementary School, bcameron@kcsd96.org, 847-634-3243
• Samantha Heinrich, Principal, Prairie Elementary School, sheinrich@kcsd96.org, 847-634-3144
• Jessica Barnes, Principal, Twin Groves Middle School, jbarnes@kcsd96.org, 847-821-8946
• Greg Bays, Principal, Woodlawn Middle School, gbays@kcsd96.org, 847-353-8500

A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the school’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to read the following school district policies: 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited and 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment.

Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the school shall make diligent efforts to notify a parent or guardian within 24-hours after the school’s administration is made aware of a student’s involvement in an alleged bullying incident.  The term “bullying incident” includes individual instances of bullying, as well as all threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm determined to be a result of bullying.  Notification to a parent or guardian shall include, as appropriate, the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures.

Cross-references:
PRESS 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited
PRESS 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment
PRESS 7:190, Student Behavior
PRESS 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure

Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis
of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin negatively affects a student’s ability to learn and an employee’s ability to work. Providing an educational and workplace environment free from such discrimination and harassment is an important District and School goal. The District and School do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, or national origin in any of its education programs or activities and comply with federal and State non-discrimination laws.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct
Examples of conduct that may constitute discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: disciplining students more harshly and frequently because of their race, color, or national origin; denying students access to high-rigor academic courses, extracurricular activities, or other educational opportunities based on their race, color, or national origin; denying language services or other educational opportunities to English learners; and assigning students special education services based on a student's race, color, or national origin.

Harassment is a form of prohibited discrimination. Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin include: the use of racial, ethnic or ancestral slurs or stereotypes; taunts; name-calling; offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin; the display of racially-offensive symbols; racially-motivated physical threats and attacks; or other hateful conduct.

Making a Report or Complaint; Investigation Process
Individuals are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidences of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Reports will be processed under the District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Reports and complaints of discrimination or harassment will be confidential to the greatest extent practicable, subject to the District’s duty to investigate and maintain an educational environment that is productive, respectful, and free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment.

Federal and State Agencies
If the District fails to take necessary corrective action to stop harassment based on race, color, or national origin, further relief may be available through the Illinois Dept. of Human Rights (IDHR) or the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights. To contact IDHR, go to: https://dhr.illinois.gov/about-us/contact-idhr.html or call (312) 814-6200 (Chicago) or (217) 785-5100 (Springfield).

Prevention and Response Program
The District maintains a prevention and response program to respond to complaints of discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including harassment, and retaliation. The program includes procedures for responding to complaints which:
1. Reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
2. Permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person's choice who complies with the District's policies and rules;
3. Permit anonymous reporting, except that an anonymous report may not be the sole basis of any disciplinary action;
4. Offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis;
5. Offer, but do not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the accused; and
6. Protects a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation from suffering adverse consequences as a result of a report of, investigation of, or a response to the incident.

Enforcement
Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.

Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.
Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.
Cross-references:
PRESS 2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited

Harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Harassment Prohibited
No person, including a school district employee, agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; physical appearance; socioeconomic status; academic status; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, 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, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.
 
Sexual Harassment Prohibited (Title IX)
Sexual harassment as defined in Title IX (Title IX Sexual Harassment) is prohibited. Any person, including a District employee or agent, or student, engages in Title IX Sexual Harassment when that person engages in conduct on the basis of an individual’s sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
1. A District employee conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; or
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the District’s educational program or activity; or
3. Sexual assault as defined in or stalking as defined in District policy and federal law.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, touching, rape, sexual battery, sexual abuse, sexual coercion, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities.

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is 13 to 19 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

Making a Report or Complaint
Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking.

Non-Discrimination Coordinator:	Title IX Coordinator:
Name:	Name:
Address:	Address:
Phone Number:	Phone Number:
Email Address:	Email Address:
Complaint Manager:	Complaint Manager:
Name:	Name:
Address:	Address:
Phone Number:	Phone Number:
Email Address:	Email Address:

Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to discipline.

Investigation Process
All complaints will be investigated by the District in accordance with state and federal law and corresponding District policies.

Enforcement
Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
Any District student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to remedial action and/or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion, consistent with the student discipline information in this handbook.
Any third party who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be addressed in accordance with the authority of the Board in the context of the relationship of the third party to the District, e.g., vendor, parent/guardian, invitee, etc. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.
Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

Cross-references:
PRESS 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited
PRESS 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Cafeteria Rules

 

1. Students shall not save seats for other students.
2. Students shall walk to lunch and shall be orderly and quiet during lunch.  
3. Trays shall be stacked neatly after placing silverware in its proper container.  No food shall leave the cafeteria.  
4. Loud talking, yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited.
5. Students shall not throw food, milk cartons or other items.
6. Students shall not trade food.
7. Students shall follow the instructions of the lunchroom aides and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel.
8. Students shall remain seated while in the cafeteria except to return to the lunch line or return trays.  
9. Students shall immediately become silent when staff or presenters make announcements in the cafeteria.
10. Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.
11. Students shall be dismissed from the cafeteria by the lunch room supervisor.
12. Misbehavior will result in disciplinary action in according to the school’s disciplinary procedures.

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.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:
PRESS 6:240, Field Trips
PRESS 6:240-AP, Field Trip Guidelines

Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites

School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:
PRESS 7:140, Search and Seizure
PRESS 7:140-E Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding the Right to Privacy in the School Setting

Student Use of Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices and other technology at school is a privilege, not a right. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices, except as provided herein.  An electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the following: cell phone, smart phone, audio or video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), ipod©, ipad©, laptop computer, tablet computer or other similar electronic device.  Pocket pagers and other paging devices are not allowed on school property at any time, except with the express permission of the building principal.

During instructional time, which includes class periods and passing periods, electronic devices must be kept powered-off and out-of-sight unless: (a) permission is granted by an administrator, teacher or school staff member; (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.

Students are allowed to use electronic devices during non-instructional time, which is defined as before and after school and during the student’s lunch period.

Electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms; (2) cheating; and (3) creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting).

The school and school district are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any electronic device brought to school.
Students in violation of this procedure are subject to the following consequences:
1.       First offense – The device will be confiscated by school personnel. A verbal warning will be assigned. The student will receive the device back at the end of the day in the school office. 
2.       Second offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. 
3.       Third offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. Additionally, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the next 10 school days. If the student is found in possession of the device during this 10-day period, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year.  The student will also face consequences for insubordination. 
4.       Fourth and subsequent offense – The device will be confiscated. The student will be assigned a detention and will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. The student will also face consequences for insubordination.

School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:
PRESS 7:190-AP5, Student Handbook, Electronic Devices

Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks

All use of the District’s electronic networks shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These procedures do not attempt to state all required or prohibited behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures may result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

Terms and Conditions
The term electronic networks includes all of the District’s technology resources, including, but not limited to:

1. The District’s local-area and wide-area networks, including wireless networks (Wi-Fi), District-provided Wi-Fi hotspots, and any District servers or other networking infrastructure;
2. Access to the Internet or other online resources via the District’s networking infrastructure or to any District-issued online account from any computer or device, regardless of location;
3. District-owned and District-issued computers, laptops, tablets, phones, or similar devices.

Acceptable Use – Access to the District’s electronic networks must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use.
Privileges – Use of the District’s electronic networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The system administrator or Building Principal will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. His or her decision is final. 
Unacceptable Use – The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the electronic networks. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:

• Using the electronic networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other intellectual property rights or contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law;
• Using the electronic networks to engage in conduct prohibited by Board policy;
• Unauthorized downloading of software or other files, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or scanned for malware;
• Unauthorized use of personal removable media devices (such as flash or thumb drives);
• Downloading of copyrighted material for other than personal use;
• Using the electronic networks for private financial or commercial gain;
• Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
• Hacking or attempting to hack or gain unauthorized access to files, accounts, resources, or entities by any means;
• Invading the privacy of individuals, including the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature, such as a photograph or video;
• Using another user’s account or password;
• Disclosing any network or account password (including your own) to any other person, unless requested by the system administrator;
• Posting or sending material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
• Posting or sending anonymous messages;
• Creating or forwarding chain letters, spam, or other unsolicited messages;
• Using the electronic networks for commercial or private advertising;
• Accessing, sending, posting, publishing, or displaying any abusive, obscene, profane, sexual, threatening, harassing, illegal, or knowingly false material;
• Misrepresenting the user’s identity or the identity of others; and
• Using the electronic networks 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 or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues.
• Recognize that the District’s electronic networks are not private. People who operate District technology have access to all email and other data. Messages or other evidence relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• Do not use the networks in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
• Consider all communications and information accessible via the electronic networks to be private property.

No Warranties – The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be 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 District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
Indemnification – By using the District’s electronic networks, the user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violation of these procedures.
Security – Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify or suspects a security problem on the network, the user must promptly notify the system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep user account(s) and password(s) confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the networks.
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 malware, such as viruses and spyware.
Telephone Charges – The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, texting or data use charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.
Copyright Web Publishing Rules – Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the Internet or on District websites or file servers/cloud storage without explicit written permission.

• For each re-publication (on a website 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 and staff engaged in producing web pages must provide district administrative staff with email 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 website 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 Email – The District’s email system, and its constituent software, hardware, and data files, are owned and controlled by the District. The District provides email to aid students and staff members in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an educational tool.

• The District reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any account on its system, without prior notice or permission from the account’s user. Unauthorized access by any student or staff member to an email account is strictly prohibited.
• Each person should use the same degree of care in drafting an email message as would be put into a written memorandum or document. Nothing should be transmitted in an email message that would be inappropriate in a letter or memorandum.
• Electronic messages transmitted via the District’s Internet gateway carry with them an identification of the user’s Internet domain. This domain is a registered name and identifies the author as being with the District. Great care should be taken, therefore, in the composition of such messages and how such messages might reflect on the name and reputation of the District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all email messages transmitted to external recipients.
• Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet, such as spam or potential phishing emails, should either be immediately deleted or marked as phishing. Downloading any file attached to any Internet-based message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file so transmitted.
• Use of the District’s email system constitutes consent to these regulations.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enabled Tools – The District may approve certain AI-enabled tools for use by students and staff. Students and staff shall comply with the District's AI Responsible Use Guidelines when using AI-enabled tools. The Superintendent or designee shall inform students and staff of the District's AI Responsible Use Guidelines and any updates made to them by including them on the District's website, in the Student Handbook(s), and/or employee handbooks.
Internet Safety
Internet access is limited to only those acceptable uses as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is supported if users will not engage in unacceptable uses, as detailed in these procedures, and otherwise follow these procedures.
Students must abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in these procedures.
Each District device with Internet access has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.
The system administrator and Building Principals shall monitor student Internet access.

Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School-Sponsored Publications

 
Distribution of non-school sponsored publications that solicits for or promotes outside organizations or
independent projects is not permitted on school grounds unless approved by the superintendent or
designee. If approved for purposes of this section and the following section, a publication includes,
without limitation: (1) written or electronic print material, (2) audio-visual material on any medium
including electromagnetic media (e.g., images, digital files, flash memory, etc.), or combinations of
these whether off-line (e.g., a printed book, digital files, etc.) or online (e.g., any website, social
networking site, database for information retrieval, etc.), or (3) information or material on electronic
devices (e.g., text or voice messages delivered by cell phones, tablets, and other hand-held devices).
Students are prohibited from creating, distributing, and/or accessing at school any publication that:
1. Will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school
or school activities;
2. Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, invades the
privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
3. 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, contains
indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by Board policy 7:190, Student Behavior,
and/or Student Handbooks;
4. Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use; or
5. 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 related to a school sponsored
activity.
Accessing or distributing "on-campus" includes accessing or distributing on school property or at
school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be
disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or
publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

Cross Reference: 7:310

Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology
Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act

 
School districts throughout the State of Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.
 
Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to protect online student data.
 
Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.
 
In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as:
 
·      Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password, student ID number
·      Demographic information
·      Enrollment information
·      Assessment data, grades, and transcripts
·      Attendance and class schedule
·      Academic/extracurricular activities
·      Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)
·      Conduct/behavioral data
·      Health information
·      Food purchases
·      Transportation information
·      In-application performance data
·      Student-generated work
·      Online communications
·      Application metadata and application use statistics
·      Permanent and temporary school student record information
 
Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as:
 
·      Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning)
·      Administrative activities
·      Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians
·      Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

Use of Artificial Intelligence
 

“Artificial intelligence” or “AI” is intelligence demonstrated by computers, as opposed to human intelligence. "Intelligence" encompasses the ability to learn, reason, generalize, and infer meaning.  Examples of AI technology include ChatGPT and other chatbots and large language models.
 
AI is not a substitute for schoolwork that requires original thought.  Students may not claim AI generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission of a teacher or administrator is strictly prohibited.  The use of AI for these purposes constitutes cheating or plagiarism.
 
In certain situations, AI may be used as a learning tool or a study aid.  Students who wish to use AI for legitimate educational purposes must have permission from a teacher or an administrator.  Students may use AI as authorized in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
 
Students may not use AI, including AI image or voice generator technology, to violate school rules or school district policies.
 
In order to ensure academic integrity, tests, assignments, projects, papers, and other schoolwork may be checked by AI content detectors and/or plagiarism recognition software.
 

Search & Seizure

In order to maintain order safety 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” includes school liaison police officers.

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.

Students Searches
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.
School officials may require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates the school’s disciplinary rules or school district policy. In the course of the investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order for the school to make a factual determination. School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent/guardian to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website.

Seizure of Property
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.

Questioning of Students Suspected of Committing Criminal Activity
Before a law enforcement officer, school resource officer, or other school security person detains and questions on school grounds a student under 18 years of age who is suspected of committing a criminal act, the building principal or designee will: (a) Notify or attempt to notify the student’s parent/guardian and document the time and manner in writing; (b) Make reasonable efforts to ensure the student’s parent/guardian is present during questioning or, if they are not present, ensure that a school employee (including, but not limited to, a social worker, psychologist, nurse, guidance counselor, or any other mental health professional) is present during the questioning; and (c) If practicable, make reasonable efforts to ensure that a law enforcement officer trained in promoting safe interactions and communications with youth is present during the questioning.
Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:140, Search and Seizure
 

Participation in the Patriots Middle School Activity Conference

Students at Twin Groves and Woodlawn Middle Schools can participate in a variety of interscholastic athletic and academic competitions as part of the Patriots Middle School Conference. A copy of the Conference Handbook is available from the principal’s office at either of the middle schools.

Membership in the Patriots Conference consists of area middle schools located within the attendance boundaries of Stevenson High School. Conference participants include Aptakisic Junior High School, Daniel Wright Middle School, Fremont Middle School, Twin Groves Middle School, West Oak Middle School, and Woodlawn Middle School.

Patriots Conference Activity	6th	7th	8th
Cross Country	x	x	x
Volleyball		x	x
Basketball		x	x
Wrestling	x	x	x
Soccer	x	x	x
Track	x	x	x
Poms	x	x	x
Scholastic Bowl	x	x	x

 

Sixth-grade students may also participate in cut sports if players are needed to fill the team, but they may not take the place of a 7th or 8th grader. The Conference will feature A and B teams in basketball and volleyball. The schools may play a non-conference schedule.

This Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct applies, where applicable, to all school-sponsored athletic and extracurricular activities that are not part of an academic class nor otherwise carry credit for a grade.

Requirements for Participation in Athletic Activities
A student must meet all academic eligibility requirements and have the following fully executed documents on file in the school office before being allowed to participate in any athletic activity:
1.    A current certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse or a physician assistant. The physical examination needs to be dated not more than 395 days prior to the first try-out, practice or contest of a given sport, per the Illinois Elementary Sport Association (IESA). The physical examination form and the interscholastic sports participation form are available at the school office and on the District Website (See Student Health) and to be turned into the student’s middle school office via mail or drop off. 
2.    A permission slip to participate in the specific athletic activity signed by the student's parent/guardian.
3.    Signed documentation agreeing to comply with the School District’s policies and procedures on student athletic concussions and head injuries.

Student Supervision Following Extracurricular Activities

Any child remaining after school for games, clubs, band, orchestra, or any other academic projects with a teacher or for any other purpose should go home immediately after dismissal from the activity.

Academic and Behavioral Eligibility for Extracurricular and Athletic Activities
Participation in extracurricular and athletic activities is a privilege designed to promote student growth, engagement, and school connection. Participant selection is at the discretion of the designated teachers, sponsors, and coaches.
To remain eligible, students must demonstrate consistent academic effort, responsible work habits, and behavior aligned with school expectations.

Eligibility Guidelines
1.    Weekly Review: Eligibility for all extracurricular activities will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
2.    Learner Responsibilities: A student may be declared ineligible if they do not consistently demonstrate the expected learner responsibilities in one or more classes, as determined by classroom teachers and administration.
3.     Behavior: A student may be declared ineligible if they receive a disciplinary referral that has been reviewed and determined to be founded by a school administrator.

During a period of ineligibility, students are expected to seek additional support and make measurable improvements in learner responsibilities. and/or behavior in order to restore eligibility.

Absence from School on Day of Extracurricular or Athletic Activity
A student who is absent from school after noon is ineligible for any extracurricular or athletic activity on that day unless the absence has been approved in writing by the principal.   Exceptions may be made by the designated teacher, sponsor or coach for justifiable reasons, including: 1) a pre-arranged medical absence; 2) a death in the student's family; or 3) a religious ceremony or event.
A student who has been suspended from school is also suspended from participation in all extracurricular and athletic activities for the duration of the suspension.
A student who is absent from school on a Friday before a Saturday event may be withheld from Saturday extracurricular or athletic activities at the sole discretion of the designated teacher, sponsor,  coach and administrator.

A student may be dropped from the extracurricular activity for repeated absences or behavior.

Travel
All students participating in extracurricular and athletic activities may return home with school-approved transportation or their arranged ride home. 

Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all extracurricular and athletic activities and is enforced 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.  Behavior at and surrounding all practices and events is to reflect expectations for students representing District 96. This includes proper behavior at other schools, on buses, or anywhere a student represents the District.

This Code does not contain a complete list of inappropriate behaviors. Violations will be treated cumulatively, with disciplinary penalties increasing with subsequent violations. A student may be excluded from extracurricular or athletic activities while the school is conducting an investigation into the student’s conduct.

Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to seek assistance from the Student Assistance Program for alcohol or other drug problems. Participation in an alcohol or drug counseling program will be taken into consideration in determining consequences for Code of Conduct violations.

The student shall not:

• Violate the school rules and School District policies on student discipline including policies and procedures on student behavior;
• Ingest or otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute a beverage containing alcohol (except for religious purposes);
• Ingest or otherwise use possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute tobacco or nicotine in any form;
• Ingest or otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute any product composed purely of caffeine in a loose powdered form or any illegal substance (including mood-altering and performance enhancing drugs or chemicals) or paraphernalia;
• Use, possess, buy, sell, offer to sell, barter, or distribute any object that is or could be considered a weapon or any item that is a look alike weapon. This prohibition does not prohibit legal use of weapons in cooking and in athletics, such as archery, martial arts practice, target shooting, hunting, and skeet;
• Attend a party or other gathering and/or ride in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors;
• Act in an unsportsmanlike manner;
• Violate any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism and reckless driving;
• Haze or bully other students;
• Violate the written rules for the extracurricular or athletic activity; 
• Behave in a manner that disrupts or adversely affects the group or school;
• Be insubordinate or disrespectful toward the activity’s sponsors or team’s coaching staff; or
• Falsify any information contained on any permit or permission form required by the extracurricular or athletic activity.

Hazing is any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a team or group, regardless of his or her willingness to participate. Bullying includes cyber-bullying (bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication) and means any physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following: 

1.  Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property; 
2.  Causing a detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health; 
3.  Interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or 

Interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

All students remain subject to all the School District’s policies and the school’s student/parent handbook.

Modification of Athletic or Team Uniform
Students may modify their athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of the student’s religion or the student’s cultural values or modesty preferences.
    
Cross-References:
PRESS 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
PRESS 6:190-AP, Academic Eligibility for Participation in Extracurricular Activities
PRESS 7:240, Conduct Code for Participants in Extracurricular Activities
PRESS 7:240-AP1, Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities
PRESS 7:300, Extracurricular Athletics

Attendance at School-Sponsored Events

Attendance at school-sponsored events is a privilege.
Only students who attend the school may attend school-sponsored event  
All school rules, including the school’s discipline code and dress code are in effect during school-sponsored events 
Students who violate the school’s discipline code will be required to leave the event immediately and the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted. The school may also impose other discipline as outlined in the school’s discipline code.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-references:
PRESS 6:190, Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
PRESS 7:240-AP1, Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities

Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

Student athletes must comply with Illinois’ Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act and all protocols, policies and bylaws of the Illinois High School Association before being allowed to participate in any athletic activity, including practice or competition.

A student who was removed from practice or competition because of a suspected concussion shall be allowed to return only after all statutory prerequisites are completed, including without limitation, the School District’s return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:305, Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries
 

 

Education of Children with 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 whom it is determined that special education services are needed, except those children with disabilities who turn 22 years of age during the school year are eligible for special education services through the end of the school year.  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.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implementing provisions of this Illinois law, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 6:120, Education of Children with Disabilities
PRESS 6:120-AP1,E1 – Exhibit – Notice to Parents/Guardians Regarding Section 504 Rights

Discipline of Students with Disabilities 

Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral interventions shall be used with students with disabilities to promote and strengthen desirable behaviors and reduce identified inappropriate behaviors.  The School Board will establish and maintain a committee to develop, implement, and monitor procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for children with disabilities.

Discipline of Special Education Students
The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when disciplining special education students.  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.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint shall only be used if the student’s behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others, and other less restrictive and intrusive measures were tried and proven ineffective in stopping it.  The School may not use isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, as a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.  The use of prone restraint is prohibited.

Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:190-AP4, Administrative Procedure – Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
PRESS 7:230, Misconduct by Students with Disabilities

Request to Access Classroom or Personnel for Special Education

Evaluation or Observation
The parent/guardian of a student receiving special education services, or being evaluated for eligibility, is afforded reasonable access to educational facilities, personnel, classrooms, and buildings.  This same right of access is afforded to an independent educational evaluator or a qualified professional retained by or on behalf of a parent or child.
For further information, please contact the building principal.

 

Related Service Logs
 

For a child with an individualized education program (IEP), the school district must create related service logs that record the type of related services administered under the child's IEP and the minutes of each type of related service that has been administered.  The school will provide a child’s parent/guardian a copy of the related service log at the annual review of the child's IEP and at any other time upon request. 

Cross Reference:
PRESS 7:340-AP1, School Student Records
PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services)

Database Information for Students and Parents or Guardians

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) maintains a statewide database known as the PUNS database (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) that records information about individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities who are potentially in need of services.

IDHS uses the data on PUNS to select individuals for services as funding becomes available, to develop proposals and materials for budgeting, and to plan for future needs. The PUNS database is available for children with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities with unmet service needs.

Registration to be included on the PUNS database is the first step toward receiving developmental disabilities services in this State. A child who is not on the PUNS database will not be in the queue for State developmental disabilities services.

For more information and to sign up for PUNS, see the Illinois Department of Human Services PUNS information page at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41131.

Cross Reference:
None
 

Surveys

All surveys requesting personal information from students, as well as any other instrument used to collect personal information from students, must advance or relate to the District’s educational objectives, or assist students’ career choices.  This applies to all surveys, regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified or who created the survey.

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:
Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.

1. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
2. Behavior or attitudes about sex.
3. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
4. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.
5. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
6. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
7. 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: (1) inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or (2) 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.    
The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

Prohibition on Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information

No school official or staff member may market or sell personal information concerning students (or otherwise provide that information to others for that purpose). The term personal information means individually identifiable information including: (1) a student or parent’s first and last name, (2) a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town), (3) a telephone number, (4) a Social Security identification number or (5) driver’s license number or State identification card.

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent/guardian have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:
1.  College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
2.  Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
3. Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
4. Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
5. The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.
6.  Student recognition programs.
Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s personal information to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards
A parent/guardian who desires to opt their child out of participation in activities provided herein or who desires a copy or access to a survey or any other material described herein may contact the Building Principal.
The school expects to administer the following surveys that request personal student information on the following approximate dates:

A complete copy of the District’s Student and Family Privacy Rights policy may be obtained from the Superintendent’s office or accessed on the District’s website.
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-References:
PRESS 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights
PRESS 7:15-E, Notification to Parents of Family Privacy Rights

    
Student Records

A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction or by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except for certain records kept in a staff member’s sole possession; records maintained by law enforcement officers working in the school; video and other electronic recordings (including electronic recordings made on school busses) that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes, though such electronic recordings may become a student record if the content is used for disciplinary or special education purposes regarding a particular student.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois Student Records Act afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s school records. They are:

The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 10 business days of the day the District receives a request for access.
The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copyrights to both permanent and temporary records. A parent/guardian or student should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the record(s) he or she wishes to inspect. Within 10 business days, the building principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. In certain circumstances, the District may request an additional 5 business days in which to grant access. The District charges $.35 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost. 
These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning the student.

The right to have one or more scores received on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript. 
Parents/guardians or eligible students may have one or more scores on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript. The District will include scores on college entrance examinations upon the written request of the parent/guardian or eligible student stating the name of each college entrance examination that is the subject of the request and the dates of the scores that are to be included.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/ guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper.
A parent/guardian or eligible student may ask the District to amend a record that is believed to be inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Requests should be sent to the building principal and should clearly identify the record the parent/guardian or eligible student wants changed and the specific reason a change is being sought.
If the District decides not to amend the record, the District will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or Illinois School Student Records Act authorizes disclosure without consent.
Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board. A school official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or educational technology vendor); or any parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or contractual obligation with the district.
Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or Federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians or eligible student will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records.
Academic grades and references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions cannot be challenged at the time a student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring.
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; to another school district that overlaps attendance boundaries with the District, if the District has entered into an intergovernmental agreement that allows for sharing of student records and information with the other district, 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; to the Ill. Department of Human Services (DHS) for the sole purpose of assessing or evaluating the student’s eligibility for Medicaid waiver benefits consistent with the rules adopted by the DHS; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student.

The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted.
The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least 5 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after 5 years, be transferred to the parent/guardian or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent/guardian. Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first.

The right to prohibit the release of directory information.
Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding students, limited to:

• Name
• Address
• Grade level
• Birth date
• Parent/guardian names, addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers
• Photographs, videos, or digital images used for informational or news-related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics that have appeared in school publications, such as yearbooks, newspapers, or sporting or fine arts programs
• Academic awards, degrees, and honors
• Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics
• Major field of study
• Period of attendance in school

 
Any parent/guardian or eligible student may prohibit the release of any or all of the above information by delivering a written objection to the building principal within 30 days of the date of this notice.

The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your student’s information without your prior written consent.
Federal law requires a secondary school to grant military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon their request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers, unless the student’s parent/guardian, or student who is 18 years of age or older, submits a written request that the information not be released without the prior written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the building principal.
The right contained in this statement: No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefits or make as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under State law.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-8520

General Procedures for Transferring Student Records

The District complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) with respect to a student’s education records. Parents need to contact the building administrative assistants for help in transferring records to or from schools.

Transfer of Student Records to District 96. Any child transferring to District 96 from another Illinois public school district must show evidence of being in good standing at the time of registration. Children in first through eighth grades should have a transfer or report card indicating the expected grade placement when they register.

Transfer of Student Records from District 96. Parents should notify the school office as soon as possible of any child transferring from District 96 to another Illinois public school district. 

Eighth-graders’ student-identifying information, parent data, and emergency contact, medical, and disability (if applicable) information will be forwarded in the student’s eighth-grade year to Stevenson High School. Parents and/or guardians of eighth graders have the right to inspect, copy, and/or challenge this information and must notify the student’s middle school building principal by September 30 of their intent to do so. (See Eighth-graders' student identifying information.)

Eighth-graders’ academic records and special education records, if applicable, will be forwarded during the eighth-grade school year to Stevenson High School. Parents and/or guardians of eighth graders have the right to inspect, copy, and/or challenge this information and must notify the student’s middle school building principal by September 30 of their intent to do so.

From time to time, basic directory information for grades K–8 (including home address) must be provided to Stevenson High School. Parents and/or guardians have the right to inspect, copy, and/or challenge this information and must notify the student's building principal by September 1st of their intent to do so.

Transfer of Permanent and Temporary Student Records

Whenever a student transfers from one school district to another, the cumulative record of the pupil, or a copy of the record, shall be transmitted to the district to which the student transfers, provided a request for such cumulative records is received from the district to which the transfer is made.

Transfer and Retention of Student Disciplinary Records

Up-to-date records of all discipline referrals and penalties will be retained by the school principal. Disciplinary records are not shared with other school districts if a student transfers or graduates.

Definition of Permanent Student Records

Permanent records will be maintained in the District for 60 years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school. Notification shall be given to the parents of students at the time of transfer, graduation, or withdrawal of the District’s requirement to maintain permanent records for 60 years.
Permanent records of graduating 8th-graders will automatically be forwarded to the high school of attendance. The student’s permanent record shall consist of the following:
1.  Basic identifying information, including student’s directory information and the parents’ names and addresses, birthdate and place, and gender
2.  Academic records, including standards-based grades and current grade level.
3.  A student’s attendance record
4.  A student’s accident reports and health record
5.  Record of release of permanent record information

Definition of  Temporary Student Records

Temporary student records consist of all information not required to be in a student’s permanent record. Temporary student records will be destroyed five years after the student has transferred, graduated, or otherwise permanently withdrawn from the school.
Before any temporary student record is destroyed or information is deleted from the temporary file, a parent shall be given reasonable prior notice in accordance with applicable regulations adopted by the State Board of Education.  An opportunity to copy the records and information proposed to be destroyed or deleted will be provided. 

Temporary student records may include but are not limited to the items listed as follows:

Records Pertaining to any Release of Temporary Record Information
This record must include: (1) the nature and substance of the information released; (2) the name and signature of the official records custodian releasing the information; (3) the name of the person requesting such information, the capacity in which such a request has been made and the purpose of the request; (4) the date of the release; and (5) a copy of any consent to such release.

• Proof of Residency/Family Background
• Enrollment Form and Residency Information
• Birth Certificate
• Race/Ethnicity Form
• Court or other Legal Documents related to Custody or Guardianship
• Home Language Survey
• Scores received on all State Assessment tests administered
• Achievement Test Scores
• Intelligence Test Scores
• Report Cards
• 504 Plan Records
• Response to Intervention (RtI) Documentation
• Any Report of an Indicated finding of Physical or Sexual Abuse from the Child Protective Service Unit
• Documentation of any serious disciplinary infractions (drug, weapons, bodily harm to another) that resulted in expulsion, suspension, or the imposition of  punishment or sanction
• Reports of psychological evaluations, including information on intelligence, personality, and academic information obtained through test administration, observation, or interview
• Accident Reports
• Special education records that relate to identification, evaluation, or placement of or the provision of a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities (i.e., all evaluations, eligibility and IEP conference reports, parent/guardian consent forms, communications with the parents/guardians, release of record forms)
• A Temporary Record may also include the following information:
• Family background information
• Aptitude test scores
• Participation in extracurricular activities, including any offices held in school-sponsored clubs or organizations; honors and awards received
• Teacher anecdotal records
• Other disciplinary information and any verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies, or organizations of clear relevance to the education of the student

Release of Permanent or Temporary Student Records

A parent or student may not be forced by any person or agency to release information from the temporary record including employment, credit, or insurance. The District shall grant access to, or release information from, school student records without parental consent or notification under the conditions listed below: 
1. To an employee or official of the school or school district or the Illinois State Board of Education, provided such employee or official or State Board of Education has a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student and the records are in furtherance of such interest; or
2. To any person for the purpose of research, statistical reporting, or planning, provided that (1) such person has the permission of the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, and (2) no student or parent can be identified from the information released; or
3. Pursuant to a court order, provided that the procedures outlined in the Illinois School Student Records Act are observed.

Directory Information

The KCSD96 Family Directory is provided solely for the convenience of families to contact one another for the purpose of promoting individual connections among families. The Directory and information is not to be used for solicitation nor for commercial use of any kind. Additionally, contact information should never be used or distributed with ill intent or to harm. The online Family Directory will not be printed for purchase and no District employee or parent is permitted to distribute copies of the directory to outside interests, including business or charitable organizations. All District families who select YES to participate–that is, to have their directory information included for at least one head of household/guardian–will be given access to the directory online. It is not distributed to any parties who have not opted-in to having their own information included.

Changes in Directory Information

Parents must notify the school office immediately of any changes in the Directory information of a student.

Permission to Videotape/Photograph a Student

During the school year, persons authorized by the District may take photographs for educational, evaluative, or publicity purposes. Video may be shown on District web and social media platforms, media outlets or otherwise screened publicly. Photographs may appear in District digital/printed publications, the yearbook, or community newspapers.

Annually, the District includes in registration videotape/photo release options. If families do not want your child photographed or videotaped for KCSD96 use, they must submit, in writing, a signed statement that you do not grant any publication permissions to KCSD96. That letter must be sent to Lindsey Diehl, Communications Coordinator, Kildeer Countryside School District 96, 1050 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 or email it to ldiehl@kcsd96.org. Publication permissions opt out is in effect for one school year; to ensure that the District is maintaining an accurate and up-to-date record, we ask that families who wish to opt out complete this process each school year.  

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Illinois Student Records Act afford parents/guardians and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s school records. They are:
The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 10 business days of the day the District receives a request for access. The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. A parent/guardian or student should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the record(s) he or she wishes to inspect. Within 10 business days, the building principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. In certain circumstances, the District may request an additional 5 business days in which to grant access. The District charges $.15 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost.These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning the student.
2.  The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. A parent/guardian or eligible student may ask the District to amend a record that he or she believes is inaccurate or misleading. Individuals should write the District official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record to be changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the District will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her when notified of the right to a hearing.
3.  The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or Illinois School Student Records Act authorizes disclosure without consent. Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board. A school official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or educational technology vendor); or any parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or contractual obligation with the district. Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or Federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians or eligible student will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records.
Academic grades and references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions cannot be challenged at the time a student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring.
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; to another school district that overlaps attendance boundaries with the District, if the District has entered into an intergovernmental agreement that allows for sharing of student records and information with the other district,2 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; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student.
4. The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted. The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least 5 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after 5 years, be transferred to the parent/guardian or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent/guardian. Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

Procedures for Parental Inspection of Student Records

The following procedures are to be followed when implementing the Board’s policy dealing with parental inspection of student records.
1.  Parents and/or guardians wishing to inspect the cumulative records of their children shall call the school for an appointment with the school principal or designee.
2.  The appointment for the inspection shall be scheduled for a date no later than 10 business days from the request.
3.  Authorized persons or agencies, other than parents and/or guardians, desiring access to student records shall be required to sign a written form stating the legitimate educational interest they have in seeking the information. The completed form shall be kept permanently with the student’s file. Parents must be notified in advance before inspection by an outside agency.
4.  The principal or his or her designee will be present at all times while the records are being inspected by parents or an outside agency.
5.  A period of up to ten (10) business school days will be allowed for staff to consolidate information when parents or guardians wish to inspect an individual student’s current academic records.
6.  Parents and/or guardians will not be permitted to remove any items from the cumulative folder or take any academic records from teachers.
7.  Should a copy of any records be requested by a parent or guardian, such copies will be given to parents at a cost of 15 cents per page.
8.  A parent or guardian may challenge the contents of the student records. The decision of the principal may be brought to the superintendent for review by the parents and/or guardians. A review of the superintendent’s decision may be requested by the Board of Education, whose decision is final.
9.  A copy of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is available in each principal’s office for parents and/or guardians to review.
 

Teacher Qualifications

Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their student’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:
Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification and licensing criteria have been waived;
Whether the teacher is teaching in a field of discipline of the teacher’s certification;
Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your student and, if so, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the school office.
Cross-References:
PRESS 5:190, Teacher Qualifications

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:
       
            (1) 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
       
            (2) 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.    
 
 
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-Reference:
PRESS 6:140, Education of Homeless Children

Family Life & Sex Education Classes

No student is required to take or participate in the following classes or courses, and no disciplinary or academic penalty exists for refusing to take or participate in such a course or program. Parents or guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course. 

•  Family life (emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic and social responsibilities, including evidence-based and medically accurate information regarding sexual abstinence).
• AIDS, including in grades 6 through 12, its prevention, transmission and spread.
• Comprehensive Personal Health and Safety and Sexual Health Education Program NSES Standards.
• CPR, including training on how to properly administer CPR in accordance with standards of the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or another nationally recognized certifying organization.
• How to use an AED.
• In grades pre-K through 8, instruction for recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse in accordance with Erin's Law.

If you do not want your child to participate in these classes or courses, please complete submit a written objection to your school administration.

English Learners

The school offers opportunities for resident English Learners to achieve at high levels in academic subjects and to meet the same challenging State standards that all children are expected to meet.
Parents/guardians of English Learners will be informed how they can: (1) be involved in the education of their children; (2) be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well-rounded education, and meet the challenging State academic standards expected of all students; and (3) participate and serve on the District’s Transitional Bilingual Education Programs Parent Advisory Committee.
For questions related to this program or to express input in the school’s English Learners program, contact Dr. Ninja Idrizi at the district office.
Cross Reference:
6:160, English Learners

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, academic meetings and behavioral meetings.  Letters verifying participation in this program are available from the school office upon request.

Pesticide Application Notice

 
The District follows a state-implemented program addressing application of chemical pesticides and herbicides in school buildings and on school grounds. The program includes administrative controls and nontoxic bait traps and requires notification of chemical applications. The public will be advised of dates of chemical application prior to the application. The notice will be posted on the District Website and communicated in building and District newsletters.

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.
 
Cross Reference:
PRESS 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

Unsafe School Choice Option 

 
The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another District school or to a public charter school within the District. The unsafe school choice option is available to: (1) All students attending a persistently dangerous school, as defined by State law and identified by the Illinois State Board of Education; and (2) Any student who is a victim of a violent criminal offense that occurred on school grounds during regular school hours or during a school-sponsored event.
 
           
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cross-References:
PRESS 4:170, Safety

Student Privacy 

 
The District has adopted and uses several policies and procedures regarding student privacy, parental access to information and administration of certain physical examinations to students.  Copies of these policies are available upon request.

Sex Offender Notification Law

 
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):
 
1.         To attend a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of their child.
 
2.         To participate in a conference in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to their child’s special education services.
 
3.         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.
 
Information about sex offenders or violent offenders against youth is available to the public on the Illinois State Police (ISP) website.  The ISP website contains the following:
 
Illinois Sex Offender Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/Disclaimer
 
Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/MVOAY/Disclaimer
 
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Sex Offenders, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/FAQs

Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs

Parents or guardians have the right to inspect all instructional materials used as a part of their child’s education. If you believe that curriculum, instructional materials, or programs violate rights guaranteed by any law or Board policy, you may file a complaint under the District’s uniform grievance policy. Parental permission will be obtained prior to giving any surveys to students on such topics as substance abuse or other personal behaviors. Students may be surveyed without parental permission to gather data for school improvement.

Medicaid Notice to Parents/Guardians

Medicaid reimbursement is a source of Federal funding approved by Congress to help school districts maintain and improve special education services. Therapy and diagnostic services provided to students who are Medicaid eligible are partially reimbursable, and Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 will claim Medicaid reimbursement for any eligible services provided. These claims will have no impact on a family’s ability to receive Medicaid funding either now or any time in the future. Anyone objecting to this release of information related to Medicaid claims must contact the District Office.

Radon Testing

In response to the Federal warnings regarding radon gas, all Kildeer Countryside District 96 schools have been tested. Tests were conducted using the Radtrak Radon Gas Detector system for a 90-day period. The results of the monitoring showed that all District facilities are well below the EPA minimum guidelines. Test results are available for inspection at the District Office. Interested citizens may request copies of the reports at a cost of $.25 per page.

Asbestos Management Program

In response to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987, Kildeer Countryside School District 96 has complied with all inspection provisions of that Act. As required, each building has been inspected for friable and non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Where appropriate, these materials are labeled to prevent accidental release of asbestos fiber into the school environment. Appropriate school employees, current and future, receive certified training to prevent damage to and subsequent release of fibers from ACMs. Where required or appropriate, ACMs will be scheduled for removal from the buildings in which they may occur. Reports and the management plans are available for review in each building for inspection by all interested citizens.

Parent Notification of the Parent/Student Handbook and District Discipline Policy

In completing online registration for their student(s), parents/guardians are requested to respond that they have received notification that the District discipline policy, included in the Parent/Student Handbook, is online and that they agree to review it.

Employee Conduct Standards

All District employees are expected to maintain high standards in their job performance, demonstrate integrity and honesty, be considerate and cooperative, and maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students, parents/guardians, staff members, and others.
The Superintendent or designee shall provide this policy to all District employees and students and/or parents/guardians in their respective handbooks, and ensure its posting on the District’s website, if any.

Professional and Appropriate Conduct

Professional and appropriate employee conduct are important Board goals that impact the quality of a safe learning environment and the school community, increasing students’ ability to learn and the District’s ability to educate. To protect students from sexual misconduct by employees, and employees from the appearance of impropriety, State law also recognizes the importance for District employees to constantly maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students by following established expectations and guidelines for employee-student boundaries. Many breaches of employee-student boundaries do not rise to the level of criminal behavior but do pose a potential risk to student safety and impact the quality of a safe learning environment. Repeated violations of employee-student boundaries may indicate the grooming of a student for sexual abuse. As bystanders, employees may know of concerning behaviors that no one else is aware of, so their training on: (1) preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child sexual abuse and grooming behavior; (2) this policy; and (3) federal and state reporting requirements is essential to maintaining the Board’s goal of professional and appropriate conduct.
The Superintendent or designee shall identify employee conduct standards that define appropriate employee-student boundaries, provide training about them, and monitor the District’s employees for violations of employee-student boundaries. The employee conduct standards will require that, at a minimum:
1.    Employees who are governed by the Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators, adopted by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE), will comply with its incorporation by reference into this policy.
2.    Employees are trained on educator ethics, child abuse, grooming behaviors, and employee-student boundary violations as required by law and policies 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure; 4:165, Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors; 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; and 5:100, Staff Development Program.
3.    Employees maintain professional relationships with students, including maintaining employee-student boundaries based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels and following District-established guidelines for specific situations, including but not limited to:  
Transporting a student;
Taking or possessing a photo or video of a student; and
Meeting with a student or contacting a student outside the employee’s professional role.
4.    Employees report prohibited behaviors and/or boundary violations pursuant to Board policies 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure; 2:265, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure; and 5:90, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting.  
5.    Discipline up to and including dismissal will occur for any employee who violates an employee conduct standard or engages in any of the following:
Violates expectations and guidelines for employee-student boundaries.
Sexually harasses a student.
Willfully or negligently fails to follow reporting requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq.), or the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7926).
Engages in grooming as defined in 720 ILCS 5/11-25
Engages in grooming behaviors. Prohibited grooming behaviors include, at a minimum, sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, by an employee with direct contact with a student, that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples include, but are not limited to:
A sexual or romantic invitation.
Dating or soliciting a date.
Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog.
Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student.
Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature.
A sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with the student.
Statement of Economic Interests
The following employees must file a Statement of Economic Interests as required by the Ill. Governmental Ethics Act:
1.    Superintendent;
2.    Building Principal;
3.    Head of any department;
4.    Any employee who, as the District’s agent, is responsible for negotiating one or more contracts, including collective bargaining agreement(s), in the amount of $1,000 or greater;
5.    Hearing officer;
6.    Any employee having supervisory authority for 20 or more employees; and
7.    Any employee in a position that requires an administrative or a chief school business official endorsement.
Ethics and Gift Ban
Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban, applies to all District employees. Students shall not be used in any manner for promoting a political candidate or issue.
Prohibited Interests; Conflict of Interest; and Limitation of Authority
In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/22-5, “no school officer or teacher shall be interested in the sale, proceeds, or profits of any book, apparatus, or furniture used or to be used in any school with which such officer or teacher may be connected,” except when the employee is the author or developer of instructional materials listed with ISBE and adopted for use by the Board. An employee having an interest in instructional materials must file an annual statement with the Board Secretary.
For the purpose of acquiring profit or personal gain, no employee shall act as an agent of the District nor shall an employee act as an agent of any business in any transaction with the District. This includes participation in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a federal award or State award governed by the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) (30 ILCS 708/) when the employee has a real or apparent conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when an employee or any of the following individuals has a financial or other interest in or a tangible benefit from the entity selected for the contract:
1.    A member of the employee’s immediate family;
2.    An employee’s partner; or
3.    An entity that employs or is about to employ the employee or one of the individuals listed in one or two above.
Employees shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to agreements or subcontracts. Situations in which the interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value must comply with State law and Board policy 2:105, Ethics and Gift Ban.
Outside Employment
Employees shall not engage in any other employment or in any private business during regular working hours or at such other times as are necessary to fulfill appropriate assigned duties.
Incorporated by reference:           5:120-E (Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators)
LEGAL REF.:         
U.S. Constitution, First Amendment.
2 C.F.R. §200.318(c)(1).
5 ILCS 420/4A-101, Ill. Governmental Ethics Act.
5 ILCS 430/, State Officials and Employee Ethics Act.
30 ILCS 708/, Grant Accountability and Transparency Act.
50 ILCS 135/, Local Governmental Employees Political Rights Act.
105 ILCS 5/10-22.39, 5/10-23.13, 5/22-5, 5/22-85.5, and 5/22-93.
325 ILCS 5/, Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
720 ILCS 5/11-25, Criminal Code of 2012.
775 ILCS 5/5A-102, Ill. Human Rights Act.
23 Ill.Admin.Code Part 22, Code of Ethics for Ill. Educators.
Pickering v. Board of Township H.S. Dist. 205, 391 U.S. 563 (1968).
Garcetti v. Ceballos, 547 U.S. 410 (2006).
CROSS REF.:   2:105 (Ethics and Gift Ban), 2:265 (Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure), 4:60 (Purchases and Contracts), 4:165 (Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Grooming Behaviors), 5:90 (Abused and Neglected Child Reporting), 5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:125 (Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct), 5:200 (Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal), 5:290 (Employment Terminations and Suspensions), 7:20 (Harassment of Students Prohibited)

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) maintains a resource guide on sexual abuse response and prevention. The guide contains information on and the location of children’s advocacy centers, organizations that provide medical evaluations and treatment to victims of child sexual abuse, organizations that provide mental health evaluations and services to victims and families of victims of child sexual abuse, and organizations that offer legal assistance to and provide advocacy on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. This guide can be accessed through the ISBE website at www.isbe.net or you may request a copy of this guide by contacting the school’s office.

Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention Program

The Superintendent or designee shall develop, implement, and maintain a suicide and depression awareness and prevention program that advances the Board’s goals of increasing awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. This plan can be accessed on the district website and includes the resources listed below.
Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
Contact Safe2Help Illinois: Dial 844-4-SAFEIL, Text SAFE2 (72332), email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com
Cross Reference: Policy: 7:290