Maine Township High School District 207

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MAINE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 207 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

Welcome to Maine Township High School District 207. The school system is acknowledged to be among the nation’s most innovative school districts and Maine Township High School District 207’s three comprehensive high schools are at the forefront of three important advancements in public education. District 207 is a pioneer in cloud-based 1:1 computing, becoming Google’s first K-12 partner; the district is perhaps the only in America in which every teacher has an annual instructional coaching plan in addition to one of the nation’s best adult learning programs; and students and families benefit from the district’s reimagined student career advisement program where authentic experiences and analytics provide “Return On Investment” perspectives for students and parents that has become a model for other schools across the country.

Additional information about the school district is available on the district’s website at www.maine207.org.

This student handbook contains important information for students and parents and should be read by all parents and students. In addition to the information contained in this handbook, there are board policies covering items like student behavior, discipline, suspension and expulsion. That information is available on the Maine Township High School District 207 website at www.maine207.org/board/policies/.

Each school has specific school rules related to items such as parking that are contained on the individual school websites.

The handbook may be modified or changed at any time.

We look forward to partnering with families to achieve our mission to improve learning for everyone. All parents as part of registration and all students during the school year acknowledge receipt of the handbook and indicate having read the handbook.

1.00 School Operations During a Pandemic or Other Health Emergency

This handbook procedure is meant to apply generally to any pandemic or other health emergency and should be supplemented with other relevant and timely information.

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect individuals and, because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads sustainably. Your child’s school and district play an essential role, along with the local health department and emergency management agencies, in protecting the public’s health and safety during a pandemic or other health emergency.

During a pandemic or other health emergency, you will be notified in a timely manner of all changes to the school environment and schedule that impact your child. Please be assured that even if school is not physically in session, it is the goal of the school and district to provide your child with the best educational opportunities possible.

Additionally, please note the following:

All decisions regarding changes to the school environment and schedule, including a possible interruption of in-person learning, will be made by the superintendent in consultation with and, if necessary, at the direction of the Governor, Illinois Department of Public Health, local health department, emergency management agencies, and/or Regional Office of Education.
Available learning opportunities may include remote and/or blended learning. Blended learning may require your child to attend school on a modified schedule.
Students will be expected to participate in blended and remote instruction as required by the school and district. Parents are responsible for assuring the participation of their child. Students who do not participate in blended or remote learning will be considered truant.
All school disciplinary rules remain in effect during the interruption of in-person learning. Students are subject to discipline for disrupting the remote learning environment to the same extent that discipline would be imposed for disruption of the traditional classroom.
Students and parents will be required to observe all public health and safety measures implemented by the school and district in conjunction with state and local requirements.
During a pandemic or other health emergency, the school and district will ensure that educational opportunities are available to all students.
School personnel will work closely with students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations to minimize the impact of any educational disruption.
Students who have a compromised immune system, live with an individual with a compromised immune system, or have a medical condition that may impact their ability to attend school during a pandemic or other public health emergency should contact school officials.
During a pandemic or other health emergency, teachers and school staff will receive additional training on health and safety measures.
In accordance with school district or state mandates, the school may need to conduct a daily health assessment of your child. Parents and students will be notified of the exact assessment procedures if this becomes necessary.
Parents should not send their child to school if their child is sick, exhibits any symptoms consistent with the pandemic or other health emergency.
Please do not hesitate to contact school or district officials if you have any concerns regarding your child’s education, health or safety.

1.30 General School Information

This handbook is a summary of the school’s rules and expectations, and is not a comprehensive statement of school procedures. The Board’s comprehensive policy manual is available for public inspection through the District’s website at https://maine207.org/board/policies/ or at the Board office, located at: 1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

The School Board governs the school district, and is elected by the community. A list of current school board members is available at:

https://maine207.org/board/meet-the-board/

The School Board has hired the following administrative staff to operate the school:

https://maine207.org/district-profile/leadership-team/

The schools are located and may be contacted at:

Maine East High School, 2601 W. Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-825-4484

Maine South High School, 111 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-825-7711

Maine West High School, 1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | 847-296-4916

Frost Academy, 1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-292-6521

1.40 Visitors

All visitors, including parents and siblings, are required to enter through the main entrance of the building, check in with security, show identification and provide their reason for being at school. Approved visitors must take a tag identifying themselves as a guest and place the tag on their outer clothing in a clearly visible location. Visitors are required to proceed immediately to their location in a quiet manner. All visitors must return to the security station and sign out before leaving the school.

Any person wishing to confer with a staff member should contact that staff member to make an appointment. Conferences with teachers are held, to the extent possible, outside school hours or during the teacher’s conference/preparation period.

Visitors are expected to abide by all school rules during their time on school property. A visitor who fails to conduct himself or herself in a manner that is appropriate will be asked to leave and may be subject to criminal penalties for trespassing and/or disruptive behavior.

No person on school property or at a school event shall perform any of the following acts:

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

Any person who engages in prohibited conduct may be ejected from or denied admission to school property in accordance with State law. The person may also be subject to being denied admission to school athletic or extracurricular events for up to one calendar year.

1.50 Equal Educational Opportunities and Sex Equity

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities are available to all students without regard to race, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, status as homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy.

No student shall, based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.

Any student or parent/guardian with a sex equity or equal opportunity concern should contact:

George Dagres, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

[email protected]

(847) 692-8056

Mary Kalou, Assistant Superintendent for Business

[email protected]

(847) 692-8025

1.60 Animals on School Property

In order to assure student health and safety, animals are not allowed on school property, except in the case of a service animal accompanying a student or other individual with a documented disability. The schools can provide certified therapy animals as part of the student service department if approved by the building principal. This rule may be temporarily waived by the building principal in the case of an educational opportunity for students, provided that (a) the animal is appropriately housed, humanely cared for, and properly handled, and (b) students will not be exposed to a dangerous animal or an unhealthy environment.

1.70 School Volunteers

All school volunteers must be approved by the building principal or designee prior to assisting at the school. Some teachers utilize parent volunteers in the classroom. The individual teachers make this decision. Teachers who desire parent volunteers will notify parents. For school-wide volunteer opportunities, please contact the building principal.

Volunteers are required to check in and out at the main office and receive a visitor badge before going to their destination.

All volunteers must be fingerprinted prior to volunteering.

The School District does not provide insurance coverage to non-District personnel serving as volunteers for the School District. Volunteers are providing their service at their own risk and assume all risk for death or any loss, injury, illness, or damage of any nature or kind, arising out of the volunteer’s supervised or unsupervised service to the School District. Volunteers agree to waive any and all claims against the School District, or its officers, School Board Members, employees, agents or assigns, for loss due to death, injury, illness or damage of any kind arising out of the volunteer’s supervised or unsupervised service to the School District.

1.90 Emergency School Closings/Remote Learning Days

In cases of bad weather and other local emergencies, please monitor your email, phone, district/school website and district/school social media channels to be advised of school closings or early dismissals. If bad weather or other emergency occurs during the day, please monitor your email, phone, district/school website and district/school social media channels for possible early dismissal information.

For your child’s safety, make certain your child knows ahead of time where to go in case of an early dismissal.

If school is dismissed early for an emergency, all after-school functions are automatically canceled.

1.100 Video and Audio Monitoring Systems

A video and/or audio monitoring system may be in use on school buses and a video and/or audiot monitoring system may be in use in public areas of the school building. These systems have been put in place to protect students, staff, visitors and school property. If a discipline problem is captured on audiotape or videotape, these recordings may be used as the basis for imposing student discipline. If criminal actions are recorded, a copy of the recording may be provided to law enforcement personnel.

1.110 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities will be provided an opportunity to participate in all school-sponsored services, programs, or activities. Individuals with disabilities should notify the assistant superintendent for student services or associate principal for student and family services if they have a disability that will require special assistance or services and, if so, what services are required. This notification should occur as far in advance as possible of the school-sponsored function, program, or meeting.

1.120 Students with Food Allergies

State law requires our school district to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations and state rules.

If your student has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the associate principal for student and family services or designee at:

Maine East High School, 2601 W. Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-825-4484

Maine South High School, 111 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-825-7711

Maine West High School, 1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | 847-296-4916

Frost Academy, 1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068 | 847-292-6521

Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your student has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed support so that your student can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.

Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. Our school district also may be able to appropriately meet a student’s needs through other means.

1.130 Care of Students with Diabetes

If your child has diabetes and requires assistance with managing this condition while at school and school functions, a Diabetes Care Plan must be submitted to the associate principal for student family services or designee. Parents/guardians are responsible for and must:

a. Inform the school in a timely manner of any change which needs to be made to the Diabetes Care Plan on file with the school for their child.

b. Inform the school in a timely manner of any changes to their emergency contact numbers or contact numbers of health care providers.

c. Sign the Diabetes Care Plan.

d. Grant consent for and authorize designated School District representatives to communicate directly with the health care provider whose instructions are included in the Diabetes Care Plan.

For further information, please contact the associate principal for student and family services.

1.140 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention

Youth suicide has a rippling effect in the school environment and greater community. Protecting the health and well-being of all students is of the utmost importance. The school board has adopted a suicide and depression awareness and prevention program policy that is consistent with the requirements of Ann Marie’s law and is posted on the district’s website. Student and parent resources on suicide and depression are available on the website and additional information can also be obtained from the Student and Family Services department.

All school personnel and students are expected to help create a school culture of respect and support, in which students feel comfortable seeking help for themselves or friends. Students are encouraged to tell any staff member if they or a friend are feeling suicidal, or are in need of help.

While confidentiality and privacy are important, students should know that when their is risk of suicide, safety comes first.

1.150 Accommodating Breastfeeding Students

Students who choose to breastfeed an infant after returning to school are provided reasonable accommodations. A student who is a nursing mother may take reasonable breaks during the school day to express breast milk or breastfeed her infant. Reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to:

Access to a private and secure room, other than a bathroom, to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant.
Permission to bring onto school campus a breast pump or other equipment used to express breast milk.
Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk.
Access to a place to store expressed breast milk safely.
Reasonable breaks to accommodate the student’s need to express breast milk or breastfeed an infant child or attend to health needs associated with breastfeeding (including eating, drinking or using the restroom).
The opportunity to make up work missed due to the student’s use of reasonable accommodations for breastfeeding.

Complaints regarding violations of this procedure should be made to the District’s Complaint Manager or Non-Discrimination Coordinator.

1.160 Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs

Parent organizations and booster clubs are invaluable resources to the District’s schools. While parent organizations and booster clubs have no administrative authority and cannot determine District policy, the School Board welcomes their suggestions and assistance.

Parent organizations and booster clubs may be recognized by the Board and permitted to use the District’s name, a District school’s name, or a District school’s team name, or any logo attributable to the District provided they first receive the Superintendent or designee’s express written consent. Consent to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos will generally be granted if the organization or club has by-laws containing the following:

The organization’s or club’s name and purpose, such as to enhance students’ educational experiences, to help meet educational needs of students, to provide extra athletic benefits to students, to assist specific sports teams or academic clubs through financial support, or to enrich extracurricular activities.
The rules and procedures under which it operates.
An agreement to adhere to all Board policies and administrative procedures.
A statement that membership is open and unrestricted, meaning that membership is open to all parents/guardians of students enrolled in the school, District staff, and community members.
A statement that the District is not, and will not be, responsible for the organization’s or club’s business or the conduct of its members, including on any organization or club websites or social media accounts.
An agreement to maintain and protect its own finances.
The Board may accept gifts, donations, grants and/or bequests of money, real or personal property, as well as other merchandise which, in the view of the board, add to the overall welfare of the school district, provided that such acceptance is in accordance with existing laws and regulations. The Board is not required to accept any gift, grant or bequest which constitutes a conflict of interest and/or gives an appearance of impropriety. At the same time, the Board will safeguard the District, the staff and students from commercial exploitation, from special interest groups, and the like. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but gifts must be given to the District to use at its discretion.
A recognition that money given to a school cannot be earmarked for any particular expense. Booster clubs may make recommendations, but cash or other valuable consideration must be given to the District to use at its discretion. The Board’s legal obligation to comply with Title IX by providing equal athletic opportunity for members of both genders will supersede an organization or club’s recommendation.

In addition, the club agrees to provide to the Superintendent or designee and make publicly available the following items:

By-laws containing the information listed above.
A copy of their 501(c)3 letter if applicable.
Upon formation and annually thereafter a copy of their financial statements, including Form 990 if applicable.
Agrees that if the sponsor/coach of any school-sponsored activity is receiving compensation from the school district for services rendered in their capacity as the sponsor/coach of a school sponsored activity, the Parent Organization or Booster Organization may not compensate said individual through the exchange of money, gifts or services.

Permission to use one of the above-mentioned names or logos may be rescinded at any time and does not constitute permission to act as the District’s representative. At no time does the District accept responsibility for the actions of any parent organization or booster club regardless of whether it was recognized and/or permitted to use any of the above-mentioned names or logos. The Superintendent shall designate an administrative staff member to serve as the recognized liaison to parent organizations or booster clubs. The liaison will serve as a resource person and provide information about school programs, resources, policies, problems, concerns, and emerging issues. Building staff will be encouraged to participate in the organizations.

1.170 Student Appearance

A student’s appearance, including dress and hygiene, must not disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety. The school does not prohibit hairstyles historically associated with race, ethnicity, or hair texture, including, but not limited to, protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists. Students who disrupt the educational process or compromise standards of health and safety must modify their appearance.

1.180 Awareness and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, Grooming Behaviors, and Boundary Violations

Child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and boundary violations harm students, their parent/guardian, the District’s environment, its school communities, and the community at large, while diminishing a student’s ability to learn.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Warning signs of child sexual abuse include the following. Physical signs:

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing
Unusual weight gain or loss

Behavioral signs:

Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
Keeping secrets
Not talking as much as usual
Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers
Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors that the child had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting
Overly compliant behavior
Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
Spending an unusual amount of time alone
Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe

Emotional signs:

Change in eating habits or unhealthy eating patterns, like loss of appetite or excessive eating
Signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, or feeling “down”
Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
Decrease in confidence or self-image
Anxiety, excessive worry, or fearfulness
Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
Self-harming behaviors or expressing thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
Failing grades
Drug or alcohol use

Warning Signs of Grooming Behaviors

School and District employees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships with students based upon students’ ages, grade levels, and developmental levels.

Prohibited grooming is defined as (i) any act, including but not limited to, any verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication or physical activity, (ii) by an employee with direct contact with a student, (iii) that is directed toward or with a student to establish a romantic or sexual relationship with the student. Examples of grooming behaviors include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:

Sexual or romantic invitations to a student
Dating or soliciting a date from a student
Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog with a student
Making sexually suggestive comments that are directed toward or with a student
Self-disclosure or physical exposure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
Sexual, indecent, romantic, or erotic contact with a student
Failing to respect boundaries or listening when a student says “no”
Engaging in touching that a student or student’s parents/guardians have indicated is unwanted
Trying to be a student’s friend rather than filling an adult role in the student’s life
Failing to maintain age-appropriate relationships with students
Talking with students about personal problems or relationships
Spending time alone with a student outside of their role in the student’s life or making up excuses to be alone with a student
Expressing unusual interest in a student’s sexual development, such as commenting on sexual characteristics or sexualizing normal behaviors
Giving a student gifts without occasion or reason
Spending a lot of time with a student
Restricting a student’s access to other adults

Warning Signs of Boundary Violations

School and District employees breach employee-student boundaries when they misuse their position of power over a student in a way that compromises the student’s health, safety, or general welfare. Examples of boundary violations include:

Favoring a certain student by inviting the student to “hang out” or by granting special privileges
Engaging in peer-like behavior with a student
Discussing personal issues with a student
Meeting with a student off-campus without parent/guardian knowledge and/or permission
Dating, requesting, or participating in a private meeting with a student (in person or virtually) outside of a professional role
Transporting a student in a school or private vehicle without administrative authorization
Giving gifts, money, or treats to an individual student
Sending a student on personal errands
Intervening in a serious student problem instead of referring the student to an appropriately trained professional
Sexual or romantic invitations toward or from a student
Taking and using photos/videos of students for non-educational purposes
Initiating or extending contact with a student beyond the school day in a one-on-one or non-group setting
Inviting a student to an employee’s home
Adding a student on personal social networking sites
Privately messaging a student outside of a district controlled platform
Maintaining intense eye contact with a student
Making comments about a student’s physical attributes, including excessively flattering comments
Engaging in sexualized or romantic dialog
Making sexually suggestive comments directed toward or with a student
Disclosing confidential information
Self-disclosure of a sexual, romantic, or erotic nature
Invading personal space (including hugging or other similar behaviors)

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

Additional Resources include:

National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)

National Sexual Abuse Chatline at online.rainn.org

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline at 1.800.25.ABUSE (2873)

Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide

1.190 Prevention of Anaphylaxis

While it is not possible for the School or District to completely eliminate the risks of an anaphylactic emergency, the District maintains a comprehensive policy on anaphylaxis prevention, response, and management in order to reduce these risks and provide accommodations and proper treatment for anaphylactic reactions.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) and students who desire more information or who want a copy of the District’s policy may visit the website or contact the associate principal for students and family services or designee.

District 207 schools, its employees and agents, including a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse providing standing protocol and a prescription for school epinephrine injectors, an opioid antagonist, or undesignated asthma medication, are to incur no liability or professional discipline, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the administration of asthma medication, an epinephrine injector, or an opioid antagonist regardless of whether authorization was given by the pupil’s parents or guardians or by the pupil’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

When a school nurse or trained personnel administers an undesignated epinephrine injector to a person whom the school nurse or trained personnel in good faith believes is having an anaphylactic reaction, administers an opioid antagonist to a person whom the school nurse or trained personnel in good faith believes is having an opioid overdose, or administers undesignated asthma medication to a person whom the school nurse or trained personnel in good faith believes is having respiratory distress, notwithstanding the lack of notice to the parents or guardians of the pupil or the absence of the parents or guardians signed statement acknowledging no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, the school district, public school, charter school, or nonpublic school and its employees and agents, and a physician, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse providing standing protocol and a prescription for undesignated epinephrine injectors, an opioid antagonist, or undesignated asthma medication, are to incur no liability or professional discipline, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the use of an undesignated epinephrine injector, the use of an opioid antagonist, or the use of undesignated asthma medication, regardless of whether authorization was given by the pupil’s parents or guardians or by the pupil’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

2.10 Attendance

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

2.20 Student Absences

Subject to specific requirements in State law, the following children are not required to attend public school: (1) any child attending a private school (including a home school) or parochial school, (2) any child who is physically or mentally unable to attend school (including a pregnant student suffering medical complications as certified by her physician), (3) any child lawfully and necessarily employed, (4) any child over 12 and under 14 years of age while in confirmation classes, (5) any child absent because of religious reasons, including to observe a religious holiday, for religious instruction, or because his or her religion forbids secular activity on a particular day(s) or time of day, and (6) any child 16 years of age or older who is employed and is enrolled in a graduation incentives program.

For students who are required to attend school there are two types of absences: excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: illness (including up to 5 days per school year for mental or behavioral health of the student), observance of a religious holiday or event, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the control of the student as determined by the school board, circumstances that cause reasonable concern to the parent/guardian for the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or safety, attending a military honors funeral to sound TAPS, attend a civic event, or other reason as approved by the building principal. Students eligible to vote are also excused for up to two hours to vote in a primary, special, or general election. All other absences are considered unexcused.

Additionally, a student will be excused for up to 5 days in cases where the student’s parent/guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat-support postings. The Board of Education, in its discretion, may excuse a student for additional days relative to such leave or deployment. A student and the student’s parent/guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student’s teachers prior to any excused absences and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to his or her return to school.

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

Pre-arranged excused absences must be approved by the building principal or designee.

The school may require documentation explaining the reason for the student’s absence.

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

2.30 Release Time for Religious Instruction and Observance

A student will be released from school, as an excused absence, to observe a religious holiday or for religious instruction. The student’s parent/guardian must give written notice to the building principal at least 5 calendar days before the student’s anticipated absence(s).

Students excused for religious reasons will be given an opportunity to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.

2.40 Make-Up Work

If a student’s absence is excused or if a student is suspended from school, he/she will be permitted to make up all missed work, including homework and tests, for equivalent academic credit.

2.50 Truancy

Student attendance is critical to the learning process. Truancy is therefore a serious issue and will be dealt with in a serious manner by the school and district.

Students who miss more than 1% but less than 5% of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause (a recognized excuse) are truant. Students who miss 5% or more of the prior 180 regular school days without valid cause are chronic truants. Students who are chronic truants will be offered support services and resources aimed at correcting the truancy issue.

If chronic truancy persists after support services and other resources are made available, the school and district will take further action, including:

Referral to the truancy officer
Reporting to officials under the Juvenile Court Act
Referral to the State’s Attorney
Appropriate school discipline

A student who misses 15 consecutive days of school without valid cause and who cannot be located or, after exhausting all available support services, cannot be compelled to return to school is subject to expulsion from school.

A parent or guardian who knowingly and willfully permits a child to be truant is in violation of State law.

2.60 Grading and Promotion

School report cards are issued to students on a semester basis. For questions regarding grades, please contact the classroom teacher.

The decision to promote a student to the next grade level is based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance on standardized tests and other testing. A student will not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.

2.70 Homework

Homework is used as a way for students to practice what they have learned in the classroom. The time requirements and the frequency of homework will vary depending on a student’s teacher, ability and grade level.

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

2.80 Exemption From PE Requirement

In order to be excused from participation in physical education, a student must present an appropriate excuse from his or her parent/guardian or from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act. The excuse may be based on medical or religious prohibitions. An excuse because of medical reasons must include a signed statement from a person licensed under the Medical Practice Act that corroborates the medical reason for the request. An excuse based on religious reasons must include a signed statement from a member of the clergy that corroborates the religious reason for the request. Upon written notice from a student’s parent/guardian, a student will be excused from engaging in the physical activity components of physical education during a period of religious fasting.

A student in grades 9-12 may submit a written request to the building principal requesting to be excused from physical education courses for the reasons stated below.

Enrollment in a marching band program for credit;
Ongoing participation in an interscholastic athletic program;
Enrollment in academic classes that are required for admission to an institution of higher learning (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade); or
Enrollment in academic classes that are required for graduation from high school, provided that failure to take such classes will result in the student being unable to graduate (student must be in the 11th or 12th grade).

Students with an Individualized Education Program may also be excused from physical education courses for reasons stated in Handbook Procedure 10.30.

Special activities in physical education will be provided for a student whose physical or emotional condition, as determined by a person licensed under the Medical Practices Act, prevents his or her participation in the physical education course.

State law prohibits the School District from honoring parental excuses based upon a student’s participation in athletic training, activities, or competitions conducted outside the auspices of the School District.

Students who have been excused from physical education shall return to the course as soon as practical. The following considerations will be used to determine when a student shall return to a physical education course:

The time of year when the student’s participation ceases;
The student’s class schedule; and
The student’s future or planned additional participation in activities qualifying for substitutions for physical education, as outlined above or in Handbook Procedure 10.30.

2.90 Credit for Proficiency, Non-District Experiences, Course Substitutions and Accelerated Placement

Credit for Non-District Experiences

A student may receive high school credit for successfully completing any of the listed courses or experiences even when it is not offered in or sponsored by the District:

Distance learning course, including a correspondence, virtual, or online course.
Courses in an accredited world language exchange program.
Summer school or community college courses.
College or high school courses offering dual credit at both the college and high school level.
World language courses taken in an ethnic school program approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Work-related training at manufacturing facilities or agencies in a Tech Prep Program.
Credit earned in a Vocational Academy.

Students must receive pre-approval from the building principal or designee to receive credit for any non-District course or experience. The building principal or designee will determine the amount of credit and whether a proficiency examination is required before the credit is awarded. Students assume responsibility for any fees, tuition, supplies, and other expenses. Students are responsible for (1) providing documents or transcripts that demonstrate successful completion of the experience, and (2) taking a proficiency examination, if requested. The building principal or designee shall determine which, if any, non-District courses or experiences, will count toward a student’s grade point average, class rank, and eligibility for athletic and extracurricular activities.

Students who do not otherwise meet a community college’s academic eligibility to enroll in a dual credit course taught at the high school may enroll in the dual credit course, but only for high school credit.

Proficiency Credit

Proficiency credit is available in limited subjects where a student demonstrates competency. Contact the school counselor for details.

Substitutions for Required Courses

Career and technical education. A student in grades 9-12 may satisfy one or more high school courses (including physical education) or graduation requirements by successfully completing related vocational or technical education courses if:

The building principal approves the substitution and the vocational or technical education course is completely described in curriculum material along with its relationship to the required course; and
The student’s parent/guardian requests and approves the substitution in writing on forms provided by the District.

Registered apprenticeship program. A student in grades 9-12 who is 16 years or older may satisfy one or more high school courses (including physical education) or graduation requirements by successfully completing a registered apprenticeship program listed by the school district. Students may find a registered, but not listed, apprenticeship program with a business or organization if a registered apprenticeship program is not offered in the school district.

Advanced placement computer science. The advanced placement computer science course is equivalent to a high school mathematics course. A student in grades 9-12 may substitute the advanced placement computer science course for one year of mathematics. The transcript of a student who completes the advanced placement computer science course will state that it qualifies as a mathematics-based, quantitative course.

Volunteer service credit. A student participating in the District’s Volunteer Service Credit Program, if any, may earn credit toward graduation for the performance of community service. The amount of credit given for program participation shall not exceed that given for completion of one semester of language arts, math, science, or social studies.

Approved Correspondence, Online Courses and Post-secondary courses

A maximum of six full units of credit obtained by the completion of approved correspondence, online courses or post-secondary courses may be applied toward the District 207 graduation requirement. Of these six full credits only two full credits may satisfy credit requirements in core academic areas (i.e. English, math, science, and social science). Exceptions or under extraordinary circumstances a student may be granted the ability to transfer more credits in core academic areas by the superintendent or designee in consultation with the building principal.

Accelerated Placement

The District provides for an Accelerated Placement Program (APP) for qualified students. It provides students with an educational setting with curriculum options that are usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the student. Accelerated placement includes but may not be limited to: accelerating a student in a single subject and grade acceleration. Participation is open to all students who demonstrate high ability and who may benefit from accelerated placement. It is not limited to students who have been identified as gifted or talented. Please contact the building principal for additional information.

Each student who exceeds State standards in English language arts, mathematics, or science on a State assessment, the school district is required by State law to automatically enroll the student in the following school year in the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework offered by the high school as follows:

a. A student who exceeds State standards in English language arts shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in English, social studies, humanities, or related subjects.

b. A student who exceeds State standards in mathematics shall be automatically enrolled into the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework in mathematics.

c. A student who exceeds State standards in science shall be automatically enrolled into the next more rigorous level of advanced coursework in science.

2.100 Home and Hospital Instruction

A student who is absent from school, or whose physician, physician assistant or licensed advanced practice registered nurse anticipates his or her absence from school, because of a medical condition may be eligible for instruction in the student’s home or hospital.

Appropriate educational services from qualified staff will begin no later than five school days after receiving a written statement from a physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse. Instructional or related services for a student receiving special education services will be determined by the student’s individualized education program.

A student who is unable to attend school because of pregnancy will be provided home instruction, correspondence courses, or other courses of instruction before (1) the birth of the child when the student’s physician, physician assistant, or licensed advanced practice nurse indicates, in writing, that she is medically unable to attend regular classroom instruction, and (2) for up to 3 months after the child’s birth or a miscarriage.

For information on home or hospital instruction, contact the associate principal for student and family services or designee.

2.110 Early Graduation

Students who will have successfully completed graduation requirements after seven (7) semesters may petition to graduate at the end of the first semester of their senior year. Students seeking to graduate early should work with their counselor to ensure they can meet the district graduation requirements within seven semesters.

Early graduates must make arrangements with the high school office for anything pertaining to the graduation ceremony (i.e. announcements, cap and gown rental, graduation practices, etc.).

Any student enrolled in an off-campus course to fulfill graduation requirements must show documentation of such course(s) by the last day of the seventh semester.

2.120 Graduation Requirements

To graduate from high school, unless otherwise exempted, each student is responsible for:

Completing all State mandated graduation requirements listed
Completing all District graduation requirements outlined in Board policy that are in addition to State graduation requirements.
Passing an examination on patriotism and principles of representative government, proper use of the flag, methods of voting, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Participating in the State assessment required for graduation.
State Mandated Graduation Requirements
- Four years of language arts.
- Two years of writing intensive courses, one of which must be English and the other of which may be English or any other When applicable, writing-intensive courses may be counted towards the fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
- Three years of mathematics, one of which must be Algebra I and one of which must include geometry content and one of which may be an Advanced Placement computer science course.
- Two years of science.
- Two years of social studies, of which at least one year must be history of the United States or a combination of history of the United States and American Within the two years of social studies requirement, one semester of civics is required.
- One year chosen from (A) music, (B) art, (C) world language, which shall be deemed to include American Sign Language, (D) vocational education, or (E) forensic speech (speech and debate). A forensic speech course used to satisfy the course requirement for language arts may not be used to satisfy the course requirement under this subdivision (f).
- One semester of health education.
- Participation in, or exemption from, Physical Education during each semester of high school enrollment, with the exception of one semester during the sophomore year when all students are required to enroll in health education.
- A course covering American patriotism and the principles of representative government, as enunciated in the American Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the proper use and display of the American flag.
- Nine weeks of consumer education.
- For students first entering high school in the 2022-23 school year, one year of a course that includes intensive instruction in computer literacy, which may be English, social studies, or any other subject and which may be counted toward the fulfillment of other graduation requirements.
Completing all District 207 graduation requirements.

The above requirements do not apply to students with disabilities whose course of study is determined by an Individualized Education Program or students who are exempted from participation in certain courses in accordance with State law.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Graduation Requirement

As a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma, the parent or guardian of each student or, if a student is at least 18 years of age or legally emancipated, the student must comply with either of the following:

(1) File a FAFSA with the United States Department of Education or, if applicable, an application for State financial aid.

(2) File a waiver indicating that the parent or guardian or, if applicable, the student understands what the FAFSA and application for State financial aid are and has chosen not to file an application.

Upon request, the school will provide a student and his or her parent or guardian any support or assistance necessary to comply with this requirement.

A school district may award a high school diploma to a student who is unable to meet this requirement due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the school district, if (i) the student has met all other graduation requirements, and (ii) the principal attests that the school district has made a good faith effort to assist the student or, if applicable, his or her parent or guardian in filing an application or a waiver.

3.10 Fees, Fines & Charges; Waiver of Student Fees

The school establishes fees and charges to fund certain school activities. Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in curricular and extracurricular programs of the school district due to the inability of their parent or guardian to pay fees or certain charges. Students whose parent or guardian is unable to afford student fees may receive a fee waiver. A fee waiver applies to all fees related to school, instruction, and extracurricular activities.

Applications for fee waivers may be obtained from the school office and may be submitted by a parent or guardian of a student who has been assessed a fee. As student is eligible for a fee waiver if at least one of the following prerequisites is met:

The student currently lives in a household that meets the same income guidelines, with the same limits based on household size, that are used for the federal free meals programs;
The student’s parent is a veteran or active-duty military personnel with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
The student is homeless, as defined by the Mc-Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

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

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

The building principal will notify the parent/guardian promptly as to whether the fee waiver request has been granted or denied. Questions regarding the fee waiver application process or an appeal of the District’s decision to deny a fee waiver should be addressed to the Building Principal.

Pursuant to the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act, the school is required to provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of whether the student has the ability to pay for the meal or snack or owes money for earlier meals or snacks. Students may not be provided with an alternative meal or snack and the school is prohibited from publicly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for or owes money for a meal or snack.

Fines for loss or damage to school property are waived for students who meet certain eligibility guidelines.

3.20 School Lunch Program

Breakfast is served every school day. Lunch is served every school day, except for potentially when there is an early dismissal.

The costs of a school lunch or breakfast is posted on the school website.

A student may bring a sack lunch from home.

Free or reduced price meals are available for qualifying students. For an application, contact the building principal or designee.

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services; Meal Charge Notifications

The following notification is provided to all households of students at the beginning of each school year as federally required notification regarding eligibility requirements and the application process for the free and reduced-price food services that are listed in Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services, and 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees. This notification is also provided to households of students transferring to the District during the school year. For more information, see www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/unpaid-meal-charges, and/or contact the Building Principal or designee.

Free and Reduced-Price Food Services Eligibility

When the parents/guardians of students are unable to pay for their child(ren)’s meal services, meal charges will apply per a student’s eligibility category and will be processed by the District accordingly.

A student’s eligibility for free and reduced-price food services shall be determined by the income eligibility guidelines, family-size income standards, set annually by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and distributed by the Ill. State Board of Education.

Meal Charges for Meals Provided by the District

The Building Principal and District staff will work jointly to prevent meal charges from accumulating. Every effort to collect all funds due to the District will be made on a regular basis and before the end of the school year. Contact your Building Principal or designee about whether your child(ren)’s charges may be carried over at the end of the school year, i.e., beyond June 30th.

Unpaid meal charges are considered delinquent debt when payment is overdue as defined by Board policy 4:45, Insufficient Fund Checks and Debt Recovery and the Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights Act (105 ILCS 123/). The District will make reasonable efforts to collect charges classified as delinquent debt, including repeated contacts to collect the amounts and, when necessary, requesting that the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) apply for meal benefits to determine if the student qualifies for such benefits under Board policy 4:130, Free and Reduced-Price Food Services. The District will provide a federally reimbursable meal or snack to a student who requests one, regardless of the student’s ability to pay or negative account balance.

When a student’s funds are low and when there is a negative balance, reminders will be provided to the staff, students, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) at regular intervals during the school year. State law allows the Building Principal to contact parents(s)/guardian(s) to attempt collection of the owed money when the amount owed is more than the amount of five lunches [or insert lower amount]. If a parent/guardian regularly fails to provide meal money for the child(ren) that he/she is responsible for in the District and does not qualify for free meal benefits or refuses to apply for such benefits, the Building Principal or designee will direct the next course of action. Continual failure to provide meal money may require the District to notify the Ill. Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or take legal steps to recover the unpaid meal charges, up to and including seeking an offset under the State Comptroller Act, if applicable.

4.10 Bus Transportation

The Maine Township High Schools are served by PACE buses (public transportation). Students can pick up a bus schedule at book sales, in the bookstore or online. It is the responsibility of the students to reach school via public transportation or on their own. Bus tickets may be purchased in the school bookstore. Students riding a PACE bus to or from school are subject to the discipline policy of the school while on the bus.

In the interest of the student’s safety and in compliance with State law, students are also expected to observe the following when they are on a PACE bus or any transportation provided by the school district:

Dress properly for the weather. Make sure all drawstrings, ties, straps, etc. on all clothing, backpacks and other items, are shortened or removed to lessen the likelihood of them getting caught in bus doors, railings or aisles.
Arrive on time at the bus stop, and stay away from the street while waiting for the bus.
Stay away from the bus until it stops completely and the driver signals you to board. Enter in a single file without pushing. Always use the handrail.
Take a seat right away and remain seated facing forward. Keep your hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
Talk quietly on the bus. No shouting or creating loud noises that may distract the driver. Electronic devices must be silenced on the bus unless a student uses headphones.
Help keep the bus neat and clean. Keep belongings out of the aisle and away from emergency exits. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus.
Always listen to the driver’s instructions. Be courteous to the driver and other students. Sit with your hands to yourself and avoid making noises that would distract the driver or bother other passengers. Remain seated, keeping your hands, arms, and head inside the bus at all times.
Wait until the bus pulls to a complete stop before standing up. Use the handrail when exiting the bus.
Stay out of the danger zone next to the bus where the driver may have difficulty seeing you. Take five giant steps away from the bus and out of the danger zone, until you can see the driver and the driver sees you. Never crawl under a bus.
If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s signal and then cross in front of the bus. Cross the street only after checking both ways for traffic.
Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something.

buszone

Video and audio cameras may be active on buses to record student conduct and may be used for the purposes of investigation into misconduct or accidents on the bus.

For questions regarding school transportation issues, contact: the Communications Department at 847-692-6158.

4.15 Bus Conduct

Students are expected to follow all school rules when riding the school bus, PACE bus or transportation provided by the school district. A student may be suspended from riding the school bus, PACE bus or transportation provided by the school district for up to 10 consecutive school days for engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct, including but not limited to, the following:

Violating any school rule or school district policy.
Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another rider.
Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
Repeated use of profanity.
Repeated willful disobedience of a directive from a bus driver or other supervisor.
Such other behavior as the building principal deems to threaten the safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.

If a student is suspended from riding the bus for gross disobedience or misconduct on a bus, the School Board may suspend the student from riding the school bus for a period in excess of 10 days for safety reasons.

A student suspended from riding the bus who does not have alternate transportation to school shall have the opportunity to complete or make up work for equivalent academic credit. It shall be the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to notify the school that the student does not have alternate transportation.

4.20 Parking

Each school sets protocols for student parking that is posted on the school website. Vehicles must be parked between the painted lines, and must be driven under the speed limit of 10 miles per hour while in the lot. Vehicles should be driven safely and must yield to pedestrians. Vehicles parked outside painted lines or designated parking spots may be ticketed or towed at the discretion of the school, at the vehicle owner’s expense. Students caught driving recklessly in the parking lot may be subject to disciplinary action. Unauthorized parking may result in disciplinary action.

Lots designated for school staff, personnel, and others designated by administration. These lots MAY NOT be used by students at any time. Student vehicles parked in these lots may be ticketed or towed at the discretion of administration.

The school is not responsible for student vehicles, any possessions left in them, or anything attached to the vehicles. STUDENTS PARK THEIR VEHICLES ON OR NEAR SCHOOL PROPERTY AT THEIR OWN RISK. Students should be aware their vehicles are not protected in any way while in the parking lot, and items of value should not be left in or near the vehicle while unattended.

Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in cars parked on school grounds. School lots are regularly searched by contraband dogs, administration, and police officers. Students should be aware that items and spaces on school grounds are subject to search and view by others, and that prohibited items discovered during the course of a search may result in discipline, including, but not limited to, expulsion from school.

Vehicles MAY NOT be parked or located in the bus lanes or fire lanes at ANY TIME. Bus lanes and fire lanes are clearly marked. Vehicles located in these locations may be ticketed and/or towed by the police.

Video cameras may be active in parking lots and may be used for the purposes of investigation into student misconduct. Discipline for misconduct includes all disciplinary measures in the student discipline code and/or withdrawal of parking privileges.

5.10 Immunization, Health, Eye & Dental Examination

Required Health Examinations and Immunizations

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

Ninth grade; and
Enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, regardless of the student’s grade

Proof of immunization against meningococcal disease is required for students in grades 12. A diabetes screening must be included as part of the health exam (though diabetes testing is not required). Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, an age-appropriate developmental screening and an age-appropriate social and emotional screening are required parts of each health examination.

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

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

The School Based Health Center, located at Maine East, can help families in need by providing some of these services at no cost.

Eye Examination

All students transferring in must present proof by October 15 of the current school year of an eye examination performed within one year. Failure to present proof by October 15, allows the school to hold the student’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed eye examination, or (2) that an eye examination will take place within 60 days after October 15.

Dental Examination

All students entering ninth grade must present proof by May 15 of the current school year of having been examined by a licensed dentist within the last 18 months. Failure to present proof allows the school to hold the child’s report card until the student presents: (1) proof of a completed dental examination, or (2) that a dental examination will take place within 60 days after May 15.

Exemptions

A student will be exempted from the above requirements for medical grounds if the student’s parent/guardian presents to the building principal a signed statement explaining the objection

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

5.20 Student Medication

Taking medication during school hours or during school-related activities is prohibited unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child by completing a “School Medication Authorization Form.”

No school or district employee is allowed to administer to any student, or supervise a student’s self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. No student is allowed to possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for in this procedure.

Self-Administration of Medication

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

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

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

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

The school district shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from a student’s self-administration of medication, including asthma medication or epinephrine injectors, or medication required under a qualifying plan. A student’s parent/guardian must indemnify and hold harmless the school district and its employees and agents, against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of an epinephrine injector, asthma medication, and/or a medication required under a qualifying plan.

Administration of Medical Cannabis

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

Undesignated Medications

The school may maintain the following undesignated prescription medications for emergency use: (1) Asthma medication; (2) Epinephrine injectors; (3) Opioid antagonists; and (4) Glucagon. No one, including without limitation, parents/guardians of students, should rely on the school or district for the availability of undesignated medication. This procedure does not guarantee the availability of undesignated medications. Students and their parents/guardians should consult their own physician regarding these medication(s).

Emergency Aid to Students

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

5.30 Counseling

The school provides a multifaceted counseling program for students. The school’s Student and Family Services Offices are available to support students as they navigate social and emotional challenges they face that are a typical part of high school life.

The integrated career services team is available to assist students in identifying career options consistent with their aptitudes, interests, and values. Counselors are encouraged to help students to develop class schedules that meet the student’s career objectives. All students begin their career and postsecondary education exploration as freshmen and are supported throughout their high school career in participating in career experiences to aid students in finding the right career and postsecondary education “fit.”

Representatives from postsecondary institutions and employers including the military, are given access to the school campus in order to provide students and parents/guardians with information.

5.40 Safety Drill Procedures and Conduct

Safety drills will occur at times established by the school board or their designee. Students are required to be silent and shall comply with the directives of school officials during emergency drills. There will be a minimum of three (3) evacuation drills, a minimum of one (1) severe weather (shelter-in-place) drill, a minimum of one (1) law enforcement lockdown drill to address a school shooting incident, and a minimum of one (1) bus evacuation drill each school year. There may be other drills at the direction of the administration. The law enforcement lockdown drill will be announced in advance and a student’s parent/guardian may elect to exclude their child from participating in this drill. All other drills will not be preceded by a warning to students.

5.50 Communicable Disease

The school will observe recommendations of the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding communicable diseases.

Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has a communicable disease.
In certain cases, students with a communicable disease may be excluded from school or sent home from school following notification of the parent or guardian.
The school will provide written instructions to the parent and guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the communicable disease.
A student excluded because of a communicable disease will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings to the school a letter from the student’s doctor stating that the student is no longer contagious or at risk of spreading the communicable disease.

5.60 Head Lice

The school will observe the following procedures regarding head lice.

Parents are required to notify the school nurse if they suspect their child has head lice.
Infested students will be sent home following notification of the parent or guardian.
The school will provide written instructions to parent or guardian regarding appropriate treatment for the infestation.
A student excluded because of head lice will be permitted to return to school only when the parent or guardian brings the student to school to be checked by the school nurse or building principal and the child is determined to be free of the head lice and eggs (nits). Infested children are prohibited from riding the bus to school to be checked for head lice.

5.70 Emergency Treatment

In case of accident or illness, minor first aid will be administered by school personnel in accordance with the provisions on the emergency health form. It is the responsibility of the parents to contact a doctor or take the child to the doctor’s office or hospital. In the event of serious illness or injury, the paramedics will be called immediately and the parents notified. Parents are responsible for payment of medical, ambulance, and/or hospital fees.

Online Hands-Only CPR & AED Training
State law requires the Illinois High School Association to post a hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillators training video on its website. The law also requires the District to notify staff members and parents/guardians about the video. You are encouraged to view this video, which will take less than 15 minutes of your time, at www.ihsa.org/Resources/SportsMedicine/CPRTraining.aspx

6.10 General Building Conduct

The following rules shall apply, and failure to abide by the rules may result in discipline:

Students shall not run, talk loudly or yell in the hallways nor shall they push, shove or hit others.
Students shall not write on walls, desks or deface or destroy school property.
Skateboards are not permitted at school.
Water guns, play guns, look alikes and/or real guns are not permitted at school.

6.20 School Dress Code

Maine Township High School District 207’s student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that avoids reinforcing stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

What we value:

All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
All students and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual students’ clothing/self expression.
Student dress code enforcement should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
School staff should be trained and able to use student/body-positive language to explain the code and to address code violations.
Teachers should focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement.
Reasons for conflict and inconsistent and/or inequitable discipline should be minimized whenever possible.

The goals we seek to accomplish through the implementation and enforcement of this dress code are to:

Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed.
Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.
Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.
Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that will interfere with the operation of the school, disrupt the educational process, invade the rights of others, or create a reasonably foreseeable risk of such interference or invasion of rights.
Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that reasonably can be construed as being or including content that is racist, lewd, vulgar or obscene, or that reasonably can be construed as containing fighting words, speech that incites others to imminent lawless action, defamatory speech, or threats to others.
Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

It is expected that all students will dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or for any school sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the District’s intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). The school district is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student, that student attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any student, and that dress code enforcement does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size. Any restrictions to the way a student dresses must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained within this dress code.

1. Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times.

Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples are fully covered with opaque fabric. However, cleavage should not have coverage requirements. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle.

2. Students Must Wear*, while following the basic principle of Section 1 above:

A Shirt (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms), AND
Pants/jeans or the equivalent (for example, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, a dress or shorts), AND
Shoes.

*Courses that include attire as part of the curriculum (for example, professionalism, public speaking, and job readiness) or special school events including, but not limited to, performances, field trips, or graduation ceremonies may include assignment-specific dress, but should not focus on covering bodies in a particular way or promoting culturally-specific attire. Activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted (for example, athletic shoes for PE).

3. Students May Wear, as long as these items do not violate Section 1 above:

Hats facing straight forward or straight backward. Hats must allow the face to be visible to staff, and not interfere with the line of sight of any student or staff.
Religious headwear
Hoodie sweatshirts (wearing the hood loosely overhead is allowed, but the face and ears must be visible to school staff when viewed from the front).
Fitted pants, including opaque leggings, yoga pants and “skinny jeans”
Pajamas
Ripped jeans, as long as underwear and buttocks are not exposed.
Tank tops, including spaghetti straps; halter tops
Athletic attire
Visible waistbands on undergarments or visible straps on undergarments worn under other clothing (as long as this is done in a way that does not violate Section 1 above).

4. Students Cannot Wear:

Violent language or images.
Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity).
Hate speech, profanity, pornography.
Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups.
Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments (visible waistbands and visible straps are allowed).
Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice).
Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon.
Any item that obscures the face or ears with the following exception:
- personal protection equipment (masks, shields)
- or items worn as a religious observance.

5. Dress Code Enforcement

To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school staff shall enforce the dress code consistently using the requirements below. School administration and staff shall not have discretion to vary the requirements in ways that lead to discriminatory enforcement.

Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways, or classrooms as a result of a dress code violation as outlined in Sections 1 and 4 above. Students in violation of Section 1 and/or 4 will be provided three (3) options to be dressed more to code during the school day:
Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day.
Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day.
If necessary, students’ parents may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.
No student should be affected by dress code enforcement because of racial identity, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity.
School staff shall not enforce the school’s dress code more strictly against transgender and gender nonconforming students than other students.
Students should not be shamed or required to display their body in front of others (students, parents, or staff) in school. “Shaming” includes, but is not limited to:
- kneeling or bending over to check attire fit;
- measuring straps or skirt length;
- asking students to account for their attire in the classroom or in hallways in front of others;
- calling out students in spaces, in hallways, or in classrooms about perceived dress code violations in front of others; in particular, directing students to correct sagged pants that do not expose the entire undergarment, or confronting students about visible bra straps, since visible waistbands and straps on undergarments are permitted; and,
- accusing students of “distracting” other students with their clothing.

These dress code guidelines shall apply to regular school days and summer school days, as well as any school-related events and activities, such as graduation ceremonies, dances, and prom. Students who feel they have been subject to discriminatory enforcement of the dress code should contact the Assistant Principal for Students or other administrator at their school.

6.30 Student Behavior

Philosophy Regarding Student Conduct

The district firmly believes in the philosophy and implementation of restorative practices when it comes to student behavior and discipline. Restorative practices emphasize people, relationships and community when navigating student disciplinary incidents. Through the use of restorative practices, we resolve conflicts, encourage our school community members to take responsibility for their behavior, repair any harm done, restore relationships, and reintegrate students into the school community. We take deliberate steps to create a positive school climate in which every student can learn, fully engage in a rigorous curriculum, and feel safe, nurtured, and welcome.

Additionally, our district believes in responding to misbehavior with interventions and consequences aimed at teaching alternative expected positive behaviors, understanding and addressing the root causes of the behavior, resolving conflicts, meeting students’ needs and keeping students in school. Restorative practices help students understand the impact of their behavior both on themselves and on others. Students also learn social and emotional skills to help them respond differently in the future.

Our discipline approach is tailored to the individual incident and varies in method and severity according to the nature of the behavior, the age and developmental level of the student, and the student’s history of problem behaviors and performance.

When an incident occurs, consideration shall be given first as to whether the incident can be appropriately addressed using a restorative practice, through behavior support practices, or through another available, appropriate intervention that will enable the student to remain in school. The district will make every attempt to implement the use of restorative responses when disciplinary incidents occur, however, there may be instances that require additional restrictive disciplinary responses. If a student’s continuing presence in the school causes a threat to school safety or a disruption to other students’ learning opportunities, the district has the right to implement exclusionary disciplinary responses (i.e. removal from class or school environment by way of a suspension or expulsion). The district will make every effort to include restorative interventions, when deemed appropriate, with the implementation of an exclusionary disciplinary response.

When and Where Conduct Rules Apply

The grounds for disciplinary action also apply whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including but not limited to:

On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property; or
During periods of remote learning.

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

Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering tobacco or nicotine materials, including electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens or other vaping related products.
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. Students who are under the influence of an alcoholic beverage are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.
Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, selling or offering for sale:
- Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, hashish, and medical cannabis unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law).
- Any anabolic steroid unless it is being administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
- Any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois High School Association’s most current banned substance list unless administered in accordance with a physician’s or licensed practitioner’s prescription.
- Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a physician or licensed practitioner, or when used in a manner inconsistent with the prescription or prescribing physician’s or licensed practitioner’s instructions. The use or possession of medical cannabis, even by a student for whom medical cannabis has been prescribed, is prohibited unless the student is authorized to be administered a medical cannabis infused product under Ashley’s Law.
- Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system. The prohibition in this section does not apply to a student’s use of asthma or other legally prescribed inhalant medications.
- “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance that is not prohibited by this policy, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug, controlled substance, or other substance that is prohibited by this policy; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug, controlled substance or other substance that is prohibited by this policy.
- Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.
- Any substance inhaled, injected, smoked, consumed or otherwise ingested or absorbed with the intention of causing a physiological or psychological change in the body, including without limitation, pure caffeine in a tablet or powdered form.
Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they have the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.
Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a “weapon” or violating the procedures listed below under the Weapons Prohibition section of this handbook procedure.
Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
Cell phone use is allowed unless otherwise directed by a school official. Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or similar electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others, including using the device to take photographs or record video or audio in locker rooms or bathrooms, to take photographs or record video or audio anywhere in school without permission, to cheat, or otherwise to violate student conduct rules. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating and sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device or cellular telephone, commonly known as “sexting.”
Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials. Examples of disobeying staff directives include but are not limited to refusing a staff member’s request to stop, present school identification or submit to a search.
Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating (i.e. stealing the answer key to a test), intentionally plagiarizing (i.e. copying someone else’s work), wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, altering report cards and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
Engaging in bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying using a school computer or a school computer network or other comparable conduct.
Engaging in any sexual activity, including without limitation, offensive touching, sexual harassment, indecent exposure (including mooning) and sexual assault.
Engaging in teen dating violence.
Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
Entering school property or a school facility without proper authorization.
In the absence of a reasonable belief that an emergency exists, calling emergency responders (calling 9-1-1); signaling or setting off alarms or signals indicating the presence of an emergency; or indicating the presence of a bomb or explosive device on school grounds, school bus or at any school activity.
Being absent without a recognized excuse.
Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, vandalism, forgery and hazing.
Making an explicit threat on any communication platform (including, but not limited to website, social media, texting) against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.
Operating an unarmed aircraft system (AUS) or drone for any purpose on school grounds or at any school event unless granted permission by the building principal.

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

Disciplinary Measures

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

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

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

A suspension will be limited to a maximum of five (5) school days by an administrator or designee and may be extended to up to ten (10) school days by the school’s executive committee. Only the Board of Education can extend a suspension beyond ten (10) school days.

A request for an appeal concerning a suspension shall be made, in writing, within five school days to the Principal or Principal designee. Upon request of the parent/guardian, a review of the suspension shall be conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by the Board. At the review, the student’s parent/guardian may appear and discuss the suspension with the Board or its hearing officer may be represented by counsel.

If applicable, all suspensions and/or expulsions will follow Board Policies 7:200 and 7:210.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out and Physical Restraint

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

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is illegal and will not be used. Corporal punishment means a discipline method in which a person deliberately inflicts pain upon a student in response to the student’s unacceptable behavior or inappropriate language, with an aim to halt the offense, prevent its recurrence, or set an example for others.

Weapons Prohibition

A student who is determined to have brought one of the following objects to school, any school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year but not more than 2 calendar years:

(1) A firearm, meaning any gun, rifle, shotgun, weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, or firearm as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961. The expulsion period may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

(2) A knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm, including “look alikes” of any firearm as defined above.

The expulsion requirement may be modified by the superintendent, and the superintendent’s determination may be modified by the board on a case-by-case basis.

Gang & Gang Activity Prohibited

“Gang” is defined as any group, club or organization of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. No student on or about school property or at any school activity or whenever the student’s conduct is reasonably related to a school activity, shall: (1) wear, possess, use, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or other items which reasonably could be regarded as gang symbols; commit any act or omission, or use either verbal or non‐verbal gestures, or handshakes showing membership or affiliation in a gang; or (2) use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interest of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to, soliciting others for membership in any gangs; (3) request any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidate, harass or threaten any person; (4) commit any other illegal act or other violation of district policies, (5) or incite other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.

Re-Engagement of Returning Students

The building principal or designee shall meet with a student returning to school from an out-of-school suspension, expulsion or alternative school setting. The goal of this meeting shall be to support the student’s ability to be successful in school following a period of exclusion and shall include an opportunity for students who have been suspended to complete or make-up missed work for equivalent academic credit.

6.40 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources George Dagres

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8056

[email protected]

and

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mary Kalou

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8025

[email protected]

Complaint Managers:

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources George Dagres

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8056

[email protected]

and

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mary Kalou

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8025

[email protected]

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

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

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to read the following school district policies around harassment and bullying.

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

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

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

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

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

Making a Report or Complaint; Investigation Process

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

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

Federal and State Agencies

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

Prevention and Response Program

The District maintains a prevention and response program to respond to complaints of discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including harassment, and retaliation. The program includes procedures for responding to complaints which:

Reduce or remove, to the extent practicable, barriers to reporting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
Permit any person who reports or is the victim of an incident of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to be accompanied when making a report by a support individual of the person’s choice who complies with the District’s policies and rules;
Permit anonymous reporting, except that an anonymous report may not be the sole basis of any disciplinary action;
Offer remedial interventions or take such disciplinary action as may be appropriate on a case-by-case basis;
Offer, but do not require or unduly influence, a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation the option to resolve allegations directly with the accused; and
Protects a person who reports or is the victim of an incident of harassment or retaliation from suffering adverse consequences as a result of a report of, investigation of, or a response to the incident.

Enforcement

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

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

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

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person for bringing complaints, participating in the complaint process, or otherwise providing information about discrimination or harassment based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited.

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

6.45 Harassment & Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Harassment Prohibited

No person, including a school district employee, agent, or student, shall harass, intimidate, or bully a student on the basis of actual or perceived: race; color; national origin; military status; unfavorable discharge status from military service; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity1; gender-related identity or expression; ancestry; age; religion; physical or mental disability; order of protection status; status of being homeless; actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy; physical appearance; socioeconomic status; academic status; association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics; or any other distinguishing characteristic. The District will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying whether verbal, physical, sexual, or visual, that affects the tangible benefits of education, that unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance, or that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include name-calling, using derogatory slurs, stalking, sexual violence, causing psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm, threatened or actual destruction of property, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.

Sexual Harassment Prohibited (Title IX)

The school and district shall provide an educational environment free of verbal, physical, or other conduct or communications constituting harassment on the basis of sex as defined and otherwise prohibited by State and federal law.

A District employee, agent, or student violates this prohibition whenever that person engages in conduct on the basis of sex that causes another person to be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity operated by the District. Sex discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of sex, stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity.

Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Engaging in teen dating violence that takes place at school, on school property, at school-sponsored activities, or in vehicles used for school-provided transportation is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, the term teen dating violence occurs whenever a student who is up to 22 years of age uses or threatens to use physical, mental, or emotional abuse to control an individual in the dating relationship; or uses or threatens to use sexual violence in the dating relationship.

Making a Report or Complaint

Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, school administrator, a Complaint Manager, or any employee with whom the student is comfortable speaking. A student may choose to report to an employee of the student’s same gender.

Nondiscrimination Coordinators:

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources George Dagres

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8056

[email protected]

and

Assistant Superintendent for Finance Mary Kalou

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

847-692-8025

[email protected]

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

Investigation Process

Enforcement

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

Retaliation Prohibited

Individuals should report allegations of retaliation to the Building Principal, an administrator, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, and/or a Complaint Manager.

6.50 Cafeteria Rules

Students may not leave campus during lunch, except with permission granted by administration/authorized staff and parents. After lunch, students should dispose of any trash in the appropriate receptacle before leaving the cafeteria. Students shall follow all cafeteria rules during lunch.

Yelling, screaming, and other disruptions are prohibited.
Students shall not throw food, drinks.
Vending machines are provided for student convenience. Students shall not misuse, abuse, attempt to dismantle or cheat the machine, and must wait in line to use the machines. Students may not save spots in line, cut in line, or otherwise cheat or intimidate their way into line.
Students shall not save places in line, cut in line, or otherwise cheat or intimidate their way into line for food service.
Students shall not leave the cafeteria until after the appropriate tone rings, or otherwise directed by staff.
Students shall follow the instructions of the cafeteria aides and other staff and show proper respect toward all cafeteria personnel.
Students shall report spills and broken containers to cafeteria staff immediately.

Misbehavior will result in disciplinary action according to the school’s disciplinary procedures.

6.60 Field Trips

Field trips are a privilege for students. Students must abide by all school policies during transportation and during field-trip activities, and shall treat all field trip locations as though they are school grounds. Failure to abide by school rules and/or location rules during a field trip may subject the student to discipline. All students who wish to attend a field trip must receive written permission from a parent or guardian with authority to give permission. Students may be prohibited from attending field trips for any of the following reasons:

Failure to receive appropriate permission from parent/guardian or teacher;
Behavioral or safety concerns;
Denial of permission from administration;
Other reasons as determined by the school.

6.70 Access to Student Social Networking Passwords & Websites

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

Right to Privacy in the School Setting

State law requires the District to notify students and their parents/guardians of each of the following:

School officials may not request or require a student or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide a password or other related account information to gain access to the student’s account or profile on a social networking website. Examples of social networking website include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and ask.fm.
School officials may conduct an investigation or require a student to cooperate in an investigation if there is specific information about activity on the student’s account on a social networking website that violates a school disciplinary rule or policy. In the course of an investigation, the student may be required to share the content that is reported in order to allow school officials to make a factual determination.

6.80 Student Use of Electronic Devices

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

During instructional time, which includes class periods and passing periods, electronic devices must be kept silenced and out-of-sight unless: (a) permission is granted by an administrator, teacher or school staff member; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s individualized education program (IEP); or (c) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals.

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

Electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) using the device to take photographs in locker rooms or bathrooms; (2) cheating (i.e. stealing the answer key to a test), or plagiarism (i.e. copying someone else’s work); and (3) creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving, or possessing an indecent visual depiction or non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images (i.e., sexting). Disciplinary consequences will be considered for any students using electronic devices, including a cell phone, or any other electronic device to take or transmit digital photographic images, pictures, audio recordings, or movies of an individual or individuals without their consent anywhere on school grounds or during a school related activity. Per Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/26-4), it is unlawful for any person to knowingly videotape, photograph, or film another person without that person’s consent in locker rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, etc.

The school and school district are not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any electronic device brought to school.

Students in violation of this procedure are subject to consequences.

7.10 Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks

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

Terms and Conditions

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

The District’s local-area and wide-area networks, including wireless networks (Wi-Fi), District-provided Wi-Fi hotspots, and any District servers or other networking infrastructure;
Access to the Internet or other online resources via the District’s networking infrastructure or to any District-issued online account from any computer or device, regardless of location;
District-owned and District-issued computers, laptops, tablets, phones, or similar devices.
Acceptable Use – Access to the District’s electronic networks must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use.

Privileges – Use of the District’s electronic networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The system administrator or Building Principal will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. His or her decision is final.

Unacceptable Use – The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the electronic networks. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:

Using the electronic networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other intellectual property rights or contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law;
Using the electronic networks to engage in conduct prohibited by board policy;
Unauthorized downloading of software or other files, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or scanned for malware;
Unauthorized use of personal removable media devices (such as flash or thumb drives);
Downloading of copyrighted material for other than personal use;
Using the electronic networks for private financial or commercial gain;
Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
Hacking or attempting to hack or gain unauthorized access to files, accounts, resources, or entities by any means;
Invading the privacy of individuals, including the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature, such as a photograph or video;
Using another user’s account or password;
Disclosing any network or account password (including your own) to any other person, unless requested by the system administrator;
Posting or sending material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
Posting or sending anonymous messages;
Creating or forwarding chain letters, spam, or other unsolicited messages;
Using the electronic networks for commercial or private advertising;
Accessing, sending, posting, publishing, or displaying any abusive, obscene, profane, sexual, threatening, harassing, illegal, or knowingly false material;
Misrepresenting the user’s identity or the identity of others; and
Using the electronic networks while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

Network Etiquette – The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.
Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues.
Recognize that the District’s electronic networks are not private. People who operate District technology have access to all email and other data. Messages or other evidence relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
Do not use the networks in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
Consider all communications and information accessible via the electronic networks to be private property.
No Warranties – The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Indemnification – By using the District’s electronic networks, the user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violation of these procedures.

Security – Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify or suspects a security problem on the network, the user must promptly notify the system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep user account(s) and password(s) confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the networks.

Vandalism – Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of malware, such as viruses and spyware.

Telephone Charges – The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, texting or data use charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Copyright Web Publishing Rules – Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the Internet or on District websites or file servers/cloud storage without explicit written permission.

For each re-publication (on a website or file server) of a graphic or a text file that was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was granted. If possible, the notice should also include the web address of the original source.

Students engaged in producing web pages must provide library staff with email or hard copy permissions before the web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of public domain documents must be provided.

The absence of a copyright notice may not be interpreted as permission to copy the materials. Only the copyright owner may provide the permission. The manager of the website displaying the material may not be considered a source of permission.

The fair use rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit limited use of graphics and text.

Student work may only be published if there is written permission from both the parent/guardian and student.

Use of Email – The District’s email system, and its constituent software, hardware, and data files, are owned and controlled by the District. The District provides email to aid students in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an education tool.

The District reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any account on its system, without prior notice or permission from the account’s user. Unauthorized access by any student to an email account is strictly prohibited.

Each person should use the same degree of care in drafting an email message as would be put into a written memorandum or document. Nothing should be transmitted in an email message that would be inappropriate in a letter or memorandum.

Electronic messages transmitted via the District’s Internet gateway carry with them an identification of the user’s Internet domain. This domain is a registered name and identifies the author as being with the District. Great care should be taken, therefore, in the composition of such messages and how such messages might reflect on the name and reputation of the District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all email messages transmitted to external recipients.

Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet, such as spam or potential phishing emails, should either be immediately deleted or forwarded to the system administrator. Downloading any file attached to any Internet-based message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file so transmitted.

Use of the District’s email system constitutes consent to these regulations.

Internet Safety

Internet access is limited to only those acceptable uses as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is supported if users will not engage in unacceptable uses, as detailed in these procedures, and otherwise follow these procedures.

Staff members will supervise students while students are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in these procedures.

Each District computer with Internet access has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

The system administrator and Building Principals shall monitor student Internet access.

Additional information on the acceptable use policy.

7.20 Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School Publications

A student or group of students seeking to distribute more than 10 copies of the same material on one or more days to students must comply with the following guidelines:

The student(s) must notify the building principal of the intent to distribute, in writing, at least 24 hours before distributing the material. No prior approval of the material is required.
The material may be distributed at times and locations determined by the building principal, e.g., before the beginning or ending of classes at a central location inside the building.
The building principal may impose additional requirements whenever necessary to prevent disruption, congestion, or the perception that the material is school-endorsed.
Distribution must be done in an orderly and peaceful manner, and may not be coercive.
The distribution must be conducted in a manner that does not cause additional work for school personnel. Students who distribute material are responsible for cleaning up any materials left on school grounds.
Students must not distribute material that:
1. Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
2. Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to, material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
3. Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the students’ maturity level, including but not limited to, material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board Policy and Student Handbook,
4. Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
5. Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students;1 or
6. Incites students to violate any Board policy.
A student may use the School District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure to resolve a complaint.
Whenever these guidelines require written notification, the appropriate administrator may assist the student in preparing such notification.

A student or group of students seeking to distribute 10 or fewer copies of the same publication on one or more days to students must distribute such material at times and places and in a manner that will not cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities and in compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7.

7.25 Guidelines for School-Sponsored Publications, Productions and Websites

School-sponsored publications, productions and websites are governed by the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act, school board policies and the student/parent handbook. Student journalists are responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of those publications, productions, and websites.

Student journalists must:

Make decisions based upon news value and guided by the Code of Ethics provided by the Society of Professional Journalists, National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, or other relevant group;
Produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness;
Review material to improve sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
Check and verify all facts and verify the accuracy of all quotations;
In the use of personal opinions, editorial statements, and/or letters to the editor, provide opportunity and space for the expression of differing opinions within the same media to align with the District’s media literacy curriculum mandate; and
Include an author’s name with any personal opinions and editorial statements, if appropriate.

Student journalists may not create, produce, or distribute school sponsored media that:

Is libelous, slanderous, or obscene;
Constitutes an unwanted invasion of privacy;
Violates Federal or State law, including the constitutional rights of third parties; or
Incites students to (a) commit an unlawful act; (b) violate any school district policy or student handbook procedure; or (c) materially and substantially disrupt the orderly operations of the school.

The District will not engage in prior restraint of material prepared by student journalists for school-sponsored media, unless the material fits into one of the four prohibited categories listed above, in which case the Building Principal and/or student media advisers may review, edit, and delete such media material before publication or distribution of the media.

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

No expression made by students in the exercise of freedom of speech or freedom of the press under this policy shall be deemed to be an expression of the School, District or an expression of Board policy.

7.27 Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus

Creating, distributing, and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District.

Students are prohibited from creating, distributing, and/or accessing at school any publication that:

Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and the Student Handbook;
Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
Incites students to violate any Board policies.

Accessing or distributing on-campus includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

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

7.30 Access to Technology

In order to ensure all students have access to technology on the same platform, all District 207 students are issued a school-owned and managed Chromebook. There is no fee for the Chromebook, no charge for maintenance and most repairs are completed at no cost to the student (see below for exceptions). Should a student leave the district, the Chromebook must be returned. Students are expected to have and use their school-issued Chromebook on a daily basis in school. Our Chromebook management system allows the district to quickly and efficiently make changes to software and device settings, ensuring all students have access to required instructional resources including specialized assessment programs that are only available on the Chromebook platform.

District 207 operates a Chromebook service center in each school, called the ChromeDepot, to support and maintain a fleet of Chromebooks for all students. Students are strongly discouraged from bringing their personal computer to school. Not all instructional resources are supported on personal devices, and the district is not responsible for personal devices that are lost, damaged or stolen at school. Further, District 207 technicians can only support district-owned devices that need service, including configuration changes, access to the school WiFi, maintenance, and repairs.

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

School districts throughout the State of Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Illinois State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to protect online student data.

Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.

In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as:

Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password and student ID number
Demographic information
Enrollment information
Assessment data, grades, and transcripts
Attendance and class schedule
Academic/extracurricular activities
Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)
Conduct/behavioral data
Health information
Food purchases
Transportation information
In-application performance data
Student-generated work
Online communications
Application metadata and application use statistics
Permanent and temporary school student record information

Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as:

Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning)
Administrative activities
Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians
Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

8.10 Search and Seizure

Search and Seizure

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

School Property and Equipment as well as Personal Effects Left There by Students

School authorities may inspect and search school property and equipment owned or controlled by the school (such as lockers, desks, and parking lots), as well as personal effects left there by a student, without notice to or the consent of the student. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy in these places or areas or in their personal effects left there.

The building principal or designee may request the assistance of law enforcement officials to conduct inspections and searches of lockers, desks, parking lots, and other school property and equipment for illegal drugs, weapons, or other illegal or dangerous substances or materials, including searches conducted through the use of specially trained dogs.

Students Searches

School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the school or district’s student rules and policies. The search will be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to its objective of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the student’s age and sex, and the nature of the infraction.

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

Seizure of Property

If a search produces evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the school or district’s policies or rules, evidence may be seized and impounded by school authorities, and disciplinary action may be taken. When appropriate, evidence may be transferred to law enforcement authorities.

Questioning of Students Suspected of Committing Criminal Activity

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

9.10 Extracurricular Athletic Activities Code of Conduct

In addition to the information in the extracurricular athletic activities code of conduct listed below, students agree to follow the information outlined in this document.

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

Requirements for Participation in Athletic Activities

A student must meet all academic eligibility requirements and have the following fully executed documents on file in the school office before being allowed to participate in any athletic activity:

A current certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse or physician assistant. The preferred certificate of physical fitness is the Illinois High School Association’s “Pre-Participation Physical Examination Form.”
Completed online registration by parent/guardian which includes consent to participate.
A signed agreement by the student not to ingest or otherwise use any drugs on the IHSA’s most current banned substance list (without a written prescription and medical documentation provided by a licensed physician who performed an evaluation for a legitimate medical condition) and a signed agreement by the student and the student’s parent/guardian agreeing to IHSA’s Performance-Enhancing Substance Testing Program.
Signed documentation agreeing to comply with the School District’s policies and procedures on student athletic concussions and head injuries.

Please know student accident insurance is available. Any parents/guardians interested in this insurance should contact the school.

Illinois High School Association

Eligibility for most athletics is also governed by the rules of the Illinois High School Association and, if applicable, these rules will apply in addition to this Extracurricular and Athletic Activities Code of Conduct. In the case of a conflict between IHSA and this Code, the most stringent rule will be enforced.

Academic Eligibility

Selection of members or participants in extracurricular and athletic activities is at the discretion of the designated teachers, sponsors, and coaches.

In order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular and athletic activities, a student must be in good academic standing.

Absence from School on Day of Extracurricular or Athletic Activity

A student who is absent from school after noon is ineligible for any extracurricular or athletic activity on that day unless the absence has been approved by the principal or designee. Exceptions may be made for justifiable reasons, including: 1) a pre-arranged medical absence; 2) a death in the student’s family; or 3) a religious ceremony or event.

A student who has been suspended from school is also suspended from participation in all extracurricular and athletic activities for the duration of the suspension.

Travel

All students must travel to extracurricular and athletic activities and return home from such activities with his or her team by use of school approved transportation. A travel waiver will be available from the head coach of the program, and alternative transportation may be permitted as needed once parental consent is documented on the travel waiver. Oral requests will not be honored and oral permissions are not valid.

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all extracurricular and athletic activities and is enforced 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

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

Participation in an alcohol or drug counseling program will be taken into consideration in determining consequences for Code of Conduct violations.

The student shall not:

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

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

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

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

Due Process Procedures

Students who are accused of violating the Code of Conduct are entitled to the following due process:

The student should be advised of the disciplinary infraction with which he or she is being charged.
The student shall be entitled to a hearing before an appropriate administrator.
The student will be able to respond to any charges leveled against him or her.
The student may provide any additional information he or she wishes for the administrator to consider.
The administrator, with the help of other staff members if needed, may interview material witnesses or others with evidence concerning the case.
If the administrator finds, after reviewing the evidence, that the violation occurred, he or she will impose sanctions on the student, as follows:
1. Sanctions for violations other than drug and alcohol will be based on the nature of the offense and the number of offenses, and may include suspension from all extracurricular or athletic activities for one of the time periods described below:
  - A specified period of time or percentage of performances, activities or competitions;
  - The remainder of the season or for the next season; or
  - The remainder of the student’s school career.
2. Sanctions for alcohol and other drug violations, including tobacco, nicotine in any form, mood-altering or performance enhancing drugs, products composed purely of caffeine in a loose powdered form, paraphernalia or any other illegal substance, will be based on the following:
  First violation
  - Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing: A suspension of one third of the total number of performances, activities, or competitions or the remainder of the season, whichever is shorter. This penalty will be reduced if the student is enrolled in a school-approved alcohol or drug counseling program.
  - Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one sixth of the total number of performances, activities or competitions, or the remainder of the season, whichever is shorter.
  - The student will be required to practice with the group, regardless of the violation (unless suspended or expelled from school).
3. Second violation
  - Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing: A suspension of 12 weeks or 1 season, including suspension from all performances, activities, or competitions during this period. To participate again in any extracurricular or athletic activity, the student must successfully participate in and complete a school-approved alcohol or drug counseling program and follow all recommendations from that program.
  - Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one third of the season and all extracurricular group performances, activities, or competitions during this period.
  - The student may be required to practice with the group (unless suspended or expelled from school).
4. Third violation
  - Use, ingestion, possession, buying, selling, offering to sell, bartering, or distributing: A suspension from extracurricular or athletic activities for the remainder of the student’s school career.
  - Attendance at a party or riding in a vehicle where alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are being consumed by minors: A suspension of one calendar year from the date of the suspension, including all extracurricular and athletic activities during this period.
The appropriate administrator will make a written report of his or her decision and rationale. The student and/or parent/guardian may appeal the decision to the Principal or Principal’s designee.

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

Modification of Athletic or Team Uniform

Students may modify their athletic or team uniform for the purpose of modesty in clothing or attire that is in accordance with the requirements of the student’s religion or the student’s cultural values or modesty preferences.

9.20 Attendance at School-Sponsored Dances

Attendance at school-sponsored dances is a privilege.

Only students who attend the school may attend school-sponsored dances, unless the principal or designee approves a student’s guest in advance of the event. A guest must be “age appropriate,” defined as by the principal or designee.

All school rules, including the school’s discipline code and dress code are in effect during school-sponsored dances. Students may be prohibited from attending a dance as a result of attendance or behavior, as designated by the administration.

Students who violate the school’s discipline code will be required to leave the dance immediately and the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted. The school may also impose other discipline as outlined in the school’s discipline code.

9.30 Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries

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

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

10.10 Education of Children with Disabilities

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students with a disability within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.

The School provides a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term “children with disabilities” means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22nd birthday for whom it is determined that special education services are needed, except those children with disabilities who turn 22 years of age during the school year are eligible for special education services through the end of the school year. It is the intent of the school to ensure that students with disabilities are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the school district office.

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

Parent(s)/guardian(s) who are deaf or do not typically communicate using spoken English are entitled to the services of an interpreter when participating in a Individualized Education Program or Section 504 meeting.

For further information, please contact:

Katie Di Sanza, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

847-384-6366

1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068

[email protected]

10.20 Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Behavioral Interventions

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

Discipline of Students in Special Education

The District shall comply with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education rules when disciplining students receiving special education services . No student receiving special education shall be expelled if the student’s particular act of gross disobedience or misconduct is a manifestation of his or her disability.

Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint

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

10.30 Exemption From PE Requirement

A student who is eligible for special education may be excused from physical education courses in either of the following situations:

They are in grades 9-12, (b) their IEP requires that special education support and services be provided during physical education time, and (c) the parent/guardian agrees or the IEP team makes the determination; or
They have an IEP, (b) is participating in an adaptive athletic program outside of the school setting, and (c) the parent/guardian documents the student’s participation as required by the Superintendent or designee.

A student requiring adapted physical education will receive that service in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program.

10.40 Certificate of High School Completion

A student with a disability who has an Individualized Education Program prescribing special education, transition planning, transition services, or related services beyond the student’s 4 years of high school, qualifies for a certificate of completion after the student has completed 4 years of high school. The student is encouraged to participate in the graduation ceremony of his or her high school graduation class.

10.50 Access to Classroom for Special Education Observation or Evaluation

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

For further information, please contact the building Special Education Department Chair or Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.

10.60 Related Service Logs

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

10.70 PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need of Services) Database Information for Students and Parents or Guardians

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

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

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

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

You may also contact the following District employee for assistance:

Ms. Katie Di Sanza, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

11.10 Student Privacy Protections & Records

Surveys

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

Surveys by Third Parties

Before a school official or staff member administers or distributes a survey or evaluation created by a third party to a student, the student’s parent/guardian may inspect the survey or evaluation, upon their request and within a reasonable time of their request. This applies to every survey: (1) that is created by a person or entity other than a district official, staff member, or student, (2) regardless of whether the student answering the questions can be identified, and (3) regardless of the subject matter of the questions.

Parents who object to disclosure of information concerning their child to a third party may do so in writing to the building principal.

Surveys Requesting Personal Information

School officials and staff members will not request, nor disclose, the identity of any student who completes any survey or evaluation (created by any person or entity, including the school or district) containing one or more of the following items:

Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
Behavior or attitudes about sex.
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior.
Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships.
Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those with lawyers, physicians, and ministers.
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program.

The student’s parent/guardian may: (1) inspect the survey or evaluation upon, and within a reasonable time of, their request, and/or (2) refuse to allow their child to participate in the survey. The school will not penalize any student whose parent/guardian exercised this option.

Instructional Material

A student’s parent/guardian may inspect, upon their request, any instructional material used as part of their child’s educational curriculum within a reasonable time of their request.

The term “instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

Prohibition on Selling or Marketing Students’ Personal Information

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

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the above paragraph does not apply: (1) if the student’s parent/guardian have consented; or (2) to the collection, disclosure or, use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment.
Book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products.
Curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary schools and secondary schools.
Tests and assessments to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments.
The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities.
Student recognition programs.

Under no circumstances may a school official or staff member provide a student’s personal information to a business organization or financial institution that issues credit or debit cards.

A parent/guardian who desires to opt their child out of participation in activities provided herein or who desires a copy or access to a survey or any other material described herein may contact the Building Principal or designee.

A complete copy of the District’s Student and Family Privacy Rights policy may be obtained from the Superintendent’s office or accessed on the District’s website.

11.20 Student Records

A school student record is any writing or other recorded information concerning a student and by which a student may be identified individually that is maintained by a school or at its direction or by a school employee, regardless of how or where the information is stored, except for certain records kept in a staff member’s sole possession; records maintained by law enforcement officers working in the school; video and other electronic recordings (including electronic recordings made on school busses) that are created in part for law enforcement, security, or safety reasons or purposes, though such electronic recordings may become a student record if the content is used for disciplinary or special education purposes regarding a particular student.The district complies with ISSRA and the requirement that (1) temporary records be retained for at least 5 years after a student’s transfer, withdrawal or graduation and (2) permanent records be retained for at least 60 years after a student’s transfer, withdrawal or graduation.

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

The right to inspect and copy the student’s education records within 10 business days of the day the District receives a request for access. The degree of access a student has to his or her records depends on the student’s age. Students less than 18 years of age have the right to inspect and copy only their permanent record. Students 18 years of age or older have access and copy rights to both permanent and temporary records. A parent/guardian or student should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the record(s) he or she wishes to inspect. Within 10 business days, the building principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent/guardian or student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. In certain circumstances, the District may request an additional 5 business days in which to grant access. The District charges $.35 per page for copying but no one will be denied their right to copies of their records for inability to pay this cost.These rights are denied to any person against whom an order of protection has been entered concerning the student.
The right to have one or more scores received on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript. Parents/guardians or eligible students may have one or more scores on college entrance examinations included on the student’s academic transcript. The District will include scores on college entrance examinations upon the written request of the parent/guardian or eligible student stating the name of each college entrance examination that is the subject of the request and the dates of the scores that are to be included.
The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/ guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. A parent/guardian or eligible student may ask the District to amend a record that is believed to be inaccurate, irrelevant, or improper. Requests should be sent to the building principal and should clearly identify the record the parent/guardian or eligible student wants changed and the specific reason a change is being sought. If the District decides not to amend the record, the District will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to permit disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the FERPA or Illinois School Student Records Act authorizes disclosure without consent. Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational or administrative interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board. A school official may also include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, or educational technology vendor); or any parent/guardian or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility or contractual obligation with the district.Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student has enrolled or intends to enroll, as well as to any person as specifically required by State or federal law. Before information is released to these individuals, the parents/guardians or eligible student will receive prior written notice of the nature and substance of the information, and an opportunity to inspect, copy, and challenge such records.
Academic grades and references to expulsions or out-of-school suspensions cannot be challenged at the time a student’s records are being forwarded to another school to which the student is transferring. Disclosure is also permitted without consent to: any person for research, statistical reporting or planning, provided that no student or parent/guardian can be identified; to another school district that overlaps attendance boundaries with the District, if the District has entered into an intergovernmental agreement that allows for sharing of student records and information with the other district, any person named in a court order; appropriate persons if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons; and juvenile authorities when necessary for the discharge of their official duties who request information before adjudication of the student.
The right to a copy of any school student record proposed to be destroyed or deleted. The permanent record is maintained for at least 60 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. The temporary record is maintained for at least 5 years after the student transfers, graduates, or permanently withdraws. Temporary records that may be of assistance to a student with a disability who graduates or permanently withdraws, may, after 5 years, be transferred to the parent/guardian or to the student, if the student has succeeded to the rights of the parent/guardian. Student temporary records are reviewed every 4 years or upon a student’s change in attendance centers, whichever occurs first.
The right to prohibit the release of directory information. Throughout the school year, the District may release directory information regarding students, limited to:
- Name
- Grade level
- Photographs, videos, or digital images used for informational or news-related purposes (whether by a media outlet or by the school) of a student participating in school or school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics that have appeared in school publications, such as yearbooks, newspapers, or sporting or fine arts programs
- Academic awards, degrees, and honors
- Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics
Any parent/guardian or eligible student may prohibit the release of any or all of the above information by delivering a written objection to the Director of Communications at [email protected] or through U.S. Mail to: District 207, Attn: Director of Communications, 1177 S. Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068 within 30 days of the date of this notice.
The right to request that military recruiters or institutions of higher learning not be granted access to your student’s information without your prior written consent. Federal law requires a secondary school to grant military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon their request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers, unless the student’s parent/guardian, or student who is 18 years of age or older, submits a written request that the information not be released without the prior written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student. If you wish to exercise this option, notify the building principal.
The right contained in this statement: No person may condition the granting or withholding of any right, privilege or benefits or make as a condition of employment, credit, or insurance the securing by any individual of any information from a student’s temporary record which such individual may obtain through the exercise of any right secured under State law.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington DC 20202-8520

11.30 Student Biometric Information

Before collecting biometric information from students, the school must seek the permission of the student’s parent/guardian or the student, if over the age of 18. Biometric information means information that is collected from students based on their unique characters, such as a fingerprint, voice recognition or retinal scan.

11.40 Military Recruiters & Institutions of Higher Learning

Upon their request, military recruiters and institutions of higher learning will be given access to students’ names, addresses and telephone numbers. Parents who do not want their child’s name to be released (or students over the age of 18 who do not want their name released) should contact the building principal.

12.10 Teacher Qualifications

Teacher Qualifications

Parents/guardians may request information about the qualifications of their student’s teachers and paraprofessionals, including:

Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification and licensing criteria have been waived;
Whether the teacher is teaching in a field of discipline of the teacher’s certification; and
Whether any instructional aides or paraprofessionals provide services to your student and, if so, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the school office.

12.20 Standardized Testing

Students and parents/guardians should be aware that the State and District require students to take certain standardized tests. Yearly standardized testing is required by the State of Illinois as part of the federal legislation known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Each spring students in grades 9 through 12 participate in one of the following standardized tests: PSAT 8/9, PSAT, or SAT. Parents can assist their students achieve their best performance by doing the following:

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

12.30 Homeless Child’s Right to Education

When a child loses permanent housing and becomes a homeless person or enters certain temporary living situations, the child may be eligible for special consideration under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. When an eligible child loses permanent housing or changes his or her temporary living arrangements, the parent or guardian of the homeless child has the option of either:

continuing the child’s education in the school of origin for as long as the child remains homeless or temporarily housed or, if the child becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year during which the housing is acquired; or
enrolling the child in any school that students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.

Community assistance programs and additional educational support are available for students and families in temporary living situations. Contact your school’s Associate Principal for Student and Family Services for more information.

12.40 Family Life & Sex Education Classes

Students will not be required to take or participate in any class or courses in comprehensive sex education instruction on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; family life instruction, instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS; instruction on diseases; recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse; or instruction on donor programs for organ/tissue, blood donor, and transplantation, if his or her parent or guardian submits a written objection. The parent or guardian’s decision will not be the reason for any student discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Nothing in this section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene or traditional courses in biology.

Parents or guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course.

12.60 Multilingual Learners

The school offers opportunities for resident Multilingual Learners to achieve at high levels in academic subjects and to meet the same challenging State standards that all children are expected to meet.

Parents/Guardians of Multilingual Learners will be informed how they can: (1) be involved in the education of their children; (2) be active participants in assisting their children to attain English proficiency, achieve at high levels within a well-rounded education, and meet the challenging State academic standards expected of all students; and (3) participate and serve on the District’s Transitional Bilingual Education Programs Parent Advisory Committee.

For questions related to this program or to express input in the school’s Multilingual Learners program, contact the Director of Multilingual Education.

12.70 School Visitation Rights

The School Visitation Rights Act permits employed parents/guardians, who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict, the right to time off from work under certain conditions to attend necessary school functions such as parent-teacher conferences, academic meetings and behavioral meetings. Letters verifying participation in this program are available from the school office upon request.

12.80 Pesticide Application Notice

The district maintains a registry of parents/guardians of students who have registered to receive written or telephone notification prior to the application of pesticides to school grounds. Notification will be given before application of the pesticide. Prior notice is not required if there is imminent threat to health or property.

12.90 Mandated Reporter

All school personnel, including teachers and administrators, are required by law to immediately report any and all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

12.100 Unsafe School Choice Option

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

12.105 Student Privacy

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

12.110 Sex Offender Notification Law

State law prohibits a convicted child sex offender from being present on school property when children under the age of 18 are present, except for in the following circumstances as they relate to the individual’s child(ren):

To attend a conference at the school with school personnel to discuss the progress of their child.
To participate in a conference in which evaluation and placement decisions may be made with respect to their child’s special education services.
To attend conferences to discuss issues concerning their child, such as retention or promotion.

In all other cases, convicted child sex offenders are prohibited from being present on school property unless they obtain written permission from the superintendent or school board.

Anytime that a convicted child sex offender is present on school property for any reason – including the three reasons above – he/she is responsible for notifying the principal’s office upon arrival on school property and upon departure from school property. It is the responsibility of the convicted child sex offender to remain under the direct supervision of a school official at all times he/she is in the presence or vicinity of children.

A violation of this law is a Class 4 felony.

Information about sex offenders or violent offenders against youth is available to the public on the Illinois State Police (ISP) website. The ISP website contains the following:

Illinois Sex Offender Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/Disclaimer

Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, https://isp.illinois.gov/MVOAY/Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Sex Offenders, https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/FAQs

12.130 Parent Notices Required by the Every Student Succeeds Act

Teacher Qualifications: A parent/guardian may request, and the District will provide in a timely manner, the professional qualifications of your student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, whether:

The teacher has met the State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
The teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status.
The teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
Paraprofessionals provide services to the student and, if so, their qualifications.

Testing Transparency: The State and District requires students to take certain standardized tests.

A parent/guardian may request, and the District will provide in a timely manner, information regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by law or District policy, which shall include information on any applicable right you may have to opt your student out of such assessment.

III. Annual Report Card Each year: The District is required to disseminate an annual report card that includes information on the District as a whole and each school served by the District, with aggregate and disaggregated information for each required subgroup of students including: student achievement on academic assessments (designated by category), graduation rates, district performance, teacher qualifications, and certain other information required by federal law. When available, this information will be placed on the District’s website.

Parent & Family Engagement Compact
Unsafe School Choice Option: The unsafe school choice option allows students to transfer to another District school or to a public charter school within the District under certain circumstances. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12:100.
Student Privacy

Students have certain privacy protections under federal law. For additional information, see handbook procedure 12.105.

VII. Multilingual Learners

VIII. Homeless Students

For information on supports and services available to homeless students, please contact the school principal or Associate Principal for Student and Family Services.

12.200 Anaphylaxis Information for Parents

District 207 is required by state statute to share the following with parents and guardians.

District 207 schools (Maine East, Maine South, Maine West and Frost Academy), its employees and agents, including a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse providing standing protocol and a prescription for school epinephrine injectors, an opioid antagonist, or undesignated asthma medication, are to incur no liability or professional discipline, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the administration of asthma medication, an epinephrine injector, or an opioid antagonist regardless of whether authorization was given by the pupil’s parents or guardians or by the pupil’s physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

13.1 Letter Regarding Underage Drinking

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

A child’s wellbeing in and out of school is important to the schools and district. One area of concern for parents/guardians and educators across the country is underage drinking. Alcohol use can cause destructive behavior that has long-lasting consequences for a child’s health, behavior and school performance regardless of when and where consumption takes place. It can also lead to increases in risky behavior.

According to national statistics, in cases of alcohol-involved drivers, the rate of fatal crashes for drivers between 16 and 20 years old is more than twice that for drivers older than 20. Studies have shown that regular alcohol consumption by minors also corresponds to increased rates of suicide, sexual assault, high-risk sex, fighting, crime and alcohol dependence. No one fully understands the lifetime consequences of alcohol consumption on the developing brain, but studies have shown weakened memory, and worsening of school performance due to increased truancy and learning impairments.

It is illegal for any person under 21 years of age to acquire, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Board policies prohibit alcohol use by students. Board policies also prohibit children from (a) alcohol use, possession, distribution, purchase, or sale at school or school functions, and (b) attending school or school functions under the influence of alcohol. In addition, there are many state laws that carry heavy penalties for both students and parents around the use of alcohol.

State law indicates that any person under the age of 21 who has consumed alcohol and operated or been in actual physical control of a motor vehicle may be requested to submit to tests to determine alcohol content. If that person refuses the test or has an alcohol concentration greater than .00, his or her driver’s license will be suspended for 3 months to one year (625 ILCS 5/11-501.1(c). Consumption of alcohol by a minor is a Class C misdemeanor. Minors convicted of alcohol possession in a public space face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, plus court costs and court-ordered evaluations and counseling. If a person under the age of 21 pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, he or she will lose his or her driving privileges for at least 3 months, even if the person was not driving, and even if he or she gets court supervision (a non-conviction sentence) (235 ILCS 5/10-1(e) and 625 ILCS 5/6-206(a)(43).
Conviction for using a fake ID to obtain alcohol is a Class A misdemeanor. Punishment carries a fine of not less than $500 and requires at least 25 hours of community service. It may also affect driving privileges. If possible, any community service must be performed for an alcohol abuse prevention program (235 ILCS 5/6-16(a)(i) and 625 ILCS 5/6-206(a).
Any parent/guardian or other adult who furnishes alcohol to a minor, or who allows his or her residence to be used for the unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol by minors, may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or jail for up to 1 year. Where a violation directly or indirectly results in great bodily harm or death to any person, the crime is a class 4 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine (235 ILCS 5/6-16(a-1).
Any parent/guardian or other adult who provides alcohol (such as at a home party) may be liable in a civil action for monetary damages totaling up to $100,000. The action may be sought by someone who suffers personal injury, loss of support, or property loss through the actions of an intoxicated minor whose intoxication resulted from a parent/guardian or another adult giving the minor alcohol (235 ILCS 5/6-21).
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or jail for up to one year. By driving a motor vehicle anywhere in Illinois, a person gives implied consent to a test to determine the alcoholic/drug content of his/her blood. If a person refuses to submit to the test, his/her license will automatically be suspended (625 ILCS 5/11-501).
It is unlawful for any person to transport, carry, possess, or have any alcoholic liquor within the passenger area of any motor vehicle except in the original container and with the seal unbroken (625 ILCS 5/11-502).

In conclusion, the District encourages all parents and students to discuss alcohol use and the consequences in order to prevent underage drinking by our students. Studies have shown that parents have the most influence on students with relation to not drinking alcohol. The schools and district are a partner in this effort and supports efforts to prevent underage drinking. For more information on underage drinking and how to talk to your child about it, please see the following links:

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools

13.2 Letter Regarding Student Safety

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Student safety is the district’s top priority. The district has developed a Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan. In addition to physical safety, the district is concerned with students’ emotional well-being and will help students cope with an emergency or disaster and its aftermath. The following outlines our emergency and disaster response plans.

School Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

The District has plans for all four phases of emergency and disaster management:

Prevention – the capabilities needed to avoid, deter, or stop an incident.
Preparation – the capabilities needed to: (a) protect students, teachers, staff, visitors, networks and property against threats or hazards, and (b) mitigate the likelihood of an incident or to reduce the impact of one.
Response – the capabilities needed to stabilize an incident, save lives, establish a safe and secure environment, and facilitate the transition to recovery.
Recovery – the capabilities needed to restore the learning environment.

These phases are covered in each school Emergency Operations Plan. In addition, the District has a District Safety Coordinator and each school has a Safety Team. State law requires the District to annually review its plans.

Communications to Stakeholders

The District monitors the Homeland Security Office and other emergency preparedness resources. The District will share emergency information via its website, email, phone and/or the media.

Emergency Responses

Emergency responses will depend on the circumstances and may include evacuation or lockdown depending upon the threat and available information. The school and district will make decisions that are in the best interest of students and staff. For evacuation purposes, each school has at least one off-campus site. In the event the school is evacuated, the school will attempt to notify parents as soon as possible at the home and/or emergency telephone numbers on file. It is important that you maintain updated contact information with the school. The pick up location and instructions will be provided in the event of an evacuation, including alternative methods to return your child home.

Cooperation and Assistance Request

During any emergency or potential disaster and for the safety of all students and staff, we request that you follow the instructions of the District Director of Security, school principal and other school/district personnel. Those instructions will be widely disseminated.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools

13.3 Letter Regarding Social Media

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Staying on top of social media trends is important for parents/guardians. The district wants you to be aware that the following social media apps have the potential to disrupt the school environment by becoming a platform for bullying, unlawful behaviors, and other dangers:

Hyperlocal social media apps, e.g., YikYak, present safety and security concerns for students. Hyperlocal apps use GPS on cell phones to target groups in specific areas.
Temporary social media apps, e.g., ask.fm, Snapchat, Burn Note, Whisper, and Secret, often present a false belief of anonymity. Temporary apps allow people to send messages and images that self-delete after a set window of time.

Students need to understand that their online choices are important. Content never truly goes away and no one online is anonymous. Law enforcement agencies have the ability to pinpoint users and content creators, and they do investigate crimes involving the internet and social media app usage.

The district encourages you to review the resources below and talk with your children. The district and schools serve as a partner to help children understand how their digital footprints affect their and others’ futures. As you discuss this topic with your child, please remind him or her how to report his or her concerns:

Tell your child to take a screenshot when appropriate or does not include illegal content such as child pornography or video (when a screen shot is not possible), of the content and show you or another trusted adult. Always encourage open conversations about what is happening online. When age-appropriate, discuss that possession and forwarding of sexted images violates federal and state child pornography laws.
Use the reporting mechanisms within the social media apps.
When a situation begins to disrupt your child’s education, report it to your child’s school.

Resources about Social Media Apps and Protecting Your Child Online

www.commonsensemedia.org – this site discusses apps, movies, and more by just typing in the app you want to learn more about through summary information.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/digital-awareness-for-parents/index.html – this site share information about preventing cyberbullying and what to do if your child is a victim of cyberbulling.

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/children-internet-safety – this site provides information about internet safety.

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools

13.4 Letter Regarding Sexting

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Many parents are unfamiliar with sexting. It is generally defined as sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possessing indecent visual depictions of oneself or another person using a cell phone. A student will be disciplined for sexting at school.

Discussing sexting and its legal and social consequences with your children may prevent and reduce incidences of it at school and elsewhere. A recent survey revealed that about 20 percent of teen boys and girls have sent sext messages. It can cause enormous emotional pain for the students involved and often results in legal implications. The following talking points from the American Academy of Pediatrics may help start the discussion between parents and students.

Introduce the issue as soon as a child is old enough to have a cell phone. Even if the issue hasn’t directly impacted your school building’s community, ask “have you heard of sexting?” “Tell me what you think it is.” Learn what your child’s understanding is and add an age appropriate explanation. For more information about starting age appropriate discussions, see these websites:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/The-New-Problem-of-Sexting.aspx
www.education.com/magazine/article/child-sexting-parents
Make sure students understand that the district’s student discipline policy prohibits sexting at school, and that it is further punishable in Illinois through the Juvenile Court Act and The Criminal Code of 2012.
Collect cell phones at gatherings of tweens and teens. Experts have noted that peer pressure can play a major role in sexting, with attendance at parties being a major contributing factor.
Monitor the media for stories about sexting that illustrate the consequences for both senders and receivers of these images. Ask “Have you seen this story?” “What did you think about it?” “What would you do if you were this child?”
Rehearse ways your child can respond if asked to participate in sexting.

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Schools

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