August 2016 Dear Parents and Students: This handbook is intended to be a guide that will assist you with general information about the Highland district. It is not intended to provide all the answers to every question, but it is a framework that outlines services and responsibilities of students, families, and the school. The success of any organization is directly related to the sense of ownership by the members of that organization. Ownership comes from participation and understanding. We hope that everyone who lives in our district, attends our schools, or works for the system will develop a sense of ownership and pride in our purpose and direction. Hopefully this handbook will help enhance this process. We are extremely proud of the Highland school district, but we are also aware that society is changing with every passing minute, and to remain successful we need to be willing to continue to grow and improve. We encourage the participation of each student, each family member, and each district resident in this continuing process. Communications are the keys to understanding, and thus to success. If you have a question about any aspect of the Highland Community Unit School District No. 5, or if you have a suggestion, we are eager to listen or to provide assistance. Please do not hesitate to call any of the school offices. Best wishes for a year of growth, cooperation, and success. Sincerely yours, Michael Sutton Supt. of Schools

I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

District-Wide General Information

District Administrators and Board of Education Members............................................................................... 1 Statement of Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 1 Alcohol and Tobacco Regulations.................................................................................................................... 1 Animals on School Property............................................................................................................................. 2 Asbestos Management Plan Availability.......................................................................................................... 2 Attendance Truancy............................................................................................................................................... 2 Bicycles and Skateboards................................................................................................................................. 2 Budget for School District................................................................................................................................ 2 Bus Information............................................................................................................................................. 2-4 Bus Rules............................................................................................................................................ 3 Bus Conduct....................................................................................................................................... 3 Electronic Visual and Audio Recordings............................................................................................ 3 Pick up/Drop off................................................................................................................................. 4 Change of Name, Address, or Phone Number.................................................................................................. 4 Child Abuse Reporting Mandated Reporters............................................................................................................................ 4 Closing of School (Inclement Weather)............................................................................................................ 4 Communication Day......................................................................................................................................... 4 Community Relations Booster Club....................................................................................................................................... 4 Gifts to the District............................................................................................................................. 5 Parent Organizations........................................................................................................................... 5 Concussion Policy Post Concussion Return to Academics Guidelines............................................................................. 5 Points of Emphasis............................................................................................................................. 6 Stage 1................................................................................................................................................ 6 Stage2................................................................................................................................................. 6 Stage 3................................................................................................................................................ 7 Stage 4................................................................................................................................................ 7 Return to Play Guidelines.............................................................................................................................. 7-8 Disability Accommodation............................................................................................................................... 8 Drug and Alcohol Intervention......................................................................................................................... 8 Emergency Information.................................................................................................................................... 8 Emergency/Safety Procedures Required Drill Procedures and Conduct............................................................................................. 8 CODE RED ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Student Safety/Security Plan........................................................................................................... 8-9 English Language Learners............................................................................................................................... 9 Entrance Requirements Age..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Admission Procedures...................................................................................................................... 10 Homeless Children........................................................................................................................... 10 Transfer To and From Non-District Schools.................................................................................... 10 Foreign Students............................................................................................................................... 10 Re-enrollment................................................................................................................................... 10 Equal Educational Opportunities Equal Opportunity and Sex Equity................................................................................................... 11 Sex Equity........................................................................................................................................ 11 Education of Children with Disabilities........................................................................................... 11 Eduation of Homeless Children................................................................................................... 11-12 Family Privacy Rights-Notification to Parents............................................................................................... 12 Field Trips - Parent Permission Slips.............................................................................................................. 12

II

Food in Classrooms........................................................................................................................................ 12 Harassment/Bullying/Hazing .................................................................................................................... 12-13 Health Information Health Services................................................................................................................................. 14 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations................................................................... 14 Eye Examination ............................................................................................................................. 15 Dental Examination ......................................................................................................................... 15 Homeless Child................................................................................................................................ 15 Administering Medicines to Students ............................................................................................................ 15 School Medication Authorization Form..................................................................................................... 16-17 Highland School District Foundation............................................................................................................. 18 Integrated Pest Management........................................................................................................................... 18 Internet Safety/Computers ............................................................................................................................. 18 Know Your Schools........................................................................................................................................ 18 Meal Program Prepaid Meals Only.......................................................................................................................... 18 Cash on Account............................................................................................................................... 18 Prepaid Meals and Cash on Account................................................................................................ 19 Non-public School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students Part-Time Attendance....................................................................................................................... 19 Students with a Disability................................................................................................................. 19 Extra-curricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition.................................................. 19 Full-Time Attendance - Assignment................................................................................................. 19 Parent Information Parent-Teacher Communication....................................................................................................... 20 Parent-Teacher Conferences............................................................................................................. 20 Parent Correspondence and Student Records................................................................................... 20 Printed Material.............................................................................................................................................. 20 Printed Publication Photographs/Videotape Pictures of Unnamed Students.......................................................................................................... 20 Pictures of Named Students.............................................................................................................. 20 Pictures of Students Taken by Non-School Agencies...................................................................... 20 Teacher Performance Assessment.................................................................................................... 20 Professional Personnel.................................................................................................................................... 21 School Visitation Rights Act........................................................................................................................... 21 Sex Offender Information............................................................................................................................... 21 Selective Service What is Selective Service?............................................................................................................... 22 Who is required to register?............................................................................................................. 22 Why don’t women have to register?................................................................................................. 22 Speech Therapy............................................................................................................................................... 22 Student/Classroom Assignment Attendance Areas.............................................................................................................................. 22 Class Assignments............................................................................................................................ 22 Student Information Attendance................................................................................................................................... 22-23 Biometric.......................................................................................................................................... 23 Homework........................................................................................................................................ 23 Insurance........................................................................................................................................... 23 Use of Telephones............................................................................................................................ 23 Student Promotion.......................................................................................................................................... 24 Grades K-8........................................................................................................................................ 24 Student School Records............................................................................................................................. 24-27 Teacher Qualifications.................................................................................................................................... 27 Video Surveillance Technology...................................................................................................................... 27 Visitors............................................................................................................................................................ 28 Enforcement..................................................................................................................................... 28 Procedures to Deny Future Admission to School Events or Meetings............................................. 29 Waiver of Student Fees................................................................................................................................... 29

III

HMS Building Information Building Map.................................................................................................................................................. 31 Principal Letter................................................................................................................................................ 32 HMS Mission.................................................................................................................................................. 33 HMS Contact Information.............................................................................................................................. 35 School Day Schedule................................................................................................................................. 35-36 Faculty and Staff........................................................................................................................................ 37-38 Academic Ethics............................................................................................................................................. 38 AIDS Curriculum............................................................................................................................................ 38 Announcements/In School and Online........................................................................................................... 38 Athletic Department/Student Activity Philosophy.......................................................................................... 39 Athletics/Student Activities Athletic and Student Activities Eligibility........................................................................................ 39 Athletic Participation Requirements................................................................................................. 39 Absence from School on Day of Activity......................................................................................... 40 Behavioral Conduct.......................................................................................................................... 40 Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Look-Alikes, and Synthetic Drugs......................................................... 40 Rules in Effect.................................................................................................................................. 40 Travel................................................................................................................................................ 40 Alternative Travel Options............................................................................................................... 40 General Information......................................................................................................................... 41 Misbehavior During Contests........................................................................................................... 41 Spectators and Participants at Extracurricular/Athletic Events........................................................ 41 Highland Middle School Song........................................................................................................................ 41 Attendance, Absenteeism, Truancy, and Tardies Attendance........................................................................................................................................ 41 Parent Reporting of Student Absence............................................................................................... 42 Excused Absences/Unexcused Absences......................................................................................... 42 Extended Absences........................................................................................................................... 42 Homework Assignment Request Procedure..................................................................................... 42 Make-Up Work................................................................................................................................. 43 Tardiness........................................................................................................................................... 43 Truancy............................................................................................................................................. 43 Building Security/Student Safety Before School................................................................................................................................... 43 Building Entrance/Badge System..................................................................................................... 43 Threatening, Harassing, and Intimidating Behavior Prohibited..................................................................... 44 Bus Information Riding the Bus with a Friend ........................................................................................................... 44 Cafeteria Etiquette.......................................................................................................................................... 44 Cafeteria Rules................................................................................................................................. 44 Other Procedures.............................................................................................................................. 44 Breakfast/Lunch Program................................................................................................................. 45 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).......................................................................................................... 45 Terms and Conditions Acceptable................................................................................................................................. 46 Priveleges.................................................................................................................................. 46 Unacceptable Use...................................................................................................................... 46 Network Etiquette..................................................................................................................... 46 No Warranties............................................................................................................................ 47 Indemnification.......................................................................................................................... 47 Security...................................................................................................................................... 47 Copyright Web Publishing Rules.............................................................................................. 47 Use of Email.............................................................................................................................. 47 Internet Safety.................................................................................................................................. 48 Authorization for Electronic Network Access Form........................................................................ 48 Purpose............................................................................................................................................. 49 Device Types.................................................................................................................................... 49 Electronic Devices....................................................................................................................... 49-50

IV

Computer Use Policy and Procedures/Including Printers Student Rules for Using HMS Lab................................................................................................... 50 Computer Related Infractions and Consequences ...................................................................... 50-51 Course Offerings Grade 6 Academic Core Classes...................................................................................................... 51 Grade 6 Encore Classes................................................................................................................... 51 Grade 7 Academic Core Classes....................................................................................................... 51 Grade 7 Encore Classes.................................................................................................................... 51 Grade 8 Academic Core Classes....................................................................................................... 51 Grade 8 Encore Classes.................................................................................................................... 51 Response to Intervention (RtI)......................................................................................................... 52 6th Grade Band................................................................................................................................. 52 7th and 8th Grade Band.................................................................................................................... 52 Enhanced Learning Period (ELP)..................................................................................................... 52 Physical Education........................................................................................................................... 52 Emergency Procedures.................................................................................................................................... 52 Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct............................................................................................... 52 Disaster Drills Tornado, Earthquake, and Fire Drills........................................................................................ 52 CODE RED Procedures............................................................................................................ 53 Earthquake Procedures.............................................................................................................. 53 Fire Procedures.......................................................................................................................... 53 Tornado Procedures................................................................................................................... 53 Fire ........................................................................................................................................... 53 Extracurricular Activities................................................................................................................................ 53 Field Trips.................................................................................................................................................. 53-54 Grading and Promotion Grading Scale................................................................................................................................... 54 Honor Roll........................................................................................................................................ 54 Promotion......................................................................................................................................... 54 Report Cards..................................................................................................................................... 54 Very Improved Person (VIP) Award: ............................................................................................. 54 Homework Website/PowerSchool.................................................................................................................. 54 Internet Usage................................................................................................................................................. 55 Leaving School for Illness/Appointments...................................................................................................... 55 Leaving School Grounds................................................................................................................................. 55 Library-Media Center Policies Book Check Out............................................................................................................................... 55 General Rules................................................................................................................................... 55 Computers, Tape Players, CD-Roms, Audios, Videos...................................................................... 56 Hold/Reserves................................................................................................................................... 56 Library Passes................................................................................................................................... 56 Lost Books........................................................................................................................................ 56 Overdue Books................................................................................................................................. 56 Periodicals........................................................................................................................................ 56 Reference Books & Encyclopedias.................................................................................................. 56 Lost and Found............................................................................................................................................... 56 Mandated Reporters........................................................................................................................................ 56 Nurse’s Office................................................................................................................................................. 56 Communicable Diseases................................................................................................................... 57 Home and Hospital Instruction......................................................................................................... 57 Office Hours.................................................................................................................................................... 57 Orders of Protection........................................................................................................................................ 57 Parent Permit Slips.......................................................................................................................................... 57 Parental Rights................................................................................................................................................ 57 Parties and School Functions.......................................................................................................................... 57 Passes/Sign Out Sheets................................................................................................................................... 57 Physical Education Uniform Guidelines......................................................................................................... 58 Physical Exams............................................................................................................................................... 58 Pictures............................................................................................................................................................ 58 Posters - Informational.................................................................................................................................... 58 Progress Reports............................................................................................................................................. 58

V

Public Displays of Affection........................................................................................................................... 58 Restrictions on Publications School-Sponsored Publications and Websites.................................................................................. 58 Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On-Campus..................................... 59 Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus.................................... 59 Rules and Procedures...................................................................................................................................... 59 Student Code of Behavior................................................................................................................ 59 Classroom Acts of Misconduct—Level I......................................................................................... 60 School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level I...................................................................................... 60 School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level II..................................................................................... 60 School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level III................................................................................... 61 Classroom or School-Wide Acts of Misconduct Consequences...................................................... 61 General Behavior Expectations........................................................................................................ 61 Violations of Federal, State, or Local Law....................................................................................... 62 Hallway and Pass Procedures........................................................................................................... 62 Schedule Changes........................................................................................................................................... 62 School Information......................................................................................................................................... 62 School Lockers................................................................................................................................................ 62 School Supplies Grade 6............................................................................................................................................. 63 Grade 7 ............................................................................................................................................ 63 Grade 8 ............................................................................................................................................ 63 Sex Education Instruction............................................................................................................................... 64 Social Work Services...................................................................................................................................... 64 Standardized Testing....................................................................................................................................... 64 Student Attire and Appearance (Dress Code)............................................................................................ 64-65 Student Council............................................................................................................................................... 65 Student Identification Card............................................................................................................................. 65 Student Team Assignments............................................................................................................................. 65 Student Travel To School Sponsored Events.................................................................................................. 65 Students Search and Seizure........................................................................................................................... 66 Telephone Calls and Requests........................................................................................................................ 66 Textbook Rental.............................................................................................................................................. 66 Visiting Students Information......................................................................................................................... 66 Volunteer Program ......................................................................................................................................... 66

VI

District-Wide Behavior of Students Information

General Authority............................................................................................................................................ 68 Student Behavior............................................................................................................................................. 68 When and Where Conduct Rules Apply........................................................................................... 68 Prohibited Student Conduct......................................................................................................... 68-70 Consequences................................................................................................................................... 70 Corporal Punishment........................................................................................................................ 71 Weapons............................................................................................................................................ 71 Re-Engagement of Returning Students............................................................................................ 71 Required Notices.............................................................................................................................. 71 Delegation of Authority.................................................................................................................... 71 Preventing Bullying, Hazing, Intimidation, and Harassment......................................................................... 72 Plagiarism Policy............................................................................................................................................ 73 Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities Misconduct By Students with Disabilities Behavioral Interventions........................................................................................................... 73 Behavior of Special Education Students................................................................................... 73 Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee........................................................................................ 73 Behavioral Intervention Consultant Teams............................................................................... 73 Protection and Due Process Rights Family Involvement.................................................................................................................. 74 Notification................................................................................................................................ 74 Documentation in the IEP......................................................................................................... 74 Appeal and Due Process Procedures......................................................................................... 74 Staff Training and Professional Development.................................................................................. 74 Highland CUSD No. 5 Behavioral Intervention Review Committee............................................... 74 Report of Progress on Annual Goals................................................................................................ 74 Functional Behavior Assessment...................................................................................................... 75 Manifestation Determination............................................................................................................ 75 Student Appearance (Dress Code).................................................................................................................. 75 Students Search and Seizure School Property and Equipment/Personal Effects Left by Students........................................... 75-76 Students............................................................................................................................................ 76 Seizure of Property........................................................................................................................... 76 Notification Regarding Student Accounts/Profiles on Social Websites............................................ 76 Nondiscrimination Clause............................................................................................................................... 76 Uniform Grievance Procedures.................................................................................................................. 76-77 Filing a Complaint............................................................................................................................ 77 Investigation..................................................................................................................................... 77 Decision and Appeal......................................................................................................................... 77 Appointing Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers........................................... 77 Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers.............................................................. 78 Hazing Prohibited........................................................................................................................................... 78 Rules and Regulations "Behavior of Students General............................................................................................................................................................ 79 Suspension/Expulsion Procedures Suspension Procedures In-School Suspension................................................................................................................ 79 Out-of-School Suspension.................................................................................................... 79-80 Expulsion Procedures........................................................................................................... 80-81 Lesser Disciplinary Measures Detention and In-School Suspensions.............................................................................................. 81 Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint........................................................................................ 81 Administrative Procedure-Misconduct By Students With Disabilities Special Education Suspension Procedures....................................................................................... 82 Special Education Expulsion Procedures.................................................................................... 82-83 Weapon and Drug Offenses.............................................................................................................. 83 Change of Placement/If Likely to Result in Injury.......................................................................... 83

VII

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017

Alhambra Primary 618-488-2200 Grantfork Elementary 618-675-2200 Highland Primary 618-654-2107 Highland Middle School 618-651-8800 Highland Elementary 618-654-2108 Highland High School 618-654-7131 **************************************************************************************************************************** DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS Michael Sutton, Superintendent Derek Hacke, Asst. Supt. - Instruction Timothy Bair, Business Manager BOARD OF EDUCATION Rene' Friedel, President Duane Clarke, Vice President James Gallatin Robert Miller

Joe Mott Steven Price David Raymond, Jr.

****************************************************************************************************************************

Statement of Purpose This handbook outlines three (3) major areas of interest: 1) General Information about the Highland school district. 2) Information about a specific school building. 3) District Discipline Policy Furthermore, this handbook summarizes policies, rules, and procedures that are established to provide a safe, accessible learning environment for all students of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5. A complete copy of the updated Board policy is available on our district website at: www.highlandcusd5.org. The Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 is fully recognized, and the senior high school is fully accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Alcohol and Tobacco Regulations

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited from all school sponsored functions whether held on or off school property. Smoking or the use of tobacco products is strictly prohibited from all school sponsored functions whether held on or off school property.

1

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 principals in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.

Asbestos Management Plan Availability

Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACBM) are present in our schools.

In accordance with the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, an accredited inspector and management planner have completed a review of the locations, quantities, and friability of the asbestos containing materials and has prepared an assessment and response action plan to reduce exposure to asbestos fibers. Copies of the asbestos management plan for our school, which includes the inspection report, are located in both the superintendent’s office and the principal’s office. The plan is available to the public for inspection without cost or restriction within five working days after receiving a written request for inspection. Hours of availability and a copy of the form, “Request for Inspection of Management Plan,” will be provided upon request. Should a request be made for a copy of the report, the school district is allowed to charge a reasonable fee to make copies of the plan.

Truancy

Attendance

Parents have the legal obligation (Illinois School Code, Section 21-1, 26-2) to see that their children attend school at all times it is in session. A student will be considered truant from school when he or she is absent any part of a day because of an unexcused absence. The complete district attendance policy is located in section 7:70 of the district policy manual located on the district website www.highlandcusd5.org.

Bicycles and Skateboards

Bicycles are for riding to and from school. They should be parked in the bike rack and remain there throughout the day. Bicycles and skateboards will not be ridden on school grounds. Riders must cross at crosswalks and respect the rights of people who are crossing. Riders are responsible for obeying the rules of the road. Students may be refused the privilege of riding bicycles to school as a result of violations.

Budget for School District The budget for Highland CUSD No. 5 is available for inspection on the district's website at www.highlandcusd5.org. On the left under HCUSD Navigation and then click on the Fiscal link.

Buses

The district provides bus transportation to and from school for students living 1.5 miles or more from the school. Parents must, at the beginning of the school year, select one bus stop at which a student is to be picked up, and one stop at which a student is to be dropped off. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions must be approved in advance by the building principal and generally are only approved for our older third grade students. While students are on the bus, they are under the supervision of the bus driver. In most cases, bus behavior problems can be handled by the bus driver. In the case of a written disciplinary referral, student bus problems will be investigated and handled by the building principal. Parents will be informed of inappropriate student behavior on a bus. Parents are encouraged to discuss bus safety and appropriate behavior with their children before the beginning of the school year and regularly during the year.

2

In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are expected to observe the following rules: 1. Bus drivers and school administration will assign temporary or permanent seats for all district students riding buses. This procedure is done to ensure the safety of the children on the bus. 2. Go to your seat and sit in it immediately upon entering the bus. Do not stand in the entrance or in the aisle. 3. Keep hands to yourself. Respect rights and property of others. 4. Do not move from one seat to another while on the bus. 5. Keep all parts of the body and all objects inside the bus. 6. Loud conversation, singing, boisterous conduct, unnecessary noise and profanity are not allowed. 7. Enter and exit the bus only when the bus is fully stopped. 8. All school rules apply while on the bus, at a bus stop, or waiting for the bus. 9. In the event of emergency, stay on the bus and await instructions from the bus driver. 10. Only use rear exit in an emergency. 11. Do not open windows without driver's permission. 12. Keep the bus neat and clean. 13. Athletic footwear equipped with cleats or spikes are not allowed to be worn on the bus. 14. Inappropriate behavior will be reported to school authorities and failure to observe safety rules may result in suspension from bus services. 15. Be waiting at your bus stop on time. 16. Never tamper with, damage, or deface anything in or on the bus, or any of the bus or school equipment. 17. Keep book bags, books, packages, coats, and other objects out of the aisles. Keep all body parts clear of the aisles when seated. 18. Food and drink are not to be consumed on the bus. 19. Parents will be liable for any defacing or damage students do to the bus.

Bus Conduct All students must follow the District’s School Bus Safety Rules. School Bus Suspensions The Superintendent, or any designee as permitted in the School Code, is authorized to suspend a student from riding the school bus for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following: 1. Prohibited student conduct as defined in School Board policy, 7:190, Student Behavior. 2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider. 3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus. 4. Repeated use of profanity. 5. Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor. 6. Such other behavior as the Superintendent or designee 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. The District’s regular suspension procedures shall be used to suspend a student’s privilege to ride a school bus. Academic Credit for Missed Classes During School Bus Suspension 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.

Electronic Visual and Audio Recordings

Electronic visual and audio recordings may be used on school buses to monitor conduct and to promote and maintain a safe environment for students and employees when transportation is provided for any school related activity. Notice of electronic recordings shall be displayed on the exterior of the vehicle’s entrance door and front interior bulkhead in compliance with State law and the rules of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety. Students are prohibited from tampering with electronic recording devices. Students who violate this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the Board’s discipline policy and shall reimburse the School District for any necessary repairs or replacement.

3

Pick up/Drop off

Grades K -5 Parents should establish one pick-up and one drop-off point for their child(ren). Students not riding to their designated afternoon stop should be picked up at school. Alternate drop offs will not be allowed. If emergency arrangements are necessary, please contact the principal. Grades 6 - 12 Parents should establish one pick-up and one drop-off point for their child(ren). (Morning stop may be different than afternoon stop.) Students will be dropped off at the designated afternoon location on days that they ride the bus. Alternate drop offs may be allowed at the discretion of the principal. Parents must provide written permission for students to ride the bus to a location other than their designated bus stop. The note must be signed and dated by the parent and presented to the principal’s office for approval. Students will not be allowed to board a bus other than their assigned bus without a note signed by parent and principal.

Change of Name, Address, or Phone Number

Should a student change his or her name, address, or telephone number during the school year, he or she should contact his or her building office and make the necessary corrections.

Mandated Reporters

Child Abuse Reporting

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.

Closing of School (Inclement Weather)

Inclement weather shall be determined by the superintendent. Temperatures or wind chills colder than 25 degrees below zero shall be a guide for determining extreme weather school cancellation. In the morning, when school is to be cancelled for the entire day because of extreme road or weather conditions, the following procedures will be followed: 1. As soon as school is cancelled, families will be notified by our notification service provider. 2. The following radio stations will be notified: KMOX (1120 AM - St. Louis), WGEL (101.7 FM - Greenville), and WSMI (106.1 FM - Litchfield). 3. The following television stations will be notified: KSDK (channel 5, NBC - St. Louis), KMOV (channel 4, CBS - St. Louis), and KTVI (channel 2, Fox - St. Louis). During the day, when weather is extreme and school is to be closed early, the superintendent shall notify KMOX (1120 AM), WGEL (101.7 FM), WSMI (106.1 FM), and use our notification service provider. Whenever possible, there will be at least one hour between when the superintendent's call is placed and the time school is actually dismissed. Parents are requested to listen to announcements on the radio and television.

Communication Day

To help parents know when to expect information from the schools, a Communication Day has been established. Please check with your child on the last scheduled class day of the week (usually Friday) for information from the school.

Booster Club

Community Relations

The booster organization is a separate entity from the district. The Booster Club and the district are linked only by their mutual desire to promote excellence in the district’s educational programs. Should the Booster Club wish to make a major contribution of money, service, or equipment to the district, a representative of the Booster Club shall meet with the superintendent or his designee. At this meeting, the superintendent will identify the procedures and rules which govern the Board’s acceptance of contributions. The Booster Club’s representative will describe the nature of the contribution, including any request for use of district facilities, activities preceding presentation of the contribution, and staff and student volunteers.

4

The superintendent shall submit to the School Board the Booster Club’s contribution offer with a recommendation to accept or not accept. The School Board shall make the final decision. Once the School Board has accepted the Booster Club’s contribution, the contribution shall become the district’s property.

Gifts to the District

The School Board appreciates gifts from any education foundation, other entities, or individuals. All gifts must adhere to each of the following: 1. Be accepted by the Board or, if less than $500.00 in value, the Superintendent or designee. Individuals should obtain a pre-acceptance commitment before identifying the District, any school, or school program or activity as a beneficiary in any fundraising attempt, including without limitation, any Internet fundraising attempt. 2. Be given without a stated purpose or with a purpose deemed by the party with authority to accept the gift to be compatible with the Board’s educational objectives and policies. Be consistent with the District’s mandate to provide equal educational and extracurricular opportunities to all students in the District as provided in Board policy 7:10, Equal Educational Opportunities. State and federal laws require the District to provide equal treatment for members of both sexes to educational programing, extracurricular activities, and athletics. This includes the distribution of athletic benefits and opportunities. 3. Permit the District to maintain resource equity among its learning centers. 4. Be viewpoint neutral. The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for the review and approval of donations involving the incorporation of messages into or placing messages upon school property. 5. Comply with all laws applicable to the District including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Prevailing Wage Act, the Health/Life Safety Code for Public Schools, and all applicable procurement and bidding requirements. The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift. Upon acceptance, all gifts become the District’s property. The acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program. The method of recognition is determined by the party accepting the gift.

Parent Organizations

The School Board recognizes that parent organizations are an invaluable resource to the district schools and so supports their formation and vitality. While parent organizations shall have no administrative authority and cannot determine district policy, their suggestions and assistance are always welcome. Membership will be open and unrestricted. The building principal or a designee will serve as the advisor to parent organizations in his or her school and 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. The school(s) and the parent organizations should work in harmony toward the following goals: 1. to involve parents and school personnel in a cooperative and sustained system of activities which will increase the educational opportunities of the children both in school and at home; 2. to improve school-home relationships by enabling parents and school personnel to: (a) define their relation- ship to each other; (b) define their roles as they pertain to the children served by the schools; and (c) identify family needs and resources, including those of the community, as well as school needs and resources; 3. to provide teachers and administrators with opinions and viewpoints that will lead to a better analysis of the needs of students and more relevant program planning; 4. to sustain parental interest and to develop the skills needed by school personnel to function effectively in a work- ing relationship with parents and other community members.

Highland CUSD No. 5 Concussion Policy

Post Concussion Return to Academics Guidelines A student’s best chance of full recovery from a concussion involves two critical components: cognitive rest and physical rest. Continued research has focused on the fact that cognitive rest is essential to the quick resolution of concussion symptoms. Cognitive stimulation includes: driving, video games, computers, text messaging, cell phone use, loud and/or bright environments, television, reading, and studying; these must be limited, and in most cases, completely avoided. Physical activity such as physical education, sports activities, and strength or cardiovascular conditioning must be regulated or avoided while recovering from a concussion.

5

Points of Emphasis: • It is important to note that to recover from a concussion is a very individualized process. Caution must be taken not to compare with other concussions as they progress through the recovery process. The information below is provided to teachers, parents, and students as a guide to assist with concussion recovery. • It is recommended that students who are experiencing concussion-like symptoms be examined by their physicians. • For the academic protocol to be initiated, documentation from a physician must be provided to the school within a week. • It is important that once the student has returned to school that they report to the school nurse in order to monitor symptoms daily, and follow physician recommendations within the Return to Academics Guidelines. • The student will be granted adequate time to complete missed academic work based on the amount of time it takes to gain complete recovery. For every day the student is within Stages 1-3, they will be granted the same number of days to complete missed academic work. • The teacher has the option of assigning the student a grade of incomplete (I) for the quarter, final and/or semester grade. • As the student’s recovery progresses through Stages 1-3, teachers are encouraged to apply a “basic fundamentals” criteria within their subject matter. This process identifies essential academic work and requires the student to only make up this missed work. This aids the student’s recovery as it reduces the volume of work that the student is required to complete, thereby reducing the student’s stress level until they are medically cleared to resume to a full academic load. Four Stage Progression for Full Return to District 5 Academic Activity Stage 1: NO SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, EMPHASIZE COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL REST • Characteristics o Severe symptoms at rest o Symptoms may include, but not limited to:  Headache, dizziness, nausea, and photosensitivity • No tests, quizzes, or homework. • Students may be sensitive to light and noise. • Students may complain of intense and continuous/frequent headaches. • Students may not be able to read for more than 10 minutes without an increase in symptoms. • Eliminate “screen time” on electronic devices, such as computers, iPads, and mobile phones. • Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated). In order to progress to Stage 2 (Return to School) students must have: • Decreased sensitivity to light or noise • Decreased intensity and frequency of headaches • Ability to complete light reading for 10 minutes without increased symptoms In order to continue academic modification, students who remain symptomatic for longer than one (1) week, must be evaluated by a physician.

Stage 2: Option for Modified Daily Class Schedule •

Characteristics o Mild symptoms at rest, increasing with physical and mental activity.

Upon return to school, medical documentation must be provided for academic accommodations.

Accommodations May Include: • • • • • • • • • •

In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, begin to create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Schedule reduction (partial days): For example: first day may be afternoon classes and the next morning classes; repeat as symptoms warrant. Option: Reduce weight of backpack or provide second set of textbooks, if possible, arranged by counselor. Option: Obtain a “five minute pass” to avoid noisy, crowded hallways between class periods. Wear sunglasses as needed. No tests, quizzes, or homework. Reduce “screen time” on electronic devices, such as computers, iPads, and mobile phones. Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated). Excuse from physical education classes and/or sports activities. Report any change in symptoms to the school nurse.

6

In order to progress to Stage 3 student must have • • •

Attended his or her classes at least once. No increase in symptons. Overall symptoms continue to decrease.

Stage 3 Full Day of School • • • • • • • • • •

Characteristics o Symptom-free at rest o Mild to moderate symptoms with mental and physical activity. In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Limited tests/quizzes with gradual increase, as tolerated by student. Gradual increase in the use of electronic devices as symptoms permit. Provide student with copies of class notes (teacher or student generated), upon request. Option: Reduce weight of backpack or provide a second set of textbooks, if possible, arranged by counselor. Option: Obtain a “5 minute pass” in order to avoid noisy, crowded hallways between class periods. Excused from physical education classes and/or sports activities. Written work can replace physical activity. Report any change in symptoms to the school nurse. Athletes need to report any changes to the athletic trainer as well.

In order to progress to Stage 4 student must have • Symptom-free with mental and physical activity OR • Have physician clearance Note: IF the student is not able to progress past stage 3 after an extended period of time, where it is unlikely the student will be able to make up required work, school administration will discuss with the student and their parents, possible class withdrawal, class load modification, and/or Section 504 plan.

Stage 4: Return to Full Academic Load • • • • • • • •

In cooperation with guidance counselor and teachers, create plan for possible modification and the gradual completion of missed tests, quizzes, and homework. Resume current academic responsibilities once symptoms have resolved completely as determined by the appropriate health care professional. Teacher has the discretion, and is encouraged, to apply “Basic Fundamentals” criteria for their subject matter. Students are not required to make up physical activities in PE class, but may be asked to complete written assignments. Gradual resumption of physical activity. Students will return to physical activity. Student will return to physical education classes and will spend a minimum of two (2) days with modified activity. Athletes will follow the return to play protocol under the direction of the athletic trainer.

Follow Up • Students are encouraged to meet with his or her counselor or specialist regularly to discuss progress, grades, status of make up work, and/or emotional concerns. • The student is encouraged to meet with the School Nurse to review any recurring symptoms.

Return to Play Guidelines: Highland CUSD 5

When a student-athlete has sustained a concussion, he or she must progress through the return to play protocol before resuming athletic and physical education activities. The student-athlete shall report to the athletic trainer all concussion signs and symptoms daily until no symptoms remain. The return to play protocol consists of six (6) stages, with minimum 24 hours asymptomatic in between each stage. The student-athlete will be under direct supervision by the athletic trainer during the entire process. The stages of the return to play guidelines are as follows:

7

• • • • • •

Stage 1: Rest Stage 2: Light aerobic exercise Stage 3: Sport-specific exercise Stage 4: Non-contact drills Stage 5: Full-contact practice Stage 6: Normal game play

Disability Accommodation

All school buildings at Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 are handicap accessible. 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.

Drug and Alcohol Intervention

Information regarding resources for drug and alcohol intervention is available through the school. Contact the building principal for information about these resources and he or she will direct you to the staff member who can best assist you.

Emergency Information

Upon registration, all students will be asked to have emergency information on file. This file provides us with the telephone numbers and names of persons to be contacted if the parent cannot be reached. It may be necessary for us to call if there is an unscheduled closing of school, an injury or illness has occurred, or the child is absent and the school has not been contacted. Be certain to let us know if any changes should be made in the file (i.e., sitter’s name and number, change in place of employment, etc.).

Emergency/Safety Procedures ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AT THE BUILDING OFFICE BEFORE GOING TO CLASSROOM AREAS. HELP US KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE. Required Drill Procedures and Conduct

Required drills will occur at times established by the building principal. 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 evacuation drills, a minimum of one severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one law enforcement drill, and a minimum of one bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. Drills will not be preceded by a warning to the students.

CODE RED

CODE RED is a district-wide procedure that takes place in a crisis situation. During a CODE RED, student movement is stopped, and the building is secured. Everyone in the building will be made aware that a serious event has occurred or is about to occur, and how to act accordingly.

Student Safety/Security Plan Outside Entrances 1. Highland CUSD No. 5 buildings now have an electronic security system. This will restrict the use of entrances during the time between the start and end of classes. 2. This will also restrict the use of most entrances at an appropriate time after school, such as 3:30 p.m., taking into consideration seasonal needs such as outside athletic practices, etc. 3. No entrance will be secured in such a manner that free exit travel is prohibited.

8

Badge System

1. In all buildings where students are present, a badge system will be put in place that will help identify staff, strangers, or visitors. 2. Signs will be posted at each door to notify guests that they are required to go directly to the office to sign in. If the guest will be visiting other parts of the building other than the office, they will be issued a badge. They will be asked to wear the badge in a location that is easily visible. 3. The building administrator will decide any exceptions to this provision such as delivery personnel in uniform, long term substitutes, visiting teachers or administrators from the system, or other personnel. Substitute cafeteria workers in uniform would likely be an exception.

Sign In - Sign Out

1. Students who need to be picked up from school by a parent are to wait in the office. The parent comes into the office and signs out his or her child on a list or form used by the building. Name, reason, date, and time are important. If the student will return to school, he or she will be required to sign in once again. 2. All guests will receive a badge and will be required to sign in, state the reason for their visit, who they will visit, date, and time. They will be required to sign out when they return their badge.

Notification 1. 2. 3. 4.

All doors have signs that reflect the district procedures. Staff and students will be trained to send strangers to the office and to report any one without a badge. Signs will be placed on doors that will have limited access. All buildings may be under videotape surveillance at all times.

English Language Learners The district offers opportunities for resident English Learners to develop high levels of academic attainment in English and to meet the same academic content and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to attain. 1. Assist all English Learners to achieve English proficiency, facilitate effective communication in English, and encourage their full participation in school activities and programs as well as promote participation by the parents/guardians of English Learners. 2. Appropriately identify students with limited English-speaking ability. 3. Comply with State law regarding the Transitional Bilingual Educational Program (TBE) or Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), whichever is applicable. 4. Comply with any applicable State and federal requirements for the receipt of grant money for English Learners and programs to serve them. 5. Determine the appropriate instructional program and environment for English Learners. 6. Annually assess the English proficiency of English Learners and monitor their progress in order to determine their readiness for a mainstream classroom environment. 7. Include English Learners, to the extent required by State and federal law, in the District’s student assessment program to measure their achievement in reading/language arts and mathematics. 8. Provide information to the parents/guardians of English Learners about: (a) the reasons for their child’s identification, (b) their child’s level of English proficiency, (c) the method of instruction to be used, (d) how the program will meet their child’s needs, (e) specific exit requirements of the program, (f) how the program will meet their child’s individualized education program, if applicable, and (g) information on parent/guardian rights. Parents/guardians will be regularly apprised of their child’s progress and involvement will be encouraged. Parents/guardians of English Learners will be: (1) given an opportunity to provide input to the program, and (2) provided notification regarding their child’s placement in, and information about, the District’s English Language Learners programs.

Entrance Requirements

Age

School Admissions and Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

To be eligible for admission, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of that school term. A child entering first grade must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of that school term. Based upon an assessment of the child’s readiness, a child will be allowed to attend first grade if he or she attended a non-public preschool, continued his or her education at that school through kindergarten, was taught in kindergarten by an appropriately licensed teacher, and will be 6 years old on or before December 31. A child with exceptional needs who qualifies for special education services is eligible for admission at 3 years of age.

9

Admission Procedure

All students must register for school each year on the dates and at the place designated by the Superintendent. Parents/guardians of students enrolling in the District for the first time must present: 1. A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate. If a birth certificate is not presented, the Superintendent or designee shall notify in writing the person enrolling the student that within 30 days he or she must provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate. A student will be enrolled without a birth certificate. When a certified copy of the birth certificate is presented, the school shall promptly make a copy for its records, place the copy in the student’s temporary record, and return the original to the person enrolling the child. If a person enrolling a student fails to provide a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, and shall also notify the person enrolling the student in writing that, unless he or she complies within 10 days, the case will be referred to the local law enforcement authority for investigation. If compliance is not obtained within that 10-day period, the Superintendent or designee shall so refer the case. The Superintendent or designee shall immediately report to the local law enforcement authority any material received pursuant to this paragraph that appears inaccurate or suspicious in form or content. 2. Proof of residence, as required by Board policy 7:60, Residence. 3. Proof of disease immunization or detection and the required physical examination, as required by State law and Board policy 7:100, Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students. The individual enrolling a student shall be given the opportunity to voluntarily state whether the student has a parent or guardian who is a member of a branch of the U. S. Armed Forces and who is either deployed to active duty or expects to be deployed to active duty during the school year. Students who are children of active duty military personnel transferring will be allowed to enter: (a) the same grade level in which they studied at the school from which they transferred, if the transfer occurs during the District’s school year, or (b) the grade level following the last grade completed.

Homeless Children

Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, and its implementing administrative procedure, govern the enrollment of homeless children.

Student Transfers To and From Non-District Schools

A student may transfer into or out of the District according to State law and procedures developed by the Superintendent or designee. A student seeking to transfer into the District must serve the entire term of any suspension or expulsion, imposed for any reason by any public or private school, in this or any other state, before being admitted into the School District.

Foreign Students

The District accepts foreign exchange students with a J-1 visa and who reside within the District as participants in an exchange program sponsored by organizations screened by administration. Exchange students on a J-1 visa are not required to pay tuition. Privately sponsored exchange students on an F-1 visa may be enrolled if an adult resident of the District has temporary guardianship, and the student lives in the home of that guardian. Exchange students on an F-1 visa are required to pay tuition at the established District rate. F-1 visa student admission is limited to high schools, and attendance may not exceed 12 months. The Board may limit the number of exchange students admitted in any given year. Exchange students must comply with District immunization requirements. Once admitted, exchange students become subject to all District policies and regulations governing students.

Re-enrollment

Re-enrollment shall be denied to any individual 19 years of age or above who has dropped out of school and who could not earn sufficient credits during the normal school year(s) to graduate before his or her 21 birthday. However, at the Superintendent’s or designee’s discretion and depending on program availability, the individual may be enrolled in a graduation incentives program established under 105 ILCS 5/26-16 or an alternative learning opportunities program established under 105 ILCS 5/13B-1 (see 6:110, Programs for Students At Risk of Academic Failure and/or Dropping Out of School and Graduation Incentives Program). Before being denied re-enrollment, the District will offer the individual due process as required in cases of expulsion under policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A person denied re-enrollment will be offered counseling and be directed to alternative educational programs, including adult education programs that lead to graduation or receipt of a GED diploma. This section does not apply to students eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act or accommodation plans under the Rehabilitation Act, Section 504.

10

Equal Educational Opportunities Equal Opportunity and Sex Equity

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status as of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. Further, the District will not knowingly enter into agreements with any entity or any individual that discriminates against students on the basis of sex or any other protected status, except that the District remains viewpoint neutral when granting access to school facilities under School Board policy 8:20, Community Use of School Facilities. Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure.

Sex Equity

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 may file a sex equity complaint by using Board policy 2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may appeal the Board’s resolution of the complaint to the Regional Superintendent (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/3-10) and, thereafter, to the State Superintendent of Education (pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/2-3.8). Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact: Derek Hacke at 618-654-2106.

Education of Children with Disabilities

The School District shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the District, as required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and implementing provisions of the School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act. The term “children with disabilities,” as used in this policy, means children between ages 3 and 21 (inclusive) for whom it is determined, through definitions and procedures described in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules, that special education services are needed. 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 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA. For students eligible for services under IDEA, the District shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the District shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice, an opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, an impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s), representation by counsel, and a review procedure. The District may maintain membership in one or more cooperative associations of school districts that shall assist the District in fulfilling its obligations to the District’s disabled students. If necessary, students may also be placed in nonpublic special education programs or education facilities.

Education of Homeless Children

Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A homeless child is defined as provided in the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and the Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act. The Superintendent or designee shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy’s implementation. A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school. The Superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give

11

special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law. For assistance, please contact: Derek Hacke 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106

Family Privacy Rights-Notification to Parents

The School Board has a policy concerning privacy and parental access to information. A complete copy of the policy 7:15, Student and Family Privacy Rights, is available upon your request from the administrative center or on the district web site at www.highlandcusd5.org. Please note that a student's parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect certain documents and/or refuse to allow their child or ward to participate in certain activities. The school will not penalize any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) exercises this option.

Field Trips - Parent Permission Slips

Parents will be required to sign a parent permit slip before students may participate in any activity planned off the school grounds. This includes all field trips whether it is a walking field trip to the park or uptown, or a field trip which requires buses. Field trips do not count against juniors or seniors for semester exam exemption or as an absence for any student. The school reserves the right to search all student luggage/bags before going on a field trip or at any time during the field trip to avoid transporting or student possession of illegal or dangerous materials, illegal substances, or unauthorized materials. Parents may decline to have their child participate in a school planned field trip. This request to not participate must be made in writing and sent to the building principal. Any trip that requires an overnight stay must be approved initially by the Board of Education.

Food in Classrooms

Food items brought in for classroom parties, birthday treats, kindergarten snack time, etc. must be pre-packaged and commercially prepared (store bought, bakery, or fast food). Homemade items will not be distributed in the classrooms per recommendation of the Madison County Health Department. We are focusing on wellness at Highland Community Schools. Please try to send in healthy snacks and treats and be aware of any allergies in your child’s classroom.

Harassment/Bullying/Hazing

Harassment of Students Prohibited Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment Prohibited No person, including a District employee or 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; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing char acteristic. 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.

12

The District, including all staff members will not retaliate against any person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging sexual harassment or otherwise engages in an activity protected by Title IX. Students, families, and staff shall maintain their right to file a complaint with the district or external agencies such as the Office of Civil Rights if they feel they have been retaliated against for reporting discrimination or harassment. Contact information for the District person(s) designated to respond to such complaints as well as contact information for the Office of Civil Rights are included within this policy. The Superintendent, or designee, will notify students, families, employees, and other interested persons of the revised policies and procedures, including posting the revised policies and procedures on the District’s internet site, and publishing the revised policies and procedure in the District’s Student and Employee Handbooks. Sexual Harassment Prohibited Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. Any person, including a district employee or agent, or student, engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical conduct including sexual violence, of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that: 1. Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condi- tion of a student’s academic status; or 2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student. The terms “intimidating,” “hostile,” and “offensive” include conduct that has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to a person’s alleged sexual activities. The term "sexual violence" includes a number of different acts. Examples of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion. Making a Complaint; Enforcement Students are encouraged to report claims or incidences of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or a Complaint Manager. A student may choose to report to a person of the student’s same sex. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined. An allegation that a student was a victim of any prohibited conduct perpetrated by another student shall be referred to the Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students for appropriate action. Nondiscrimination Coordinator:

Complaint Managers:

Derek Hacke 400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249 [email protected] 618-654-2106 ext. 1003

Tim Bair Julie Korte 400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249 1800 Lindenthal, Highland, IL 62249 [email protected] [email protected] 618-654-2106 ext. 1007 618-654-2107 ext. 2005

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy will be subject to 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 disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the discipline policy. Any person making a knowingly false accusation regarding prohibited conduct will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge, with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion, with regard to students. The contact information for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is 800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100.

13

Health Services

Health Information

The primary goal of health services is to provide a healthy and safe environment in order to ensure an optimal learning environment for all students. This goal is achieved by compliance with state and local regulations, as well as District policies. The responsibility of the parent/guardian in achieving this goal will be to provide all grade level requirements and special health condition information to the school nurse. If a student becomes ill or injured during the school day and needs to go home, parents are notified. Parents must provide the school office with current phone numbers for home, work, cell, etc., as well as emergency contacts when they cannot be reached. It will be the discretion of the health office personnel if a parent is contacted. Phone calls are not made home on every student who enters the health office. • Students suspected of having a rash of an unknown origin will be sent home. The student will not be readmitted to school without a note from a health care provider, i.e., physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, stating whether or not the rash is contagious and when the student is permitted to return to school. • Students with head lice or nits will be excluded from school until evidence of the lice and/or nits are gone from their heads. • Students who present with suspected pink eye will be sent home if there is evidence of tearing or purulent discharge. • Students with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be sent home; they must be fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of temperature reducing medications) before returning to school. • Students who present with vomiting and/or diarrhea will be sent home; they must be vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusion of Students

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student received a health examination, with proof of the immunizations against, and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health, within one year prior to: 1. Entering kindergarten or the first grade; 2. Entering the sixth and ninth grades; and 3. Enrolling in an Illinois school, regardless of the student’s grade (including nursery school, special education, Head Start programs operated by elementary or secondary schools, and students transferring into Illinois from out-of-state or out-of-country). As required by State law: 1. Health examinations must be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, an advanced practice nurse who has a written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician authorizing the advanced practice nurse to perform health examinations, or a physician assistant who has been delegated the performance of health examinations by a supervising physician. 2. A diabetes screening must be included as a required part of each health examination; diabetes testing is not required. 3. Before admission and in conjunction with required physical examinations, parents/guardians of children between the ages of one and seven years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was “risk- assessed” or screened for lead poisoning. 4. The Department of Public Health will provide all female students entering sixth grade and their parents/guardians information about the link between human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer and the availability of the (HPV) vaccine. Unless an exemption or extension applies, the 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 District. New students who register after October 15 of the current school year shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations. 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 the physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations. A student transferring from out-of-state who does not have the required proof of immunizations by October 15 may attend classes only if he or she has proof that an appointment for the required vaccinations is scheduled with a party authorized to submit proof of the required vaccinations. If the required proof of vaccination is not submitted within 30 days after the student is permitted to attend classes, the student may no longer attend classes until proof of the vaccinations is properly submitted.

14

Eye Examination

Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their children undergo an eye examination whenever health examinations are required. Parents/guardians of students entering kindergarten or an Illinois school for the first time shall present proof before October 15 of the current school year that the student received an eye examination within one year prior to entry of kindergarten or the school. A physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed optometrist must perform the required eye examination. If a student fails to present proof by October 15, the school may hold the student’s report card until the student presents proof: (1) of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this eye examination requirement in compliance with the rules of the Department of Public Health. Schools shall not exclude a student from attending school due to failure to obtain an eye examination.

Dental Examination

All children in kindergarten and the second and sixth grades must present proof of having been examined by a licensed dentist before May 15 of the current school year in accordance with rules adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health. If a child in the second or sixth grade fails to present proof by May 15, the school may hold the child’s report card until the child presents proof: (1) of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that parents/guardians are notified of this dental examination requirement at least 60 days before May 15 of each school year. Exemptions In accordance with rules adopted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, a student will be exempted from this policy’s requirements for: 1. Religious or medical grounds if the student’s parents/guardians present the IDPH's Certificate of Religious Exemption form to the Superintendent or designee. When a Certificate of Religious Exemption form is presented, the Superintendent or designee shall immediately inform the parents/guardians of exclusion procedures pursuant to Board policy 7:280, Communicable and Chronic Infectious Disease and State rules if there is an outbreak of one or more diseases from which the student is not protected. 2. Health examination or immunization requirements on medical grounds if a physician provides written verification; 3. Eye examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or lack of access to a physi- cian licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches who provides eye examinations or a licensed optometrist; or 4. Dental examination requirement if the student’s parents/guardians show an undue burden or a lack of access to a dentist.

Homeless Child

Any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child or child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce immunization and health records normally required for enrollment. School Board policy 6:140, Education of Homeless Children, governs the enrollment of homeless children.

Administering Medicines to Students

Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities 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 and otherwise follow the district’s procedures on dispensing medication. No school district employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed “School Medication Authorization Form” is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student shall 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 policy and its implementing procedures. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication. Please notify the school nurse in your child’s building with any questions or concerns. The nursing staff will be happy to assist you in meeting the health requirements for your child and ensuring his or her health and safety throughout the school year.

15

Highland Community Unit School District No. 5

School Medication Authorization Form A new form must be completed every school year.

Student's Name: ____________________________________________________ Grade: __________________________ Teacher: _______________________________________________ School: ______________________________________ TO BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT’S PHYSICIAN, physician assistant, or advanced practice RN. For students self-administering asthma inhalers, see section at bottom of page. For all other medications, complete section below. NAME OF MEDICATION: ________________________________________________________________________

DOSAGE: ______________________________________ TIME: ______________________________________



TREATMENT FOR: _____________________________________________________________________________



Yes

No Must this medication be administered during the school day in order to allow the child to attend school?

Yes No Do you authorize this student to self-medicate? If yes, please complete the next statement. Yes No I certify that this student has been instructed in the use and self-administration of this medication. He or she understands the need for his or her medication and the necessity to report to school personnel any unusual side effects. He or she is capable of using this medication independently. Side effects to be noted: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Physician's printed name: __________________________________________________________________________



Physician's signature: _____________________________________________________________________________



Date: __________________ Phone: ___________________________

Fax: __________________________

Asthma Inhalers Parent(s)/Guardian(s) please attach prescription label here:



NOTE: Medicine needs to come in pharmacy-labeled bottle or original manufacturer packaging. 16

For only parents/guardians of students who need to carry asthma medication or an epinephrine auto-injector: I authorize the school district and its employees and agents, to allow my child or ward to carry and self-administer his or her asthma inhaler and/or use his or her epinephrine auto-injector: (1) while in school, (2) while at a school-sponsored activity, (3) while under the supervision of school personnel, or (4) before or after normal school activities, such as while in before-school or after-school care on school-operated property. Illinois law requires the school district to inform parent(s)/guardian(s) that it, and its employees and agents, incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector (105 ILCS 5/22-30). If you agree please initial: Parent/Guardian For all parents/guardians: By signing below, I agree that I am primarily responsible for administering medication to my child. However, in the event that I am unable to do so or in the event of a medical emergency, I hereby authorize the school district and its employees and agents, in my behalf, to administer or to attempt to administer to my child (or to allow my child to self-administer pursuant to State law, while under the supervision of the employees and agents of the school district), lawfully prescribed medication in the manner described above. I give permission for the school nurse and the above physician to exchange information regarding my child's condition and treatment/medicine for the purpose of continuity of care. I acknowledge that it may be necessary for the administration of medications to my child to be performed by an individual other than a school nurse and specifically consent to such practices, and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the school district and its employees and agents against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of the administration or the child’s self-administration of medication. Parent/Guardian printed name Address (if different from student’s above): Phone: Emergency Phone: Parent/Guardian signature Date

17

Highland School District Foundation

The Highland School District Foundation, which was formed by the Business Education Alliance, is a foundation which will accept tax-free donations to the district. Please contact the district office at 654-2106, if you have questions about making donations to the district through the Highland School District Foundation.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of determining and implementing the most appropriate and least hazardous techniques for controlling pests. It controls pests by emphasizing prevention and by employing physical, cultural, biological, and only as a last resort, least hazardous chemical controls. IPM is the best approach to pest control. Every effort is made to help protect the health and safety of students and staff. Pesticide Application Notice The district maintains a registry of parents and guardians of students who have registered to receive written or telephone notification prior to the application of pesticides to school grounds. To be added to the list, please contact: Jeff Williams 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-4106 Notification will be given before application of the pesticide. Prior notice is not required if there is imminent threat to health or property.

Internet Safety/Computers

Each district computer and student-owned device with Internet access shall use the school server that 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 superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filter device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the superintendent or system administrator. The superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy's implementation plan to address the following: 1. limiting student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials; 2. student safety and security when using electronic communications; 3. limiting unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities; and 4. limiting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information.

Know Your Schools

Highland Community Unit School District No. 5 publishes a newspaper at regular intervals during the school year called “Know Your Schools” (which is posted on the district website). The superintendent conveys a message in each publication, and principals, teachers, and other staff members contribute articles about curriculum and the various activities of the district. Parents are encouraged to read this publication to keep informed

Meal Program

Highland CUSD No. 5 offers breakfasts and lunches daily as part of the National School Lunch Program. You may apply for free or reduced priced meals online at heartlandapps.com (paper forms also available in any school office). We use a computerized debit system to account for student meals. The system operates on advance payments you make to your child’s account. The system will know the status of your child (full pay, free, or reduced) and will deduct the correct amount from the account. Students are identified by their ID number and picture so their status is kept confidential. Advance Payment Options PREPAID MEALS ONLY – Funds are designated for meals only. No snacks or a la carte food items may be purchased from this account balance. CASH ON ACCOUNT -- Funds are available to your child when purchasing meals and/or a la carte foods in the cafeteria. There are no limitations as to what may be purchased or how many purchases may be made.

18

PREPAID MEALS AND CASH ON ACCOUNT -- This option ensures that your child receives a lunch but also allows him or her to purchase a la carte and snack foods. When making a payment for both, please state clearly how much money is for prepaid meals and how much is for “cash on account.” Payments are accepted online at myschoolbucks.com or with cash/check at any school office or cafeteria. Students may also bring cash for meals and a la carte items on a daily basis; however maximum benefits are achieved through the use of advance payment. NOTE: Breakfast and a la carte purchases on account can only be made if the student has sufficient funds in his or her account.

Non-public School Students, Including Parochial and Home-Schooled Students Part-Time Attendance The District accepts nonpublic school students, including parochial and home-schooled students, who live within the District for part-time attendance in the District’s regular education program on a space-available basis. Requests for part-time attendance must be submitted to the Building Principal of the school in the school attendance area where the student resides. All requests for attendance in the following school year must be submitted before May 1. A student accepted for partial enrollment must comply with all discipline and attendance requirements established by the school. He or she may participate in any co-curricular activity associated with a District class in which he or she is enrolled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student accepted for partial enrollment must pay all fees, pro-rated on the basis of a percentage of full-time fees. Transportation to and/or from school is provided on regular bus routes to or from a point on the route nearest or most easily accessible to the nonpublic school or student’s home. This transportation shall be on the same basis as the District provides transportation for its full-time students. Transportation on other than established bus routes is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Students with a Disability The District accepts for part-time attendance those children for whom it has been determined that special education services are needed, are enrolled in nonpublic schools, and otherwise qualify for enrollment in the District. Requests must be submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. Special educational services shall be provided to such students as soon as possible after identification, evaluation, and placement procedures provided by State law, but no later than the beginning of the next school semester following the completion of such procedures. Transportation for such students shall be provided only if required in the child’s individualized educational program on the basis of the child’s disabling condition or as the special education program location may require. Extracurricular Activities, Including Interscholastic Competition A nonpublic school student is eligible to participate in: (1) interscholastic competition, provided his or her participation adheres to the regulations established by any association in which the School District maintains a membership, and (2) non-athletic extracurricular activities, provided the student attends a District school for at least one-half of the regular school day, excluding lunch. A nonpublic student who participates in an extracurricular activity is subject to all policies, regulations, and rules that are applicable to other participants in the activity. Assignment When Enrolling Full-Time in a District School Grade placement by, and academic credits earned at, a nonpublic school will be accepted if the school has a Certificate of Nonpublic School Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, or, if outside Illinois, if the school is accredited by the state agency governing education. A student who, after receiving instruction in a non-recognized or non-accredited school, enrolls in the District will: (1) be assigned to a grade level according to academic proficiency, and/or (2) have academic credits recognized by the District if the student demonstrates appropriate academic proficiency to the school administration. Any portion of a student’s transcript relating to such instruction will not be considered for placement on the honor roll or computation in class rank. Notwithstanding the above, recognition of grade placement and academic credits awarded by a nonpublic school is at the sole discretion of the District. All school and class assignments will be made according to School Board policy 7:30, Student Assignment, as well as administrative procedures implementing this policy.

19

Parent-Teacher Communication

Parent Information

The chain of communication parents should follow when contacting the school about their child is: • Step 1 Teacher • Step 2 Building Adminsitrator(s) • Step 3 Superintendent of Schools

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences will be held in October. Please plan to attend. A special effort is made to avoid conflicts between buildings and grade levels. Achievement tests from the prior spring and the student’s report card will be discussed. Conferences are a time for the parent or guardian and teacher to reinforce their cooperation for the student’s benefit. Please come prepared with questions and concerns.

Parent Correspondence and Student Records

The law requires that schools are to provide copies of school correspondence or records upon the request of either parent of a student whose parents are divorced, unless a court order to the contrary is in effect. Items which are furnished by the school district to one parent must, upon request, be furnished by mail to the other parent. Items include the following: 1. reports or records which reflect the pupil’s academic progress 2. reports of the pupil’s emotional and physical health 3. notices of school-initiated parent-teacher conferences 4. notices of major school-sponsored events, such as open houses, which involve pupil/parent interaction 5. copies of the school calendar

Printed Material

The superintendent shall establish procedures for the distribution of student publications. Any material which is printed outside school supervision must be submitted to the principal for his or her approval three days before distribution to the students. The material may be distributed at an area designated by the principal. If approval is not given, an appeal may be made to the superintendent.

Printed Publication Photographs/Videotape

Pictures of Unnamed Students

Students may occasionally appear in photographs and videotapes taken by school staff members, other students, or other individuals authorized by the building principal. The school may use these pictures, without identifying the student, in various publications, including the school yearbook, school newspaper, and school web site. No consent or notice is needed or will be given before the school uses pictures of unnamed students taken while they are at school or a school-related activity.

Pictures of Named Students

Many times, however, the school will want to identify a student in a school picture. School officials want to acknowledge those students who participate in a school activity or deserve special recognition. In order for the school to publish a picture with a student identified by name, one of the student's parents or guardians must sign a consent form.

Pictures of Students Taken by Non-School Agencies

While the school limits access to school buildings by outside photographers, it has no control over news media or other entities that may publish a picture of a named student. School staff members will not, however, identify a student for an outside photographer.

Teacher Performance Assessment

Illinois has launched a new performance assessment initiative to insure pre-service teachers (student teachers) have the necessary knowledge, skills and dispositions to be effective educators before teaching licenses are issued. As part of this Teacher Performance Assessment, pre-service teachers must video their performances and the impact the instruction is having on student learning. Students and their voices must be recorded and student work samples scanned as evidence that learning is occurring. To protect their identity, students’ last names are not used on the recording or on any documents submitted to the team of evaluators of the teaching performances. Parents, who do not want their children recorded or their children’s work samples scanned, should contact the principal in writing annually stating so.

20

Professional Personnel

As a parent or guardian of a student at a school receiving funds under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teachers who instruct your child and the paraprofessionals, if any, who assist them. Federal law gives you the right to receive the following information about each of your child's classroom teachers and their paraprofessional assistants, if any: 1. Whether Illinois has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches. 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status by which State licensing criteria have been waived. 3. The teacher's college major. 4. Whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees. 5. Whether any instructional assistants or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications. Federal law defines "highly qualified" teachers with reference to their certification or progress toward certification along with factors such as undergraduate major, college, or graduate degrees, and testing for subject matter and teaching skills. The law requires the district to notify parents/guardians of children in Title I schools if your child is assigned to a class being taught by, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the federal law's definition of "highly qualified." If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the school office.

School Visitation Rights Act School Conference and Activity Leave 1. An employer must grant an employee leave of up to a total of eight hours during any school year, and no more than four hours of which may be taken on any given day, to attend school conferences or classroom activities related to the employee’s child if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during nonwork h o u r s ; however, no leave may be taken by an employee of an employer that is subject to this Act unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation leave, personal leave, compensatory leave, and any other leave that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability leave. Before arranging attendance at the conference or activity, the employee shall provide the employer with a written request for leave at least seven days in advance of the time the employee is required to utilize the visitation right. In emergency situations, no more than 24 hours notice shall be required. The employee must consult with the employer to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer. 2. Nothing in this Act requires that the leave be paid. 3. For regularly scheduled, nonemergency visitations, schools shall make time available for visitation during both regular school hours and evening hours. For more information regarding the School Visitation Rights Act, please contact the building principal. Parents may obtain a visitation form for verification of the school visit from the building principal.

Sex Offender Information

State law prohibits a child sex offender from being present on school property or loitering within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, unless the offender is: 1. A parent/guardian of a student attending the school and has notified the Building Principal of his or her presence at the school for the purpose of: (i) attending a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of his or her child academically or socially, (ii) participating in child review conferences in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to his or her child regarding special education services, or (iii) attending conferences to discuss other student issues concerning his or her child such as retention and promotion; or 2. He received permission to be present from the Board, Superintendent, or Superintendent’s designee. If permission is granted, the Superintendent or Board President shall provide the details of the offender’s upcoming visit to the Building Principal. In all cases, the Superintendent or designee who is a certified employee, shall supervise a child sex offender whenever the offender is in a child’s vicinity.

21

What is Selective Service?

Selective Service

Selective Service is a government agency whose job is to provide untrained man-power for the Armed Forces if there’s a national emergency.

Who is required to register?

The law says that all 18-year-old men (including U.S. citizens living abroad and non-citizen immigrant males 18-25 residing in the U.S.) must register. The only young men exempt from registration are non-citizen males who are in the U.S. temporarily as tourists, diplomats and their family members or foreign exchange students; incarcerated or institutionalized men; men on active duty in the Armed Forces; and students at U.S. military academies.

Why don’t women have to register?

Our nation only registers men. This has always been the case. Selective Service law as it is presently written refers specifically to “male persons” in stating who must register and who could be subject to a draft. Therefore, Selective Service procedures do no apply to women. In order for women to be required to register with Selective Service, congress would have to change the wording of the law.

Speech Therapy The speech pathologist will conduct a speech and language screening to include: 1. all students in kindergarten 2. any student whose initial screening results indicated a developmental speech pattern. The student will be monitored through teacher and speech pathologist collaboration. If screening results reveal a need for further assessment, parents will be notified by the speech pathologist. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the speech pathologist in your child’s school.

Attendance Areas

Student/Classroom Assignment

The school district is divided into school attendance areas. The superintendent shall review the boundary lines annually and recommend any changes to the School Board. A map of the district showing current school attendance areas shall be maintained by the superintendent. Students living in a given school attendance area shall attend that school. The Board may grant an exception when the parent(s)/ guardian(s) demonstrate that the student could be better accommodated by the education program at another school, provided space is available. Students who are granted a transfer within the district shall be responsible for their own transportation.

Class Assignments

The building principal shall assign students to classes.

Attendance

Student Information

Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and success in education. Regular attendance is essential if a student is to make use of the educational opportunities the school offers. Regular attendance develops dependability and responsibility in the student and contributes to academic achievement. Parents, guardians, or those having legal custody or control of students are responsible for their children’s regular school attendance. Student absenteeism should be kept to the minimum; however, some absences are unavoidable and classified as excused absences. Absences shall be excused only for the following reasons: 1. personal illness (Written verification of illness from a physician licensed to practice medicine may be requested.) 2. bereavement/funeral 3. quarantine/homebound 4. family emergencies 5. observance of religious holidays 6. written requests approved in advance by an administrator (Removing students from school for vacation trips is discouraged.) All other absences shall be considered unexcused and interpreted as truancy. Students shall be given the opportunity to make up school work missed due to excused absence.

22

Students will not be released from school at other than the regular dismissal times without prior written approval from the building principal or assistant principal. No student will be released from school to any person other than the custodial parent/ guardian without the written or oral permission of the custodial parent/guardian. Middle and high school students leaving school during school hours will need to sign out in the office prior to their departure. If the middle or high school student returns to school the same day, he or she is required to sign in at the office upon his or her return. All students must be in attendance for a half day in the afternoon or receive prior administrative approval for the absence in order to participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity. Emergency situations shall be given due consideration. A student at Highland High School must take seven classes to be considered a full-time student.

Biometric

The Superintendent or designee may recommend a student biometric information collection system solely for the purposes of identification and fraud prevention. Such recommendation shall be consistent with budget requirements and in compliance with State law. Biometric information means any information that is collected through an identification process for individuals based on their unique behavioral or physiological characteristics, including fingerprint, hand geometry, voice, or facial recognition or iris or retinal scans. Before collecting student biometric information, the District shall obtain written permission from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility or the student (if over the age of 18). Upon a student’s 18 birthday, the District shall obtain written permission from the student to collect student biometric information. Failure to provide written consent to collect biometric information shall not be the basis for refusal of any services otherwise available to a student. All collected biometric information shall be stored and transmitted in a manner that protects it from disclosure. Sale, lease, or other disclosure of biometric information to another person or entity is strictly prohibited. The District will discontinue use of a student’s biometric information and destroy all collected biometric information within 30 days after: (1) the student graduates or withdraws from the School District, or (2) the District receives a written request to discontinue use of biometric information from the person having legal custody/parental responsibility of the student or the student (if over the age of 18). Requests to discontinue using a student’s biometric information shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy consistent with State and federal law.

Homework

Homework is any work assigned the student to be completed outside the classroom. It is the child's responsibility to complete the assignment. Teachers may give homework to students to aid in the student’s educational development. Homework should be an application or adaptation of previous classroom instruction experience and should not be assigned for disciplinary purposes. When students are absent, it is their responsibility to make up missed work. If students know in advance that they will miss class, they must check with their teachers to see if work is due before the absence. In the event of excused absences: for each day a student misses school, the student has the same number of school days to make up missed work. (This does not apply if the due date is assigned prior to the student's absence.

Insurance

The district is not legally responsible for medical expenses that result from accidents that occur during normal school activities. Student insurance is available through a district approved carrier for a nominal charge. Enrollment, premiums, and filing of claims are the responsibility of the parent/guardian/student. Details of the coverage and enrollment forms are available on the district website at www.highlandcusd5.org IMPORTANT REMINDER: The student accident insurance is a supplemental coverage. The student accident carrier will ONLY pay benefits after all other available health insurance carriers have paid benefits.

Use of Telephones

Students must get permission from their classroom teacher or the principal before using the school telephone. Students are encouraged to make arrangements with their parents before leaving home. It is also the student’s responsibility to get to school with the day’s supplies and assignments. Students who make a habit of calling their parents to bring items to school that the student should have brought in the first place may lose the privilege of using the telephone for that purpose. We realize that everyone can forget occasionally, but it should not become a habit.

23

Student Promotion

The Board of Education adheres to the Illinois School Code's prohibition on promotion of a student to the next grade level based upon age or other social reasons not related to the academic performance of the student. A student shall meet district goals and objectives and perform at the expected grade level in order to qualify for promotion. Decisions to promote or retain students in any classes shall be based on the applicable factors outlined in the School Code, as further defined by the Board of Education. If a student has not qualified for promotion to the next grade level, the district shall provide the student with a remediation plan and accompanying services. These services may include a summer school program of at least ninety (90) hours; a parent-provided and funded tutoring program approved by the district during the following school year; or retention in grade. In addition, if the student's reading is one of the areas of concern, the district may provide an appropriate reading program.

Grades K-8

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.

Student School Records

This notice contains a description of your and your student’s rights concerning school 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 that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes; and electronic recordings made on school buses. The District maintains two types of school records for each student: permanent record and temporary record. The permanent record includes: 1. Basic identifying information, including the student’s name and address, birth date and place, gender, and the names and addresses of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) 2. Evidence required under the Missing Children's Records Act (325 ILCS 50/5(b)(1) 3. Academic transcripts, including grades, class rank, graduation date, grade level achieved, scores on college entrance examinations (except that a parent/guardian or eligible student may request, in writing, the removal from the academic transcript of any score received on college entrance examinations), the unique student identifier assigned and used by the Illinois State Board of Education’s Student Information System; as applicable, designation of the student's achievement of the State Seal of Biliteracy, awarded in accordance with the School Code Section 5/2-3.157 and as applicable, designation of the student's achievement of the State Commendation Toward Biliteracy. 4. Attendance record 5. Health record defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “medical documentation necessary for enrollment and proof of dental examinations, as may be required under Section 27-8.1 of the School Code” 6. Record of release of permanent record information that includes each of the following: a. The nature and substance of the information released b. The name and signature of the official records custodian releasing such information c. The name and capacity of the requesting person and the purpose for the request d. The date of release e. A copy of any consent to a release 7. Scores received on all State assessment tests administered at the high school level (that is, grades 9 through 12) (105ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5) The permanent record may include: 1. Honors and awards received 2. Information concerning participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, or offices held in school-sponsored organizations.

24

All information not required to be kept in the student permanent record is kept in the student temporary record and must include: 1. Record of release of temporary record information that includes the same information as listed above for the record of release of permanent records 2. Scores received on the State assessment tests administered in the elementary grade levels (that is, kindergarten through grade 8) 3. Completed home language survey 4. Information regarding serious disciplinary infractions (that is, those involving drugs, weapons, or bodily harm to another) that resulted in expulsion, suspension, or the imposition of punishment or sanction 5. Any final finding report received from a Child Protective Service Unit provided to the school under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act; no report other than what is required under Section 8.6 of that Act shall be placed in the student record 6. Health-related information, defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “current documentation of a student's health information, not otherwise governed by the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act or other privacy laws, which includes identifying information, health history, results of mandated testing and screenings, medication dispensation records and logs (e.g., glucose readings), long-term medications administered during school hours, and other health-related information that is relevant to school participation, e.g., nursing services plan, failed screenings, yearly sports physical exams, interim health histories for sports” 7. Accident report, defined by the Illinois State Board of Education as “documentation of any reportable student accident that results in an injury to a student, occurring on the way to or from school or on school grounds, at a school athletic event or when a student is participating in a school program or school-sponsored activity or on a school bus and that is severe enough to cause the student not to be in attendance for one-half day or more or requires medical treatment other than first aid. The accident report shall include identifying information, nature of injury, days lost, cause of injury, location of accident, medical treatment given to the student at the time of the accident, or whether the school nurse has referred the student for a medical evaluation, regardless of whether the parent, guardian or student (if 18 years or older) or an unaccompanied homeless youth … has followed through on that request.” 8. Any documentation of a student’s transfer, including records indicating the school or school district to which the student transferred 9. Completed course substitution form for any student who, when under the age of 18, is enrolled in vocational and technical course as a substitute for a high school or graduation requirement The temporary record may include: 1. Family background information 2. Intelligence test scores, group and individual 3. Aptitude test scores 4. Reports of psychological evaluations, including information on intelligence, personality and academic information obtained through test administration, observation, or interviews 5. Elementary and secondary achievement level test results 6. Participation in extracurricular activities, including any offices held in school-sponsored clubs or organizations 7. Honors and awards received 8. Teacher anecdotal records 9. Other disciplinary information 10. Special education records 11. Records associated with plans developed under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 12. Verified reports or information from non-educational persons, agencies, or organizations of clear relevance to the student’s education 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: 1. The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 15 school 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. Parents/guardians or students should submit to the Building Principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 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 a student (105 ILCS 5/10-22.3c and 10/5a, and 750 ILCS 60/214(b)(15).

25

2. The right to have one or more scores received on college entrance examinations removed from the student's academic transcript. Parents/guardians or eligible students may have one or more scores on college entrance exams deleted from their student's academic transcript. Students often take college entrance examinations multiple times to improve their results. Test publishers provide the results from each examination taken to the student's high school. Schools must include each of these scores on the student's transcript, which may result in the academic transcript having multiple scores from a single college entrance exam. A parent/guardian or eligible student may not want certain scores to be sent to postsecondary institutions to which the student applies. The District will remove 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 removed. 3. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent(s)/ guardian(s) or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Parents/guardians or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. They should write the Building Principal or the Official Records Custodian, clearly identify the record they want changed, and specify the reason. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents/guardians or eligible student, the District will notify the parents/guardians 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(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 4. 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 person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or any parent(s)/guardian(s) 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. Individual board members do not have a right to see student records merely by virtue of their office unless they have a current demonstrable educational or administrative interest in the student and seeing his or her record(s) would be in furtherance of the interest. 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. 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 will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records. When a challenge is made at the time the student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring, there is no right to challenge: (1) academic grades, or (2) references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions. Disclosure is also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent(s)/guardian(s) can be identified; any person named in a court order; appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student. 5. 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(s)/guardian(s) or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first. 6. The right to prohibit the release of directory information concerning the parent’s/ guardian’s child. Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding students, limited to: Name Address Gender Grade level Birth date and place

26

Parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ 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. No directory information will be released within this time period, unless the parents/guardians or eligible student is specifically informed otherwise. No photograph highlighting individual faces is allowed for commercial purposes, including solicitation, advertising, promotion or fundraising without the prior, specific, dated and written consent of the parent or student, as applicable; and no image on a school security video recording shall be designated as directory information. 7. The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your secondary school student’s name, address, and telephone numbers 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 parents/guardians, or student who is 18 years of age or older, request that the information not be disclosed without prior written consent. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the Building Principal where your student is enrolled for further instructions. 8. 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. 9. 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 Avenue, SW Washington DC 20202-4605

Teacher Qualifications

Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including: 1. Whether the teacher has met State certification requirements; 2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status by which State licensing criteria have been waived; 3. The teacher’s college major; 4. Whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees; and 5. Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications. If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the administrative office.

Video Surveillance Technology

The school board authorizes the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. The superintendent may use video cameras in locations as deemed appropriate.

27

Visitors to and Conduct on School Property The following definitions apply to this policy:

School property - District and school buildings, grounds, and parking areas; vehicles used for school purposes; and any location used for a School Board meeting, school athletic event, or other school-sponsored event. Visitor - Any person other than an enrolled student or District employee. All visitors to school property are required to report to the Building Principal’s office and receive permission to remain on school property. All visitors must sign a visitors’ log, show identification, and wear a visitor’s badge. When leaving the school, visitors must return their badge. On those occasions when large groups of parents and friends are invited onto school property, visitors are not required to sign in but must follow school officials’ instructions. Persons on school property without permission will be directed to leave and may be subject to criminal prosecution. Except as provided in the next paragraph, any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member by telephone or email to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period. Requests to access a school building, facility, and/or educational program, or to interview personnel or a student for purposes of assessing the student’s special education needs, should be made at the appropriate building. Access shall be facilitated according to guidelines from the Superintendent or designee. The School District expects mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among all people on school property or at a school event. No person on school property or at a school event (including visitors, students, and employees) shall perform any of the following acts: 1. Strike, injure, threaten, harass, or intimidate a staff member, a 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 town or county ordinance. 7. Smoke or otherwise use tobacco products. 8. Distribute, consume, use, possess, or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or illegal drug; be present when the person’s alcohol or illegal drug consumption is detectible, regardless of when and/or where the use occurred. 9. Use or possess medical cannabis. 10. Impede, delay, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with any school activity or function (including using cellular phones in a disruptive manner). 11. Enter upon any portion of school premises at any time for purposes other than those that are lawful and authorized by the Board. 12. 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. 13. Engage in any risky behavior, including roller-blading, roller-skating, or skateboarding. 14. Violate other District policies or regulations, or a directive from an authorized security officer or District employee. 15. Engage in any conduct that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the District or a School function.

Enforcement

Any staff member may request identification from any person on school property; refusal to provide such information is a criminal act. The Building Principal or designee shall seek the immediate removal of any person who refuses to provide requested identification. Any person who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy may be ejected from school property. The person is also subject to being denied admission to school events or meetings for up to one calendar year.

28

Procedures to Deny Future Admission to School Events or Meetings Before any person may be denied admission to school events or meetings as provided in this policy, the person has a right to a hearing before the Board. The Superintendent may refuse the person admission pending such hearing. The Superintendent or designee must provide the person with a hearing notice, delivered or sent by certified mail with return receipt requested, at least 10 days before the Board hearing date. The hearing notice must contain: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The date, time, and place of the Board hearing; A description of the prohibited conduct; The proposed time period that admission to school events will be denied; and Instructions on how to waive a hearing.

Waiver of Student Fees

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Some students may be unable to pay these fees. Students will not be denied educational services or academic credit due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver does not exempt a student from charges for lost and damaged books, locks, materials, supplies, and/or equipment. A student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met: 1. The student currently lives in a household that meets the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the National School Lunch Act; or 2. The student or the student’s family is currently receiving aid under Article IV of the Illinois Public Aid Code (Aid to Families of Dependent Children). The superintendent will give additional consideration where one or more of the following factors are present: a. An illness in the family; b. Unusual expenses such as fire, flood, storm damage, etc.; c. Seasonal employment; d. Emergency situations; or e. When one or more of the parents/guardians are involved in a work stoppage. The administrative center 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 should be addressed to the business manager.

29

HMS Building information

30

144

149S 145T

149

147

148

145CT Girls 145 147 Locker

Room

146

158

150T

Highland Middle School

159

2016-17

150 Boys

Locker

Classroom Assignments

150CTRoom

151

152

262 263

261

264 266 265

260

142

141

251

257-258--

259

252

Pups Pen

267

268 Dish Room 244

269 140

139

154 155 156 157 Concessions Book Store

Sink/Oven Room Sink Room

250

Hall w/ Washer & Dryer

Lincoln Lane

129

105

249

138

126

107 134

135

Pups Plaza 240 6th 7th 8th Spec. Ed. Holcmann

108

Reinacher

120

Reckmann

100

Princ.

203

200

117

225

CL 119

239

237

206 209

lab

202 Asst.

208

112 111 113 116 Computer DSR

101

121

7th Gr. Math Powers

110

122

102

7th Gr. ELA Smith

N

235

238

236

Shryock

109

Illinois Blvd. S 123

225

232

8th Spec. Ed. Johnson

233

133 132 114 115 131 L 130

231

229

234

Spec. Ed.

226

230

Freezer

213 212 210

223

222

221

Illinois Blvd. N 217

218 8th Gr. Math Kleinmann

216

204

LA + Mrs. Bertels

31

224

211

205

214

118 6th Gr. Spec. Ed. Mrs. Berg

Sandberg Street

125

103

245 Cooler

242

124

Deere Dr. E

127

243

136

7th Gr. LA +/ 8th Gr. Health ???

228

247

106 128

227

248

Prep. Area

137

Closet 209

104

LOBBY

253

254-- 255 256--

P.E. Coziar Geppert Tucker

153

Prairie Pass

Deere Dr. W

143 GYM

215

219

220

August 2016 Dear Students and Parents, We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Highland Middle School. You will soon be acquainted with our reputation for student success and a sense of belonging here at HMS. We hope to create many educational and enriching opportunities for you in the seemingly short three years that you will be at HMS. Our mission at HMS is “ Doing What’s Best for Kids.” How do we strive to accomplish this? We start with high academic and behavioral standards. We expect students to be active learners in the classroom to further their understanding and depth of knowledge. We also expect students to be respectful, responsible, and to follow the code of conduct contained in the student handbook. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to a safe and enriching education. Students will be held accountable for knowing and following the rules at HMS that are clearly outlined in this student handbook and on student expectation sheets. To provide students with optimal learning experiences, we assign each student that comes to HMS a core learning team. Students are typically assigned a “Black” or “Red” team each school year. This core group of teachers monitors each student’s academic and social well-being and can support them directly to help meet their social or academic needs. Teachers may meet with individual students or with parents to discuss academic or social progress during “Team Time” throughout the school year. Everyone at HMS is committed to promoting the success of your child, and your involvement as a parent or guardian is an essential part of his or her education. There are many ways in which we hope to form a partnership with you to promote the success of your child. You are invited to communicate with staff at HMS to stay abreast of the progress of your student. It is highly recommended that you regularly check PowerSchool, in which you will receive a secured login and password to access your child’s grades, homework completion, and attendance. We also invite you to become involved in our building in some way or another should you get the opportunity to do so! Middle school is an exciting time for students across the school district to make new friends, to learn how to work with new people, and to discover new talents; personalities and abilities that will begin to emerge from within your child. Welcome to HMS! This is your opportunity to become part of the HMS family, to give the best you can each day, and become involved with the variety of activities that we have to offer. Our door is always open for you! Sincerely, Erick R. Baer, Principal [email protected] (618)651-8800

32

Highland Middle School

Mission:

Doing What’s Best for Kids

Vision:

Ready for the World

We Believe...

...All students are unique people of worth and value.

...Each of us has the power to make choices and is responsible. ...Positive role models and attitudes promote personal and academic growth. ...Mutual respect promotes academic and social/emotional growth. ...A safe, healthy, fun, and caring environment is conducive to learning.

33

34

Highland Middle School Contact Information Physical Address 2813 State Route 160 Highland, IL 62249





Mailing Address 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249

TO REPORT AN ABSENCE: 651-8800 ext. 3201 To contact the HMS office: 651-8800. An automated phone system will direct your call by entering the person to whom you wish to speak or leave a voicemail with. To contact your child’s teachers or academic team: 651-8800. Ask to talk to a specific teacher or the team coordinator or leave a voicemail with a teacher. To email a teacher: Check the website at ms.highlandcusd5.org for email addresses. To find homework assignments: 1) Sign up for weekly emails. 2) Check the website at ms.highlandcusd5.org. Choose your child’s team. Official Team Websites Below you will find the official websites for each team at HMS. Please check for homework, field trips, and all team activities through this website. Team 6 Black: http://hmsteam6black.weebly.com/index.html Team 6 Red: http://hmsteam6red.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Black: http://hmsteam7black.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Red: http://hmsteam7red.weebly.com Team 8 Red: http://hmsteam8red.weebly.com Team 8Black: https://sites.google.com/a/highlandcusd5.org/team-8-black/

School Day Schedule

The school day begins at 7:35 a.m. and students are dismissed at 2:35 p.m. On early dismissal days, we dismiss at 1:50 p.m. On half days, we dismiss at 11:00 a.m.

Regular Bell Schedule (2:35 p.m. Dismissal) 7th Grade 6th Grade First Bell: 7:32 a.m. First Bell: 7:32 a.m. 7:35 - 8:05 Advisory 7:35 - 8:05 Advisory 8:08 - 8:58 1st Hour 8:08 - 8:58 1st Hour 9:01 - 9:51 2nd Hour 9:01 - 9:51 2nd Hour 9:54 - 10:44 3rd Hour 9:54 - 10:44 3rd Hour 10:44 - 11:14 4th Hour-gr. 7 Lunch 10:47 - 11:37 4th Hour 11:17 - 12:07 5th Hour 11:37 - 12:07 5th Hour-gr. 6 Lunch 12:10 - 1:00 6th Hour 12:10 - 1:00 6th Hour 1:03 - 1:56 7th Hour 1:03 - 1:56 7th Hour 1:59 - 2:35 8th Hour 1:59 - 2:35 8th Hour 8th Grade First Bell: 7:32 a.m. 7:35 - 8:05 Advisory 8:08 - 8:58 1st Hour 9:01 - 9:51 2nd Hour 9:54 - 10:44 3rd Hour 10:47 - 11:37 4th Hour 11:40 - 12:10 5A Hour 12:10 - 12:40 5th Hour 12:43 - 1:03 5bBHour 12:10 - 1:00 6th Hour-gr. 8 Lunch 1:03 - 1:56 7th Hour 1:59 - 2:35 8th Hour

35

Early Dismissal Schedule

1:50 p.m. dismissal First Bell: 7:32 a.m. 7:35-7:45 Advisory (10 minutes) 7:48-8:33 1st hour (45 minutes) 8:36-9:21 2nd hour (45 minutes) 9:24-10:09 3rd hour (45 minutes) 10:12-10:57 4th hour (45 minutes 10:57-11:27 5th hour (30 minutes)-gr. 6 Lunch 11:30-12:15 6th Hour (45 minutes)-gr. 7 Lunch 12:18-1:23 7th hour (45 minutes)-gr. 8 Lunch 1:26-1:50 8th hour (24 minutes)

Half-Day Dismissal Schedule 11:00 a.m. dismissal First Bell: 7:32 a.m. No Advisory 7:35-8:02 1st hour (27 minutes) 8:05-8:32 2nd hour (27 minutes) 8:35-9:02 3rd hour (27 minutes) 9:05-9:32 6th hour (27 minutes) 9:35-10:02 7th hour (27 minutes) 10:05-10:32 8th hour (27 minutes) 10:35-11:00 9th hour (25 minutes)

Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Schedule No Advisory/No ELP Regular 2:35 Dismissal Time First Bell: 7:32 am 7:35 - Students go to locker and then to assigned area by 7:40 for assembly or activity 6th Grade 7:40 - 8:40 PLC/Student Assembly (60 minutes) No Advisory P1 8:43-9:24 (41 mins) P2 9:27-10:08 (41 mins) P3 10:11 - 10:52 (41 mins) P4 10:55-11:36 (41 mins) P5 11:36-12:06 (30 mins) gr. 6 Lunch P6 12:09-12:50 (41 mins) P7 1:53-2:35 (42 mins) NO ELP

7th Grade 7:40 - 8:40 PLC/Student Assembly (60 minutes) No Advisory P1 8:43-9:24 (41 mins) P2 9:27-10:08 (41 mins) P3 10:11 - 10:52 (41 mins) P4 10:52-11:22 (30 mins) Gr. 7 Lunch P5 11:25-12:06 (41 mins) P6 12:09-12:50 (41 mins) P7 1:53-2:35 (42 mins) No ELP

8th Grade 7:40 - 8:40 PLC/Student Assembly (60 minutes) No Advisory P1 8:43-9:24 (41 mins) P2 9:27-10:08 (41 mins) P3 10:11 - 10:52 (41 mins) P4 10:55-11:36 (41 mins) P5 11:39-12:20 (41 mins) P6 12:20-12:50 (30 mins) Gr. 8 Lunch P7 1:53-2:35 (42 mins)

36

Highland Middle School

The faculty and staff listed below wish to welcome you to Highland Middle School. We are here to assist you in any way possible with your development and education. If you have any questions or concerns, these people are available by contacting the office and arranging an appointment. The office is open Monday through Friday 7:10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is located at 2813 State Route 160, Highland, IL 62249 (651-8800). Highland Middle School Administration: Mr. Erick Baer Principal TBA Assistant Principal/Athletic Director/ Tutoring & Intramural Coordinator Secretaries: Mrs. P. J. Bolk Media Center Secretary Mrs. Debbie Holcmann Administrative Secretary to the Principal Ms. Kateri Purtle Administrative and Athletic Secretary Student Support Personnel: Mrs. Monica Martin School Nurse Custodial Staff: Mr. Nate Braundmeier Head Custodian Mrs. Tammy Hammond Custodian Mrs. Jennifer Dalton Custodian Mr. Harold Gillison Custodian Mr. Josh Gillison Custodian



Faculty

Mrs. Fiona Abbott 6th gr. English/ELA Mrs. Jeanette Adamick Special Education Mr. Greg Allen Band/Intramural Groove Dawgs and Intramural Muscianship Mrs. Heather Athmer 8th gr. History/Model UN Mrs. Linda Berg Special Education Mrs. Mindy Bernal 7th gr. Science Mrs. Malinda Bertels 7th and 8th gr. LA+ Mr. Jeff Brauns 8th gr. Language Arts/8th Grade Basketball/Intramural Golf Mrs. Dawn Bruno 7th gr. Language Arts/Tutoring Mrs. Robin Carlson 6th gr. English/ELA Ms. Susan Coode 6th gr. Social Studies Mr. John Coziar 6th/7th/8th gr. Physical Education/Asst. Track and Field/Cross Country Mrs. Kelly Coziar 7th gr. Math/Pre-Algebra Mr. Mike Farel Social Worker Mrs. Carrie Fischer Technology Integration Mrs. Dena Geiger 6th gr. Math/Adv. Math Mrs. Nancy Genteman Media Specialist Mr. Mark Geppert Physical Education/Health Mr. David Giger 8th gr. Science Mrs. Sheila Gruender 6th gr. Science Mrs. Leslie Gurley Special Education/Tutoring Ms. Jennifer Harsy Psychologist Mr. Chris Hartlieb 8th gr. American History/Assistant Track and Field Mrs. Amanda Holcmann Special Education Mrs. Dawn Hubbard 7th gr. Geography/Veterans’ Day Assembly Coordinator/ 8th Grade Volleyball Coach/ Student Council Sponsor Mrs. Chastity Hyre 8th gr. Language Arts Mrs. Deb Johnson Special Education Mrs. Cordean Jones Special Education/Tutoring Ms. Jill Kelley 8th gr. Math/Algebra Mrs. Ann Kleinmann 8th gr. Math/Algebra/Scholar Bowl Sponsor/Math Team

37



Mrs. Erin Smith 7th gr. Language Arts/Scholar Bowl Sponsor /8th gr. Softball coach Mrs. Karen Nave 6th gr. Science Mrs. Angie Powers 7th gr. Math/Pre-Algebra Mrs. Lori Ruebhausen Chorus Mrs. Sharon Schmitz 8th gr. Science Mrs. Mecala Scholl 7th gr. Science Mrs. Stephanie Schwappach 6th gr. Math/Adv Math Mrs. Theresa Tucker Physical Education Ms. Liz Weder 7th gr. Geography/Volleyball TBA 7th LA+/8th /Health

Academic Ethics

During the school year, student learning will be measured by taking tests and quizzes, writing papers, completing projects, and other forms of assessment. The grade received for these efforts should reflect how much has been learned from the course. Each year there are some students who try to improve their grades by cheating. Some examples of cheating are listed below, although the list is not all inclusive. • Obtaining a copy of a test or scoring device. • Accepting a copy of a test or scoring device. • Copying another student’s answers during an examination. • Providing another student answers or copies of examination questions. • Using notes or other unpermitted materials. • Duplicating another student’s project, homework, activities, and any assignment for submission as one’s own work. • Having someone other than the student prepare the student’s homework paper, project, laboratory report, or take-home examination, or any assignment for which credit is given. • Permitting another student to copy the student’s homework paper, project, computer program, laboratory report, take-home examinations, or any assignment other than for a teacher-approved collaborative effort. • Any other action intended to obtain credit for work not one’s own. • Any type of electronic device used by the student for cheating is prohibited. Any student who uses a cell phone or any other electronic device for cheating will be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days, and will no longer be permitted to bring the device to school. Cheating is dishonest, degrades character and reputation, and impedes individual learning. Cheating is subject to disciplinary penalties, as outlined by this handbook’s “School-wide Acts of Misconduct-Level II.”

AIDS Curriculum

All parents of sixth and eighth grade students will be notified with a letter informing them of the State law concerning AIDS education requirements and of the subject content that is to be taught as part of the Health Curriculum. The information presented will be based on a student booklet on AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases prepared by Decisions for Health by Holt, 2004 copyright. Representatives from the Madison County Health Department will also talk with students. Parents will be given the opportunity to grant permission for the student to attend this class. Provisions will be made for students if permission is denied.

Announcements/In School and Online

Announcements are read by all advisory period teachers to their classes on Monday morning. The announcements are also posted on the information center bulletin board and on the bulletin boards in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade wings and in the plaza before school. They are also posted on the HMS website: ms.highlandcusd5.org and on PowerSchool under the Daily Bulletin. Parents may sign up in PowerSchool to receive weekly announcements via email. From the grades and attendance page of your child’s PowerSchool window, choose “Email Notification.” You can choose the information you want to receive and how often. Enter your email address in the “Email” slot and click “Submit.” You will then receive the information you choose on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

38

Athletic Department/Student Activity Philosophy

The Highland Middle School athletic department sponsors student activities that are considered a supplement to the school’s program of education which strives to provide experiences that will help develop young men and women physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, athletic program, student body, community, and students themselves. These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable the student to make maximum use of his or her education.

OBJECTIVES 1. 2. 3. 4.

To provide a positive image of school athletics and student activities at Highland Middle School. To strive for playing and performing excellence that will produce successful teams and clubs. To ensure growth and development of the athletic program and student activities programs. To provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a laboratory where students may cope with problems and handle situations similar to those encountered under conditions prevailing in the contemporary field. 5. To provide opportunity for: a. physical, mental, and emotional growth and development, b. team work with the development of such commitments as loyalty, cooperation, fair play, and other desirable social traits, c. directed leadership and supervision that stresses self-discipline, self-motivation, excellence, and the ideals of good character that make for winning and losing graciously, d. a focus of interest on athletic programs and student activities that will generate a feeling of unity among students, staff, and the community, e. achievement of initial goals by the school in general and by the student as an individual, and f. success and excellence in the athletic program and student activities. 6. To be socially competent and operate within a set of rules, thus gaining a respect for the rights of others. 7. To develop an understanding of the value of athletics and student activities in a balanced educational process.

Athletics/Student Activities

Athletic and Student Activities Eligibility

All students participating in competitive sports, extracurricular activities, cheerleading, and dance will be required to follow the guidelines listed below in order to remain eligible to participate with the team during practices and games, and other events related to the activity. Ineligible students are encouraged to attend tutoring during ineligible periods. a. Students/athletes shall be passing all subjects: core, encore, band, chorus, and EL. b. Grade checks will occur every week on Wednesday. c. Students/athletes will be notified by their coach/sponsor during practice/games on Thursday or Friday following the grade check. d. Students/athletes deemed ineligible will start their one-week probation period on Saturday. e. During the probation period, students/athletes shall not participate in team practices/meetings. f. Students/athletes can earn back their position on the team or activity by earning passing grades in all classes during the next grade check. g. Students may be dismissed from their team or activity if/when they earn ineligible status two or more grade checks during the same season.

Athletic Participation Requirements

There is an athletic participation fee per sport charged if a student makes the team. Additional costs may be incurred depending on the program needs. All students participating on an athletic team are required to have an annual physical examination (must be dated no longer than 395 days from the time of tryouts and/or of actually playing on the team). The physical must be on file before students will be permitted to try out for any athletic team. 1. A permission slip to participate in the specific sport in which the athlete intends to participate signed by the athlete’s parent or guardian; and 2. A current physical examination report completed by a physician licensed in Illinois to practice medicine in all its branches which finds the athlete is physically able to participate; and 3. Proof the athlete is covered by medical insurance; 4. A receipt showing the athlete and his or her parents received a copy of the Athletic Code, understand the terms of the Athletic Code, and agree to abide by its terms and conditions; and 5. Agreement to participate form giving emergency contact information. Any student suspended from school is not eligible to participate in any school activity during the suspension period.

39

Absence from School on Day of Activity

An athlete who is absent from school more than a half day on the day of an activity is ineligible for any activity on that day unless the absence has been approved in writing by the principal. Exceptions may be deemed by the coach: 1) for a medical absence pre-arranged with the coach or 2) for a death in the athlete’s family. An athlete who has one or more truancies or has been suspended from school may be suspended from participation in athletic activities by administration. An athlete who is absent from school on a Friday before a Saturday event may be withheld from Saturday activities at the sole discretion of the coach and school administration.

Behavioral Conduct

Behavioral misconduct by student-athletes will not be tolerated. Behavioral misconduct shall include but shall not be limited to: 1. Insubordination; or 2. Any behavior or action which is negligently or intentionally injurious to a person or property or which places a person or property at risk of injury or damage; or 3. Any behavior which disrupts the appropriate conduct of a school program or activity; or 4. Hazing, bullying, or harassment of any kind; or 5. Use of profanity; or 6. Exhibition of bad sportsmanship; or 7. Violation of any school rules or regulations or law. Coaches and school officials will impose disciplinary measures appropriate to the offenses committed. The discipline imposed for any particular offense shall be at the sole and exclusive discretion of the coaching staff and school officials.

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Look-Alikes, and Synthetic Drugs

Except with respect to prescription drugs accompanied by the district Medication Form used by the person for whom such drugs were prescribed in the manner intended by the prescribing medical doctor, the possession, use, distribution, purchase, or sale of any alcoholic beverage, drug, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance, look alike, tobacco or tobacco product, electronic cigarettes, or any other substance which, when taken into the human body is intended to alter mood or mental state, or impairs the ability of that person to function appropriately in a school setting, including any item or substance which is represented by a student to be, or is believed by a student to be any of the foregoing, regardless of the true nature or appearance of the substance, is prohibited in school buildings, on school buses and on all other school property or school related events at any time. This prohibition shall include all school sponsored or school related activities, whether held before or after school, evenings or weekends, and shall additionally include a prohibition of use by a student athlete in any instance where the school can demonstrate a reasonable connection to the school program or school athletic program. For purposes of this procedure, students who are under the influence of prohibited substances shall be treated in the same manner as though they had prohibited substances in their possession.

Rules in Effect

The rules set forth in this Athletic Code are in effect throughout the school year from the first practice session for any particular sport during a particular school term until the last day of that sport, or until the last day of the school term, whichever comes last and twenty four hours a day, whether or not school is in session, and including vacation periods and holidays. The rules apply on and off campus and whether or not the misconduct occurs at school or a school sponsored activity or in some other locale. The rules apply to an athlete from the beginning of the athlete’s first tryout or practice in the first sport which the athlete attempts, until the completion of any school year or the completion of the athlete’s season, whichever comes last.

Travel

All athletes shall travel to athletic events and return home from athletic events with the team on which the athlete competes by use of school approved means of transportation. A written waiver of this rule may be issued by a coach or administrator upon advance written request of an athlete’s parent or guardian and provided the parent or guardian appears and accepts custody of the athlete. In no case shall a waiver be issued unless the alternate means of transportation anticipated by the waiver will be provided by the parent. Oral requests shall not be honored and oral permissions shall not be valid. Any student athlete found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the school district’s athletic discipline policies, rules, and regulations as provided herein.

Alternative Travel Options

Highland Middle School club activities and athletic teams travel to more than 200 events each school year. There are events where parents choose to drive their child(ren) to and from these events; St. Paul, dance, and cheer events, O’Fallon baseball/ softball tournament; and other events. Special arrangements are made for these occasions.

40

General Information

Highland Middle School participates in the Tri-County Athletic Conference, consisting of the following schools: Carlyle, Collinsville, O’Fallon (has two schools, Fulton and Carriel), Mascoutah, Triad, Wesclin, and Lebanon. Fall sports include baseball for boys, softball for girls, and cross country for boys and girls. Winter sports include boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, dance team, and cheerleading. Spring sports include volleyball for girls and track for both boys and girls. Students may participate in only one sport per season. Special arrangements are made for students wishing to participate in volleyball and track. Highland Middle School is also a member of the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association. On days when school is dismissed at 1:50 p.m. for faculty meetings, an athletic study hall will be held for students who will need to remain at school to participate in practices that follow the meetings. The study hall will be held in a room to be announced and supervised by a certified teacher assistant. Practices will begin as soon as the meeting is concluded (usually 2:30 p.m.) and will end at their regularly scheduled time. All students who are remaining for practices will be expected to attend the study hall.

Misbehavior During Contests

1. If a participant violates the ethics of competition or the principles of good sportsmanship, the student may be barred from interscholastic athletic contests, either as a participant or spectator or both. 2. Students who are ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be ineligible for the team’s next contest, and are subject to other penalties. 3. Any other person(s) found to be in violation of the ethics of competition or principles of good sportsmanship may also be barred from interscholastic athletic contests.

Spectators and Participants at Extracurricular/Athletic Events

We encourage our students and fans to attend extracurricular/athletic events. We do ask that you conduct yourself in a manner that reflects in a positive way on our school. Students at any extracurricular activity, both at home and away, are subject to the guidelines set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate the Code of Conduct may lose the privilege of attending future activities. Inappropriate behavior at any event may be reason for immediate dismissal from the event and future events. Please arrange to have your student(s) picked up promptly following athletic events or other extracurricular activities.

Supervision

Student athletes/spectators are not to remain in the building unsupervised while awaiting an evening event. If a coach/ sponsor cannot be present, participants are to leave the building at dismissal. Spectators and other participants are to leave at the normal time and return at the start of the activity.

Highland Middle School Song We’re a grand old team We’re a high scoring team And forever a victor will be We’re the emblem of The school we love The school of the brave and the free. Every heart beats true And our losses are few And we’ll always be loyal, too When all the schools go marching by Keep your eye on Highland Middle School!

Attendance, Absenteeism, Truancy, and Tardies

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.

41

There are certain exceptions to the attendance requirement for children who: attend private school, are physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), are lawfully and necessarily employed, are between the ages of 12 and 14 while in confirmation classes, have a religious reason requiring absence, or are 16 or older and employed and enrolled in a graduation incentive program.

Parent Reporting of Student Absence

Parents must notify the school by 9:00 a.m. when their child is absent. If not, the school will contact parents by using information provided on the emergency card. Please call Highland Middle School at 651-8800, ext. 3201 to report your child’s absence. At the time of online registration, the parent/guardian should provide the school with one or two telephone numbers to be used for the purpose of verifying a student’s absence. If it becomes necessary for the school to verify the student’s absence, a reasonable effort will be made by telephoning the one or two numbers within two hours after the first class in which the student is enrolled has begun. The requirements of this policy shall have been met if an attempt to call has been made whether or not there is any answer at such telephone number or numbers. Further, the requirements for the policy shall have been met if the said notification is given to a member of the household of the child’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having legal custody of the child, provided the member of the household is ten (10) years of age or older.

Excused Absences/Unexcused Absences

Student Absences There are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the student, circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s safety or health, or other reason as approved by the principal.  All other absences are considered unexcused.  Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the principal.   The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.   In the event of any absence, the student’s parent or guardian is required to call the school at (618)651-8800 ext. 3201 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 or guardian cannot be contacted, the student will be required to submit a signed note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence.  Failure to do so shall result in an unexcused absence. Upon request of the parent or guardian, the reason for an absence will be kept confidential.

Extended Absences

We understand that it is sometimes necessary for the student to be gone for an extended time due to family business. Parents should notify the middle school office, as well as the team teachers, as soon as they are aware of the impending absence. Students are to notify all of their teachers before leaving, so arrangements can be made for missed work.

Homework Assignment Request Procedure

Requests for homework must be made when the child is reported absent before 9:00 a.m. Daily assignments may be obtained by: 1. emailing your child’s team teachers (email addresses can be found on the website), or 2. checking the Highland Middle School website, ms.highlandcusd5.org. Official Team Websites: Team 6 Black: http://hmsteam6black.weebly.com/index.html Team 6 Red: http://hmsteam6red.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Black: http://hmsteam7black.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Red: http://hmsteam7red.weebly.com Team 8 Red: http://hmsteam8red.weebly.com Team 8Black: https://sites.google.com/a/highlandcusd5.org/team-8-black/ Homework assignments may be made up after the student returns to school. Students are responsible for inquiring about material that was covered and assignments missed during their absence.

42

.Make-Up Work If a student’s absence is excused, he or she will be permitted to make up any missed work, including homework and tests. The student will be permitted the same number of days as he or she was absent to turn in the make-up work. The student is responsible for obtaining assignments from his or her teachers. Students who are unexcused from school will not be allowed to make up missed work.

Tardiness

A student will be considered tardy at any time during the school day if he or she is not in his or her assigned classroom at the assigned hour without proper authorization. Students will be assigned consequences based on the severity and/ or frequency of the tardy. Tardies are school-wide and cumulative over the quarter and may result in teacher, team, and/ or school consequences. Students who are repeatedly late to school will receive consequences through the middle school office. Students tardy to school or class less than five minutes will be counted as tardy and assigned school consequences. Excessive tardies to school or class will be recorded as an unexcused absence. Progressive discipline measures will be taken if excessive tardies occur.

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 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are considered chronic truants.  Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.  Letters will be sent home notifying parents if there is a 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 parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.

Before School

Building Security/Student Safety

The school day begins at 7:32 a.m. The building will be open for students at 7:05 a.m. daily. When students arrive at school, they are to enter the building through the main entrance and take a seat in the Pups Plaza. Students are not to remain outside. The following guidelines for behavior are to be followed by all students: 1. Students should report to the following each morning and take a seat: grade 6 =Gym; grade 7=Pen; grade 8=Plaza 2. Because teachers and other students may be working during these times in other parts of the building, students are to ask permission to obtain a pass to gain access to another area of the building at the information desk. 3. The middle school office will open for business at 7:05 a.m. 4. Students may enter hallways to go to their lockers when the bell rings at 7:30 a.m. by obtaining a pass from the Welcome Desk. 5. All students reporting to class after the 7:35 a.m. bell will be counted as tardy.

Building Entrance/Badge System

To provide the most safe and secure environment for Highland Middle School students and staff, entrances to the building are locked throughout the day with the exception of the east entrance doors which are open from 7:05 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome and must check in at the office upon arrival. Once in the building, all visitors are to report directly to the middle school office. Anyone needing access to any other part of the building will be asked to sign in and wear a visitor’s badge. For the safety of students in our building, we will be asking for an ID (driver’s license) when parents enter the building and leave the office for any reason. Your ID will be returned to you when you sign out. (All adults in our building wear badges for security at all times.) Upon leaving, visitors must return to the office, return their badge, and sign out. Visitors are never permitted to go directly to any area(s) where students are present.

43

Threatening, Harassing, and Intimidating Behavior Prohibited

The policy of Highland CUSD No. 5 and the Highland Police Department is that any and all threats will be taken seriously with both school consequences, police involvement, and whenever deemed appropriate, criminal charges filed. There will be NO tolerance for any aggressive, threatening, intimidating, or harassing behaviors.

Riding the Bus with a Friend

Bus Information

Any time a child wishes to ride a school bus with a friend, the parent must send a dated note including the student’s name, the friend’s name, and the parent’s permission. This note is to be turned into the office no later than 8:30 a.m. It will be signed and dated by the principal. Students are to pick up their note at the end of the day and give it to the bus driver as their ticket to ride the bus.

Cafeteria Etiquette

The lunch room management appreciates every student’s cooperation. All students should display good manners at all times and should always return trays, utensils, and litter to the proper areas. Students should leave the table and floor around their place clean for others. The last person at the table is responsible for litter others leave. Any refusal to cooperate will mean that disciplinary action will be taken. To promote a positive social experience during the lunch period, students will follow the procedures below: 1. When dismissed from class, students will report directly to a seat of their choice. 2. Once all students have been seated and are ready to enter the lunch lines, a teacher or administrator will dismiss students. Students are not to dismiss themselves. This will help prevent long lines, cutting in line, dropped trays, horseplay, etc. 3. After receiving their food from the lunch line, students will report back to their seats. 4. As soon as all students have been dismissed and received their food, they will then be allowed to w ait in a line to purchase desserts. 5. As students finish their lunches, they are to return trays to the proper area and go back to their seats. 6. After students at each table have returned trays, thrown away trash, and cleaned the area, their table will be dismissed to either: a. Push in chairs and report to class. b. Stack chairs and report to class. 7. All food and drink are to remain in the lunch room. Students are expected to act respectfully, use inside voices, remain seated, treat their food appropriately, and pick up after themselves. Students may not leave campus during lunch, except with permission granted by administration or authorized staff.

Cafeteria Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Students shall not save seats for other students. Loud talking, yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited. Students shall not throw food, drinks. Students shall not save places in line, cut in line, or otherwise cheat or intimidate their way into line for food service. Students shall not leave the cafeteria until after the appropriate tone rings, or otherwise directed by staff. Students shall follow the instructions of the cafeteria aides and other staff and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel. 7. Students shall immediately become silent when staff or presenters make announcements in the cafeteria. 8. Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.

Other Procedures

1. Students may bring their lunch if they prefer. 2. .When leaving the Pups Plaza for any reason other than restroom usage, students must gain permission from the adult supervisor, sign the log book on the information center, take a pass, and proceed to their destination. On their return, they are to sign the log book and return the pass. 3. Students are encouraged to use the restroom during lunch, but must first receive verbal permission from a lunch supervisor. All students will use the seventh grade restrooms.

44

Breakfast/Lunch Program

The Highland district offers student lunches as part of the National School Lunch Program. Information is available in the general section of this handbook for payment options and free or reduced lunches under “Meal Program.” Breakfast is served from 7:10-7:37 a.m. Lunch schedules are listed on page B5-6 No lunch is served on the 11:00 a.m. dismissals. Payment Options - Students will have the option to pay cash on a daily basis or they may pay online at myschoolbucks.com, which provides for prepaid breakfasts or lunches. All students are eligible to use this system. More information is available in the general section of this handbook and in the building offices. Free and Reduced Lunches - Free and reduced applications will be available to complete on the following website after July 15 at heartlandapps.com. An authorizing administrator will notify the family whether or not they are eligible for this program. Students qualifying for free or reduced lunches also qualify for free or reduced breakfasts. Parents may apply for free and reduced lunches at any time throughout the school year.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

We now have the ability to enhance your child’s education through the use of the electronic networks, including the Internet. The District’s goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Your authorization is needed before your child may use this resource. The authorization for your child to participate in the opportunities available with the Internet and District technology resources includes three distinct parts that you must understand and consider separately. The three types of authorization and consent required include (1) the authorization for access and use of the Internet and District resources, (2) the consent to publication of your child’s work product materials on District Web Pages, and (3) the display with publication of your child’s image on District Web Pages. To provide authorization for the above opportunities, you and your child must sign the signature page of the Authorization for Internet Access/Web Publication of Student Material/Display of Student Images on the Internet. The signature page of the Authorization form shall provide you with the opportunities to designate your authorization and consent for each of these opportunities. Please read and discuss with your child the various sections of the Authorization form that corresponds to the different opportunities available. The Internet electronically connects thousands of computers throughout the world and millions of individual subscribers. Teachers may have access to: • Limited electronic mail communications with people all over the world • Information from government sources, research institutions, and other sources • Discussion groups • .Many libraries, including the catalog to the Library of Congress, and the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouses (ERIC). Students may have access to: • Information from government sources, research institutions, and other sources • Discussion groups • Many libraries, including the catalog to the Library of Congress, and the Educational Resources Information Clearinghouses (ERIC). Students may have access to e-mail, instant messaging, chatting, or other electronic messaging at school. With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. You and your child should read the enclosed Authorization for Internet Access and discuss it together. The use of inappropriate material or language, or violation of copyright laws, may result in the loss of the privilege to use this resource. Remember that you are legally responsible for your child’s actions. The District takes reasonable precautions to prevent access to materials that may be defamatory, inaccurate, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate in the school setting. On an unregulated network, however, it is impossible to control all material and a user may discover inappropriate material. Ultimately, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their child or ward should follow. To that end, the School District supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to authorize Internet access. With respect to the publication of student work product on District Web Pages connected to the Internet and display of a student’s image on a District Web Page, we believe that publishing student work and pictures that include students of the District on the Internet provide a wonderful opportunity for students to share their accomplishments with other children and parents for educational growth. While the District tries to provide learning and sharing opportunities for students through the use of echnology, we also want to insure that you understand the issues and concerns that may exist with the Internet. With concern for your child’s privacy and safety, the permission slip provides a place for you to indicate how your child will be identified to give your child credit for his/her work that will appear on the Internet.

45

tBecause respect for the work of students and others is an integral part of academic discipline, all student material published on the School’s Internet Web site should be the original work of the student. If more than one student created the work, then each person who participated in the creation of the work will be identified as a joint author of the work. Please read and discuss the Authorization for Internet Access with your child. If you agree to allow your child to have an Internet account, sign the Authorization form and return it to your school. Sincerely, Michael Sutton Supt. of Schools

Instruction

Authorization for Electronic Network Access/Web Publication of Student Materials/ Consent to Display of Student Images on the Internet Internet Access Authorization and Conditions Each staff member must sign this Authorization as a condition for using the District’s Internet connection. Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign this Authorization for Internet access before being granted unsupervised access. School Board members and administrators are treated like teachers for purposes of this Authorization. Please read this document carefully before signing. All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or prescribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The signatures at the end of this document are legally binding and indicate that each party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

Terms and Conditions

Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s Internet connection must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Privileges - The use of the District’s electronic network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation or limitation of those privileges. 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 responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are: a. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law; b. Unauthorized downloading of digital material, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or de-virused; c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use; d. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain; e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space, or network bandwidth for non-school activities; f. Hacking or gaining unauthorized access to files, resources, or entities; g. Invading the privacy of individuals, that includes the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is a personal nature including a photograph; h. Using another user’s account or password; i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent; j. Posting anonymous messages; k. Using the network for commercial or private advertising; l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; m. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; n. Using technology resources for personal entertainment such as computer gaming; 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: a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.

46

b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. c. Do not reveal the personal information, including addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues. d. Recognize that email is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users. f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network 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 you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user 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 - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach or violation of these procedures. Security - Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, the user must notify the system administrator or building principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to network. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses and vandalism to district computer hardware. Copyright Web Publishing Rules - Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the web or on District websites or file servers without explicit written permission. a. 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. b. Students and staff engaged in producing web pages must provide library media specialists with email or hard copy permissions before the web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of “public domain” documents must be provided. c. 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. d. The fair use rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit limited use of graphics and text. e. 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 School District. The School District provides email to aid students and staff members in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an education tool. a. 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. b. 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. c. Electronic messages transmitted via the School 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 School 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 School District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all email messages transmitted to external recipients. d. Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet should either be immediately deleted or forwarded to the system administrator. 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 School District’s email system constitutes consent to these regulations.

47

Internet Safety

Internet access is limited to only those “acceptable uses” as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is almost assured if users will not engage in “unacceptable uses,” as detailed in this Authorization, and otherwise follow this Authorization. Staff members shall supervise students while students are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in this Authorization. District networks with Internet access have 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.

Authorization for Electronic Network Access Form

Students and their parents/guardians need only sign this Authorization for Electronic Network Access once while the student is enrolled in the School District. Staff members need only sign this Authorization for Electronic Network Access once while employed by the School District. Please check the appropriate box: Staff member Parent/Guardian of student Student * I understand and will abide by the above Authorization for Electronic Network Access. I understand that the District and/or its agents may access and monitor my use of the Internet, including my e-mail and downloaded material, without prior notice to me. I further understand that should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. In consideration for using the District’s electronic network connection and having access to public networks, I hereby release the School District and its School Board members, employees, and agents from any claims and damages arising from my use of, or inability to use the Internet. User Name (please print) User Signature Date * Students are required to have a parent/guardian read and agree to the following: I have read this Authorization for Electronic Network Access/Web Publication of Student Material/Display of Student Images on the Internet. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that the District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial and inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the District, its employees, agents, or Board members, for any harm caused by materials or software obtained via the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I have discussed the terms of this Authorization with my child. I hereby request that my child be allowed access to the District’s Internet. Please check: Access and use the Internet and District equipment and resources (If you do not check this item, your child will not be allowed to use the Internet for any purpose.) Web Page Publication on the Internet of any work product or material my child submits for publication Display of my child’s image on a District Web Page for the purpose of providing student recognition for academic and extra-curricular accomplishments. If identified by name, the student(s) will be identified by first name and last initial only. Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date There will be an additional addition concerning student email policy. Matt and Erick are working on something district wide?

48

Purpose:

Many of today’s students now have nearly instant access to a world of information via personally owned mobile devices. In an effort to harness the capabilities of those individual devices, and empower students in their own learning, Highland Community Schools will allow students to use personal technology devices on school grounds. Students wishing to participate must follow the responsibilities stated in the Acceptable Use Policy as well as the following guidelines.

Device Types:

For the purpose of this program, the word “device” means a privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic piece of equipment that includes but is not limited to laptops, netbooks, tablets, e-readers, iPods, iPads, and smart phones. Gaming devices are allowed before school or at lunch (to include: Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable PSP, etc.). Guidelines: To register your device to use in the classroom and to carry it with you during the day, students must read and sign an agreement, have your parent read and sign the agreement, and submit to the building office for acceptance. 1. The student takes full responsibility for his or her device and keeps it with himself or herself at all times. The school is not responsible for the security of the device. 2. The student is responsible for the proper care of his or her personal device, including any costs of repair, replacement, or any modifications needed to use the device at school. 3. The school reserves the right to inspect a student’s personal device if there is reason to believe that the student has violated Board policies, administrative procedures, school rules, or has engaged in other misconduct while using their personal device. 4. Violations of any Board policies, administrative procedures, or school rules involving a student’s personally owned device may result in the loss of use of the device in school and/or disciplinary action. 5. During school hours students should only use their device with the consent of the classroom teacher and for educational purposes. Students must comply with teachers’ request to shut down the device or close the screen. 6. Personal devices shall be charged prior to bringing it to school and shall be capable of running off its own battery while at school. Devices will not be allowed to be charged during class-time. 7. The student may not use the devices to record, transmit or post photos, video, or other media of a person or persons on school property. Nor can any media recorded at school be transmitted or posted at any time without the express permission of a teacher or administrator. 8. While on school property students will only use their device with the consent of the classroom teacher and for educational purposes. The student will only use the schools’ guest wireless network. Use of 3G or 4G wireless data connections are not allowed. As a student I understand and will abide by the above policy and guidelines. I further understand that any violation of the above may result in the loss of my network and/or device privileges as well as other disciplinary action. As a parent I understand that my child will be responsible for abiding by the above policy and guidelines. I have read and discussed them with him or her, and he or she understands the responsibility he or she has in the use of his or her personal device.

Electronic Devices

Registered Devices Only Registered electronic devices may only be used to listen to music or play electronic games, before school, during lunch, and after school. The rest of the day they should be off and in a student’s locker. They should never be seen in the hallways or classes. Once again, pictures or videos may never be taken without permission of the person being photographed or videotaped, and only at approved times. Students may not access social media or text during the school day from 7:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. School provided WiFi must be used; 3G or 4G access is not allowed. Nonregistered devices should be off and in a student’s locker. They are not allowed to be used at school. Consequences for using a non-registered device will result in progressive consequences. An offense is defined as having the phone or device in a place and/or at times where it is not permitted. Using the device during the school day will activate the consequences below: First offense: Phone or electronic device is confiscated and taken to the middle school office. Student is assigned two lunch DSRs and parent must pick up phone or electronic device. Second offense: Phone or electronic device is confiscated and taken to the middle school office. Student is assigned one-half day ISS and a parent must pick up the phone or electronic device. Student is not permitted to bring the phone/ electronic device to school for the remainder of the school year.

49

Third offense: Phone or electronic device is confiscated and taken to the middle school office. Student is assigned one full-day ISS and a parent must pick up the phone or other device. Student is not permitted to bring the phone/electronic device to school for the rest of the year. Fourth offense: Student is assigned one (1) day of out-of-school suspension. Additional offenses will result in additional out-of-school suspensions.

Repeated offenses will result in the loss of a student’s ability to bring these devices to school and additional school consequences. Any student found using the phone, or another electronic device, for cheating will receive consequences up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension. The school district is not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device brought to school.

Computer Use Policy and Procedures/Including Printers

Student Rules for Using HMS Labs:

1. A student may only be in a lab when a teacher is present. 2. To use the computer labs during ELP, a student must have a pass from his or her classroom teacher and be supervised. 3. Acceptable use/access to the district’s Internet connection must be for the purpose of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the district. Students are not allowed to play games on the computer, store music, or wastefully use resources, such as file space. 4. The student is responsible for the workstation he or she occupies in terms of damage and clean up. No part of the computer or computer workstation should be removed. Students should IMMEDIATELY report any problems to the teacher. 5. There is to be absolutely no food or drink in the labs at any time. 6. No personal or commercial disks are to be brought in the labs unless approved by the teacher and scanned for viruses. 7. The power sources and teacher workstations are strictly off limits. Never disconnect cords or turn off the power switch to your computer OR TO ANYONE ELSE’S COMPUTER. 8. Printer copy costs will be 25 cents (50 cents for the color printer) each unless specifically authorized by a teacher for class use. 9. The student is responsible for keeping his or her password secret and for changing the password as needed. The security of the files is the student’s responsibility. 10. The student is allowed access to his or her student folder and those applications only. NEVER use another student’s password or student folder. NEVER access teacher/system operator folders. 11. Any information in a student folder is that student’s responsibility; any inappropriate information may result in disciplinary action. Any information in an individual student folder is NOT private information. The system administrators may check files if necessary. 12. Using the Internet may be restricted by the teacher when deemed necessary. 13. Students are not permitted to write, send, or reply to mass mailings in our First Class email system. 14. To have access to the Internet at HMS, a student must: a. be trained, b. have parents read and sign the Internet rules sheet, and c. read and sign the Internet rules sheet. 15. Teachers may implement additional rules for their specific classes. All HMS rules and guidelines still apply. 16. Students are not allowed access to email accounts from school computers.

Printers and printer resources are owned by the school. Students must have teacher permission to use a school printer.

Computer Related Infractions and Consequences

It is a privilege to use computers at Highland Middle School. This privilege can and will be denied to students who fail to make appropriate use of school computers. The privilege to use school computers may be denied for one class and/or computer lab only, or students may lose the privilege to use all computers throughout the building. Students that receive a discipline referral for computer related infractions will, in addition to discipline chart consequences, also forfeit their access to computers for a period of time based on the following:

50

Minor Misunderstandings - Teachers will use classroom interventions for any minor misunderstandings regarding computer usage. Redirecting students, calling parents, providing warnings (of loss of privilege for a period of time as detailed below), and further school discipline could all result from any future infractions. First infraction--No access to school computers for two weeks from the time of the discipline process and discipline chart consequences. HMS technology specialists may be consulted for assistance. Second infraction--No access to school computers for three weeks from the time of the discipline process and discipline chart consequences. HMS technology specialists may be consulted for assistance. Third infraction--No access to school computers for one month. Gross Misconduct- Any serious computer related infraction could result in up to ten (10) days out-of-school suspension and total loss of the privilege to use any and all HMS computers for the remainder of one’s student career. The severity of any infraction may change the level of consequence as determined by teachers, the technology coordinator, and administrators. Teachers will provide alternative assignments as is possible. Students and parents may request a review of any suspension from usage of school computers. No further due process will be granted regarding the privilege to use school computers. Printing is also a privilege. Students who print copies without permission will be charged 25 cents (50 cents for the color printer) a copy and will be subject to disciplinary consequences as well.

Grade 6 Academic Core Classes

Course Offerings

Science Social Studies English Language Arts (Regular or Enriched ELA) Math (Regular or Advanced Math Placement)

Grade 6 Encore Classes

During one of the class periods, students will be scheduled into Encore classes. These classes are mini-courses which meet daily for nine weeks. All sixth grade students take these classes, but not all in the same nine week period. Art General Music LA Plus 1 LA Plus 2

Grade 7 Academic Core Classes

The following courses are offered to seventh grade students and are taught as two semesters or full year courses: Science (Life Science is nine (9) weeks of health taught throughout the year) Geography English Language Arts (Regular or Enriched ELA) Math (Regular or Advanced Math)

Grade 7 Encore Classes

During one of the class periods, students will be scheduled into Encore classes. These classes are mini-courses which meet daily for twelve weeks. All seventh grade students take these classes, but not all in the same twelve week period. Art General Music LA Plus

Grade 8 Academic Core Classes

The following courses are offered to eighth grade students and are taught as two semesters or full year courses: Science History English Language Arts (Regular or Enriched ELA) Math (Regular or Advanced Math)

Grade 8 Encore Classes

During one of the class periods, all eighth grade students will be scheduled into Encore classes. These classes are mini-courses which meet daily for twelve weeks. All eighth grade students take these classes, but not all in the same twelve week period. Health LA Plus Tech Integration

51

Response to Intervention (RtI)

HMS believes that proactive measures are the best practice for helping students succeed. Three times each year, all students will be benchmarked using STAR Reading and Math. Students who show deficiencies in reading or math will be considered for additional small group help. Parents will be notified if their child will be included in RtI. Extra instruction will end when the student is once again able to function at the expected level in the classroom, time and resources permitting.

6th Grade Band

Band and chorus are available to all sixth grade students. Every student in band will be required to attend sectionals on a weekly basis. Students in sixth grade band will have an ELP at the end of the day.

7th and 8th Grade Band

Band and chorus are available to all students. Every student in band will be required to attend sectionals on a weekly basis. Students involved in band and/or chorus are also expected to attend scheduled performances, contests, concerts, and other extracurricular events related to band/chorus. Attendance at these events is mandatory and will count towards the student’s grade in band and/or chorus. Sectionals also count as part of the band grade.

Enhanced Learning Period (ELP)

ELP is a time for study. Students will be expected to bring a book for silent reading, their agenda book, and any materials needed for homework. Students will be apprised of their grades on a weekly basis, and may also use this time to make up tests, talk with individual teachers, and organize assignments. If students wish to leave ELP, they must present a pass from the teacher they want to see. Passes will not be honored until the completion of silent reading and agenda book checks.

Physical Education

Physical education is offered daily. There are boys’ and girls’ dressing rooms with lockers. Students are responsible for their personal belongings. If a student is not able to dress out or participate in physical education, he or she will need a note from a doctor or the parent/legal guardian stating the reason and a medical release to return to PE classes. The student will use this time for study in the DSR room. Students are expected to fully dress out every day. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade and possible discipline consequences. Over-aggressive play is not acceptable during any PE activities. Hitting, taunting, bullying, name calling, and horseplay are not permitted. In the locker rooms, all students are to treat everyone and all property with respect. Again no harassment, bullying, name calling, taunting, or fighting is permitted. All students will wear the official HMS PE uniform every day. Uniforms may be purchased through the HMS office.

Emergency Procedures

Student safety is our number one goal. During any emergency or emergency drill, students must: 1. fully cooperate with any person in charge. 2. remain quiet at all times. 3. follow all directions. 4. move to and remain only in designated areas.

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 drill, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year.  There may be other drills at the direction of the administration.  Drills will not be preceded by a warning to the students.

Disaster Drills

Tornado, Earthquake, and Fire Drills

In case of earthquake, tornado, or fire, emergency precautions will be taken. Periodic drills will be run throughout the school year. Detailed information concerning evacuation procedures for fire, earthquake, and safety areas for tornadoes is given to each teacher. Teachers will go over these procedures with students and post instructions in each classroom. The principal is the administrator in charge. ALL INSTRUCTORS MUST CARRY CLASS LISTS/GRADE BOOKS WITH THEM TO AREA INDICATED BELOW. ALL EVACUATION ROUTES WILL BE POSTED IN EVERY ROOM.

52

CODE RED Procedures

CODE RED is a crisis situation that requires the stopping of student movement throughout the building. The signal is an intercom announcement. Students are to remain in their classrooms. If a student is in the hallway or similar area, he or she should report to the nearest supervised classroom. Roll is taken and reported to the office in CODE RED. Students are to remain quiet and follow the teacher’s directions. If the building must be evacuated, students are to follow all directions given by the person in charge.

Earthquake Procedures

During the shaking: If inside, students and staff will get under desks or tables. Students will remain in this position until the shaking stops. If outside, students should remain calm, still, and watch for danger from falling objects. After the shaking: The teacher will take roll. If the teacher is injured, a student should take and report roll. Proceed to the designated area as assigned by authorities. Students should remain calm and quiet to be able to hear any instructions.

Fire Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The signal will be the building fire alarm, smoke or fire. Leave room by the nearest exit as directed by your teacher. Students are required to leave and report to their assigned area on the track. Teachers will call the group together and take roll. Students should remain calm and quiet to be able to hear any instructions.

Tornado Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

The signal for a disaster drill will be an intercom message or message from authorities. Students are to move to an area designated by the teacher. Teachers will take roll as quickly as possible. Students are to remain quiet and follow all teacher instructions. Students should protect their faces, heads, and necks with their arms and hands. Students are to keep away from glass. Students should remain calm and quiet in the required position until further instructions from their teachers.

Fire

When the fire alarm is sounded, teachers will dismiss their classes immediately, take their class roll or records, and leave the building following this procedure. Teachers and students will report to the track and remain in a group in the area designated by their teacher. Refer to the map indicating where each teacher should report following evacuation. Teachers should inform their classes as to how they will exit from the building.

Extracurricular Activities

Any student not passing all classes at weekly grade check time may not participate in extracurricular activities associated with the school system for a minimum period of one week. The week the student may not participate will begin on the Saturday following the “F” list release and continue through the following Friday. Students must be in school at least a half day in order to participate in a school-related activity that day or evening. Athletics” for students’ eligibility and a more complete list of participation rules.

Field Trips

From time to time throughout the school year, students will be invited to take school sponsored field trips. Parents will be required to sign a parent permit slip before the student may participate in any activity off the school grounds or after school hours. This includes all field trips, whether it is a walking field trip to the park or uptown, or a field trip which requires buses. While some field trips will be open to all students, others will have requirements that include good behavior, attendance, and/or meeting academic expectations. Deadlines may be set as to when a permit slip must be signed and received by the team or school in order for the student to participate.

53

Parents may decline to have their child participate in a school planned field trip. This request to not participate must be made in writing and sent to the building principal. Students are expected to attend school if they are not participating in a field trip. 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: 1. Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher; 2. Failure to complete appropriate coursework; 3. Behavioral or safety concerns; 4. Denial of permission from administration; 5. Other reasons as determined by the school.

Grading Scale

Grading and Promotion

Final semester grades will be determined by the two nine week grades. Each nine weeks will count for 50% of the final semester grade. A = 92.5-100 B = 84.5-92.4 C = 74.5-84.4 D = 66.5-74.4 F = 66.4 and below

Honor Roll

In order for middle school students to qualify for the honor roll, they must earn a combined grade point average of at least 4.5 with no grades of C or below, but less than 5.0. In order for middle school students to qualify for high honors, they must earn all A’s. Grades will be issued for all classes which will be averaged into the student’s combined GPA. Students enrolled in algebra and seventh grade pre-algebra will earn a weighted grade.

Promotion

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.

Report Cards

School report cards and mid-term reports will be emailed to parents on a quarterly basis. Parents must know student ID number to access the grades.

Very Improved Person (VIP) Award:

Students who raise their combined GPA by .4 over the previous quarter average will receive special recognition. Rewards are earned each second, third, and fourth quarters.

Homework Website/PowerSchool

The HMS website is a form of school/community communication. On our website, you will find general information about the school, students, teachers, curriculum, and activities. More importantly, the site contains announcements, homework information, student resources, and specific information about class projects and events. You may access the website at ms.highlandcusd5.org. Check the site often, as our students and teachers are always working on it. Team 6 Black: http://hmsteam6black.weebly.com/index.html Team 6 Red: http://hmsteam6red.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Black: http://hmsteam7black.weebly.com/index.html Team 7 Red: http://hmsteam7red.weebly.com Team 8 Red: http://hmsteam8red.weebly.com Team 8Black: https://sites.google.com/a/highlandcusd5.org/team-8-black/ PowerSchool is a computer program that the Highland school district utilizes to track grades and other school data. Parents are encouraged to utilize PowerSchool to check on homework assignments, check grades, contact teachers, and keep updated on school activities.

54

Internet Usage

Internet use in school is a privilege. Students must use the Internet for appropriate purposes only. Any viewing or downloading of obscene, satanic, or other unacceptable material will result in loss of this privilege and school discipline. Students may not use the Internet unless a signed permission slip is on file. It is not to be used for texting or instant messaging. See General Section for additional information as well as BYOD policy. Use of Internet connection is never to be used for social media or texting, or instant messaging.

Leaving School for Illness/Appointments

If a student becomes ill at school and wishes to go home, he or she must first be checked by the school nurse. If the school nurse is not available, the student must first check with an administrator. Students are not allowed to call or text parents to pick them up because they are sick without first consulting the school nurse or administration. Before a student is allowed to leave the building, administrative approval must be granted, a parent must be contacted, and the parent must approve the method used for getting the student home. Students who must leave the building for medical or dental appointments or for any other reason must first get permission from the principal or assistant principal. Students should present a written note signed by one parent or legal guardian explaining the reason the student needs to leave campus. To leave campus without permission will result in a referral for truancy. Students can only leave campus with an authorized adult. Highland Middle School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave for lunch. If on a birthday or other special occasion the parents wish to take their student to lunch, they must have administrative approval and come in and sign the student out.

Leaving School Grounds

Highland Middle School is a closed campus. Once students have arrived at school, they are not allowed to leave without permission from the building principal or designee. All students who arrive late or leave school early are required to follow proper sign-in and sign-out procedures in the office. Students who must leave school for any reason are required to have a note signed by their parent or legal guardian indicating the date, time, and reason for leaving school. The student must then turn the note in, report to the office, and sign out. The adult who is picking up the student must report to the office to meet the student. If a student returns to the school on the same day, he or she should return to the office and sign in. Students will be issued a pass from the office to return to class. Students may only leave in the presence of an authorized adult.

Book Check Out

Library-Media Center Policies

Students in grades 6 - 8 may have three (3) items on loan at any one time. All library items must be officially checked out at the front desk with a Student ID before leaving the media center. Failure to do so will be considered theft and may be reason for student discipline. If you come to the library on your own and you are not with a class, you must have a pass and sign in at the main desk. Let a librarian know you have something to check out. Present your student I.D. and the books so the bar codes may be scanned. All materials need to be checked out before students leave the library. Books are due on or before the date the librarian stamps on the date due slip in the book. That date is three weeks from the time the book is checked out. If you need a book longer than three weeks, bring it to the library to renew. (Renew means to check out a book you already have for another three weeks.) Books with fines over $0.30 will not be checked out or renewed until the fine is paid. There will be no checkout allowed if there are two or more overdue books. Please notify the librarian of any book damage you find so that it can be repaired. If a book is returned in bad condition, you may be asked to pay for the damage.

General Rules

No food or drink allowed in the library.

55

Computers, Tape Players, CD-Roms, Audios, Videos

These additional learning tools may be in the library. Students need to check with the librarian before using these machines, because a class or individual may be signed up to use them. A few of these materials may be checked out overnight. It is essential that these materials be treated with great care. (Do not bring other tapes in to use in the library unless special permission is obtained.)

Hold/Reserves

If a needed book is checked out of the library, students may ask that the book be held, by presenting their ID card. A note will be sent to the student as soon as the book is available. Teachers may have the librarian set aside books on a special topic for their class.

Library Passes

A teacher may sign a student’s agenda book as a pass to visit the library. The student is responsible for reporting back to that teacher in the time designated. Students using the library before school, after school, or during their lunch hour will need a pass. Students must sign in when they come into the library with a pass.

Lost Books

If a student loses a library book, please report that loss to the librarian. Students should pay for lost books within one month from the due date. If the book is later found, the amount the student paid will be refunded to him, minus an overdue fine.

Overdue Books

The fine for overdue items is five cents ($.05) per school day until the item is returned, up to a maximum of the replacement price of the item. There is a one-day grace period for items returned, so you may be able to return your materials the next day after the due date without a fine. RETURN OVERDUE BOOKS TO THE LIBRARIAN - DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE BOOK DROP. Fines stop when books are checked in by the librarian. If you are absent, no fines will be charged for the days you were sick; however, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate this to the librarian.

Periodicals

Current issues of magazines are in special covers on display shelves and may only be used in the library. Older issues of magazines may be checked out for one week.

Reference Books & Encyclopedias

Some reference books may be checked out overnight only. These books are clearly marked. They are due before classes begin the following morning. If not needed by other students, these may be renewed. Fines will be five cents per day.

Lost and Found

The lost and found is located in the plaza. If a student has lost something, he or she should look for the item in the lost and found area. The lost and found is open anytime. Jewelry items may be taken to the office. Many reminders are given to students to claim lost and found items. Any unclaimed items after a period of time are donated to local charities several times throughout the year.

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.

Nurse’s Office

The nurse’s office is located in the office. Ample facilities will be available for students who become ill during the school day. Do not stay in a restroom. If you feel ill during class, secure a pass from your teacher for the nurse’s office. If the nurse is not in her office, report to the middle school office. Students are not to wait in the nurse’s office unattended or return to class without seeing someone. Students are not to call home or text parents on their own. If a student is to be sent home, the nurse or middle school office will make the call. Injuries occurring in classrooms or PE classes should be reported to the teacher in charge before going to the nurse’s office. Students requiring medication during the school day should keep medicine in the nurse’s office. State law forbids school personnel from dispensing medications such as aspirin, etc. without a physician’s order.

56

Before ill students leave school, both administrative and parental approval must be granted before signing out. Students may only leave school with an authorized adult.

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.

Home and Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school for an extended period of time, or has ongoing intermittent absences because of a medical condition, may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital. Please contact the Highland Middle School office if you need assistance with home or hospital instruction.

Office Hours

The Highland Middle School office is open from 7:05 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. On days before holidays, all offices close at 3:30 p.m.

Orders of Protection

Upon receipt of a court order of protection, the building principal shall file it in the records of a child who is the “protected person” under the order of protection. No information or records shall be released to the respondent named in the order of protection. When a child who is a “protected person” under an order of protection transfers to public or private school, or as soon as possible, the building principal shall, at the request of the petitioner, provide, within 24 hours of the transfer or as soon as possible, written notice of the order of protection, along with a certified copy of the order, to the school to which the child is transferring.

Parent Permit Slips

All students participating in school activities that require them to leave school grounds must have a signed statement from their parents giving permission to take part in the activity. Permission slips will be distributed either by the sponsor of the organization or the middle school office. Students without permission slips will not be permitted to attend the event. Sponsors, teams, and teachers may set criteria and time lines that must be followed and met to qualify for the trip.

Parental Rights

Parents have a right to inspect instructional materials. Parents have a right to request (in writing) that their children not participate in programs that require the release of specified personal information. Any parent that would like to inspect instructional materials should contact the principal to set up a time and place for this purpose.

Parties and School Functions

Students attending parties and school functions are expected to dress and conduct themselves in a manner suitable to the occasion. A faculty sponsor must be present at all times. All school parties and/or dances shall close no later than 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise permitted by the principal. Students should arrange for pickup within 10 minutes after the end of the event. Students who leave these events will not be permitted to re-enter and must leave the school grounds. School policies and regulations will apply to students and guests at these events.

Passes/Sign Out Sheets

Students are not to be out of class without a pass. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for a pass before leaving the classroom. Before leaving the classroom with a pass, students are to sign out of class. All students are to sign in on their return. Students are asked to use the passes in the back of the agenda books.

57

Physical Education Uniform Guidelines

Grades 6 - 12 1. The PE uniform for grades 6 - 12 will consist of a gray t-shirt and black shorts. Black lettering on the front of the shirt will read HIGHLAND PE DEPT. The student’s last name will be printed across the back of the shirt in the same style of lettering. Lettering will be provided. 2. Additional shirts and shorts may be purchased through the middle school office or online at www.myschoolbucks.com . 3. Families that qualify for fee waivers will be exempt from paying the school for the first uniform. Additional uniform sets or individual items must be paid for when ordering. 4. The respective PE departments at the middle school and high school will develop rules and procedures consistent with building-wide procedures concerning lost uniforms, forgetting uniforms, not dressing for PE, etc. These guidelines will be subject to administrative approval. 5. All students will be required to wear the Board approved uniform during PE class.

Physical Exams

All students who participate in athletics, cheerleading, or dance team at Highland Middle School must have a current physical exam on file with the middle school office. The physical exam form must be signed by a licensed physician and is good for only one (1) year from the date of the exam. Students may not tryout, practice, or participate unless a current physical exam form is properly filled out and on file in the middle school office. Please check to make sure the physical is completely filled out. The family history section must be completed before the physical can be filed.

Pictures

Student pictures will be taken by Voegele’s Studio on the first day of school. All students will have a picture taken whether or not they purchase a packet. This photo will be used for the school yearbook, PowerSchool ID, and student ID. The purchase of picture packets is optional. Payment for pictures is made at the time the pictures are taken. Please inspect your pictures immediately. If you have any questions, you must contact Voegele’s Studio within two weeks from the date you receive your pictures. A second optional picture opportunity is usually planned for the spring.

Posters - Informational

All posters must be checked and stamped in the middle school office before they may be posted in the halls. Posters are to be taken down at the close of the event by the individual or organization posting them. Posters should only be posted on glass or metal. Posters should not be posted on the painted wall, wood surface, or glass of exterior doors.

Progress Reports

Progress reports for all classes are issued each nine weeks. The first nine week progress reports are distributed at learner-led conferences. Progress reports will be sent home electronically, and mailed to parents who do not have Internet access. Not all students will receive a mid-term report. Parents are encouraged to check PowerSchool updates, grades, and homework assignments regularly. To talk with a staff member, please call 618-651-8800.

Public Displays of Affection

Students should refrain from public displays of affection at school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events as they tend to cast an unfavorable impression on the school and the individuals involved. Students are not to embrace, kiss, hold hands, or have bodily contact, while on school property or at school functions. Parents or guardians of the offenders will be notified after the first offense. The second offense will result in two DSRs. The third offense will result in one half-day ISS. The fourth offense will result in one day OSS. Students who continue will be placed on our progressive discipline program. Students are never to touch each other in personal or private areas.

Restrictions on Publications

School-Sponsored Publications and Web Sites

School-sponsored publications, productions, and web sites are part of the curriculum and are not a public forum for general student use. School authorities may edit or delete material that is inconsistent with the District’s educational mission. All school-sponsored communications shall comply with the ethics and rules of responsible journalism. Text that is libelous, obscene, vulgar, lewd, invades the privacy of others, conflicts with the basic educational mission of the school, is socially inappropriate, is inappropriate due to the maturity of the students, or is materially disruptive to the educational process will not be tolerated.

58

The author’s name will accompany personal opinions and editorial statements. An opportunity for the expression of differing opinions from those published/produced will be provided within the same media.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On-Campus

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, MP3 files, flash memory, etc.), or combinations of these whether off-line (e.g., a printed book, CD-ROM, 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., data or voice messages delivered by cell phones, tablets, and other hand-held devices). Creating, distributing, and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District. 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 School Board policy and 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. 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.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing a publication that: (1) causes a substantial disruption or a foreseeable risk of a substantial disruption to school operations, or (2) interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.

Rules and Procedures

All students have the right to be treated fairly and courteously, as do all their classmates, teachers, and administrators. Anyone that infringes on someone else’s rights can expect consequences. Students can prevent receiving consequences by showing the same respect for their school, classmates, and teachers that they would expect for themselves and their property. Expected behavior is mostly a matter of common courtesy and common sense. School policies and regulations simply spell out expected behavior so that everyone conducts their day to minimize disruptions.

Student Code of Behavior

Students shall not: 1. endanger or threaten the safety of students, staff, or visitors. 2. disrespect any students, staff, or visitors. 3. interrupt the learning process of the school. 4. misrepresent themselves in any way whatsoever. 5. disrupt the business of the school or any part of it. 6. threaten, intimidate, or bully any other person through words, script, or actions. 7. damage public or private property. 8. be in unauthorized or unsupervised areas. Consequences may be assigned as needed for the safe and proper operation of Highland Middle School.

59

Depending on the situation, conduct both on and off campus may result in school consequences. Video cameras are in use throughout the building and on buses for the protection of our students and staff. They may be used for student identification or other student activity which may result in disciplinary action. The administration always reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences for offenses not contained in the Highland Middle School Code of Conduct and list of Acts of Misconduct. Highland Middle School is a safe school. Bullying will not be tolerated. Any student being harassed or bullied should immediately tell his or her teacher, bus driver, or the nearest adult. The following are guidelines which the administration and teachers may use in determining consequences. Any misconduct, however, may merit greater or lesser consequences than those listed under the Code of Conduct, depending upon the nature and severity of the misconduct. Such consequences may include suspension and/or a recommendation to the Board for expulsion.

Classroom Acts of Misconduct—Level I

Behavior: 1. Tardiness—Failure to be on time without an acceptable excuse. 2. Preparedness—Failure to bring required materials to class. This also includes failure to dress for PE classes. 3. Creating classroom disturbances. Classroom disturbances include, but are not limited to disrespect, excessive talking in class, scuffling with another student, misuse of supplies or equipment, unacceptable language, public displays of affection, or dress code violations. 4. Violation of class rules set by a teacher for his or her classroom, including cell phones and other electronics.

School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level I

Behavior: 1. Failure to report to the Pups Plaza or DSR upon arrival at school in the morning 2. Any violations of the lunch room rules, including cutting in line or leaving trays or trash 3. Possession of food outside the Pups Plaza 4. Present in the hallways at unauthorized times without a hall pass 5. Failure to leave campus by 3:00 p.m. unless waiting on transportation or attending a staff supervised activity 6. Littering anywhere inside or outside the building or on buses 7. Creating hallway disturbances or running in the halls 8. Scuffling or horseplay 9. Gambling of any kind 10. Being in unauthorized or unsupervised areas 11. Violation of the dress code 12. Public display of affection 13. Unauthorized use of, but not limited to, hand-held electronic games, iPods, MP3 players, playing cards, or trading cards. Such items may be confiscated if they are being used inappropriately and interfere with the educational process. 14. Violation of the electronics policy Level I misbehavior is recorded, but action for this level of misbehavior is taken on a quarterly basis. The records for this misbehavior are not carried over into the next quarter.

School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level II

Behavior: 1. Cheating and/or lying about an assignment, homework, test, or quiz 2. Verbal or written abuse of school personnel or other students, or use of profane or obscene words or gestures 3. Leaving campus without proper authorization 4. Dress and/or grooming which is not in accord with reasonable standards of health and safety will be considered inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate dress include, but are not limited to, apparel advertising alcoholic products, tobacco products, or with lewd or vulgar pictures. 5. Forgery on passes, permit slips, or other official documents 6. Skipping class or excessive tardies 7. Misuse of school computers, including printers 8. Repeated violation of class rules set by a teacher for his or her classroom 9. Repeated violation of level one school-wide rules

60

School-wide Acts of Misconduct—Level III

Behavior: 1. Disrespect or insubordination to persons in authority whether through actions, spoken word, written word, or electronically 2. Disrespect to other students or visitors 3. Fighting. The police may be notified by the building principal of a fight, depending upon the nature and severity of the incident. Any decisions to send a student to the nurse due to involvement in a fight will be made by the supervisor in the immediate area or the building principal. 4. Threatening or intimidating acts. These acts may be in verbal or written form, through gesture, or any other media. 5. Disruptive behavior such that the instructional process is hampered, including cell phone use during class time 6. Persuading or inviting others to misbehave or disrupt the order and safety of the school 7. Repeated violation or increased intensity of Level I or Level II violations Possible consequences include those listed below, along with others determined necessary by the administration. Disciplinary action will be assigned at all levels depending on the nature and circumstance of the misconduct.

Classroom or school-wide acts of misconduct consequences range from:

1. warning by teacher to inform the student 2. written documentation 3. lunch detention 4. sent to DSR for the remainder of the period 5. parent contact from teacher or team 6. items confiscated 7. counselor/social worker involvement 8. student contract 9. other team consequences, including loss of field trip opportunities 10. half-day or full-day DSR 11. before and/or after-school detentions 12. loss of bus privileges 13. School Resource Officer involvement 14. removal from athletic team or school activity 15. in-school suspension at HMS 16. in-school suspension at HHS 17. out-of-school suspension 18. STOP Program 19. police involvement 20. expulsion 21. other consequences as determined by the administration 22. assigned seating 23. change of schedule Consequences are to be served when assigned. Additional consequences may result if a student does not meet his or her responsibilities. DSR: Directed Study Room (room 240). Any student sent to DSR is to report to room 240 immediately. If a supervisor is not present, the student is to come to the office.

General Behavior Expectations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Safety, respect, and personal responsibility should always be top priority when students make choices. Students are here to learn. Students are responsible for knowing and following all school rules. School rules apply at school, on buses, at bus stops, and at all school sponsored activities, though additional expectations may be added at any time. Bullying, aggression, and harassment are never acceptable. Students should only be in supervised areas and authorized areas. In any emergency, students are to immediately report to designated areas, remain quiet and cooperative, and follow the directions of the person in charge. If a teacher finds it necessary to send a student from class to the DSR room, the student is to report directly to DSR in room 240. If the DSR supervisor is not present, the student is to go directly to the office.

61

9. Students who are assigned a lunch DSR are to report to the DSR room at the beginning of the lunch period. 10. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons of any kind are not tolerated at the middle school. Selling of non-school fundraiser items such as candy, pizzas, magazines, or raffle tickets is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the middle school office.

Violations of Federal, State, or Local Law

Students will be sent to the social worker or the office if DSR is not available. In addition to the consequences above, any violation of the law will promptly be reported to law enforcement authorities.

Hallway and Pass Procedures

All students must have teacher permission and a pass to leave a classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for the pass. The HMS agenda book is used for this purpose. All students will... 1. walk in the building and stay to the right. 2. avoid horseplay, shoving, and joking around. 3. avoid yelling, shouting, or talking loudly. 4. keep hands and feet to themselves. 5. use appropriate language and discuss appropriate topics. 6. keep moving in order to avoid jams and be on time for class. 7. use only authorized areas to move from one area to another.

Schedule Changes

There will be no program changes after the first ten (10) days of each semester except for the following reasons: 1. computer error 2. teacher and principal’s recommendation 3. academic ability level may require a change (from honors to regular, for example) Students may change ability level courses during the semester with teacher and parent recommendation. Important notice: Students who withdraw from a class after the first ten (10) days for first semester, and after the first six (6) days for the second semester, for other reasons will be given an “F” on his or her transcript for this course.

School Information

It is the responsibility of each student to obtain information concerning activities at HMS. Announcements are printed weekly and read at the beginning of advisory each Monday morning and displayed via projector in the plaza. There are also copies on bulletin boards at the information center and on the team bulletin boards. Parents may read the weekly announcements on the HMS website at ms.highlandcusd5.org or by going to PowerSchool and checking the “Daily Bulletin.”

School Lockers

A student’s school locker is the property of the school and must be used for the purpose intended -- a storage area for books, backpacks, school supplies, and outdoor garments. If school officials believe that the student has placed illegal or dangerous materials, illegal substances, or unauthorized school materials in the locker, school officials may search the locker, with or without the student’s knowledge or consent. Lockers may be searched by school officials at any time to protect the health and safety of all students. Students are NOT to alter the function of their locker in any way. Students must keep their assigned lockers. Students are not allowed to switch lockers without administrative approval for a valid and appropriate reason. Students will be subject to disciplinary consequences as stated in the disciplinary infractions and consequences chart if they violate this rule. Students will be assessed the cost of repair for any damages to their lockers. Please take excellent care of your locker so as to avoid being assessed damages prior to registration. Thank you for helping us preserve our school. PE lockers are covered by the same rules as hallway lockers. Students are to keep their lockers locked. Students should never open another student’s locker or take anything out of it, or put anything in it.

62

School Supplies

Students should have a notebook and pencil for the first day of school. The Pups Patch student bookstore sells items students may need for their classes such as colored pencils, index cards, markers, folders, erasers, compasses, protractors, assignment books, and posterboard. The Pups Patch is open during lunch hours for student use when parent volunteers are available. Team lists of supplies are as follows:

Grade 6

Grade 7

Pencils Pens (only blue or black) 1 Package of Red Pens for Math Colored Pencils (set of 12) Markers 4 Dry Erase Markers (Eraser is optional) Hi-Polymer White Eraser - Math 5 single-subject notebooks (preferably plastic cover) Graph Paper - 20 sheets 1-2 Packages of Loose Leaf Paper 7 Two-Pocket Folders 1 Binder (zipper or velcro closure) 1 One-Inch Binder 2 Packages of 3x5 Lined Index Cards 2 Glue Sticks Scissors Ruler (metric/inches) Protractor 1 Box Facial Tissues 1 Container of Clorox Wipes 1 Calculator (TI-30XA) 2 Ear Buds Please keep an extra pair in your locker at all times! These are necessary. For Encore LA+: 1 Folder 1 Package of Loose Leaf Paper. 1 Sketch Book for Art Other items may be requested by specific teams when school begins.

Pencils (sharpened) Red Pens (Team 6 Red ONLY) Colored Pencils 3 Highlighters Pencil Case Dry erase Markers Eraser 2 glue sticks 2 Packages of Loose Leaf Paper- wide ruled Composition Notebook (Team 6 Black ONLY) 2 Single-Subject Spiral Notebooks- wide ruled (Team 6 Black ONLY) 2 - Three Subject Notebooks-Wide Ruled (Team 6 Red ONLY) 5 PLASTIC 3-prong folders with pockets Binder or Trapper Keeper w/dividers - to hold all subjects 1-Inch Binder (must have clear cover and spine sleeve (for ELA) 8 Tab Wipe On/Wipe Off Dividers (ELA) 1 Package Post-it Notes (3inch) 1 Roll of Scotch Tape (ELA) 1 Container of Disinfectant Wipes 2 Boxes of Facial Tissues Inexpensive ear buds/headphones

Grade 8

Pens Pencils Colored Pencils Highlighters Eraser 1 Package of Graph Paper Notebooks (1 per class) 2 Packages of Loose Leaf Paper 2 or More Glue Sticks 1 Calculator (Texas Instrument-TI-30XA recommended) 1 Box of Facial Tissues 1 container of disinfectant wipes Ear Buds Scissors For Encore LA+: 1 Folder 1 Package of Loose Leaf Paper. Other items may be requested by specific teams when school begins.

63

Sex Education Instruction

Students will not be required to take or participate in any class or course in comprehensive sex education if his or her parent or guardian submits a written objection. The parent or guardian’s decision will not be the reason for any student discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Nothing in this section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene, or traditional courses in biology. Parents or guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course.

Grade 6

A video covering material that is basic information about the changes that will be occurring during puberty for boys and girls is shown in sixth grade. There will be discussion time to answer the most commonly asked questions about human growth and development. Students must have parent consent to be allowed to participate in this program.

ReL8

All seventh grade students will participate in abstinence training in life science. Parents will be given the opportunity to grant or deny permission during centralized registration.

Social Work Services

Counseling services are available to every student at Highland Middle School. Our social worker can assist you with educational planning and career information, study ideas, and organization. They can also help with home and social concerns, or any concern you might like to discuss.

Standardized Testing

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will take standardized achievement tests. Parents are encouraged to cooperate in preparing students for the standardized testing, because the quality of the education the school can provide is partially dependent upon the school’s ability to continue to prove its success in the State’s standardized tests. Parents can assist their students to achieve their best performance by doing the following: • • • • • • •

Encourage students to work hard and study throughout the year; Ensure students get a good night’s sleep the night before exams; Ensure students eat well the morning of the exam, particularly ensuring they eat sufficient protein; Remind and emphasize to students the importance of good performance on standardized testing; Ensure students are on time and prepared for tests, with appropriate materials, including number 2 pencils; Teach students the importance of honesty and ethics during the performance of these and other tests; Encourage students to relax on testing day.

Student Attire and Appearance

It is important that all students recognize that school is a place of learning. Dress and/or grooming that is not in accordance with reasonable standards of health and safety, or disrupts the learning environment, will be considered inappropriate. The 7 B’s listed below are not to be seen at Highland Middle School and are not considered appropriate school attire: Backs/Bras/Bellies - Halter, one-shoulder, tube, crop, strap, or spaghetti string tops are not permitted; bellies, backs, and bras should not be seen. No outfits should reveal breasts/cleavage. Bottoms/boxers - Shorts and skirts are to be a modest length for standing, sitting, and bending. Bottoms that ride low are not permitted. When selecting your apparel, holes in inappropriate places are not allowed. Underwear, backsides, and bellies are not to be visible. Bandanas -- No hats/headgear/bandanas are allowed in the building without administrative approval. Bedroom wear (slippers, pajama pants/tops) are not considered appropriate school attire. In addition, any clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, inappropriate or offensive language, or pictures is unacceptable. Safety concerns include, but are not limited to, “heelies,” baggy clothing, piercings, chains, shoe attire, accessories, or sun glasses worn indoors. While school dances, field trips, and other school activities are considered special events, students are reminded to be modest in the selection of the appropriate attire. Students dressed inappropriately for student activities will be asked to leave the event and may receive additional consequences.

64

The faculty and administration may judge other attire inappropriate at their discretion, with the building principal having the final authority in judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance. Faculty and staff will make every effort to be consistent in the manner in which they determine the appropriateness of student dress. If a teacher finds student dress to be a disruption in the classroom, the student will be sent to the office. Students will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if they are found in violation of the above guidelines. All dress code violations, even those classified as warnings, will be documented by the teacher or office staff. Multiple violations of the dress code guidelines will be considered insubordination pursuant to the student discipline policy and disciplined under the progressive disciplinary system. If a teacher finds student dress to be a disruption in the classroom, the student will be sent to the office. Students will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if they are found in violation of the above guidelines. The administration reserves the right to modify the dress code policies to include any items that endanger the safety and/or health of the school and its students, disrupt the learning environment, or are not conducive to a school setting. Failure to adhere to the dress code may result in detention or suspension.

Student Council

The student council is a body of students whose purpose is to uphold the reputation of our school in accordance with our character education program and provide the students more experience in democratic understanding between students and faculty. The student council is made up of one student from each advisory in grades 6, 7, and 8. Representatives on the student council must carry an overall “D” grade point average. The leadership team is chosen in May of their seventh grade year and the remainder of the council is selected in September. Information about becoming involved in the student council will be available to students after the start of the school year. The student council sponsors a number of activities throughout the school year. Members must be reliable and responsible in order to organize and carry out the various activities. All council members must meet the grade eligibility requirements to stay active.

Student Identification Card

Each student will be issued a free identification card that he or she is to carry with him or her at all times. If he or she should lose his or her ID, a second one will be issued for a $5 fee. This ID will be needed for admission into athletic events, assembly programs, to check out books from the media center, to prove registration for electronic devices, boarding buses, and at other times when deemed necessary. Students may have their IDs taken away for disciplinary reasons when deemed necessary.

Student Team Assignments

Students are assigned to either the Red or Black team for their grade level. Assignments are random with an effort to balance the number of boys and girls, band students, algebra students, and Enriched Language Arts students on each team. Parent requests are not considered.

Student Travel To School Sponsored Events

The Board of Education sponsors student activities that are considered a supplement to the regular program of education. The purpose of these opportunities is to provide experiences that will help develop young men and women physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Included is the opportunity for participation in a variety of athletic programs and curricular activities. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the school, student body, athletic program, activity program, community, and students themselves. The regulations for student travel have been adopted by the Board of Education and apply to all students in grades 6-12 who desire to participate in athletics, cheerleading, dance team, and all school sponsored activities. All student participants will ride in school approved transportation (usually buses, vans, or pre-approved automobiles) to and from scheduled away events. Student participants may receive prior approval from the building principal, district superintendent, or their designees, that allows for parent/guardian-provided transportation to or from a scheduled event. This request must be in writing and must be approved before the transportation is provided. Student athletes may receive approval from the athletic coach to allow for parent/guardian provided transportation away from an athletic contest with an approved written request from the parent/ guardian. Activity sponsors may do the same. Students who violate this travel policy will be disciplined as follows: First Offense = Student will miss the next scheduled event. Second Offense = Student will be removed from the team.

65

Students Search and Seizure

To maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects.

Telephone Calls and Requests

Parents may reach students by calling 618-651-8800. A student will be called out of class only in cases of emergency. School phones are to be used only for school business purposes. Students should use phones during lunch or ELP and not request class time to make calls. Students wishing to call or text home are to come to the HMS office and ask permission from the secretary on duty.

Textbook Rental

Textbooks for classes are provided at a fee by the school district. Fees are paid at the time of registration. Books are issued to the student the first day of school. The condition of the book is recorded when it is issued and checked when it is returned. Students with damaged or lost textbooks will be assessed fines to cover the cost of the damage or replacing the book. If a student’s textbook becomes lost during the school year, the student should ask the secretary to look in the lost and found area. If the book cannot be found, report the loss to the principal so that another book can be issued. If this is necessary, the student will have to pay the cost of replacing the book.

Visiting Students Information ALL VISITORS MUST CHECK IN AT THE BUILDING OFFICE BEFORE GOING TO CLASSROOM AREAS. HELP US KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE. Student visitors must submit a request in writing and have prior approval by the administration. Approved visitors will be given an ID badge by the middle school office and must follow all school rules. Failure to do so will result in removal from the school. Visitors may be required to surrender their Driver’s License.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers are an important part of our educational team. We are always looking for volunteers. If you can help, please pick up and complete a volunteer registration form in the middle school office. Be sure to check any tasks you prefer and return the completed form to the office. All forms will be approved by the school principal prior to assisting at the school. For school-wide opportunities, please contact the building principal. Volunteers are required to check in and out at each school office and will receive a visitor badge before going to their destination.

66

behavior INFORMATION

67

Behavior of Students I. General Authority

Because the Board of Education is entrusted with protecting the safety, health, and welfare of the students, staff, and property of the School District, it may be necessary at times to provide consequences for students whose conduct affects the well being of the schools. In accordance with constitutional due process and statutory requirements, the Board of Education may suspend or expel students from school and from the school bus for acts of gross disobedience or misconduct and otherwise maintain behavior in the schools. Only the Board of Education may determine to expel a student from school or from the school bus. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and assistant principal may suspend students from school or the school bus for up to ten (10) school days. Suspensions or expulsions of students shall occur in compliance with procedural regulations to be promulgated and implemented by the administration of the district. Consequences measures other than suspension or expulsion shall be determined by the administration and established in general regulations governing student behavior.

II. Student Behavior The goals and objectives of this policy are to provide effective behavior practices that: (1) ensure the safety and dignity of students and staff; (2) maintain a positive, weapons-free, and drug-free learning environment; (3) keep school property and the property of others secure; (4) address the causes of a student’s misbehavior and provide opportunities for all individuals involved in an incident to participate in its resolution; and (5) teach students positive behavioral skills to become independent, self-disciplined citizens in the school community and society.

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply

A student is subject to behavioral consequences for engaging in prohibited student conduct, as described in the section with that name below, whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to: 1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time; 2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school; 3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or 4. 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.

Prohibited Student Conduct

The school administration is authorized to administer consequences to students for gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to: 1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco or nicotine materials, including without limitation, electronic cigarettes. 2. 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. 3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling, or offering for sale: a. Any illegal drug or controlled substance, or cannabis (including medical cannabis, marijuana, and hashish). b. Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription. c. 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. d. 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. e. 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

68

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. f. 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 tablet or powdered form. g. “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. h. Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances. Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession. 4. Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a “weapon” as that term is defined in the Weapons section of this policy, or violating the Weapons section of this policy. 5. Using or possessing an electronic paging device. Using a cellular telephone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other 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. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, or cellular phone. Unless otherwise banned under this policy or by the Building Principal, all 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.  6. Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction. 7. Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include refusing a District staff member’s request to stop, present school identification, or submit to a search. 8. 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. 9. Engaging in hazing or any kind of bullying or aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student, or urging other students to engage in such conduct. 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, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network, or other comparable conduct. 10. Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning), and sexual assault. This does not include the non-disruptive: (a) expression of gender or sexual orientation or preference, or (b) display of affection during non-instructional time. 11. Teen dating violence, as described in Board policy 7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited.  12. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property. 13. Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization. 14. In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (such as calling 911); 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. 15. Being absent without a recognized excuse; State law and School Board policy regarding truancy control will be used with chronic and habitual truants. 16. Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society, by: (a) being a member; (b) promising to join; (c) pledging to become a member; or (d) soliciting any other person to join, promise to join, or be pledged to become a member. 17. Being involved in gangs or gang-related activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia. 18. Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, and hazing.

69

19. 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. 20. Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the Superintended or designee. 21. 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. For purposes of this policy, 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; or (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event. Efforts, including the use of positive interventions and supports, shall be made to deter students, while at school or a schoolrelated event, from engaging in aggressive behavior that may reasonably produce physical or psychological harm to someone else. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the parent/guardian of a student who engages in aggressive behavior is notified of the incident. The failure to provide such notification does not limit the Board’s authority to impose consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for such behavior. No behavioral consequence 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.

Consequences

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 behavior before using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions. School personnel shall not advise or encourage students to drop out voluntarily due to behavioral or academic difficulties. Potential disciplinary measures include, without limitation, any of the following: 1. Notifying parent(s)/guardian(s). 2. Behavior conference. 3. Withholding of privileges. 4. Temporary removal from the classroom. 5. Return of property or restitution for lost, stolen, or damaged property. 6. In-school suspension. The Building Principal or designee shall ensure that the student is properly supervised. 7. After-school study provided the student’s parent/guardian has been notified. If transportation arrangements cannot be agreed upon, an alternative consequence must be used. The student must be supervised by the detaining teacher or the Building Principal or designee. 8. Community service with local public and nonprofit agencies that enhances community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. The District will not provide transportation. School administration shall use this option only as an alternative to another consequence, giving the student and/or parent/guardian the choice. 9. Seizure of contraband; confiscation and temporary retention of personal property that was used to violate this policy or school behavio rules. 10. Suspension of bus riding privileges in accordance with Board policy 7:220, Bus Conduct. 11. Out-of-school suspension from school and all school activities in accordance with Board policy 7:200, Suspension Procedures. A student who has been suspended may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. 12. Expulsion from school and all school activities for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years in accordance with Board policy 7:210, Expulsion Procedures. A student who has been expelled may also be restricted from being on school grounds and at school activities. 13. Transfer to an alternative program if the student is expelled or otherwise qualifies for the transfer under State law. The transfer shall be in the manner provided in Article 13A or 13B of the School Code. 14. Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves criminal activity, including but not limited to, 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.

70

The above list of consequences 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 and 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.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is prohibited. Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for students, staff, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.

Weapons

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 at least one calendar year but not more than 2 calendar years: 1. A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, or weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. § 921), firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65/), or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (720 ILCS 5/24‑1). 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 under either paragraph 1 or 2 above may be modified by the Superintendent, and the Superintendent’s determination may be modified by the Board on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee may grant an exception to this policy, upon the prior request of an adult supervisor, for students in theatre, cooking, ROTC, martial arts, and similar programs, whether or not school-sponsored, provided the item is not equipped, nor intended, to do bodily harm.  This policy’s prohibitions concerning weapons apply regardless of whether: (1) a student is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, or (2) the Board permits visitors, who are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, to store a firearm in a locked vehicle in a school parking area.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students

The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a process to facilitate the re-engagement of students who are returning from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion, or an alternative school setting. The goal of re-engagement shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusionary discipline and shall include the opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit.

Required Notices

A school staff member shall immediately notify the office of the Building Principal in the event that he or she: (1) observes any person in possession of a firearm on or around school grounds; however, such action may be delayed if immediate notice would endanger students under his or her supervision, (2) observes or has reason to suspect that any person on school grounds is or was involved in a drug-related incident, or (3) observes a battery committed against any staff member. Upon receiving such a report, the Building Principal or designee shall immediately notify the local law enforcement agency, State Police, and any involved student’s parent/guardian. “School grounds” includes modes of transportation to school activities and any public way within 1000 feet of the school, as well as school property itself.

Delegation of Authority

Each teacher, and any other school personnel when students are under his or her charge, is authorized to impose any consequence, other than suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment, or in-school suspension, that is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student behavior. Teachers, other certificated [licensed] educational employees, and other persons providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or other persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property. Teachers may temporarily remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior. The Superintendent, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, or Dean of Students is authorized to impose the same consequences as teachers and may suspend students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct from school (including all school functions) and from riding the school bus, up to 10 consecutive school days, provided the appropriate procedures are followed. The Board may suspend a student from riding the bus in excess of 10 school days for safety reasons. 

71

III. Preventing Bullying, Hazing, 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 goals. Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the 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, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, 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: 1. During any school-sponsored education program or activity. 2. 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. 3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment. 4. Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-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. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program. Definitions from Section 27-23.7 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7) 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: 1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property; 2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health; 3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or 4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. Cyber-bullying 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. Cyber-bullying includes 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. Cyber-bullying also includes 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. Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary behavior, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, and (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school. School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school guidance counselors, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.

72

IV. Plagiarism Policy

At Highland High School, the word "plagiarize" is defined as using "anyone else's words or ideas without giving proper credit to the original source." The definition of plagiarism at Highland High School includes presenting someone else's work - words or ideas - as your own work. In addition, "paraphrasing, when the basic sentence structure, phraseology, and unique language remain the same, is also plagiarism. When in doubt about these matters, it is the student's responsibility to seek guidance from the instructor of the course" (Coates Library/Trinity University). Plagiarism occurs when a student takes credit for someone else's work. Plagiarism can occur in class work, homework, class assignments, papers, essays, reports, oral, and visual presentations, extra-credit assignments, research, and projects. To plagiarize someone else's work is to steal. If a student plagiarizes, whether intentionally or accidentally, the student may receive the maximum penalty: a zero on the individual assignment and a referral for academic dishonesty. To avoid the penalties of plagiarism, students must spend the time and effort necessary to carefully prepare their work, giving proper credit to all sources. Students are also encouraged to seek guidance from the course instructor. Please note that HHS instructors use turnitin.com, a comprehensive program that checks for plagiarism.

V. Behavioral Interventions for Students with Disabilities

MISCONDUCT BY 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. Behavior 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 consequences are necessary for 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. Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee As required by Public Act 87-1103 Highland CUSD No. 5 will maintain a parent-teacher advisory committee. This committee shall develop, in cooperation with Highland CUSD No. 5. Behavioral Intervention Committee and the Board of Education, policy guidelines on pupil behavior for students with disabilities. These guidelines will be furnished to the parents or guardians of each student with behavioral problems which interfere with learning. In addition, each district will inform its students of the contents of its policy on student behavior. Behavioral Intervention Consultant Teams Highland CUSD No. 5 will designate a behavioral intervention consultation team. At least one team member should have documented training in behavior analysis and behavioral intervention procedures with an emphasis on positive behavioral interventions. Competency in the following areas should be considered desirable for persons serving on behavioral intervention teams: A. basic concepts and principles of human learning B. methods of measuring human behavior including recording, displaying, and interpreting data on human behavior C. identification and explanation of behavior including behavioral assessment and functional analysis D. intervention alternatives, including ecological manipulations, positive programming, and direct interventions E. empirical and clinical methods for determining the effectiveness of behavioral interventions F. legal and ethical issues relating to behavioral programming Behavioral intervention consultants may be any appropriately trained certified staff member including, but not limited to, a resource specialist, school psychologist, social worker, supervisor, or teacher. The duties of the behavioral intervention consultants shall include, but are not limited to, assisting IEP teams in the development of behavioral intervention plans, consulting with teachers and other staff members on the proper use of behavioral interventions, supervising the implementation of intervention plan procedures, and ensuring that restricting behavioral interventions are implemented appropriately and in a humane fashion.

73

Protection and Due Process Rights

Family Involvement Parents and/or guardians have the right and are encouraged to be involved actively in the development of any behavioral management plan unitizing restrictive procedures. Such involvement includes, but is not limited to, participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. Parents and guardians will be provided with copies and/or explanations of the functional analysis conducted and the behavioral management plan developed for their child. Notification The student’s parent or guardian shall be informed fully of the rationale, procedures, and possible outcomes of a behavior management plan developed at an IEP meeting. In addition, the parents will be provided this information in writing. Documentation in the IEP All children have a right to a free and appropriate public education. For students receiving special education services, development of the IEP is the process for ensuring that a student is provided appropriate educational and related services. Because behavioral procedures represent powerful interventions designed to enhance the benefits a student derives from the educational setting, the use of behavioral procedures will be documented in the child’s IEP. It will be noted on the IEP that a behavioral management plan has been developed to address a specific behavior and a copy of the plan is to be attached to the IEP document. Under no circumstances shall a behavioral management plan be implemented without its inclusion in the child’s IEP. If a child’s Behavioral Modification Plan (BMP) needs to be modified, an IEP meeting must be reconvened in order to develop the behavior management plan. Appeal and Due Process Procedures All procedural safeguards, including rights to conflict resolution, mediation, and an impartial due process hearing, as required through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans With Disabilities Act, and the School Code, shall be applicable to the resolution of disputes involving behavioral intervention plans. If the parent or guardian disagrees with a proposed behavioral intervention or any aspect of the implementation of a restrictive intervention, the district should work with the parent to attempt resolution of the dispute. The parents or district may request a due process hearing as provided by Sections 226.605 and 226.615 of 23 Illinois Administrative Code, or according to the provision of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Districts shall ensure that parents are fully informed of their due process rights.

Staff Training and Professional Development

Highland CUSD No. 5 will provide ongoing professional training in the use of behavioral interventions. Since students with special needs are included in regular education classes, training efforts will be available to all teachers and staff. Training of school personnel who have the most contact with students who exhibit behavioral difficulties will be particularly emphasized. Continued competency in the areas of behavioral assessment and interventions requires ongoing professional development, and the provision of such training activities will be documented. Training activities offered through Highland CUSD No. 5 may include inservices given by external consultants, workshops conducted by district personnel, professional conferences, and university training. Highland CUSD No. 5 ensures that training activities are conducted by qualified individuals who have expertise in relevant areas of behavioral assessment and intervention.

Highland CUSD No. 5 Behavioral Intervention Review Committee

A minimum of three individuals who have training in the use of behavioral intervention, preferably one teacher and one school psychologist or social worker, and Highland CUSD No. 5 Director of Special Educaton will comprise this committee. This committee will meet quarterly. Their responsibilities will include the following: • review and monitor incidents involving the emergency use of restrictive behavioral interventions; • develop/review and monitor behavioral intervention involving the use of restrictive procedures; • inform staff of inservice opportunities in the area of behavioral interventions; • advise the district on issues arising from the use of restrictive behavioral interventions; and • identify qualified Behavior Intervention Consultants.

Report of Progress on Annual Goals

Student’s progress must be reported at least as often as the students in the regular classroom programs.

74

Functional Behavioral Assessment

A Functional Behavioral Assessment will be completed to determine the need for a Behavioral Intervention Plan. If used in developing a Behavioral Intervention Plan, the Functional Behavioral Assessment must be reviewed at an IEP meeting and may be attached to the IEP.

Manifestation Determination

The manifestation determination must be made by an IEP team. After reviewing all relevant information, in terms of the behavior subject to disciplinary action, it is the responsibility of the IEP team to determine if the behavior was a manifestation of the student’s disability. Upon completion of the MDR meeting, the district must provide a copy of the MDR report and documentation of determination to the parent(s). A copy of the IEP, together with all documentation upon which it is based, shall be kept on file by the local district.

VI. Student Appearance

Students’ dress and grooming must not disrupt the educational process, interfere with the maintenance of a positive teaching/ learning climate, or compromise reasonable standards of health, safety, and decency. The building principal is the final authority for judging the appropriateness of a student’s appearance at school. If a teacher or staff member finds a student’s dress to be a disruption in the classroom, or building, the student will be sent to the office. No hats/head gear or bandanas are allowed in the building without administrative approval. Sunglasses should not be worn in the building. Removable chains are considered a safety issue and not allowed at school. Students should remove all removable chains from clothing before coming to school. Students in violation of the dress code policy will be asked to change clothes at school. If further consequences are needed, students will be placed on our progressive behavior program. Faculty and staff will make every effort to be consistent in the manner in which they determine the appropriateness of student dress. If a teacher finds student dress to be a disruption in the classroom, the student will be sent to the office. Students will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if they are found in violation of the above guidelines. All dress code violations, even those classified as warnings, will be documented by the teacher or office staff. Multiple violations of the dress code guidelines will be considered insubordination pursuant to the student behavior policy and consequences under the progressive behavior system. It is important to recognize that school is a place of learning. The following items are NOT appropriate school attire: Backs/Bras/Bellies - Halter, one-shoulder, tube, crop or spaghetti string tops are not permitted; bellies, and bras should not be seen. No outfits that reveal breast/cleavage. Bottoms - Shorts and skirts are to be modest length for standing, sitting and bending. Bottoms that ride low are not permitted. When selecting your apparel, holes in inappropriate places will not be permitted. Underwear, backsides, and bellies are not to be visible during the school day. Any clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, inappropriate or offensive language or pictures is unacceptable. The faculty and administration may judge other attire inappropriate at their discretion. You will be asked to change or leave the school grounds if you do not respect the rules indicated above. While Prom, homecoming, and semi-formal functions are considered special events, we remind you to be modest in the selection of a dress or outfit. The administration reserves the right, if necessary, to modify the dress code policies to include any items that affect the safety and/or security of the school, disrupts the learning environment or are not conducive to a school setting.

VII.Students Search and Seizure

In order to maintain order and security in the schools, school authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of school property and equipment, as well as of students and their personal effects. “School authorities” 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.

75

The superintendent 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 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 District’s student conduct rules. The search itself must be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction. When feasible, the search should be conducted as follows: 1. Outside the view of others, including students, 2. In the presence of a school administrator or adult witness, and 3. By a certificated employee or liaison police officer of the same sex as the student. Immediately following a search, a written report shall be made by the school authority who conducted the search, and given to the Superintendent. Seizure of Property If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s policies or rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, such evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities. Notification Regarding Student Accounts or Profiles on Social Networking Websites The Superintendent or designee shall notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following in accordance with the Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act, 105 ILCS 75/: 1. 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. 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.

VIII. Nondiscrimination Clause

Highland CUSD No. 5 shall not discriminate on the basis of color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, or physical or mental handicap. Any person in need of an accommodation due to a disability for the purpose of attending parent conferences, school programs, and school board meetings shall contact the building principal or superintendent to make specific requests. Highland CUSD No. 5 shall not segregate or stigmatize homeless students.

IX.

Uniform Grievance Procedures

A student, parent/guardian, employee, or community member should notify any District Complaint Manager if he or she believes that the School Board, its employees, or agents have violated his or her rights guaranteed by the State or federal Constitution, State or federal statute, or Board policy, or have a complaint regarding any one of the following: 1. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act 2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 4. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. §2000d et seq. 5. Equal Employment Opportunities Act (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act), 42 U.S.C. §2000e et seq. 6. Sexual harassment (Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) 7. Bullying, 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 8. Misuse of funds received for services to improve educational opportunities for educationally disadvantaged or deprived children 9. Curriculum, instructional materials, and/or programs 10. Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, 820 ILCS 180

76

11. 12. 13. 14.

Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, 820 ILCS 112 Provision of services to homeless students Illinois Whistleblower Act, 740 ILCS 174/. Misuse of genetic information (Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA), 410 ILCS 513/ and Titles I and II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), 42 U.S.C. §2000ff et seq.) 15. Employee Credit Privacy Act, 820 ILCS 70/. The Complaint Manager will attempt to resolve complaints without resorting to this grievance procedure, and if a complaint is filed, to address the complaint promptly and equitably. The right of a person to prompt and equitable resolution of a complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies. Use of this grievance procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies and use of this grievance procedure does not extend any filing deadline related to the pursuit of other remedies. All deadlines under this procedure may be extended by the Complaint Manager as he or she deems appropriate. As used in this policy, “school business days” means days on which the District’s main office is open. Filing a Complaint A person (hereinafter Complainant) who wishes to avail him or herself of this grievance procedure may do so by filing a complaint with any District Complaint Manager. The Complainant shall not be required to file a complaint with a particular Complaint Manager and may request a Complaint Manager of the same gender. The Complaint Manager may request the Complainant to provide a written statement regarding the nature of the complaint or require a meeting with a student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The Complaint Manager shall assist the Complainant as needed. Investigation The Complaint Manager will investigate the complaint or appoint a qualified person to undertake the investigation on his or her behalf. If the Complainant is a student under 18 years of age, the Complaint Manager will notify his or her parent(s)/ guardian(s) that they may attend any investigatory meetings in which their child is involved. The complaint and identity of the Complainant will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law, this policy, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the Complainant. The identity of any student witnesses will not be disclosed except: (1) as required by law or any collective bargaining agreement, or (2) as necessary to fully investigate the complaint, or (3) as authorized by the parent/guardian of the student witness, or by the student if the student is 18 years of age or older. Within 30 school business days of the date the complaint was filed, the Complaint Manager shall file a written report of his or her findings with the Superintendent. The Complaint Manager may request an extension of time. If a complaint of sexual harassment contains allegations involving the Superintendent, the written report shall be filed with the Board, which will make a decision in accordance with the following section of this policy. The Superintendent will keep the Board informed of all complaints. Decision and Appeal Within 5 school business days after receiving the Complaint Manager’s report, the Superintendent shall mail his or her written decision to the Complainant by U.S. mail, first class, as well as to the Complaint Manager. Within 10 school business days after receiving the Superintendent’s decision, the Complainant may appeal the decision to the Board by making a written request to the Complaint Manager. The Complaint Manager shall promptly forward all materials relative to the complaint and appeal to the Board. Within 30 school business days, the Board shall affirm, reverse, or amend the Superintendent’s decision or direct the Superintendent to gather additional information. Within 5 school business days of the Board’s decision, the Superintendent shall inform the Complainant of the Board’s action. This grievance procedure shall not be construed to create an independent right to a hearing before the Superintendent or Board. The failure to strictly follow the timelines in this grievance procedure shall not prejudice any party. Appointing Nondiscrimination Coordinator and Complaint Managers The Superintendent shall appoint a Nondiscrimination Coordinator to manage the District’s efforts to provide equal opportunity employment and educational opportunities and prohibit the harassment of employees, students, and others. The Superintendent shall appoint at least one Complaint Manager to administer the complaint process in this policy. If possible, the Superintendent will appoint 2 Complaint Managers, one of each gender. The District’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator may be appointed as one of the Complaint Managers.

77

Nondiscrimination Coordinator: Derek Hacke 400 Broadway Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106

Complaint Managers: Tim Bair Julie Korte 400 Broadway 1800 Lindenthal Highland, IL 62249 Highland, IL 62249 618-654-2106 618-654-2107

The District, including all staff members will not retaliate against any person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging sexual harassment or otherwise engages in an activity protected by Title IX. Students, families, and staff shall maintain their right to file a complaint with the District or external agencies such as the Office of Civil Rights if they feel they have been retaliated against for reporting sex discrimination or sexual harassment. The contact information for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is 800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100.

X. Hazing Prohibited

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing, no matter when or where it occurs, is prohibited. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any group, organization, club, or athletic team whose members are or include other students. Students engaging in hazing will be subject to one or more of the following behavior consequences: 1. Removal from the extracurricular activities, 2. Conference with parents/guardians, and/or 3. Referral to appropriate law enforcement agency. Students engaging in hazing that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person may also be subject to: 1. Suspension for up to 10 days, and/or 2. Expulsion for the remainder of the school term.

78

RULES AND REGULATIONS “BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS” A.

I. General

Students committing acts of gross disobedience or misconduct as defined in Board Policy No. 7:190 may be placed on probation, detained during non-school hours, suspended in-school, suspended from school, suspended from riding the school bus, expelled from school, transferred to or placed in an alternative educational placement or school, or otherwise given consequences. Such behavior, however, shall not include: slapping, paddling, prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or the intentional infliction of bodily harm upon students. B. Suspension or expulsion shall include suspension from school and all school activities and a prohibition from being present on school grounds. C. Students eligible for special education and whose Individual Education Programs include a behavior management plan may only be subject to behavior pursuant to the provisions of that plan, except as may be required on an emergency basis and as otherwise provided in Section VI of these Rules and Regulations. D. At the discretion of the superintendent, or the Board of Education upon review, a student may be permitted to make up school work and examinations missed as a result of a suspension or an expulsion. E. Authorized personnel may place on probation, detain after school, suspend in-school, or otherwise given consequences a student. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, and/or assistant principal are authorized to suspend a student from school or from riding the school bus. Teachers may remove disruptive students from the classroom. F. Prior to removing any student from the school or the school bus during the regular school day, the authorized administrator shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parents by telephone and take any other steps reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the student being removed from school or the school bus. G. No student who is chronically or habitually truant shall be subject to consequences unless appropriate supportive services have first been provided to the student and have either failed to result in cessation of the chronic or habitual truancy or have been offered and refused.

II. Suspension/Expulsion Procedures Suspension Procedures In-School Suspension The Superintendent or designee is authorized to maintain an in-school suspension program. The program shall include, at a minimum, each of the following: 1. Before assigning a student to in-school suspension, the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges. 2. Students are supervised by licensed school personnel. 3. Students are given the opportunity to complete classroom work during the in-school suspension for equivalent academic credit. Out-of-School Suspension The Superintendent or designee shall implement suspension procedures that provide, at a minimum, for each of the following: 1. A conference during which the charges will be explained and the student will be given an opportunity to respond to the charges before he or she may be suspended. 2. A pre-suspension conference is not required, and the student can be immediately suspended when the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the educational process. In such cases, the notice and conference shall follow as soon as practicable. 3. An attempted phone call to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). 4. A written notice of the suspension to the parent(s)/guardian(s) and a the student, which shall: a. Provide notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of their child’s right to a review of the suspension; b. Include information about an opportunity to make up work missed during the suspension for equivalent academic credit; c. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to suspend; d. Provide rationale or an explanation of how the chosen number of suspension days will address the threat or

79

disruption posed by the student or his or her act of gross disobedience or misconduct; and e. Depending upon the length of the out-of-school suspension, include the following applicable information: i. For a suspension of 3 school days or less, an explanation that the student’s continuing presence in school would either pose: a) A threat to school safety, or b) A disruption to other students’ learning opportunities. ii. For a suspension of 4 or more school days, an explanation: a) That other appropriate and available behavioral and disciplinary interventions have been exhausted, b) As to whether school officials attempted other interventions or determined that no other interventions were available for the student, and c) That the student’s continuing presence in school would either: i) Pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or ii) Substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. iii. For a suspension of 5 or more school days, the information listed in section 4.e.ii., above, along with documentation by the Superintendent or designee determining what, if any, appropriate and available support services will be provided to the student during the length of his or her suspension. 5. A summary of the notice, including the reason for the suspension and the suspension length, must be given to the Board by the Superintendent or designee. 6. Upon request of the parent(s)/guardian(s), a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the review, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer and may be represented by counsel. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the suspension, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from the Department of Human Services to consult with the Board. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall take such action as it finds appropriate. If the suspension is upheld, the Board’s written suspension decision shall specifically detail items (a) and (e) in number 4, above.

Expulsion Procedures

The Superintendent or designee shall implement expulsion procedures that provide, at a minimum, for the following:

1. Before a student may be expelled, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided a written request to appear at a hearing to determine whether the student should be expelled. The request shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.  The request shall: a. Include the time, date, and place for the hearing. b. Briefly describe what will happen during the hearing. c. Detail the specific act of gross disobedience or misconduct resulting in the decision to recommend expulsion. d. List the student’s prior suspension(s). e. State that the School Code allows the School Board to expel a student for a definite period of time not to exceed 2 calendar years, as determined on a case-by-case basis. f. Ask that the student or parent(s)/guardian(s) or attorney inform the Superintendent or Board Attorney if the student will be represented by an attorney and, if so, the attorney’s name and contact information. 2. Unless the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) indicate that they do not want a hearing or fail to appear at the designated time and place, the hearing will proceed. It shall be conducted by the School Board or a hearing officer appointed by it.  If a hearing officer is appointed, he or she shall report to the Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action as it finds appropriate. Whenever there is evidence that mental illness may be the cause for the recommended expulsion, the Superintendent or designee shall invite a representative from the Dept. of Human Services to consult with the Board. 3. During the expulsion hearing, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence concerning whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged. School officials must provide: (1) testimony of any other interventions attempted and exhausted or of their determination that no other appropriate and available interventions were available for the student, and (2) evidence of the threat or disruption posed by the student. The student and his or her parent(s)/ guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, offer evidence, present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses who testified, and otherwise present reasons why the student should not be expelled. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt and take such action as it finds appropriate. 4. If the Board acts to expel the student, its written expulsion decision shall: a. Detail the specific reason why removing the student from his or her learning environment is in the best interest of the school. b. Provide a rationale for the specific duration of the recommended expulsion.

80

c. Document how school officials determined that all behavioral and consequence interventions have been exhausted by specifying which interventions were attempted or whether school officials determined that no other appropriate and available interventions existed for the student. d. Document how the student’s continuing presence in school would (1) pose a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community, or (2) substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. 5. Upon expulsion, the District may refer the student to appropriate and available support services.

IV. Lesser Disciplinary Measures

A. Detention and in-school suspensions Detention, probation, in-school suspensions, removal from the classroom, or other consequences may be imposed for student disobedience or misconduct warranting lesser penalties. Student disobedience or misconduct warranting lesser behavior penalties than suspension or a recommendation for expulsion may be subject to other consequences, including, but not limited to, detention, probation, in-school suspensions, removal from the classroom, Individual/ Student Services (I.S.S.), Detention Hall, or Directed Study Room (D.S.R.). 1. Students shall be notified of the rules, as established by the local school, which will lead to imposition of lesser consequences if violated. If a student is to be detained after school for behavior reasons, school personnel will give the student 24-hour notice and will attempt to reach the parent and give the parent 24-hour notice of the detention. If there is mutual agreement (verbal or written) between the teacher and the parent, the 24-hour notice may be waived. 2. Students shall have no right of review by the Board of Education for the imposition of the lesser consequence of this section. B. Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint This administrative procedure applies to all students. Isolated time out and physical restraint shall be used only as a means of maintaining behavior in schools (that is, as a means of maintaining a safe and orderly environment for learning) and only to the extent that they are necessary to preserve the safety of students and others. Neither isolated time out nor physical restraint shall be used in administering behavior to individual students, that is, as a form of punishment. The use of isolated time out and physical restraint by any staff member shall comply with the Illinois State Board of Education rules, Section 1.285, Requirements for the Use of Isolated Time Out and Physical Restraint. Isolated time out and physical restraint are defined as follows: “Isolated time out” means the confinement of a student in a time-out room or some other enclosure, whether within or outside the classroom, from which the student’s egress is restricted.

“Physical restraint” means holding a student or otherwise restricting his or her movements. “Restraint” does not include momentary periods of physical restriction by direct person-to-person contact, without the aid of material or mechanical devices, accomplished with limited force and designed to: 1. prevent a student from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to himself, herself, or another or damage to property; or 2. remove a disruptive student who is unwilling to leave the area voluntarily.

The following shall also apply: 1. The circumstances under which isolated time out or physical restraint will be applied are limited to maintain ing a safe and orderly learning environment. 2. The ISBE rules are adopted as the district’s written procedure to be followed by staff for the use of isolated time out or physical restraint. 3. The building principal is the school official who will be informed of incidents and maintain the documenta- tion required pursuant to Section 1.285 when isolated time out or physical restraint is used. 4. The building principal shall investigate and evaluate any incident that results in an injury that the affected student (or the responsible parent/guardian), staff member, or other individual identifies as serious. 5. The building principal shall compile a description of alternative strategies that will be implemented when determined advisable pursuant to Section 1.285 (f)(4). 6. The superintendent or designee shall compile an annual review of the use of isolated time out or physical restraint. The building principal shall report the following information to the superintendent in order to facilitate the report’s compilation: a. the number of incidents involving the use of these interventions; b. the location and duration of each incident;

81



c. identification of the staff members who were involved; d. any injuries or property damage that occurred; and e. the timeliness of parental notification and administrative review.

VI. Administrative Procedure-Misconduct By Students With Disabilities

A. Special Education Suspension Procedures 1. All suspension notices and suspension review procedures established by The School Code shall be followed when suspending a special education student. In addition, a special education student who is suspended from school shall receive educational services in accordance with the IDEA. 2. The first time a student is removed for more than 10 cumulative days during the school year, days after the decision to suspend a student is made, convene an IEP meeting to review and, if appropriate, modify the student’s behavior intervention plan, as necessary, to address the student’s behavior. If no behavior intervention plan is in place, the IEP team shall develop a plan for a functional behavioral assessment that must be used to develop a behavior intervention plan. 3. For all subsequent removals of the student that do not constitute a change in placement, the IEP team members must review the behavior intervention plan and its implementation. If any team member indicates that the plan may need to be modified, the IEP team must be convened to review the plan and revise it, if appropriate. 4. For all removals that exceed 10 cumulative days during one school year, the district must provide services to the student. School personnel, in conjunction with the student’s special education teacher, shall determine the services to be provided. Such services must be designed to enable the student to progress in the general curriculum and advance toward his or her IEP goals. B. Special Education Expulsion Procedures 1. The district shall promptly notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of the disobedience or misconduct and whether the student shall be recommended for expulsion. All procedural protections pertaining to notice provided under the district’s behavior policy shall apply to a notice of recommended expulsion in the case of a special education student. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall also receive written notification that: a. An IEP conference shall be convened to determine whether the student’s act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability. The IEP meeting shall take place as soon as possible, but no later than 10 school days after the decision to provide consequences for the student is made. b. The student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to attend the IEP team meeting at the date, time, and location specified in the notice. 2. For purposes of such manifestation determination review, the IEP team shall include the members of the student’s IEP team and other qualified personnel including, but not limited to, the authorized administrator familiar with the act of misconduct. 3. In carrying out the manifestation determination review, the team shall consider, in terms of the behavior subject to the consequences, all relevant information including: a. evaluation and diagnostic results, including relevant information supplied by the parents; b. observations of the student; and c. the student’s IEP and placement. 4. The team may determine that the subject behavior was not a manifestation of the student’s disability only if it is determined that: a. the student’s IEP and placement were appropriate and special education, supplementary aids and services, and behavior intervention strategies were provided consistent with the student’s IEP and placement; b. the student’s disability did not impair the ability of the student to understand the impact and conse- quences of the behavior subject to the consequence; and c. the student’s disability did not impair the ability of the student to control the behavior subject to the consequence. 5. If, at the manifestation determination review conference, it is determined that the behavior of the student was a manifestation of his or her disability, the authorized administrator shall not continue with his or her recommendation for expulsion.

The authorized administrator may request a review of the appropriateness of the educational placement of the student in accordance with the ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations. During the period necessary to propose a new placement, the student will remain in his or her then-current placement unless: a. the student has not served a full 10 school day suspension imposed for the offense, in which case the student may be required to serve the remaining days of his or her suspension; or

82

b. the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the District agree on an interim placement; or c. the District obtains an order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a State of Illinois hearing officer changing the then current placement or providing for other appropriate relief. 6. If, at the manifestation determination review conference, it is determined that the behavior of the student was not a manifestation of his or her disability, the authorized administrator may continue with his or her recommendation that the student be considered for expulsion by the School Board. The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall receive written notice that includes the following provisions: a. The parent(s)/guardian(s) are entitled to all rights provided under the IDEA and those set forth in the ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations, as available to the parent(s)/guardian(s) from the district. A copy of the parent(s)/guardian(s) rights shall be included with the expulsion hearing notice. b. In addition to issues regularly determined at an expulsion hearing, the authorized administrator must present evidence that the manifestation determination review team met and concluded that the stu- dent’s misconduct was not a manifestation of his or her disability, which shall be duly noted by the School Board. c. The administration shall ensure that relevant special education and behavior records of the student are transmitted for consideration by the School Board. 7. If a special education student is expelled from school in accordance with the procedures set forth above, the district shall convene an IEP meeting to develop an educational program to deliver educational services to the student during such period of expulsion. C. Weapon and Drug Offenses In accordance with the above procedures, the district may take one or more of the following steps when a student with a disability carries a weapon to school or to a school function or knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or at a school-related function: 1. suspend the student from school for 10 school days or less. 2. convene an IEP conference to: (a) determine placement in an interim alternative educational setting for up to 45 calendar days, (b) review and, if appropriate, modify the student’s behavior intervention plan, as necessary, to address the student’s behavior, (if no behavior intervention plan is in place, the IEP team shall develop a plan for a functional behavioral assessment that must be used to develop a behavior inter- vention plan), and (c) conduct a manifestation determination review. The student may be placed in an interim alternative educational setting even if the behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability. 3. The interim alternative educational setting must: a. enable the student to continue to progress in the general curriculum; b. enable the student to receive the services and modifications set forth in his or her IEP; and c. include services and modifications designed to address the misconduct to prevent it from recurring. 4. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) disagree with the alternative educational placement or with the district-proposed placement and initiate a due process hearing, the student must remain in the alternative educational setting during the authorized review proceedings, unless the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the district agree on another placement. D. Change of Placement if Maintenance of Current Placement Is Likely to Result in Injury In the event that maintenance of a student’s current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or to others, the district may seek an order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a State of Illinois Due Process Hearing Officer to change the student’s placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for one or more 45-day periods after convening an IEP meeting to: 1. conduct a manifestation determination review following procedures described under subheading “Special Education Expulsion Procedures,” paragraph numbers 3 and 4, and 2. determine a proposed interim alternative educational setting that meets the requirements under sub-heading “Weapon and Drug Offenses,” in paragraph number 3. The length of time a student with a disability is placed in an alternative educational setting must be the same amount of time that a student without a disability would be subject to the consequence.

HCUSD No. 5 does not discriminate against any student/employee by reason of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, age, creed, color, disability or national origin.

83