Delavan Jr./Sr. High School 907 Locust Street Delavan, Illinois 61734 Phone 244-8285 PANTHERS 2015-2016 Handbook DELAVAN C.U.S.D #703 MISSION STATEMENT In our quest for excellence, Delavan Schools are devoted to working together to support and inspire bright futures for all of our students. Adopted: June 29, 2015 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE School Bell Schedule................................................................. 5 School Song .............................................................................. 5 Welcome ................................................................................... 6 Mission Statement ..................................................................... 6 Non-Discrimination Policy.......................................................... 6 STUDENT GUIDELINES AND GENERAL INFORMATION Student Rights and Responsibilities ....................................... 6,7 Protection of Pupil Rights .......................................................... 7 Animals on School Property………………………………………..7 Asbestos Containing Building Materials Management Plan… 7,8 Assemblies ............................................................................... 8 Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Policy ........................... 8 Child Sex Offenders on School Property……………………….8,9 Computer/Internet & Personal Electronic Device Usage Agreement..10-13 Crisis Management Plans………………………………….…..13,14 Dance Policy ...................................................................... ….14 Driver’s Education………………………………………………….14 Driving to School Activities ...................................................... 14 Emancipated Student ........................................................... 14 Emergency/Health Information Card………………………….14,15 Emergency Days……………………………………………………15 Extra-Curricular Activities Guidelines ...................................... 15 Fees and Expenses ................................................................. 15 Grades and Grading Policy…………………………………....15,16 Grade Classifications……………………………….….................16 Graduation Requirements………………………….………..........16 Health Program Requirements………………………………..18-20 Heat Schedule………………………………………………………21 Homework Expectations .......................................................... 21 Honor Roll ............................................................................... 21 Hot Lunch Program……………………………………………..21,22 Integrated Pest Management…..…………………………………22 Colleges Courses……………………………………………….22,23 Independent Study Guidelines….………….……………………..23 Junior High Promotion/Retention Policy………….…………..23,24 Leaving School/Signing Out .................................................... 24 Leaving Premises .................................................................... 24 Library…………………………………………………………….24,25 Lockers .................................................................................... 25 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.………………..25-26 2 Medications ....................................................................... 26,27 Open Campus ......................................................................... 27 PSAE Policy…………………………………………………….27,28 Personal Appearance ......................................................... 28,29 Physical Education .................................................................. 29 Physical Education Waivers…………………………………..29.30 Progress Reports .................................................................... 30 Schedule Changes .................................................................. 30 School Bus.……………………………………………………...30,31 School Safety ......................................................................... 31 Searches ................................................................................. 31 Section 504……………………………………………………..31,32 Semester Exams ..................................................................... 32 Special Education ............................................................... 32,33 Child Find ................................................................................ 33 Referral Procedure .................................................................. 33 Student Grievance Procedure ............................................ 33,34 Student Interview by Agency & Police ................................ 34,35 Student Records................................................................. 35,36 Transcripts .............................................................................. 36 Visitor Passes.......................................................................... 36 Work Permits .......................................................................... 36 ATTENDANCE PHILOSOPHY Absences................................................................................. 37 Excused Absences ............................................................. 37,38 Excused Absences Make-Up Assignments ........................ 39,40 Excessive Absence Policy .................................................. 41,42 Dental and Doctor Appointments ............................................. 42 College Appointments/Job Shadows .................................. 42,43 Advanced Clearance Absences ......................................... 42,43 Tardy…………………………………………………………………43 Unexcused Absences .............................................................. 44 Disciplinary Consequences for Unexcused Absence .............. 44 Make-Up Assignments for Unexcused Absence...................... 45 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES/CONSEQUENCES Philosophy ............................................................................... 45 Implementation .................................................................. 45,46 Detentions .......................................................................... 46,47 In-School Suspension......................................................... 46,47 Out-of-School Suspension....................................................... 47 Expulsion ............................................................................ 47,48 Due Process ............................................................................ 48 3 Special Education Student Disciplinary Procedure ............. 48,49 Examples of Disciplinary Offenses. .................................... 49,50 Gross Misconduct ............................................................... 49,50 Consequences for Gross Misconduct .................................... 50 Prevention/Response to Bullying……………………..……...50-52 Prevention/Response to Sexual Harassment……….……....52,53 Social Media/Account Information……………………………..…53 Definition of Terms .................................................... ..……53-56 Assault .................................................................................... 53 Battery ............................................................................... 53,54 Cheating ................................................................................. 54 Hazing .................................................................................... 54 Internet Threat………………………………………………………54 Sexting……………………………………………………………….54 Weapons ........................................................................... 54,55 Dangerous Substances .......................................................... 55 Smoking ............................................................................. 55,56 Vandalism and Theft ............................................................... 56 Vehicle Parking ....................................................................... 56 CARNIVAL INFORMATION Student Responsibilities ......................................................... 57 Carnival Sponsored Events ................................................ 57,58 Distribution of Funds ............................................................... 58 Clubs and Organizations ................................................... 58,59 Senior Class Trip ..................................................................... 59 ATHLETIC/ CO-CURRICULAR POLICES AND GUIDELINES Eligibility ............................................................................. 60-63 Training Rules .................................................................... 60,61 Infractions ................................................................................ 61 Due Process ............................................................................ 63 Personal Appearance .............................................................. 63 Awards ............................................................................... 63,64 Weekly Eligibility ................................................................. 64-66 Roster Limitations .................................................................... 66 Procedure for Reconciling Disagreements with Coaches ........ 66 Co-op Bus procedures……..…………………………………...66,67 4 REGULAR SCHEDULE 1st 8:15-9:00 2nd 9:04-9:49 3rd 9:53-10:38 4th 10:42-11:27 JH Lunch 11:27-11:57 HS Lunch 12:13-12:43 HS SH (5th ) 11:31-12:13 JH SH (5th) 12:01-12:43 6th 12:47-1:32 7th 1:36-2:21 8th 2:25-3:10 11:30 DISMISSAL 1st 8:15-9:01 2nd 9:05-9:50 3rd 9:54-10:39 4th 10:44-11:30 SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULES 2:15 DISMISSAL 1st 8:15-8:52 2nd 8:56-9:33 3rd 9:37-10:15 4th 10:19-10:57 5th 11:01-11:39 Lunch-JH&HS 11:39-12:09 6th 12:13-12:51 7th 12:55-1:33 8th 1:37-2:15 LATE START 1st 9:15-9:52 2nd 9:56-10:33 3rd 10:37-11:15 Lunch-JH&HS 11:15-11:45 4th 11:49-12:26 5th 12:30-1:07 6th 1:11-1:48 7th 1:52-2:29 8th 2:33-3:10 1:30 DISMISSAL 1st 8:15-8:47 2nd 8:51-9:23 3rd 9:27-9:59 4th 10:03-10:35 5th 10:39-11:11 6th 11:15-11:47 Lunch –JH&HS11:47-12:18 7th 12:22-12:54 8th 12:58-1:30 SCHOOL SONG DHS our hats are off to you! Panthers, Panthers, Fighting through and through! We’ll cheer for every man, We’ll root from every stand, That’s made for the DHS!! Rah! Rah! Rah! Watch our teams go Tearing down the floor Men of iron, strength forever more, Hail, Hail! Hail, Hail! Hail to the DHS! Rah! D-D-Del A-A-VAN D-E-L-A-V-A-N DELAVAN, DELAVAN, DELAVAN!!—Let’s Win! 5 WELCOME Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year at Delavan Jr. High/ High School. This handbook has been prepared as a guide to our policies and procedures. This handbook is not considered the only resource for all District policy, procedures, or regulations and it may be modified by administration when extraordinary circumstances arise. The Delavan Board of Education Policy Manual and the Illinois School Code are available in the District #703 Central Office. DELAVAN C.U.S.D #703 MISSION STATEMENT In our quest for excellence, Delavan Schools are devoted to working together to support and inspire bright futures for all of our students. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, status as homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. The district encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy; however a formal complaint resolution procedure is available to address allegations of policy violations. Any questions concerning this policy should be directed to the district Superintendent. STUDENT GUIDELINES AND GENERAL INFORMATION It becomes necessary for an organized group, community or country to establish rules of conduct for its members or citizens if it is to achieve its goals. School is no exception. In order for Delavan Schools to achieve its goals, students will follow certain rules of behavior, which will reflect high standards of citizenship and respect for others. High personal standards of courtesy, decency, morality, honesty, and good relationships with fellow students and faculty/staff should be foremost in the minds of our students at Delavan Schools. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES You have the right to be treated as an individual. You have the right to attend school in a building, which is clean, safe, and adequately equipped. You have the right to have well-qualified, professional faculty/staff. You have the right to an educational opportunity that will help prepare you for your life's vocation and to become a productive, happy, well-adjusted adult member of society. You are responsible to attend school on a regular basis. You are responsible to show courtesy and respect to all staff members and fellow students. You are responsible for knowing school rules and regulations. You are responsible for the rights and privileges of fellow students. You are responsible for making the school a place where the educational process will continue with as few difficulties as possible. If you have a concern or grievance, please communicate this concern or grievance to the following individuals in the order listed: 1. Teacher 6 2. Counselor 3. Principal 4. Superintendent 5. School Board Also remember, the Student Council is the student's representation. Let your representative know what you think. Get involved; make it work! PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS (a) Inspection by parents or guardians of instructional material. All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the children. (b) Prohibitions. No student shall be required, as part of any applicable program, to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning: 1) Political affiliations; 2) Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his family; 3) Sex behavior and attitudes; 4) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5) Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6) Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; 7) Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program), without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent. (c) Notice of rights. Educational agencies and institutions shall give student’s parents effective notice of their rights under this section. ANIMALS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property out of their owner’s vehicle, 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 CONTAINING BUILDING MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN Delavan Unit School District 703 has submitted its management plan prepared pursuant to the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, 40 CFR 763) for the school buildings. Copies of the management plan are available in the administrative office of the 7 school district and in the administrative office of the school buildings. These plans are available for your inspection during normal business hours of the office (Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and during other times by special arrangement. We request that appointments be made with us to review such plans. To make arrangements, please contact the Superintendent. ASSEMBLIES Assemblies will be called to present informational, dramatic, musical, athletic, inspirational, and pep programs of educational value and interest. Students are to remain seated and continue to conduct themselves properly through the completion of the program. Students are required to attend all assemblies scheduled within the time they normally attend school. Students are also responsible to attend their full class schedule on those days when time periods are changed for a special occasion. If a student is absent from an assembly program without a valid reason, or not in the proper seat, he or she will be considered unexcused. CELL PHONE /PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY Cell Phones, Laptop Computers, Tablets, Etc. Teachers may allow the use of certain personal electronic devices in the classroom as an educational tool. These personal electronic devices include cell phones, laptops, iPads, tablets, Kindles, or similar electronic devices. These personal electronic devices shall be used only as educational tools with specific authorization from the individual teacher in that teacher’s classroom setting. When these personal electronic devices are not being used in a permitted classroom setting, the device must be powered down, kept off, and out of sight. Please note that the use of such personal electronic devices in classrooms and breakfast and lunch settings as an educational tool is at the sole discretion of each individual teacher. The use of personal electronic devices in the hallways is allowed, however pictures or videos may only be taken with permission from a staff member. The use of a personal electronic device is never allowed in restrooms or locker rooms for any reason. Please note that each individual student who brings personal electronic devices to school assumes all liability for any such devices that are lost, stolen, broken, etc. Students are encouraged to be responsible digital citizens. Any unauthorized or inappropriate use of a personal electronic device by a student shall be considered Gross Misconduct and subject to the potential consequences provided for Gross Misconduct. If such unauthorized or inappropriate use occurs, the personal electronic device will be confiscated and a parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device. However, if the personal electronic device contains inappropriate material, the device may not be returned to the parent/guardian until the inappropriate material has been permanently removed from the device. CHILD SEX OFFENDERS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY Information regarding sex offenders is available to the public. You can access this data on the internet via http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ or contact the District office. It shall be the policy of the Delavan Community Unit School District No. 703 that any person who is a child sex 8 offender within the meaning of Section 11-9.3 of the Criminal Code of Illinois, 720 ILCS 5/119.3, shall be prohibited from being present in any school building, on any real property comprising any school in the School District, loitering on a public way within 500 feet of school property when persons under the age of 18 are present, or in any conveyance owned, leased or contracted by the School District to transport students to or from school or a school related activity when persons under the age of 18 are present in the building, on the grounds or in the conveyance, unless the offender: (1) is a parent or guardian of a student present in the building, on the grounds or in the conveyance; or (2) has permission to be present from the Superintendent, Building Principal, or the Board of Education. At any time a person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act, 730 ILCS 150/1, et seq., enters onto school property, he or she must first come to the appropriate Building Office or the Unit Office and identify himself or herself as such to the Principal or Superintendent. While on school property, the offender shall be escorted by a school representative or shall stay in a designated area as determined by the Principal or Superintendent. No such person shall be permitted to be present in a classroom or in a conveyance where students other than his or her own child or children are present. If a child sex offender violates this policy, school officials shall immediately contact law enforcement. CHILD SEX OFFENDER AND MURDERER COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION ACT No employee, volunteer, or contractor’s employee shall be on school property or at any school event if he or she is a child sex offender, as defined in the Child Sex Offender and Murderer Community Notification Law, unless prior permission is given by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the distribution and use of information from law enforcement officials under the Child Sex Offender and Murderer Community Notification Law. The Superintendent or designee shall serve as the District contact person for purposes of this law. Non-staff members, as well as staff members who are not designated as information recipients, shall be referred to the law enforcement agencies for information regarding child sex offenders. District contractors shall not send to any school building or school property any employee or agent who would be prohibited from being employed by the District due to a conviction of a crime listed in Section 10-21.9 of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-21.9). The contractor shall obtain a criminal history background check before sending any employee or agent to any school building or school property. Additionally, at least quarterly, the contractor shall contact the local law enforcement authority where each employee or agent resides to determine if the employee is on the list of registered felons who have committed child sex offenses. 9 COMPUTER/INTERNET & PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE AGREEMENT Educational Purpose: The purpose of allowing the use of COMPUTERS / INTERNET and PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Such use is for limited educational purposes and/or classroom activities, career development, and high-quality self-discovery activities. Such use and access by students and staff must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of Delavan District #703. Use of other organization networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network in addition to the rules of District #703. Transmission of any material in violation of any Federal or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is not acceptable except in very limited circumstances with prior District Administration approval. Students may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the use of the Delavan District #703 network server without approval of the District Administrator(s). Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Personal Electronic Device Procedure: Teachers may allow student use of certain electronic devices in the classrooms and breakfast and lunch settings as an educational tool. These electronic devices include cell phones, laptops, iPads, tablets, Kindles, or similar electronic devices. These electronic devices shall be used only as educational tools with specific authorization from the individual teacher in that teacher’s classroom setting. When these electronic devices are not being used in a permitted classroom setting, the devices must be powered down, kept off and out of sight. Please note that student use of such devices in classrooms as an educational tool is at the sole discretion of each individual teacher. The use of electronic devices in the hallways is allowed, however pictures or videos may only be taken with permission from a staff member. The use of electronic devices is never allowed in restrooms or locker rooms for any reason. Students are encouraged to be responsible digital citizens. Please note that each individual student who brings personal electronic devices to school assumes all liability for any devices that are lost, stolen, broken etc. Any unauthorized or inappropriate use of an electronic device by a student shall be considered Gross Misconduct. Use is a Privilege: The use of COMPUTERS / INTERNET and PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges and may lead to disciplinary action. The District Administrator(s) or Technology Coordinator(s) may deny access to or use by any user at any time. Note: Electronic communications and downloaded material on the District network or on District computers or related equipment, including files deleted from a user's account, may be monitored, reviewed, or read by school officials. 10 Etiquette for District Network / Use of Personal Electronic Devices (as applicable): Students are encouraged to be responsible digital citizens. The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others; Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities; Do not use rude or disrespectful language; Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers to anyone; Do not use the network in such a way that you would damage or disrupt the use of the network by other users; Illegal activities are strictly forbidden; Recognize that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to authorities; All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property of the source or sources; and Blogs are a learning tool that are considered an extension of the classroom. Students should not write anything on a blog that they would not say or write in the classroom. Please note that student “speech” is limited within the school and thus “limited” within any blog that is written in conjunction with any Delavan School classroom or program. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom would also be considered inappropriate for blogs. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity; racist, sexist or discriminatory remarks; or personal attacks. Teachers may remove individual blogs from students who violate this policy, any other District rules or policy, or classroom expectations. Further, students may be subject to disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, grade reduction and formal disciplinary action. Unacceptable Use of District Network and Personal Electronic Devices (as applicable): The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving the network and personal electronic devices. Some examples of unacceptable use include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Using the network for illegal activity, including violation of copyright law or other contracts, transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation, and unauthorized disclosure of student records information; Unauthorized installing or downloading of software regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused; Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use; Using the network for private financial or commercial gain without District Administrator(s) approval; Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities; hacking; 11 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Invading the privacy of individuals, which includes the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature including a photograph; Using another user's account or password; Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent; Posting anonymous messages; Using the network for commercial or private advertising; Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material; Enter chat rooms without permission and supervision; Student setting up e-mail accounts, checking e-mail, or e-mailing someone without administrative or teacher approval; Note: Notification will be given to parents of students when e-mail addresses are issued for classroom educational uses; Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; Using the network to engage in on-line, non-staff approved games; Cyber bullying, cyber stalking, or cyber harassing, which includes harassing, threatening, embarrassing, or targeting others; and Connecting other electronic devices to the District’s networks without authorization from the Technology Department, including but not limited to cellular telecommunications devices such as cellular phones, personal communication devices, pagers of any kind, laptops, net books, PCs that are not District owned, etc. District’s Network / Limitations: Delavan District #703 makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing through any District device or Internet access. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the server's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. Delavan District #703 specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Our district’s network has a security system in place; however, as with any security system, we cannot guarantee that our students will be protected against all inappropriate material. Security: On any computer system, security is high priority. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a District Administrator(s) or Technology Coordinator(s). Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet. 12 Vandalism and Compensation: Any vandalism may result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses. Further, upon any violation, access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. Any damages or costs incurred because of malicious misuse, or charges incurred while using another system, must be paid by the person or persons causing said damages. Delavan District #703 Handbook(s): Users of the Internet and Personal Electronic Devices are further subject to the rules and regulations set forth in the applicable Delavan District #703 handbooks. Violations of the terms and conditions of this policy that warrant disciplinary action, as determined by the District Administrator(s), will be handled according to the corresponding handbook. Contract: Your initials and then signature on the Program Participation Form for both personal electronic devices and computer/internet use indicate that you have carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of this Computer/Internet & Personal Electronic Device Usage Agreement and policies set forth in this Agreement. If a Delavan District #703 user violates any of the above provisions, his/her access or use may be terminated and future access and/or use could be denied, as determined by the District Administration. All users must initial and sign the Program Participation Form before being permitted to use the District’s facilities or equipment for access to the Internet. Consequences for Unauthorized/Unacceptable Use: All violations of the terms and conditions of this Agreement will be considered Gross Misconduct, along with potential removal and denial of computer/internet and personal electronic device privileges. The Principal may assign one (1) or more of the following disciplinary action or alternatives for such violations: Removal of student from class Placement of student on probation Detention Removal or suspension from extra-curricular activities and/or school activities or functions In-school-suspension Out-of-school suspension Notification of action to police department Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLANS A fire alert or drill will be signaled by a distinct buzzer sound. Upon hearing this signal, all 13 students and personnel are to evacuate the building or take shelter promptly in accordance with the prearranged plans posted in classrooms and corridor display cases. Students will return to class after an “all clear” is given. DANCE POLICY School or dance parties followed by a school day will end at 10:30 p.m. and followed by non-school day at 11:00 p.m. Approval must be obtained through the high school office for all dances. There are to be at least two faculty members as chaperons who will be present at all times during the dance and clean up. Activities shall not be scheduled for Wednesday night. All evening and Saturday activities must be scheduled through the office. Only Delavan students may attend junior high dances. High school students who wish to bring dates to all school parties, dances, etc., who are not students at Delavan, must complete the proper form located in the office prior to the dance. In order to attend high school parties/dances, students and their accompanying guest must at least be enrolled as freshmen in high school and, if no longer a high school student, must be under the age of 21 years old. DRIVER’S EDUCATION Driver’s education must be taken by all students and .50 credit will be given towards graduation. Enrollment in driver’s education shall be restricted by birth date. Students who are closest to the age of 16 will be given first priority. Driver’s Education is open to home school students please contact the office to inquire. DRIVING TO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Students participating in extra-curricular activities may not drive to off-campus school activities, including field trips. Extenuating circumstances may require an occasional exception to this rule. When this occurs, arrangements must be made in advance of the field trip or activity through the Principal. Permission must be provided in writing by the parent/guardian of the student driving. No other student is allowed to ride with the student driver. EMANCIPATED STUDENT Illinois law defines an emancipated student as a person 16 years old or over, but under 18 years of age, who demonstrates the ability and capacity to manage his or her own affairs and to live wholly or partially independent of his/her parents or guardians. The individual must petition an Illinois circuit court for a proper declaration of complete or partial emancipation. Further, marriage will emancipate a minor for most purposes under Illinois law.(See 750 ILCS 30/1, et seq.) EMERGENCY/HEALTH INFORMATION CARDS All students will receive an emergency card in the mail to be filled out by their parents and turned in to the Office at registration. This card is vital in contacting the home or other designated individuals in cases of health emergencies. No student will be released to anyone 14 other than the parent/guardian or individuals specifically designated on this card. By law, a new emergency card must be filled out each year. EMERGENCY DAYS In case of emergency, early dismissal, change in school hours, or school cancellation, listen to the radio stations in Peoria, Pekin, Lincoln, and Bloomington. During these times, call the school ONLY in cases of emergency so that the phone lines can remain open. Listed below are the stations that are notified. WXCL-1350 AM WJBC-1230 AM TV Channels 19, 25, 31 WCIC-91.5 FM WMBD-93 FM WGLO-95.5 FM WBNQ-101.5 FM The district’s automated phone call system will also be utilized during these cases. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES Members of extra-curricular activities must attend school by 11:30 to qualify for practice or active participation in the event. Exceptions to this rule are: doctor or dental appointments, funeral or administration’s discretion. The office would like a doctor’s note or appointment card in cases of dental or doctor appointments. Students attending all school-sponsored activities, clubs, organizations, etc., are expected to use good judgment in their behavior. All students attending extra-curricular activities on or off school property are subject to the same rules and regulations pertaining to student behavior as explained in the student handbook. Unexcused absences on Friday will disqualify any student from participating in weekend activities. FEES AND EXPENSES Delavan Jr. High/ High School will be collecting textbook rental fees at registration. Unpaid fees for second semester classes will be collected in January. Textbooks will be returned at the end of the school year (or semester). Rental fees include books, workbooks, lab fees, and supply fees. Damage in materials and textbooks may result in the student being charged the full replacement value of the item. Unpaid or delinquent fees may result in a student not being able to participate in extra-curricular activities, which may include such activities as field trips, graduation ceremonies, prom, and class trips. GRADES AND GRADING POLICY FOR JR. HIGH/ HIGH SCHOOL Letter grades of A-F will be used for all subjects including band, chorus and PE. Students may enroll to audit classes. Students auditing should complete all work similar to that required of all students in class. Grading Scale Letter Grade A AB+ B B- Percentage 100-93.5 93.49-89.5 89.49-86.5 86.49-82.5 82.49-79.5 G. P.A. Value 4.0 3.667 3.333 3.0 2.667 15 C+ C CD+ D DF 79.49-76.5 76.49-72.5 72.49-69.5 69.49-66.5 66.49-62.5 62.49-59.5 59.49- below 2.333 2.0 1.667 1.333 1.0 .667 0.0 GRADE CLASSIFICATION-Students will be classified according to credits earned: Freshman under 6 Sophomore 6 Junior 12 Senior 18 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS All students must earn a minimum of twenty-five (25) credits to be eligible for graduation. As part of the required credits to graduate, all students must acquire passing grades in the following courses: • • • • • • • • • • English Fine Art/Elective Science 4 credits (Eng. 1-4 & College Prep) 3 credits (voc., music, art, foreign language) 3 credits (2 years lab science for continuing education & Science Seminar is a requirement for all freshmen) Social Studies 2 credits (1 credit U.S., 1 credit Social Studies Elective) Mathematics 3 credits ( all students must take a math course that contains algebra and geometry concepts) Computers (Beg. Graph. Com.) 1 credit Civics 1/2 credit Consumer Ed. 1/2 credit Health 1/2 credit Driver's Ed. 1/2 credit Physical Ed Take each year (Can be waived if in Health) In addition to the above required credits, no student shall receive a Certificate of Graduation without passing a test on the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and taking the PSAE test their Junior year. All school debts, such as book rental fees, library fines, shop fees, etc., must be cleared before records will be cleared and graduation certified EARLY GRADUATION PROVISION Students who wish to graduate early may do so only by written request submitted to the principal 16 by July 1 of the school year of graduation and approved by the principal and superintendent. This privilege is only granted under unusual circumstances such as enlistment, proof and acceptance of Spring Semester college enrollment, economic hardship or marriage. Students that graduate early may not attend prom or go on senior trip. Also they will not be included in the class rank. Any student completing seven (7) semesters may participate in graduation exercises. All students wishing to graduate early must meet all graduation requirements of state and local policy. Students must be enrolled in both College Prep and English 4 during the fall of their senior year in order to fulfill the requirement of four (4) years of English Credit. Extenuating circumstances in cases which a student does not meet the deadline or requirements must be approved by the Board of Education. SENIOR STATUS AND GRADUATION IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to make sure he/she has the proper number of credits, along with all required courses. Each student is encouraged to check on his/her record of grades and required subjects on a regular basis throughout the year. ALL COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED AND ALL CREDIT MUST BE EARNED PRIOR TO A STUDENT RECEIVING A DIPLOMA AND/OR PARTICIPATING IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. FULL-TIME STUDENT A full-time student is identified as enrolled in at least 7 academic classes or credits including P.E. each semester. Exceptions to this policy are: a. Married students or students with dependents b. 5th year HS students c. Students with an IEP d. Seniors who apply for special consideration. These exceptions are not automatic and will be treated on an individual-request basis. You must be a full-time student to participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. ENGLISH (High School) A student who does not successfully complete any individual English course throughout their high school career will be required to enroll in Reading and Achievement in the following semester and successfully complete English summer school. Only students who complete these requirements may be considered for concurrent English courses for the next school year. Any exceptions to this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the English teacher(s), Guidance Counselor and Principal. This policy will begin for the graduating class of 2015. MATH (High School) A Student will need to successfully complete the entire year of each individual math course to be automatically eligible for the next level of the math sequence for the following school year. This policy is in place to make sure that all students learn all of the course content and objectives each and every year. A student may need to audit one semester of his/her math course the next year if 17 he/she failed one semester. In this case a student may take the higher grade earned while auditing. Any exceptions to this policy may be considered and reviewed on a case by case basis by the math teacher(s), Guidance Counselor and Principal. REPLACEMENT GRADE (High School) Math and English are governed by their own separate individual policies as seen above. For other classes, any student who fails the 2nd semester of a year-long class and wishes to repeat that semester for credit, may be required to audit the first semester of the class before being allowed to retake the second semester. This procedure is to ensure that the student is fully prepared to retake the second semester of the class. The student will not receive additional credit for the audited semester, but could receive a replacement grade if a higher grade is earned. The determination for requiring a student to audit a class under these circumstances will be made by the teacher, Guidance counselor, and Principal. HOMEWORK CLUB FOR HIGH SCHOOL Any student who is on the weekly failing list will be subjected to the following policy. Any student who is on academic probationary status will have their individual open campus privileges removed, which means students will have to check in and remain in the cafeteria. Any student, who is considered academically ineligible, regardless of involvement in any activities, will be required to attend homework club each week from Tuesday through Thursday for 1 hour after school. This requirement will remain in effect until the student is off the ineligibility list. This requirement to attend Homework Club is in addition to having the student’s individual open campus privileges removed. A student will resume all privileges after the student is passing all classes at the next weekly check and is deemed eligible. Any student who fails to attend any of the required Homework Club sessions will be required to make up the missed time at the next scheduled Saturday Detention session. HOMEWORK CLUB FOR JR. HIGH Any student who is considered ineligible at the weekly grade check will be required to attend Homework Club for 1 hour after school on Wednesday of each week until the student is deemed eligible. Any student who fails to attend any of the required Homework Club sessions will be required to make up the missed time at the next scheduled Saturday Detention session. SUMMER SCHOOL (High School) A student may receive credit for a maximum of 2 classes for a total of 1 academic credit for courses taken for credit recovery under this or any other provision in the Board Policy Manual. The summer school course is a minimum of 60 hours HEALTH PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS The requirements regarding immunization for students at Delavan Junior / Senior High School are the same set forth in the Illinois School Code and as enforced by the Illinois Dept. of Public 18 Health. All new and out-of-state transfer students must have up-to-date immunization records. School personnel are authorized to prohibit a student from attending school, until immunization requirements have been met. The State of Illinois requires that all students attending school meet certain health standards. These include: A physical examination form must be submitted by parents for children who are entering school (excluding transfer students) for the first time (new students, kindergarten or 1st grade), 6th grade, 9th grade and out-of-state transfers. These “physicals” will be kept on file in the office of the school. Proof of having received required immunizations must be kept on record in the administrative office of the school that the child attends. Immunizations must be recorded according to the month, day and year given. Required immunizations include: a) DTP/DTaP/or Tdap,Td (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Three or more doses of DTP/DTaP or Td: with the last does qualifying as a booster if received on or after the fourth birthday. b) Hepatitis B: All children entering the sixth grade shall show proof of having received three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, or other proof of immunity. The first two doses shall have been received no less than four weeks (28 days) apart. The interval between the first and third doses shall be at least two months. The third dose must be administered on or after six months of age. Proof or prior or current infection, if verified by laboratory evidence, may be substituted for proof of vaccination. c) Measles: All children shall show proof of having received two doses of live measles virus vaccine, the first dose on or after the first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first dose, or lab evidence (titer) of immunity. d) Meningococcal Disease 1. Beginning with the school year 2015-2016, any child entering sixth grade shall show proof of having received one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine on or after the 11th birthday. 2. Beginning with the school year 2015-2016, any child entering 12th grade shall show proof of having received two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine prior to entering the 12th grade. The first dose shall have been received on or after the 11th birthday, and the second dose shall have been received on or after the 16th birthday, at least eight weeks after the first dose. If the first dose is administered when the child is 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required. e) Mumps: All children shall show proof of having received two does of live mumps virus vaccine, the first does on or after the first birthday and the 19 f) g) h) i) second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first does, or other proof of immunity. Poliomyelitis: Has received three or more doses of IPV with the last dose being a booster and having been received on or after the fourth birthday but prior to school entrance. Proof of a lead poisoning blood test is required for all children six months to six years of age who are entering school for the first time. Rubella: All children will be required to have two doses of live rubella virus vaccine, the first dose on or after the first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first does, or lab evidence (titer) of immunity. Varicella (Chickenpox): Any child entering kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade for the first time shall show proof of having received two doses of varicella vaccine, the first dose on or after the first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first dose, or proof of prior varicella disease verified by laboratory evidence. Physical Examinations and Immunization Information are due by October 15 of the current school year. Students may not be allowed back to school if proof of physical exam and proof of up-to-date immunizations are not provided to the school by the deadline. Sports Physicals: Sports physicals for grades 5th-12th are due in the office before the first practice of a sport. The 6th and 9th grades may use the required school physical as a sport physical. Head Lice: Upon discovery of head lice, a student will be isolated from the general student population until parents/guardians can pick them up. All nits must be removed before the child will be allowed to return to school. A staff member will check the child prior to allowing them back into the classroom. Health Issues: Any health problems, allergies, or surgery should be brought to the attention of the school office so that the child can be properly monitored while at school. If a child has an allergy, please note this on the emergency contact information form. Vision and Hearing: Schools are required to conduct vision screening. Vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye doctor. A new Illinois State law requires comprehensive eye exams, by qualified eye doctors, such as optometrists and ophthalmologist, for children entering kindergarten or enrolling for the first time in public, private, or parochial elementary schools in Illinois. Proof of the eye exam must be submitted by October 15 of the school year. Students are not required to undergo the vision screening if an optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed and signed a report form indicating that an examination has been administered within the previous 12 months. 20 School Sight & Sound, Inc. employees are certified by the Illinois Health Department as vision and hearing screening technicians. For the purpose of vision and hearing screenings, the employees of School Sight and Sound, Inc. are considered school officials. School Sight and Sound, Inc. will conduct the screenings and notify parents/guardians of the need for a referral due to a student not passing a screening. School Sight and Sound, Inc. will notify the school office of the screening results. Under the State Codes 99.31 and 99.7, as school officials they may share the results of the hearing and vision screenings with the school office as a legitimate educational interest. In the best interest of your child, please make sure to follow-up on any notifications for the need of a referral you may receive. HEAT SCHEDULE The Board of Education has approved a Heat Schedule for the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. School will be dismissed at 2:15 through Labor Day weekend. Following Labor Day weekend, the Heat Schedule is determined the night before at the time of the weather forecast. If the forecast predicts 90 degrees or above for the next day, the Heat Schedule will be in place and students will be dismissed at 2:15 the next day. On Sunday night, the 5:30 p.m. forecast on Channel 19 will be used to determine if the Heat Schedule is necessary for Monday. The 6:00 p.m. forecast on Channel 19 Monday through Thursday will be used to determine dismissal time for the next day. The district’s messaging system will also be used in conjunction with the news channel. HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS Homework is viewed as a vital extension of the classroom activities. Students are expected to complete the assigned homework within the guidelines of the assignment as prescribed by the teacher. Failure to complete homework as assigned by the teacher will result in the disciplinary steps set forth by that teacher. HONOR ROLL An honor roll is calculated at the end of each 9 weeks grading period. The following process will be used: High Honors - 4 to 3.750 and Honors - 3.7499 to 3.4. Any grade below a "C" prohibits a student from being on the Honor Roll. Band and Chorus will count half its value in calculating the Honor Roll. Students must carry a minimum of 4 subjects to have grades figured for the Honor Roll. HOT LUNCH PROGRAM Delavan School operates a hot lunch program through Aramark. The hot lunch program is operated as a non-profit program and the income from the charges are only used for purposes of the program. The Board of Education establishes the charge to be made to students for meals and extra milk. Payments for lunches and ala cart items may be made in advance in the high school office or to Aramark personnel directly. The Board may from time to time raise or lower the price of meals served by the program to meet the cost of material and labor used by the hot lunch program. These prices are announced 21 at the beginning of the school year and an attempt will always be made to keep the price the same for the entire school year. The school will provide the patrons of the school district forms on which to make application for consideration of eligibility of their children for free or reduced price lunches. Patrons will be notified individually of the acceptance or denial of their application and, if the application is denied, will be informed of the name of the official to whom s/he may make an appeal for a review of the decision. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT We would like to inform you that an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for controlling insects, rodents, and weeds will be used at Delavan High School. The IPM approach we will be using focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable place for pests to live and breed. Through maintenance and cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources, and hiding places for the pests. We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pests from becoming established. Some IPM techniques we will employ include monitoring, increased sanitation, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, and modifying storage practices. From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to control a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals must be used, the school will try to use the least toxic products when possible. Access to treated areas will be secured against unauthorized access for the period specified on the pesticide label. Notices will be posted at application sites and will remain there until the posted safe re-entry time is met. For your information, we have a list of pesticides and material safety and data sheets (MSDS) that may be used in the school this school year. This list may be obtained by contacting the Director of Maintenance at 309-244-8285. You may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must be placed on the notification registry. After September 1 of each year, the registrants will be notified at least 72 hours before a pesticide is applied. If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided as soon as possible after the application. Exemptions to this notification include cleaners (disinfectants), pesticides formulated as baits or gels, and any EPA exempt pesticide. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please contact the elementary or jr./ sr. high office to obtain the necessary form. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Maintenance at 309-244-8285. For further information about school IPM, please visit http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/ or http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/. COLLEGE ONLINE COURSES OFFERED AT DHS (High School) College courses may be offered at DHS through local colleges based on availability and class size. Students will not be allowed to go off campus for these classes. Participation shall be restricted to junior and senior students who have a cumulative 3.0 G. P.A. Any junior or senior 22 who does not have a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. may apply to the Principal for special consideration. The courses taken shall not be currently offered at DHS, and the student must have completed the prerequisite sequence offered at Delavan or be currently enrolled in the final class. For example, if a student wishes to enroll in an online English course, he/she must have completed the English sequence (I, II, III, IV) at Delavan or be enrolled in Eng. IV or College Prep. Credit for college online class will be awarded in accordance with Board Policy 6:310. The grade for the class will be determined by the college. INDEPENDENT STUDY GUIDELINES (High School) 1. Independent study will be reserved for seniors with a minimum of a “B’ average overall, as well as in that academic sequence (subject area). 2. Student will contact the counselor & discuss ideas for Proposal before May 1st for fall semester and before December 1st for spring semester. 3. Student will ask a teacher in the area related to the topic to be the student’s supervisor and to help the student draft the course. 4. The teacher(s) will assist the student with writing a proposal of the project along with the proposal committee, which will consist of the counselor and the principal. The proposal must be acceptable to each of the above-mentioned individuals and must include copies of related ISBE State Learning Standards that fit with the topic chosen for proposal. 5. A student may not do independent study in a course already offered at Delavan High School. With input from the supervising teacher, the counselor and the principal will determine the amount of academic credit given to the independent study project. 6. The supervising teacher(s) determines the course grade. 7. The student will present a summary of the class to the committee. 8. A student may take no more than one independent study course at a time and the addition of an independent study cannot contribute to a course overload, must be taken in place of another class period, & cannot be taken in place of a study hall JUNIOR HIGH PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY 1. All retention/promotion shall be based on the final grades issued for a class. If a student fails 2 or more quarters of any class they will automatically be issued a failing final grade for that class. All other final grades will be calculated using each of the four quarter grades on the 4-point scale average, i.e. A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. 2. Students that fail either one or two of the five core subjects will be required to attend summer school for those subjects in which they were unsuccessful. Upon successful 23 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. completion of the summer school class(es), they will be promoted to the next grade level. There will be a fee assessed to students that must attend summer school. Any student that receives failing final grades in three or more of the core subjects will be retained. Any eighth grader that must attend summer school will not be allowed to participate in the promotion activities. Students must also pass more than 50% of their combined non-core classes for both seventh and eighth grade to participate in promotion exercises. The placement of Special Education students will be decided at a multi-disciplinary meeting of teachers, special education personnel, and parents. The top 5 students that are honored at Junior High promotion will be chosen based on G.P.A., which will be cumulative from 7th grade and include the first 3 quarters of their 8th grade year. LEAVING SCHOOL- SIGNING OUT If a student must leave school before the regular dismissal time he/she must provide a written excuse or phone call from his/her parent or guardian indicating the reason for and time of leaving. The note or phone call must be to the office prior to leaving. All students who leave school must sign out in the office stating time of and reason for leaving. Students who leave without signing out will be considered truant. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to leave school unless there has been contact with a parent or guardian indicating their approval. LEAVING SCHOOL PREMISES Permission to leave the school premises except at lunch period must be obtained from the principal. After obtaining specific permission from the principal, a student must sign out on the Office sheet provided. This sign-out sheet must state the date, student's name, reason for leaving school, time of leaving and time returning (if this is the case). If a student becomes ill during the school day, they must also have the approval of the principal or his designee before permission to sign out and go home will be granted. Students present in the morning and absent in the afternoon must follow the above procedure with a telephone call to the Office if they become ill during lunch. Failure to comply with these provisions will automatically result in an unexcused absence. No student will be allowed to get into any vehicle at any time during the school day (including lunchtime) without the principal’s approval. LIBRARY Books may be checked out by students. Reference books and periodicals may be checked out for overnight use only. Fines for overdue books, destroyed books, or materials will be the responsibility of the person. That person will be charged for the materials lost or destroyed. Conduct in the library follows the same guidelines for any other supervised study area in the school. The librarian and assigned faculty/staff will be responsible for monitoring the library. Students using the library must realize the library is a place for research work, reading, and studying. Conduct in the library such as talking, creating any disturbance, etc., will not be tolerated. Students using the library must have a pass if they are away from an area where they 24 are regularly assigned. The exceptions would be before 8 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. LOCKERS The lockers are school property and as such the locker and its contents are subject to inspection by school personnel at any time. Periodic locker checks will be conducted. Locker assignments are made at registration and students are to use their assigned locker unless a change is made by the Office. Sharing lockers is not allowed in an attempt to curb or discourage theft and/or vandalism. It is the student's responsibility to keep his/her locker locked at all times. This is your locker and you should not share your locker combination with any other student. Each student is responsible for the contents of his/her own locker. An announcement regarding cleaning out lockers for the summer will be made near the end of the final week of school. All locker problems should be reported to the Office. MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the term ‘homeless children and youth’ means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes the following: i. Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other person(s) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations’ are living in emergency or transitional shelters’ are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement; ii. Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodations for human beings. iii. Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and iv. Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children and living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii). (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001, Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act Sec. 725) Homeless Students should be afforded the rights to: - Remain in their school of origin - Be provided transportation to and from the school of origin - Immediately be enrolled in a new school serving the area in which they are currently living even if they don’t have typically required documentation (e.g. proof of guardianship) - Equal access to programs and services such as gifted and talented education, special education, vocational education, and English Language Learner services 25 Students who fall under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act should contact the district-wide homeless liaison: Lynne Kosek 309-244-8285, ext. 2226 Resources for children and families: - The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE): http://www.isbe.net/homeless - The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth: http://www.naehcy.org Questions not answered by the school? - Contact the Illinois Homeless Education Program Hotline: 1-800-215-6369 Unaccompanied Youth “The term ‘unaccompanied youth’ includes a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.” McKinney-Vento Act Sec. 725 (6) These students lack safe and stable housing for any number of reasons. Unaccompanied Youth should be afforded the rights to: - Remain in their school of origin - Be provided transportation to and from the school of origin - Immediately be enrolled in a new school serving the area in which they are currently living even if they don’t have typically required documentation (e.g. proof of guardianship) - Equal access to programs and services such as gifted and talented education, special education, vocational education, and English Language Learner services Unaccompanied Youth may contact the district-wide homeless liaison: Lynne Kosek 309-244-8285, ext. 2226 Resources for Unaccompanied Youth: Covenant House, Runaway hotline: 1-800-999-9999 (24 hour), www.covenanthouse.org National Runaway Switchboard, Runaway hotline: 1-800-621-4000 (24 hour), www.nrscrisisline.org National Network for Youth: 202-738-7949, www.nn4youth.org Stand Up for Kids: 1-800-365-4KID, www.standupforkids.org ADMINISTERING MEDICINE 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 fill out a medical 26 dispensing form and it must be signed by a doctor/physician. Our staff members are not allowed to dispense medicine without this completed form that includes a signature from a doctor/physician. No School District employee shall administer to any student, or supervise a student’s selfadministration 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. A student may possess an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and/or medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the student’s parent/guardian has completed and signed a “School Medication Authorization Form.” The School District shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication or epinephrine auto-injector or the storage of any medication by school personnel. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the School District and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine autoinjector and/or medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any school employee from providing emergency assistance to students, including administering medication. OPEN CAMPUS (High School) High school students may leave school grounds during their normal lunch period. This is a privilege and will be revoked if a student engages in inappropriate behavior. Riding, getting into or being in vehicles during the lunch period is strictly prohibited and may result in the loss of parking privileges at school and open campus privileges. Students must ask permission to get into their cars during normal school hours. Open campus privileges will be removed for students who are on the weekly failure list. PSAE POLICY (High School) 1. Students may earn up to three final exam exemptions each for first semester and second semester of their senior year for meeting or exceeding in the PSAE test sections Math, Science and Reading/Writing. However the student can choose to take the exam. 2. Students with an Individualized Education Plan will be able to gain final exam exemptions based on an individual growth model determined by our Guidance Counselor and Special Education Department. 3. For the practice ACT test, we will be using the prediction equation from the Plan and Explore tests for a predicted individual practice ACT score for each student. This score is produced from a formula created by our school’s STATS team. If students meet/exceed for each individual section of the practice ACT (Math, and/or Reading) then the student will be able to opt out of 1 or 2 finals of their choice their junior year. 27 4. The top 40% of Senior PSAE test scores will be given first priority for parking. All other seniors will be selected randomly followed by juniors then sophomores. A senior is defined as having the appropriate number of credits to have senior standing. 5. If a student failed a quarter, or is failing one calendar week before the 1st day of the final exam in an individual subject, the exemption is removed and it may not be substituted for another subject. PERSONAL APPEARANCE Shirts/Blouses/Tops Shirts need to cover the pant’s waistline when standing by at least two inches. The material on a sleeveless shirt needs to extend from the base of the neck out to where the shoulder meets the arm. The arm opening needs to reasonably cover the armpits and not leave undergarments exposed. Tank-tops may only be worn w/ an approved shirt under them. Halter-tops, spaghetti-straps, open back, and strapless tops are not acceptable school attire. Shirts may not be lower cut than 4 fingers below the clavicle. Hooded garments are to only be worn with the hood down. Shorts/Pants – Baggy pants are permitted if worn on the hips with the undergarments fully covered. A belt is required if the pants will not remain on the hips and/or drags excessively on the floor. (The Administration reserves the right to ban baggy pants from school to ensure the safety of all students.) Leggings (true denim being excluded), tights, spandex, and yoga pants are not to be used as a substitute for pants. When wearing leggings (true denim being excluded) tights, spandex, and yoga pants under shorts, skirts, or tops, the shorts, skirts, or tops must still extend to the mid-thigh area. Skirts/shorts should extend to the mid-thigh area Students are strongly discouraged from wearing the “low-rider” pants. If worn, the 2” guideline for the shirt/blouse extending below the pant’s waistline will be strictly enforced. Miscellaneous Dress Code Guidelines – The following items are not allowed: Any item that is considered an educational distraction See-through and/or mesh materials Clothing with rips and/or holes in areas above the mid-thigh that expose or otherwise show skin or undergarments Clothing/jewelry with a message or an implied message that is offensive and/or promotes drugs, sex, tobacco, chew, alcohol, satanic practices, violence, racism, hatred, discrimination, or gang affiliation is not allowed Hats, bandanas, scarves and sunglasses must be removed while on school property. 28 Pajama pants/shirts and slippers are only to be worn on designated days. Students are prohibited from writing upon the skin and/or clothing of themselves and others. Jewelry items which are either deemed dangerous and/or disruptive to the school environment may be prohibited by the Administration during the year as situations arise. Students are to leave purses, backpacks, and coats in their lockers. These items are not allowed in the classroom. Costumes are only allowed on designated theme or spirit days, which includes (body suits, capes, face paint, whiskers, etc.). Students who violate the personal appearance code will be dealt with in the following manner: 1st occasion: Warning (violation may receive stricter disciplinary action if the violation is found to be offensive) & request student to change clothing 2nd and subsequent occasions: Gross Misconduct & request student to change clothing PHYSICAL EDUCATION The School Board believes that physical education is a vital component of a curriculum program. Physical education instruction provides students with the desire, knowledge and attitudes to achieve a lifetime of healthful living, acquire physical fitness, develop coordination and participate in leisure time activities. Every student shall participate in physical education each level of high school attendance and receive credit per semester towards graduation. Students will be assessed a grade based upon: (1) dress each day for P. E.; (2) cooperation; (3) participation. Students under a written restriction will be required to complete written reports and/or where applicable light aerobic exercises. Students are expected to dress for P.E. in a proper uniform. A proper uniform consists of a P.E. t-shirt and shorts purchased from the office, tennis shoes, and socks. Only school approved t-shirts and shorts will be allowed to be worn as P.E. uniforms. Shoes which inflict damage to our gym floor will be strictly forbidden. Students who fail to dress properly for Physical Education will be sent to the Principal. A parent or guardian may excuse their child from Physical Education with written consent for up to two consecutive days. A doctor’s note will be required for any further absences. The following disciplinary procedures will be followed: 1st Non-Dress Warning (Refusal to dress when uniform present will result in an automatic 2 Hour Saturday Detention) 2nd Non-Dress 2 Hour Saturday Detention 3rd Non-Dress 4 Hour Saturday Detention 4th Non-Dress In-School Suspension (1 Day) 5th Non-Dress “F” in PE for the remainder of that 9 week period PHYSICAL EDUCATION WAIVERS FOR HIGH SCHOOL Section 27-6 of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-6) authorizes the local school board to 29 excuse students from physical education under the following guidelines: 1. Pupils enrolled in grades 11 and 12 if those pupils request to be excused for any of the following reasons: (a) for ongoing participation in an interscholastic athletic program (INCLUDING cheerleading); (b) to enroll in academic classes required for admission to an institution of higher learning provided that failure to take such classes will result in the pupil being denied admission to the institution of his/her choice; or to enroll in academic classes which are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the pupil not to graduate. 2. Students must return to PE class immediately when the season ends, except a student that elected to take another academic class during his/her PE hour for the entire semester and is allowed to complete the class. PROGRESS REPORTS A progress report is a form used by the faculty/staff to notify the students and parents of the quality of work the individual student is completing at approximately the halfway point of each grading period. Parents are encouraged to make personal contact with the teacher to discuss the student's progress. Parents can also access their child’s grades on the school website www.delavanschools.com. A teacher and/or counselor may refer students with deficiency reports to the RtI Team to evaluate the possible need for additional help. SECURITY CAMERAS Our campus is monitored by security cameras outside, in hallways, Old Gym, Computer Labs, Cafeteria and Poppenga Gymnasium. SCHEDULE CHANGES Changes in the academic schedule during the first week may be made through the following process: 1. Minor schedule changes may be made within the first full week of school following a conference with the Guidance Counselor and with good sufficient reason, if the schedule will accommodate the change. 2. Administrator may use discretion in extenuating circumstances. SCHOOL BUS Following are the rules for bus riders, which were developed by Delavan Unit School District 703. School bus riders while in transit are under the jurisdiction of the school bus driver except where another adult has been designated to supervise the riders. All riders, parents of riders, and teachers should become thoroughly familiar with the following rules governing school bus riders. 1. All school rules apply on bus. 2. Obey driver’s directions the first time they are given. 3. Remain in your seat facing forward at all times. 4. Eating or drinking on the bus is not allowed. (On long field trips where time is a factor and to eliminate crowded eating facilities, eating may be permitted on the bus providing 30 previous arrangements have been made with the Director of Transportation. The teacher/coach/sponsor and students will assume all responsibility for “cleaning up” the bus after any field trip). 5. Show common courtesy (keep hands, feet and objects to yourself). No throwing objects out window. No spitting. 6. Loud, vulgar and abusive language or noise is not allowed. 7. Do not litter, write on, or damage the bus (school property) in any way. 8. Keep all harmful objects (drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons, etc.) off the bus. No animals. 9. Parents are allowed to ride the school bus to and from school only with the Principal and Superintendent’s approval. 10.Scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. are not allowed on the bus. SCHOOL SAFETY Each of us at Delavan Junior High and High School has a responsibility for keeping our school safe and secure - faculty/staff, administration, and YOU, our students. If you become aware of any threat or possible danger, it is your obligation to report this information immediately: 1. By telling a faculty or staff member. 2. By contacting a local police officer or calling the Crime Stopper number at 309-347-9000. SEARCHES School officials will periodically search classrooms and lockers. 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. Refusal to cooperate with such searches will be considered gross misconduct. SCHOOL PARKING LOTS: BY ENTERING AND USING THE SCHOOL PARKING AREAS AT ANY TIME, THE STUDENT AND/OR THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE VEHICLE CONSENTS TO THE SEARCH OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BY SCHOOL AUTHORITIES OR POLICE OFFICIALS. SECTION 504 Definition of Qualified Handicapped Individual under Section 504 Section 504 protects handicapped persons from discrimination based on their handicapped status. 1.A person is handicapped within the meaning of Section 504 if he or she: 1. Has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities, 2. Has a record of such impairment, or 3. Is regarded as having such impairment. Major life activities include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. 2. A qualified handicapped person for public school services is a handicapped person: 1. Of an age during which non-handicapped persons are provided such educational 31 services. 2. Of an age by which it is mandatory under law to provide such services to handicapped persons (3-21 years of age). 3. Who qualified as having a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more majority life activities (34 CFR Sec. 104.3(j)(2)(i-ii)). Responsibility for Service It is the responsibility of the district to provide a free appropriate public education to each qualified handicapped individual who is a resident of the district regardless of the nature or severity of the individual’s handicap. SEMESTER EXAMS (High School) Grades will be computed as follows: Each quarter grade will be weighted as 2/5 value - the exam grade will have a value of 1/5. The sum of the three calculations will determine the student’s final grade for the course. Examples: 1st quarter- 70% (X 2/5) 1st quarter- 55% nd 2 quarter-93% (X 2/5) 2nd quarter-95% Sem Exam- 79% (X 1/5) Sem Exam- 95% Final Grade= 81% B- Final Grade= 79% C+ Failure to take the semester exam means that the student receives an incomplete grade until the exam is taken. This implies that the student has unclear records; therefore, he/she cannot receive grades, be certified for graduation, or have his/her transcript sent for college admission or job application. If your make-up finals are not completed by the end of the 1st week upon returning to school, you will be required to serve a Saturday detention and complete all finals during that time. SPECIAL EDUCATION Any child, between the age 3 through the day before 22nd birthday (or graduation), who legally resides in and is enrolled in the school district is eligible for special education services if the child is determined to have a disability that results in an adverse effect on his/her education. These services are mandated by Article 14 of the School Code of Illinois, its implementing regulations and the federal law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Upon request, parents/guardians may receive a copy of the Illinois State Board of Education’s regulations on special education services and their rights. The need for special education and related services must be determined at an IEP Team meeting following a comprehensive case study evaluation. The educational rights of students with disabilities are reviewed with parents before an evaluation is conducted. Parental consent is necessary for evaluation and initial placement. Categories for eligibility include: Autism, Cognitive Disability, Deafness, Deaf Blindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, 32 Speech/Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment. CHILD FIND The school district provides a semi-annual screening of all children between the ages of Birth and 5, annual hearing and vision screening, speech and language screening upon initial enrollment in school, and ongoing annual screening by teachers and other professional personnel for referral of those children who exhibit problems which interfere with their educational progress and/or their adjustment to the educational setting. REFERRAL PROCEDURES Prior to a special education referral, interventions must occur that include collaboration between teachers, parents and other concerned parties to design and implement strategies that address a child’s deficit areas. Use of intervention strategies includes design, implementation, data keeping and review. If a student continues to struggle following the documentation of several interventions strategies, a special education referral may be appropriate. Referrals for evaluation in schools may be made through the building principal by school district personnel, the parents of the child, persons having primary care and custody, or the State Board of Education when there is reason to believe that a child may require special education services. STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Delavan Junior High/High School has adopted high standards of non-discrimination for students. If any student feels that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or handicapping condition, the follow formal grievance procedures may be followed. Any student or parent/guardian may initiate a grievance. LEVEL I A written description of the alleged discrimination shall be presented to the Principal. This description must be presented within one school semester after the alleged incident. The Principal shall investigate the details of the alleged discrimination and respond in writing to the complaint within ten school days. LEVEL II If the complainant is not satisfied with the response from the Principal, a written appeal may be filed with the superintendent within fifteen days after the date of the Principal’s response. After investigating the complaint, the superintendent shall respond in writing to the complainant within fifteen school days from the date of the written appeal. LEVEL III If the complainant is not satisfied with the response from the superintendent, a written appeal may be filed with the District #703 Board of Education. Such an appeal will be placed on the agenda on the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Complainant shall be invited to present oral arguments to the Board in an executive session. 33 LEVEL IV If complainant is not satisfied with the response from the Board of Education, further appeal may be made to the Regional Superintendent’s office, to the State Superintendent’s office or to the judicial system. Every attempt shall be make to resolve any problem at the lowest possible level. School personnel are available to meet in conference with any student or student representatives in a positive effort to resolve problems and eliminate discriminatory practices. STUDENT INTERVIEW BY AGENCY & POLICE The Board of Education of Delavan Community Unit School District No. 703 hereby declares that it shall be the policy of the District to fully cooperate with criminal investigations and interviews of children by law enforcement personnel or DCFS personnel as set forth below: 1. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL: If a law enforcement officer comes to school to interview or contact a child as part of a criminal investigation, the following procedures will be utilized. A. The law enforcement officer shall first report to the building administrator before going to a classroom to meet a child, to inform the building administrator of the purpose of the visit. B. For general matters the building administrator will make reasonable attempts to contact the parent, guardian, or persons responsible for the child’s welfare, prior to permitting the local law enforcement officer to have contact with the child, and notify them that the local law enforcement officer is present at the school to interview the child as part of a criminal investigation. C. If the law enforcement officer is investigating a criminal matter not involving or related to the school then the law enforcement officer will be denied contact with the child unless the parents or persons responsible for the child’s welfare consent to the contact, or the law enforcement officer has an arrest or search warrant or a court order ordering the contact. D. If the law enforcement officer is investigating a criminal matter which occurred at, or is related to the school, then the law enforcement officer will be permitted to contact and interview the child. Any such investigation of a child by a law enforcement officer shall be conducted in such a manner as to minimize the disruption of the educational process of the classroom or the school day, and shall be conducted in the presence of at least one school employee. After such interview, the building administrator will make reasonable attempts to notify the parents or the persons responsible for the child’s welfare of the fact of the interview. 2. REPRESENTATIVES FROM DCFS: Interviews by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) shall be conducted as follows. 34 A. The building administrator will check the agent’s credentials and any papers pertaining to a legal process. B. The DCFS investigator or law enforcement officer shall report to the building administrator before going to a classroom to meet with a child, to inform the building administrator of the purpose of the visit. C. Any investigation of a child by a DCFS investigator or law enforcement officer shall be conducted in such a manner as to minimize the disruption of the educational process of the classroom or the school day. D. The building administrator will attempt to contact the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and inform them that the student is subject to an interview, if appropriate. E. If the DCFS agent does not want a parent(s)/guardian(s) present or notified about the interview, this stipulation must be in writing and signed by the DCFS agent. F. Interviews will be conducted in a private setting. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) are absent, the building administrator may be present during the interview. G. The student may be removed from school by the DCFS agent if case circumstances warrant. A local law enforcement agency officer, designated by DCFS employee, or a physician treating child may take or retain temporary protective custody of the child without the consent of the person responsible for the child’s welfare, if (1) he or she has reason to believe that the child’s circumstances or conditions are such that continuing in his or her place of residence or in the care and custody of the person responsible for the child’s welfare, presents an imminent danger to that child’s life or health; (2) the person responsible for the child’s welfare is unavailable or has been asked and does not consent to the child’s removal from his or her custody; and (3) there is not time to apply for a court order under the Juvenile Court Act for temporary custody of the child. The person taking or retaining a child in temporary protective custody shall immediately make every reasonable effort to notify the person responsible for the child’s welfare and shall immediately notify the Department. H. No District employee may act as a DCFS agent. STUDENT RECORDS In compliance with Illinois School Student Records Act (105 ILCS 10/1, et seq.) and the rules and regulations to govern school student records, the following schedule for retaining and destroying student records will be maintained: PERMANENT RECORDS: Retained for 60 years. Eligible records will be destroyed at the end of each school year. Permanent records include basic identifying information, academic transcript, graduation date, summarized attendance record, and health records. TEMPORARY RECORDS: Retained for five (5) years. These records include student files such as family background information, participation in extra-curricular activities, honors and awards, anecdotal records, detailed attendance records, and disciplinary information. OBTAINING RECORDS: All requests to inspect or obtain student records will be submitted to the office of the principal. Requests will then be forwarded to the appropriate school personnel for processing. 35 SPECIAL EDUCATION: In the case of the disabled student who graduates or permanently withdraws from the district, temporary records which may be of continued assistance to the student may, after five (5) years, be transferred to the parents/guardians or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parents/guardians. The content of the transferred records may relate to the diagnosis and remediation of the student's disability. An explanation of the usefulness of the records may be given to the parents/guardians or student by the district's appropriate student personnel services worker. TRANSCRIPTS A transcript of credits will be sent from the office to an institution, business firm, employer, etc. upon a parent's or student request. The cost will be $2.00. Most agencies require a transcript to be sent directly from the school office: however, if the occasion demands, a transcript will be given directly to the student. Class rank and grades will be included on the transcript. VISITOR PASSES Delavan Junior High and High School invites the parents of students to visit the school at any time. Parents are expected to check in at the High School Office before visiting school. Arrangements must be made prior to the visit due to preplanned events (finals’ review, assemblies, etc.). Student visitors will be limited to prospective students, alumni students and siblings based on advanced notice and approval from principal. All student requests to visit Delavan High must be forwarded to the Principal. Those who do not have an authorized visitor's pass from the Principal will be considered trespassers and referred to the local law enforcement agency. WORK PERMITS Work permits are issued in compliance with the rules set forth by the State Department of Labor. Students between the ages of 14 and 16 must provide the school with a signed statement from the prospective employer describing the nature of the work to be performed. In addition, the student must present a birth or baptismal certificate and evidence of a recent physical examination. These permits are issued through the office. ATTENDANCE PHILOSOPHY Educational research indicates attendance is one of the most important variables leading to good achievement. Additionally, we believe good attendance teaches young people commitment, responsibility, and maturity. Good attendance has obvious carryover into the work force by establishing a correlation between work ethic and productivity. When absent, it is vital that students complete their make-up work. However, classroom instruction, projects, simulations, labs, group work, presentations, technology utilization, etc. cannot be replicated and are all vital elements to the learning experience. Therefore, regular student attendance is vital to each student’s achievement. When a student misses excessive amounts of class, it is reasonable to assume the student’s grade may suffer. 36 These procedures simply reflect the changing nature of educational practice today and clarify the expectations of the classroom teacher when dealing with an excused absence. We ask that parents, having the moral and legal responsibility of their child’s attendance, give this their most serious consideration and carefully weigh the possible consequences of allowing their son or daughter to be absent for any but the most serious of reasons. ABSENCES When a student is absent, a call is required from the parent/guardian on the day of the absence to inform the school of the reason for the absence. If a parent/guardian call is not received by 9:00 a.m. the morning of an absence, the absence may be considered unexcused at the discretion of the principal. Each day of absence must be confirmed. The principal may require a doctor’s note for the absences in order for the absences to be considered excused. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have their children be fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication before having them return to school. Attendance office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Attendance office phones: 244-8285 (24 hour, 7 day answering machine) EXCUSED ABSENCES Each semester, students will be allowed eight (8) days of absences due to medical reasons that may be certified by a parent note or phone call. An excused absence is valid and authorized by parent or guardian and school. Please note that advanced clearance absences count towards the eight (8) days per semester. Advanced clearance absences will not be approved if the absences cause the student to exceed the eight (8) day limit. Please see examples of absences that count toward the student’s (8) day limit per semester: Personal illness and/or physical disablement Religious trips/retreats Situations beyond the control of the student Advanced clearance absences (5 day limit per school year) Administration may use discretion on a case by case basis for trips over the 5 day limit. Please see examples of absences that do not count toward the student’s (8) day limit per semester: College days School-related activities - field trip, job shadow, etc.* Court appearance Disciplinary suspension Attendance at funerals Any additional absences in that semester will require a physician’s excuse—per each event— verifying the need for the student’s absence, or the absence will be classified as “Unexcused.” The district interprets a physician excuse to include, but not limited to, dental, vision, physical therapy and mental health. 37 A waiver may be granted by the administration due to grave illness. Parents must submit a request for a waiver in writing to the administration. The office will send an absence notification letter to the parent before his/her student reaches eight (8) absences. A follow up contact will be made after the 8th absence in an effort to notify parents that unexcused absences will now be issued for future absences for the semester. GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING AMOUNT OF ABSENCES 1. If a student misses less than 300 minutes (approximately through 6th hour) of a regularly scheduled school day, it will be classified as missing a ½ day. 2. If a student misses more than 300 minutes of a regularly scheduled school day, it will be classified as missing a full day. 3. The ½ day absences do not need to be in the same half of the day to be added together and counted as one. Thus, if a student misses periods 1-4 one day and 5-8 another day, he will have accrued two ½ day absences, which will be added together and counted as one full day absence. Example: Student A has the following absences in one semester: 1. periods 1-2: illness-parent call/note (half day absence) 2. periods 1-8: illness-parent call/note (full day absence) 3. periods 5-8: illness-parent call/note (half day absence) 4. strep throat- doctor note 5. period 1: illness-parent call/note (half day absence) 6. periods 6-7: illness- parent call/note (half day absence) 7. periods 1-8: illness- parent call/note (full day absence) 8. period 3: illness- parent call/note (half day absence) In this case, Student A has 4 ½ parent-verified absences, as the half day absences are added together and one absence was verified by a physician. 4. If a student has a physician’s note excusing him/her from school for sickness the note needs to explain that the student’s illness is keeping him/her from attending school. If the note is only to verify a doctor’s appointment, it does not need to explain this. 5. Only after a student’s eighth (8th) parent-verified absence will a student need a physician’s note to excuse further absences. Examples: Student B has the following absences in one semester: 1. family emergency-parent call/note: full day 2. illness-parent call/note: full day 3. illness-parent call/note: half day 4-5 (two days in a row) strep throat- doctor note 6. illness- parent call/note: full day 7. illness- parent call/note: half day 8. illness- parent call/note: half day In this case, the student will not yet need to have a physician’s note for every 38 absence after #8 because he/she has only had 4 ½ parent-verified absences, not 8. Also, the doctor’s note serves to excuse both #4 and #5, as they are from the same incident of absence (strep throat, and the student missed two days in a row). Other examples: Example: Student C has the following absences in one semester: 1. illness-parent call/note: full day 2. In School Suspension 3. In School Suspension 4. strep throat- doctor note: full day 5. field trip 6. illness- parent call/note: half day 7. illness- parent call/note: half day 8. illness- parent call/note: full day In this case, the student will not yet need to have a physician’s note for every absence after #8 because he/she has only had 3 parent-verified absences, not 8. Example: Student D has the following absences in one semester: 1. family emergency-parent call/note: half day 2. illness-parent call/note: full day 3. illness-parent call/note: full day 4. illness-parent call/note: full day 5. family vacation-parent call/note: full day 6. family vacation- parent call/note: full day 7. illness- parent call/note: half day 8. illness- parent call/note: full day 9. illness-parent call/note: full day In this case, the student will need to have a physician’s note to excuse every absence after #9 because he/she has had 8 full days of parent-verified absences. If a student has missed 8 class periods per semester in any subject, the Attendance Committee will determine if the student is eligible to attend any trips (make up work completed, including tests and quizzes). EXCUSED ABSENCES MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS Students are responsible to initiate the following procedures on their own: 1. Students are given two (2) days for the first day absent and one day for each subsequent day to make up work. The maximum allowable amount of days to turn in make-up work is ten (10) school days from the day of the student’s return from an extended absence (regardless of the number of days missed). When this occurs within the last two weeks of the grading period, the make-up work from those two weeks needs to be turned in to the teacher by ten school days after the end of 39 the quarter. This includes the end of the school year as well (ten week days after the last day of school). Any work not turned in within these ten days will receive a zero. *Exceptions or unusual circumstances will be reviewed by the Attendance Committee 2. If a student is missing again on the day that late work is due, then the original late work will be due the very next day the student is in school. The student will be given two school days from that most recent absence to turn in the work assigned on that day. *Exceptions or unusual circumstances will be reviewed by the Attendance Committee. Example: If a student misses Monday, is in school on Tuesday but is absent on Wednesday, (when Monday’s work would be due), he/she will be responsible for turning in Monday’s work the very next time he/she is in school. For Wednesday’s work, he/she will be given two school days from Wednesday. *The Attendance Committee will be made up by the principal, the Special Ed/RtI/Curriculum Coordinator, up to five (5) teachers, and the guidance counselor or social worker. Decisions pertaining to student loss of credit will be made by a majority vote from this committee [up to eight (8) members total]. This committee will be determined at the beginning of each academic year. It is not mandatory for each of these members to be present in order for the committee to arrive upon a decision. 3. Parents may request assignments from the office (244-8285) for students who have been ill and are unable to contact their teachers personally. Requests for homework are accepted in the morning only and may be picked up in the office at 3:30 p.m. on that same day. When requesting homework, please specify all dates of absence. 4. If an assignment and/or test has been assigned prior to a student’s absence, the student will still be responsible for turning in the assignment or taking the test on the assigned day. For example, if on Monday a teacher announces a test for Friday, and a student is absent Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, he/she will still be expected to take the test on Friday if he/she is present. *Unusual circumstances can be determined at the discretion of the teacher. For example, if a teacher feels the student has missed valuable review days, or if the student has missed many days and did not have access to study materials, the teacher may grant an extension. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss this with the teacher. 5. It is up to the student to approach his/her teachers when school is missed to know what was assigned, and it is the student’s responsibility to seek out the teacher and turn in the make up work on time. If the student fails to turn absent work in on the day it is due, the work will be considered late and will be handled by each teacher as per his/her late work policy. 6. Assignments made previous to a student’s absence for a field trip, job shadowing, and/or other 40 school-related activity will be due at the teacher’s discretion. If a student has missed 10 days of school per semester, the Attendance Committee will determine if the student is eligible to attend any trips (make up work completed, including tests and quizzes). Exceptions may be made at the teacher’s discretion for class field trips that he/she considers vital to the curriculum. For example: a science fair research trip to the Milner Library at ISU. Individual students may also be limited from field trips by the administration due to behavior and/or grade concerns. EXCESSIVE ABSENCE POLICY The district reserves the right to investigate any student absence and reject an explanation of an absence which does not amount to valid cause. 1. A doctor’s note will be requested for serious illnesses lasting five or more days to ensure the safety and welfare of all students. Original medical documentation may be sent directly from the doctor’s office electronically. For extended, chronic illnesses- the doctor’s note needs to be updated every six (6) weeks. 2. If a student has missed 8 class periods per semester in any subject, the Attendance Committee will determine if the student is eligible to attend any trips (make up work completed, including tests and quizzes). 3. If a student has missed over 8 class periods in a semester and continues to accrue absences (which will be unexcused without a doctor’s note), it may be possible that the student could lose credit in a class if it is determined that he/she is not making adequate progress. In this case, the student and parents may be requested to attend a meeting with the Attendance Committee to determine if adequate progress is being made by the student in his/her classes. Adequate progress will be determined by the student’s teachers and will involve an analysis of how much work is being completed by the student, how many learning activities and experiences the student has missed that may be vital to the content of the class, if the teacher feels the student is maintaining a grasp over the course content, and if it is in the best interest of the student to remain in the class. The student’s teachers will report this information to the members of the Attendance Committee, who will make the final decision. As long as the student is making adequate progress, he/she will continue to be enrolled in the class and receive existing supports. If he/she is not making adequate progress, it may result in loss of credit for one or more classes. This would be a withdrawal on the student’s transcript and would not count against his/her GPA. The Attendance Committee will decide on a course of action for the student for the remainder of the semester. 41 4. Illinois School Code states the following regarding unexcused absences: 105 ILCS 5/26-2a states: “A chronic or habitual truant is a child subject to compulsory attendance laws who is absent without valid cause from school for 5 percent or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days.” This means that a student with 9 or more unexcused absences in a year would be classified as truant. DENTAL AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS All dental and doctor's appointments must be reported to the office. The office would like a doctor’s note or appointment card in cases of dental or doctor appointments. COLLEGE APPOINTMENTS All college appointments must be cleared with the guidance office prior to the appointment by calling 244-8285 and specifying the college or place of business along with the appointment time. All college appointments are restricted to Juniors and Seniors. Juniors are restricted to one college day and seniors are restricted to two college days. Juniors and Seniors may apply to administration for special consideration of the limited days. Absences for college appointments and job interviews will not be permitted during final exams. Most colleges expect or require prearranged appointments. See your counselor for assistance. Verification of the appointment, signed by the school or company official must be handed in to the attendance office upon the student's return to school to be classified as an excused absence. Failure to present this confirmation may cause this absence to be declared unexcused. JOB SHADOW DAYS Juniors and Seniors may apply for permission to take Job Shadow Days. Permission to job shadow must be obtained from the counselor, and the student must fill out an Advanced Clearance Form at least 24-hours prior to their job shadow day. It is the responsibility of the student to make up school work that is missed while on job shadow days. Students must fill out a job shadow request form and provide contact information for the individual they are shadowing. A student may not job shadow a member of their immediate family. Juniors may apply for one (1) job shadow day, and seniors may apply for two (2) job shadow days. Absences for job shadow days will not be permitted when the student is involved in testing which includes semester exams, ISAT, ACT/PSAE, PLAN, EXPLORE, ASPIRE, or PARCC testing. The administration reserves the right to call and verify student attendance at a job shadow day. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in an unexcused absence. These days are exclusive to the 8-day absence policy. ADVANCED CLEARANCE ABSENCES All other absences must be prearranged, when possible, by filling out the proper form and handing it in to the office as well as a phone call prior to the absence. An advanced clearance form may be obtained in the high school office. It is the student’s responsibility to have the form completed before turning it into the office for final approval by the principal. Students will be 42 allowed up to a total of five (5) days per year in order for the absence to be considered excused. Advanced clearance absences will not be permitted or excused if any or all of the requested days combine to cause the student to exceed the allotted eight (8) days of absences per semester. Administration may use discretion on a case by case basis for trips over the (5) five day limit. Not following the requested procedure may result in the absence being declared unexcused. Teachers have the option to require that students turn in their homework prior to taking advanced clearance absences. Requirements/conditions for homework must be prearranged with the teacher. No advanced clearance absences will be permitted during semester exam, ISAT, PSAE or PSAE practice test dates. Administration may use discretion on a case by case basis for absences during semester exams and ISAT, PSAE or PSAE practice dates. TARDY 1. Late; behind time; not on time: Tardiness can occur for a multitude of reasons. Administration reserves the right to review all situations. Some acceptable examples of an excused tardy (verified by a parent and approved by administration) may include: - Oversleeping due to illness - Oversleeping due to power outage - Car trouble of parent/guardian or student for those who do not drive for pleasure or convenience - Extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the student Tardiness can occur in one of two ways: 1. Being tardy to class 2. Being tardy to school after 1st hour is completed, which counts as an absence For examples of unexcused tardiness, please see reasons listed under unexcused absences. BEING TARDY TO CLASS A student who is tardy to class arrives to that class before the end of the class period. Students who arrive late to 1st hour may be counted as tardy to 1st hour if they arrive before the end of the class period. Students who are tardy to school should report to the office first. CONSEQUENCES OF A TARDY TO A CLASS For any tardy where the student arrives to the class period within the allotted time of that class period they will have the following consequences per semester: 1st- 2nd Tardy= Recorded only- No penalty 3rd Tardy= 1 Hour Saturday Detention and a note sent home 4th Tardy= 2 Hour Saturday Detention 5th Tardy= 4 Hour Saturday Detention 6th Tardy= 1 Day of In-School Suspension 7th Tardy= 1 Day of Out-of-School Suspension 8th Tardy= 2 Days of Out-of-School Suspension 43 BEING TARDY TO SCHOOL If a student arrives after the end of the 1st class period they will be counted absent and not as tardy. Examples: A. Student A arrives to school in the middle of 2nd hour, thus the student is considered absent to 1st period. B. Student B arrives to school near the end of 4th hour, thus the student is considered absent to 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES An unexcused absence is an invalid or unauthorized (by parent or guardian and/or school) absence from school. Listed below are some examples of unexcused absences. Please note that the administration reserves the right to review all absences to determine if they are excused or unexcused. Many of the absences listed below could be deemed excused if a student fills out an advanced clearance form. This must be done prior to the absence, or it may be counted as unexcused. Please refer to p. 41 for more information regarding advanced clearance for absences. Baby-sitting Beauty shop or barber appointments Delavan High School does not promote or recognize a school/senior skip day. Getting driver’s license Leaving class or school grounds without permission Missing a ride or the school bus Non-participants going to athletic contests Oversleeping Senior pictures Shopping Suspension (as authorized by school) Working at home on school projects Working on the job Working as a volunteer DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES Students who miss school for reasons classified as unexcused may have the following disciplinary actions. 1st offense = 2 hours Saturday Detention 2nd offense = 4 hours Saturday Detention 3rd offense = In-School Suspension 4th and any subsequent offenses = In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension 44 MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES A student will receive zeroes for daily work and quizzes missed during an unexcused absence. A student may receive no more than 50% on missed tests during an unexcused absence. Grades for long-term homework projects due during an unexcused absence will be ruled on by administration with the advisement from the teacher(s) involved. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES/CONSEQUENCES PHILOSOPHY We believe that junior high and high school years represent a period of crucial physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development. Our primary focus for the individual is to encourage growth toward self-responsibility and cooperative independence. To assist those individual students to develop an attitude of self-determination within the framework of a cooperative community spirit, some general guidelines in disciplinary procedures are necessary. It must not be forgotten, however, that in matters of discipline the entire surrounding student body and the importance of school function must be considered. No disciplinary action shall be taken against any student that is based totally or in part on the refusal of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. Disciplinary action may be taken against any student guilty of gross misconduct/school misconduct, whenever and wherever a student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to: 1. On school grounds before, during, or after school hours and at any other time when the school is being used by a school group or for a school event; 2. Off school grounds at a school activity, function or event; 3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; and/or 4. Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member or a student, an interference with school purposes or an educational function, or any conduct that may reasonably carry-over into the school setting. IMPLEMENTATION Classroom teachers establish expectations for their own individual educational environments. The teachers use classroom management techniques to deal with individual student behaviors. Students are responsible to teachers from but not limited to 3:10 - 3:30 p.m. for reasons of required make-up work and teacher-held detentions. Teachers may use the discipline referral system to refer a student to the principal for disciplinary action. The Principal will initiate a conference with the student and review the entire situation. The teacher’s referral will be reviewed and the student will have an opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident and to express his/her feelings about the situation orally or in writing. It may be found that disciplinary action, detentions, etc., are necessary. In most cases, unless a 45 parent or guardian requests to do otherwise, the student is given a chance to resolve his own difficulties before the parents are contacted concerning school behavior problems. The administration will make efforts to contact parents if a pattern of referrals appear or behavior is severe. The Principal reserves the right to determine when a student is in need of disciplinary action. The following one or more courses of action may be used as disciplinary consequences: -Warning -Detention (including lunch, before/after school and Saturday) -Saturday morning detention -Student behavioral contract - In-School Suspension for class or for entire school day(s) -Suspension or removal from participating in school activities or functions, including extracurricular activities -Suspension from school -Recommendation for expulsion from school CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Corporal punishment is discouraged. However, faculty and staff may use reasonable force, as needed, to maintain safety for other students and themselves and may remove a student from the classroom for disruptive behavior. DETENTION Students are subject to teacher detentions in classrooms before, after or during school. If students fail to serve a teacher detention, they will be referred to the principal for a principal detention. Students are assigned to detention on the recommendation of faculty/staff members and on direction of the Principal. Detention is typically held on Saturdays as assigned by the principal. Detention is an assignment to come to school on Saturday morning for a specific time and time length between 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (up to four hours). The length of the detention is determined by the severity of the infraction. Students should bring books, appropriate reading materials, and/or assignments for their time spent in detention. Employment, personal plans, family or school activities are not sufficient reasons for the postponement or dropping of a detention. Students who arrive late to detention may not be allowed in and subject to further disciplinary action for missing detention. The student is responsible for his/her own transportation to or from the Saturday morning detention session. Failure to attend the assigned Saturday morning detention will result in further consequences to be determined by the Principal. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS In-school suspension may be used as a disciplinary consequence given the severity of the infraction by the student. This program provides an isolated school setting away from the regular classroom. In-school suspension time may vary. The length of the suspension will be determined by the severity of the infraction and/or the frequency of the infraction. The following 46 rules will apply to students assigned an in-school suspension. 1. Students are to arrive in the high school office before the 1st hour bell. 2. Students are to come prepared with books and materials to work on assignments during their suspension time. 3. Students are not allowed to sleep in the in-school suspension area. 4. Students are not allowed to have snacks or musical devices such as radios or CD players in the in-school suspension area. 5. Students will eat lunch in the in-school suspension area. Students who fail to comply with in-school suspension rules may receive an out of school suspension. The student will then return to school to serve the originally assigned in-school suspension time. All work completed by 3:10 will be accepted but deducted by 10%. Students will not participate in or attend school-sponsored extra-curricular activities the day of the assigned in-school suspension. After school activities that generate a classroom grade will be allowed. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS Out-of-school suspensions may vary from ½ day - 10 days and are considered Unexcused Absences. A student will receive zeros for daily work and quizzes missed during an out-ofschool suspension. A student may receive no more than 50% on missed tests during a suspension. Grades for long-term homework projects due during an out-of-school suspension will be ruled on by the principal with the advisement from the teacher(s) involved. Suspension of a student from school is a serious action on the part of the school. Suspension from school means that a student is not permitted to attend classes or be on school property and cannot participate in activities (curricular and/or extra-curricular) or benefits related to the school in any way or at any time for the duration of the suspension. Purpose: Suspension protects the right of the other students to an education uninterrupted by those who tend or wish to ignore or invade that right. Suspension may reduce tensions momentarily or it may provide more time to investigate possible alternatives. Suspension immediately separates a student from the school community whose very presence might endanger the proper functioning of the school or the safety or well-being of the student or others. Duration: The length of suspension may vary according to the individual situation. EXPULSION If a student has committed a very serious action or has continually had repeated suspensions for behavioral problems, he/she may be recommended to the Board of Education for expulsion from school. Expulsion is most grave since the student can no longer gain the educational benefits 47 available at Delavan Jr. / Sr. High School. The Board of Education will hold a mandatory expulsion hearing for all students recommended for expulsion, typically within 10 days of the occurrence of the offense. Written notification regarding the time of the Board’s closed session meeting will be provided to the student and his/her parent/guardian. DUE PROCESS In all disciplinary proceedings, a student will be afforded due process. Students have the right to be told of the offense they are being accused of and shall be given an opportunity to respond to the charges. In all disciplinary proceedings involving a principal detention, suspension (inschool or out-of-school), or expulsion, students will receive written notification of the offense they are accused of and the punishment for that offense will be listed as well. Written notification may take the form of a detention notice or letter from the principal or superintendent. A student has the right to appeal a disciplinary decision as outlined below. Appeal Process for In-School Suspensions: If a student and/or his/her parent/guardian wishes to appeal an in-school suspension, the student must submit in writing to the district superintendent the reason the student is appealing the disciplinary action and provide facts or evidence he/she has regarding the situation within 48 hours of the issuance of the punishment. The superintendent will review the appeal letter and evidence collected by the administration. A written decision will be provided by the superintendent. The superintendent’s decision in all in-school suspension appeals is final. Appeal Process for Out-of-School Suspensions: If a student and/or his /her parent/guardian wish to appeal an out-of-school suspension, the student must submit in writing to the district superintendent the reason the student is appealing the disciplinary action and provide facts or evidence he/she has regarding the situation within 48 hours of the issuance of the punishment. The superintendent will review the appeal letter and evidence collected by the administration. A written decision will be provided by the superintendent. If a student or parent/guardian is not satisfied with the written decision provided by the superintendent, the student and/or parent/guardian may request a suspension review hearing in front of the board of education pursuant to Section 10-22.6 of the Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-22.6). The student and/or the parent/guardian must make this request in writing to the superintendent within 10 days of the suspension. SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES A special education student who violates student disciplinary rules and regulations shall be disciplined in accordance with the district's regular student disciplinary policies and procedures unless the behavior is attributable to the student's handicapping condition. The District shall proceed as follows: 1. The student is given all procedural protection required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 2. The student's IEP states behavioral conditions under which short-term suspension may be invoked. 48 3. A hearing shall be held to determine whether the student's behavior is attributable to the disability. 4. If the outcome of the hearing determines that the behavior is not the result of the disability, regular student disciplinary policies shall be followed. 5. All procedural safeguards required by I.D.E.A. shall be observed. 6. Educational services shall continue through regular or alternative programs. EXAMPLES OF DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES GROSS MISCONDUCT/SCHOOL MISCONDUCT DEFINITION: acts of disobedience, disrespect, or miscellaneous serious misconduct or endangerment of others. The terms gross misconduct and school misconduct are interchangeable. Some examples of gross misconduct/school misconduct are but not limited to the following: Arson Assault & Battery Bullying Cheating Computer “hacking” Disrupting the classroom and/or school functions Disrespect Failure to serve Saturday morning detention Fighting Gang activities Gross insubordination Hazing Improper or inappropriate use of electronic devices, cameras, or cell phones Internet Threat Lying, deceit Possession of any electronic device (including but not limited to laser pointers, pagers, etc.) Refusal to comply with requests or directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers or school personnel (includes personal searches) Setting off/possession of any type of explosives or incendiaries Sexting Sexual harassment Smoking Theft Threats Threat, intimidation, personal and/or property damage toward any school employee on or off school grounds Unauthorized presence on school property Unexcused absence from school 49 Use or Possession of Dangerous Substances Vandalism Verbal or written disrespect or obscene gestures toward any school employee on or off school grounds Violation of district’s internet/computer policy Vulgar Language Weapons CONSEQUENCES FOR GROSS MISCONDUCT/SCHOOL MISCONDUCT In the case of gross misconduct/school misconduct, the Principal will assign one (1) or more of the following disciplinary action or alternatives: Removal of student from class Placement of student on probation Detention Removal or suspension from extra-curricular activities and/or school activities or functions In-school-suspension Out-of-school suspension Notification of action to police department Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES The Principal reserves the right to determine when a student is in need of disciplinary action for other types of improper conduct. Because of extenuating circumstances and/or in the judgment of the Principal, consequences may be altered or changed to fit the situation. PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARRASSMENT 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 student equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important school goals. Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military services, sex, and sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protections 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 characteristics 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. 50 3. Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar 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. Bullying includes cyber-bullying (bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication) 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. 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, wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above. Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the district complaint manager or any staff member with who the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the district complaint manager or any staff member. Anonymous reports are also accepted by phone call or in writing. Complaint Manager Matt Gordon 907 Locust Street, Delavan, IL 61734 309-244-8285 & gordonm@delavanschools.com A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. A student’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the school’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false 51 accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Each student has the right to be free from sexual harassment and the harm resulting from such antisocial acts of conduct while the student is attending school or engaged in school activities. Furthermore, we will neither condone nor tolerate sexual harassment of any student of the district according to school board policy. For the purposes of this policy, the term sexual harassment is defined as follows: Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of sex, by a student, or employee or agent of the District that denies, limits, differentiates, or conditions the provision of aid, benefits, services, or treatment in violation of the protection under Title IX. The School Board interprets the definition of sexual harassment to include (but shall not be limited to) the following behavior: Unwanted sexual behavior, such as touching; verbal comments; sexual name calling, spreading sexual rumors; gestures, jokes, pictures; leers, overly personal conversation; cornering or blocking student’s movement; pulling at clothes Purposefully limiting or denying a student’s access to educational materials, tools, or programs on the basis of gender. A student in a predominately single-sex class or extracurricular activity subjected to sexual remarks by teachers, coaches, or other District employees, who regard the comments as “joking” and part of the normal atmosphere of the class or activity environment; representative examples are: Impeding a female student’s progress in classes, such as industrial tech, by questioning her ability to handle the work; hiding materials or tools; or suggesting she is somehow “abnormal” for enrolling in such a class; Teasing a male student about his enrollment in a class such as home economics; Purposefully limiting extracurricular activity participation on the basis of gender. Allegations by one student against another shall be handled by the School Administration. The School Administration shall proceed with the investigation immediately, adhering to the District’s procedures and notifying the Superintendent. Complaints and investigations will be handled with appropriate confidentiality. Title IX concerns shall be submitted to the School Administration. Students are encouraged to immediately report sexual harassment. A report may be made orally or in writing to the district complaint manager or any staff member with who the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened sexual harassment is encouraged to report it to the district complaint manager or any staff member. Anonymous reports are also accepted by phone call or in writing. 52 Complaint Manager Matt Gordon 907 Locust Street, Delavan, IL 61734 309-244-8285 & gordonm@delavanschools.com A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of sexual harassment is prohibited. A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the school’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions. SOCIAL MEDIA/ACCOUNT INFORMATION: As a public school in Illinois, we are required by law to notify all students, parents, and guardians about our rights to access a student’s personal password or account information. In cases where reasonable cause exists to believe a student's account on a social networking website contains evidence that the student has violated a school disciplinary rule or policy, our school administrators have the right to request or require a student to provide a password or other related account information in order to gain access to the student's account or profile on a social networking website. If this occurs, parents will be notified of the situation. DEFINITION OF TERMS: ASSAULT: An apparent attempt or a willful offer with force or violence to do hurt to another without the actual doing of the hurt threatened, e.g., lifting the fist in a threatening manner. Sexual harassment is included in this definition. A student who uses violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, language, or any other conduct that intentionally causes a disruption or obstruction of any lawful mission, process, or function of the school shall be considered guilty of assault. BATTERY: Intentionally or knowingly without legal justification and by any means, (1) causes bodily harm to an individual or (2) makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with an individual. A student who intentionally causes or attempts to cause physical injury to a school employee or student shall be considered guilty of battery. The juvenile officer may be notified and a complaint may be filed. The student who is clearly the physical or verbal aggressor will be held responsible for fighting. The non-aggressor or non-provoker who engages in a fight may receive a lesser penalty. When 53 the aggressor cannot be determined, each participant will be held responsible for fighting. Neither self-defense nor action undertaken on the reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other person is to be considered an intentional act under this rule. CHEATING: A student guilty of cheating (including but not limited to plagiarism, turning in work other than one’s own, copying, etc.) on tests, exams, and/or any assigned work will be subject to disciplinary action by the classroom teacher and be referred to the Principal for further disciplinary action. The classroom teacher must write a referral for the incident of cheating, and the student will receive a zero “0’ for the assignment. A student referred to the Principal twice in the same semester for cheating in the same class will receive a failing grade for their final grade in that course that semester. HAZING: Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing 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 organization, club, or athletic team whose members are or include other students. INTERNET THREAT: 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 at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who work 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 his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school. SEXTING: Sending, receiving or possessing sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate pictures or images, commonly known as “sexting.” WEAPONS: A student who knowingly possesses, handles, uses, or transmits any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon, shall be considered gross misconduct. The possession, handling, use, or transmission of any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon shall be disciplined as stated below. All such incidents shall be reported to the local law enforcement agency. Some cases may warrant expulsion. Examples of weapons include, but are not limited to: ammunition of any kind chemical sprays/irritants guns (B.B. included) 54 knives (pocket included) "look-alikes" of guns and knives toy weapons DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES (Including Drugs & Alcohol): A student who knowingly possesses, uses, transmits any drug-related paraphernalia or knowingly possesses (to any extent or degree), uses, transmits, or is under the influence (to any extent) of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, or any substance that is considered an illegal drug, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant shall be disciplined as stated below. Use or possession of a drug authorized to the individual by a medical prescription from a registered physician shall not be considered a violation and is the only exception to this rule unless student is transmitting or using said prescribed drug inappropriately. Use or possession of all other drugs is prohibited at school. In the case of dangerous substances, the Principal will assign one or more of the following disciplinary actions or alternatives: Assignment of suspension Assignment to school offered individual/group counseling as deemed necessary Removal from all extra-curricular activities and school activities Placement of student on probation Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion. The recommendation will occur for: i. Possession and or use of any amount of an illegal substance ii. Selling any amount of an illegal substance IN ADDITION: The possession, selling and/or use of all dangerous substances (drugs and alcohol) will be referred to the local and state police as required by law. SMOKING: Smoking materials (including but not limited to lighters/matches, e-cigarettes, and/or tobacco products) are not allowed on school property any time. Consequences for smoking, possession of smoking materials, and/or use of any tobacco products are as follows: Smoking/Possession of Smoking Materials Outside Building Violation: Occasion 1. Saturday morning detention Occasion 2. One (1) day in-school suspension Occasion 3. Five (5) day out-of-school suspension Occasion 4. Ten (10) day out-of-school suspension Occasion 5. Ten (10) day out-of-school suspension and possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion 55 Smoking/Possession of Smoking Materials Inside Building Violation: Occasion 1. One (1) day in-school suspension Occasion 2. Two (2) out-of-school suspension Occasion 3. Five (5) day out-of-school suspension Occasion 4. Ten (10) day out-of-school suspension and possible recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion VANDALISM AND THEFT: A student who intentionally causes or attempts to cause damage to private or school property shall be guilty of vandalism. A student who intentionally steals or attempts to steal private or school property shall be guilty of theft. A student who is in possession of stolen property shall be guilty of theft. Willful or deliberate damage to student, teacher, or school property is a most serious act. All damages associated with the act shall be assumed by the student. In the case of vandalism and/or theft, the Principal will assign one or more of the following disciplinary action alternatives: Disciplinary action to be determined by administrator Financial reimbursement for the amount of damages Notification of action to police department Permanent removal from the class involved Placement of student on probation Recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion Replacement of the original item(s) VEHICLE PARKING Parking in the school lot is assigned based on seniority. Students will complete a parking provisions form at the beginning of the school year which describes the standards they will be held to, and then seniors, juniors, and sophomores will be assigned spots. Parking spots are issued to individual students - not vehicles; and cannot be shared with family members. All cars must be parked within designated parking lanes only and out of the entrance and exit areas. Students must enter the school building upon arrival. No loitering in the parking lot will be allowed. Motorcycles and bicycles must be properly parked. Vehicles parked on school property are subject to be searched by school and/or legal authorities. Students parking in NO PARKING areas or not in proper areas are subject to the following discipline measures: First Offense: Warning Second Offense: The parking privileges will be revoked for a length of time determined by the administrator. Use of School Parking Lots: By entering and using the school parking areas at any time, the student and/or person in charge of the vehicle consents to the search of the entire vehicle by school authorities or police officials. 56 CARNIVAL INFORMATION (High School) Student Responsibilities The purpose of the DHS Carnival is to generate sufficient revenue to support the activities of the classes and clubs. DHS students must actively support the Carnival each school year. Support must be in the form of ticket sales, working at the Carnival, and providing a small monetary donation to help offset food costs. Failure to cooperate in the activity means that a student will not be allowed to attend or participate in the Carnival sponsored events. (See below) We require each student during each year of high school at DHS to actively participate in Carnival as follows: 1. Sell one book of raffle tickets or donate $25.00 (value of the book). All unsold tickets must be returned by October 15 of each school year. Students will be charged for any unsold tickets that are not returned. 2. Complete a Carnival work assignment – If this assignment is not completed, a fee of $10.00 will be assessed. 3. Provide a small monetary donation in the amount of $5.00 to offset food costs 4. Fifth year students are not required to fulfill a Carnival obligation. If they choose not to participate, they may not attend any Carnival sponsored events. Students who choose not to participate in Carnival (fail to sell tickets, complete a work assignment, provide a food fee, etc.) will not be eligible to attend Carnival-sponsored events except by making payments for all in arrears responsibilities by the deadline of December 1. After the December 1 deadline, any student who did not participate in Carnival but wishes to attend Carnival-sponsored events, must pay all back fees plus a $10.00 penalty for each year in arrears. All payments, fees, and assessments must be paid to the office. Carnival fees owed in arrears may not be paid prior to the Monday following Carnival of the current school year CARNIVAL SPONSORED EVENTS Carnival sponsored events are: the Carnival dance, Homecoming dance, Prom and Senior Trip. A student may not attend these events if he/she has not met all Carnival obligations. Candidates for king and queen of each event must have fulfilled all Carnival obligations prior to the class meeting in which nominations are made. The class sponsors will generate a list of eligible candidates. Delavan High School students may be King/Queen at one major event during the course of their school years. Fifth year seniors are not eligible for King/Queen at any Carnival events. In regard to Prom, the junior class sponsors shall prepare a list of eligible Prom King/Queen candidates before the junior class makes nominations. To be eligible to be a candidate, the student must be a member of the senior class and must have fulfilled all Carnival obligations before the class meeting in which nominations are made. In regard to Homecoming, the senior class sponsors will communicate with the high school teachers to identify what students have been actively involved in clubs, activities and athletics. Using this feedback, the senior class advisors will generate the list of eligible candidates for 57 Homecoming court. The senior class will vote on the list of eligible candidates to determine the Homecoming court. DISTRIBUTION OF CARNIVAL FUNDS Proceeds of the Carnival will be divided into 3 accounts: (1) Class Account receiving 2/5; (2) Club Account receiving 2/5; and (3) House of Representatives receiving 1/5. The Class Account will be divided among the 4 classes with the following distribution ratio: (Sr.-1/2); (Jr. – ¼); (Soph. – 1/8); (Fr. – 1/8). The Club Account will be divided equally among the clubs participating. In order to be classified as a club which is eligible for House membership and to receive Carnival funds, an organization must: 1. Be board-approved 2. Will have an activity account 3. Will have been in existence for at least one year 4. Will have a faculty advisor/sponsor approved by the Principal 5. Participate in at least one community service project each year 6. Submit the following to the Carnival committee by Sept. 15 of each school year: a. a Charter statement stating the club’s purpose (or have a current Charter statement on file). b. a typed Constitution approved by the principal (or have a current Constitution on file - Clubs should review their Constitutions periodically to make sure they are up-to-date.) c. a copy of activities that were completed during the previous school year d. a program of planned activities for the current school year e. a slate of officers for the current year The House of Representatives consists of a Chairman (Student Council Vice-President who is a non-voting member), a Secretary (elected from the membership), a Treasurer (elected from the membership) and voting members (the presidents of every class and each chartered club. The House of Representatives Reserve Account will be kept in reserve for clubs to use. These monies may be distributed as grants if a club meets the following conditions: (A) have a definitely stated purpose for the money; (B) ask for a definite amount of money. Clubs should attempt a school-time fund raising activity before a request if filed. A grant will be awarded if the House approves the request by a simple majority vote of the members present. The Delavo is eligible for up 25% of the money remaining in the House of Representatives account at the end of each school year. This is deemed necessary in order to keep the cost of yearbooks down. The Delavo may apply for further grant money from the House of Representatives if needed. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Club and organizations are designed to meet the needs and interests of the students but should 58 not interfere with the academic pursuits of the student. In order to attend of participate in a club activity; the member must adhere to the academic policy outlined in the Athletic/Co-Curricular Policy. A member of an organization may hold an office, but the president is required to have a 2.0 G.P.A. during the previous semester to be nominated or elected. The president of an organization or class must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. to remain in office. Class officers will be elected in class meetings from a slate of officers placed on the ballot by the petition process. Nominations from the floor may be made only for offices for which there is not a candidate slated. Class officers and student council officers must be enrolled full-time at Delavan Jr. High/ High School. Clubs and classes will meet during the school day on days and during periods designated for this purpose. This meeting will be held with the consent of the advisor(s) and at least one advisor must be present during the meeting. Classes shall not arrange for any fund raising activities other than the Carnival. Clubs that want additional fund raising must discuss the activity with the sponsors and high school principal in a conference to determine the feasibility of such an activity and if additional funding is necessary for the activity. Any money remaining in the account of a club which has received Carnival funds but which has been defunct for a period of two years will be transferred to the general Carnival fund for distribution among active clubs SENIOR CLASS TRIP The senior class may plan a class trip and details of the trip must be submitted to the Board of Education by March 15. A maximum of 2 school days (2 nights) may be allowed. The total number of days allowed may be 4. The senior class is responsible for paying the substitute teacher pay for each of the senior class sponsors on school days of the senior trip. The senior class trip must be chaperoned by at least two faculty members and at least one set of parents. Students eligible for the senior trip must: 1. Pay a down payment (approximately $25) to confirm a reservation by date assigned by class sponsor. 2. Have all school records cleared 3 days prior to the trip departure (this means detentions, fees, debts, fines, etc.) 3. Have not had any unexcused absences on more than 1 calendar day during their senior year. 4. Not have been suspended out of school their senior year. 5. The administration reserves the right to rule a student ineligible for the senior trip due to a violation of the Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct. 6. Have participated in the annual Carnival or made necessary payments of fines for not working and paid these during the school year in which the fine was assessed. 7. Be classified as a full-time student. 8. Only seniors eligible to receive their diploma in the spring graduation ceremony can go on the senior trip. ATHLETIC/ CO-CURRICULAR POLICIES AND GUIDELINES: CODE OF CONDUCT 59 Participation in junior high and high school athletics and co-curricular events/clubs (jointly referred to as “extra-curricular activities”) is a privilege, not a right. Students who choose to be part of an athletic team, club, or activity are held to a higher standard than other members of the student body. Students are to conduct themselves as role models for other students at all times and be mindful that their behavior is a reflection not on just themselves, but the school district as well. A student must adhere to the Student-Parent Handbook rules and the provisions of this ExtraCurricular Code of Conduct as outlined herein as a condition of being permitted to participate in Extra-Curricular Activities. ATHLETIC/CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY 1. Definitions: a. Co-Curricular: clubs, groups, or organizations outside of athletics which are associated with the school in which students participate and are members (Ex.FFA, Science Club, FCCLA, etc.). b. Contest: is a regular scheduled game/meet/activity for which the student is eligible to participate. Being eligible means for the team (F/S, Junior Varsity, Varsity, etc.) for which the student is primarily performing at the time of the infraction, but would include participation during the same time period for any other teams. c. Penalty: Applied in a situation where a student violates the training rules and/or commits any infraction located in the policy. d. School Personnel: all persons either certified or non-certified employed by the Delavan School District #703 or volunteers for school related or extracurricular activities or duties. e. Unacceptable behavior: includes such things (but not limited to) as swearing at an official, sports fan, or school personnel; promoting a fight during a contest (from the time an athlete arrives for a home contest or to leave for an away conference until they leave the school for home) or practice session, or leaving the scene of practice or contest without permission or good cause. f. Year-round eligibility: students in the Delavan schools shall be under the same rules and penalties year round. The year is considered the first day following the close of the current school year through the following school year. 2. Training Rules a. The school administration, coaching staff, and activity sponsors will not tolerate behavioral problems which involve a student who commits an infraction as defined in this policy, demonstrates unacceptable behavior as defined by this policy, or demonstrates flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct at any athletic or cocurricular contest or event during the school year. b. All behavioral problems of students requiring suspension or other disciplinary action will be reported to the Principal by the school personnel or coach of the sport involved. 60 c. Coaches and sponsors will develop policies with additional rules appropriate for their sport/activity. 3. Any student who has been cut or quits a squad before interscholastic competition begins may try out for another sport during the same season. However, a student removed from a squad or club for disciplinary reasons may not participate on another athletic squad or club during the same season. 4. Infractions committed by students that are members of cooperative teams will be dealt with according to the policy of the host school for the team. 5. Infractions—Any one or more of the following shall be in a violation of this policy: a. Possession or use of any tobacco product; or, b. Possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage; or c. Possession or use of cannabis or drug paraphernalia; or d. Knowing possession of a controlled substance or counterfeit substance, as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/100 et seq.), the possession being unauthorized under said Act; or e. Remaining in the presence of another person knowing that such person is committing acts which constitute a violation of one or more of the following Illinois laws: (i) Illegal possession or consumption of alcoholic liquor by a person under 21 years of age (235 ILCS 5/6-20; or, (ii) Knowing possession of a controlled substance or counterfeit substance, as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/100 et seq.), the possession being unauthorized under said Act; or, (iii)Knowing possession of cannabis (720 ILCS 550/4) 1st Infraction Tobacco a. Athletic For possession or use of any tobacco product the student shall be suspended for the next 3 contests his or her team will participate in. Each game of a double header or tournament will count as one contest towards the suspension. The suspension will only count if the student remains on the team and finishes the season in good standing. Co-Curricular For possession or use of any tobacco product the student will be suspended from all school activities for a two-week period beginning the day after the principal has met with the student. b. In an effort to promote support for struggling students, evidence of counseling outside the school district (services approved by Delavan school district) for treatment may result in a reduction of the penalty. Any cost of counseling will be the responsibility of the student involved in the counseling. Drug/Alcohol 61 a. Athletic The student will be suspended for 1/3 (rounded to nearest whole number) of the season. Only those contests played and not cancelled shall count toward the suspension. Each game of a double header or tournament will count as one contest towards the suspension. The suspension will only count if the student remains on the team and finishes the season in good standing. Co-Curricular For Possession or use of cannabis, any alcoholic beverage, non-prescribed substance, or drug paraphernalia the student will be suspended from all school activities for one month beginning the day after the principal has met with the student. b. In an effort to promote support for struggling students, evidence of counseling outside the school district (services approved by Delavan Schools) for drug/alcohol treatment may result in a reduction of the penalty. Any cost of counseling will be the responsibility of the student involved in the counseling. 2nd Infraction Tobacco a. Athletic For possession or use of any tobacco product the student will be suspended for ½ (rounded to nearest whole number) of the season. Only those contests played and not cancelled shall count toward the suspension. Each game of a double header or tournament will count as one contest towards the suspension. The suspension will only count if the student remains on the team and finishes the season in good standing. Co-Curricular For possession or use of any tobacco product the student will be suspended for one month from all school activities beginning the day after the principal has met with the student. Drug/Alcohol a. The student will be dropped from all athletics/co-curricular activities for one full calendar year from the date of the 2nd infraction. 3rd Infraction Tobacco a. For possession or use of any tobacco product the student will be dropped from all athletics/co-curricular activities for one full calendar year from the date of the 3rd infraction. Drug/Alcohol b. The student will be dropped from all athletics/co-curricular activities for the remainder of the student’s high school eligibility from the date of the 3rd 62 infraction. The school administration and coach retain the discretion to impose a more severe penalty for any infraction when the seriousness of the conduct warrants a more severe penalty. This would include, but in no way is limited to, committing gross misconduct other inappropriate conduct as defined under general student Discipline Policy, committing a serious forcible felony, committing a criminal act against school personnel or student or coach, and/or refusing to cooperate in an investigation under this policy. The penalty may be increased up to and including the removal of the student from all extracurricular activities for the remainder of the student’s eligibility. DUE PROCESS The Athletic Director (AD) or Principal shall impose discipline and sanctions under this Athletic/Co-Curricular Code of Conduct. The following is the due process procedures for athletic and co-curricular violations: 1. Conference with coach (or sponsor), witnesses, school personnel, law enforcement official, or other appropriate witnesses 2. Conference with the accused student i. Informs student of allegations ii. Allows student to respond to allegations iii. Parents and coaches (or sponsors) may be included iv. Student and parents will be informed about the discipline imposed at the conference or in writing v. A student may request that the Superintendent review any discipline or sanctions imposed under this Code of Conduct. This request must be submitted to the Superintendent in writing within 10 days of the issuance of the discipline or sanctions The Superintendent shall review all facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and the discipline or sanctions imposed, which may include holding an informal hearing with the student and his/her parents (notice of such hearing will be provided to the student and his/her parents prior to the hearing). The Superintendent will notify the student and parent/guardian of his/her decision in writing. The Superintendent’s decision in all matters involving athletics and co-curricular activities is final. PERSONAL APPEARANCE 1. It is the desire of the Board of Education that athletes present a favorable appearance which will be complimentary to the school and to the community. 2. Coaches may request that athletes wear specific apparel when traveling to athletic contests. ATHLETIC AWARDS 63 DELAVAN HIGH SCHOOL a. Freshmen/Sophomores or junior varsity performers will receive a certificate for each year of participation at these levels of competitions. b. A major letter (varsity) will be awarded to varsity athletes or varsity managers who letter for the first season. c. Inserts will be awarded for all sports after the varsity letter has been awarded. d. Coaches may also present specific individual awards (5), and retain the discretion to modify. e. Any athletic code violation committed during a sport season will result in no awards being granted to the student for that season. The beginning and the end of the season will be the dates established by IHSA bylaw for each sport. f. Cheerleaders will be awarded a plaque (12) for each year completed. g. Qualifications for earning varsity awards will be determined by the head coach of each varsity sport in consultation with the Athletic Director. These qualifications will be written and distributed to each athlete at the organizational meeting with parents to be held prior to the official start of each sport’s season. h. The Athletic Director reserves the right in extreme circumstances to award or deny an award to any athlete. DELAVAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL a. Completion of the 1st season will result in the student being awarded a “D” letter. b. Inserts will be awarded for each sport completed after the “D” letter has been awarded. WEEKLY ELGIBILITY Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege and not a right. Thus, all participants in extra-curricular activities must be successful in the classroom. Evaluation of Students: Evaluation of students participating in extra-curricular activities will be done on a weekly basis. This procedure meets the IHSA/IESA mandate of weekly checks. If a student is not eligible to participate in athletics, then he or she will not be able to leave early during the school day for an event. DELAVAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Delavan Junior High athletes and co-curricular participants will be held to the “No-Pass, No Play” policy for eligibility. If a student is failing any of their classes at the weekly grade check, he/she will not be allowed to participate in events or contests. The Junior High School will follow the eligibility check guidelines for the high school listed below in #2. DELAVAN HIGH SCHOOL 1. Scholastic Standing. 64 A. Students Passing All Classes: Students passing all classes at the weekly grade checks will be assumed eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities, unless deemed ineligible based on final failing quarter grades. B. Students Receiving One Failing Grade: Students that are failing any one class at the weekly grade check will be deemed ineligible. Those students will remain ineligible until the next grade check. The exception to this rule includes: i. Academic Probation Provision: The first time a student is determined to be failing any one class at the weekly grade check, that student will deemed eligible under an academic probation provision for one week or until the next weekly grade check. During the academic probation period, the student will still be allowed to practice and participate in extra-curricular activities, including participation in events or contests. At the end of the academic probationary period, the student must be passing all classes. Any student who is failing any classes at the end of the academic probationary period is deemed ineligible. A student can receive the academic probation provision only once during each nine week quarter. C. Students With Multiple Failing Grades: Students that are failing more than one class at the weekly grade check will be deemed ineligible. Those students will remain ineligible until the next weekly grade check. Students failing more than one class cannot be placed on academic probation. D. Students Receiving a Failing Quarter Grade: Any student who receives a failing quarter grade for any class at the end of the nine weeks will be considered ineligible the first two weeks of the following quarter. This includes any student who was passing all classes at the final weekly grade check of the quarter, who then finished the quarter with a failing grade for any class. A student with all passing quarter grades does not eliminate any ineligibility or academic probation that was determined via the last weekly eligibility check. 2. Eligibility Checks. a. Teachers will check the eligibility status of all students in the classes and post grades accordingly on our student software program. The Principal/Athletic Director will check all grades of our students on the day deemed the last day of the school week. Typically, this check on the last day of the school week is completed at 9:00a.m. b. The Principal/Athletic Director will review the forms completed by the teachers, and generate an eligibility list for co-curricular students. The list will state the eligibility of students for the following Monday through Saturday. 65 c. Participation when ineligible: Students may practice unless otherwise determined by administration, but students may not compete in games or contests for the entire week or duration of the ineligibility. d. Students must be present by 11:30 a.m. to participate in that evening’s contest. e. Students who are unexcused on Friday will not be eligible for Saturday contests. ROSTER LIMITATION All coaches must review cuts through Athletic Director before any decisions are made known to players or teams. PROCEDURES FOR RECONCILING DISAGREEMENTS WITH COACHES The following steps are intended to better facilitate communication between parents and athletes with coaches (or activity sponsors) if and when a disagreement or concern might arise. 1. Contact the coach or coaches (or activity sponsors) involved and set up a time for a conference. It is hoped that this conference will be a face to face conference although circumstances may dictate that a phone conference is necessary. The Athletic Director, upon the request of the coach (or activity sponsor), or if deemed necessary by the AD, will attend this conference. 2. If step one does not result in the satisfactory resolution of the concern, then the AD will meet separately with all parties in hopes of reaching a satisfactory resolution. This may require multiple meetings over a period of time and/or follow-up meetings to insure that the agreed to resolution is working. These additional or follow-up meetings may be with all parties or with each party separately. 3. Should steps one and two fail in a satisfactory resolution, then the Principal/and or Superintendent may be contacted in order to set up a conference to discuss the concern. The AD and coach/coaches (or activity sponsors) may or may not be involved in this conference. PROCEDURES FOR USE OF CO-OP BUS (EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES) A shuttle or Co-op bus will be available to transport students to practices on a daily basis. Students who participate in extra-curricular co-op programs with Hartsburg-Emden High School or Midwest Central High School will ride the shuttle to practice and back to Delavan after practice. Students of legal driving age who are licensed drivers may provide this signed parental consent form allowing them to drive to and from practices and contests. Students who are granted this permission are only permitted to drive themselves and their siblings to and from the site of the extra-curricular practice or contest – NO EXCEPTIONS. All students will be dismissed at the scheduled shuttle/co-op bus time regardless of whether the student is driving or riding the shuttle/co-op bus. The only exception to this rule regarding dismissal time is if a student has a waiver to exempt out of Physical Education 8th hour, who may then leave after 7th hour. 66 The Co-op bus will transport students to Hartsburg-Emden HS or Midwest Central HS to connect with the team buses that transport students to extra-curricular contests. Parents will have to arrange for transportation either from the site of the contests or from Hartsburg-Emden HS or Midwest Central HS after the contests. NO return transportation will be provided by the Coop bus back to Delavan after contests. As noted above, students may transport only themselves and their sibling to the bus departure site for contests with this signed parental consent form. Students and parents will need to follow the prescribed procedures for taking their students home from contests. Check with the coach of the sport for these proper procedures. Students may sign out after a contest or practice with a parent or guardian or other adult approved by the parent. Students will not be allowed to ride home from contests or practices with other students or nonadults. Permission by a parent or guardian which allows a student to ride home from a contest with another adult must be given in writing to the school and approved by the school in advance of the date on which the student is to ride home with the adult. Students are allowed to ride home with siblings as long as the proper sign out procedure is followed and the parent or guardian has given prior written permission to the school and the school has given approval. 67