Student Handbooks
Waterloo Junior High School

Waterloo Jr. High School Student Handbook 2006 - 2007

Mission Statement

The mission of Waterloo Junior High is to produce life-long learners by providing a safe, supportive environment which recognizes individual student needs and enables all students to succeed in meeting tomorrow’s challenges.

This handbook is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student.  Rather, it is intended to describe the school, its current practices, procedures, rules and regulations.

General Information

Registration

1. Registration forms must be completed by a parent or guardian and returned to the junior high.
2. The registration process begins with pre-registration in the spring.  At that time, students choose electives and teachers recommend placement.  The principal then schedules all students.
3. The process is completed in July when students register, pick up their schedules and pay fees.
4. Students transferring from other schools must make provisions with school administration for enrollment and placement.  State law requires that each student who is enrolled in a public school in Illinois must present a certified birth certificate upon enrollment.
5. A medical examination for all Illinois students must be on file for grades K, 5 and 9.  Dental exams must be on file for all students in grades K, 2 and 6.  Out of state students must have a current medical examination when they enter an Illinois school.  All students must provide proof of medical exam and immunizations required by the State of Illinois.  These medical requirements are mandatory to be enrolled in Illinois.  Failure to do so within 30 days of entrance to school will result in the student being denied attendance at school until such examination is provided.

Permanent Withdrawal

Students withdrawing permanently must bring written notification to the office one week prior to the leaving date.  A parent/guardian signature is required on the withdrawal forms.

Change of Address

Changes in student address or phone numbers should be reported, along with new contact information, to the Waterloo Junior High Office as soon as possible.

Book Rental and Fees

Textbooks are purchased by the school and rented to students at a cost established by the Board of Education. If these books are lost or damaged beyond ordinary wear, the student will be charged the price of the book.  Such fines will be collected before the grades are recorded. If a student withdraws during the first semester, one-half of the textbook rental will be refunded.  No refunds are made for withdrawals during second semester.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.  Fees will also be established by the Board of Education and must be paid at registration.  Parents/guardians with students eligible for free or reduced lunches may apply for a waiver of textbook fees.  Textbooks, workbooks, and equivalent materials will not be issued to students until parents/guardians have filed a written statement with the principal of intent to pay. 

A uniform shirt and shorts are required for physical education classes.  Shirts and shorts may be purchased at registration.

Student Insurance

The school district provides an opportunity for students to purchase accident insurance through a private insurance company approved by the Board of Education.  Student insurance is purchased from the insurance company and not the school district.  The school district merely facilitates the purchase of the insurance and the filing of accident claims so that all parents/guardians can have the advantages of a group plan.  The school district accepts no direct responsibility for settling claims.  Student insurance is an option upon which parents/guardians must decide.  If school insurance is not purchased, the parent/guardian will need to sign a waiver. 

Student Records

Waterloo Community Unit School District 5 will comply with all federal and state laws, and all State Board of Education rules and regulations relating to the Illinois School Student Records Act.                                                             

• The student's permanent records shall consist of basic identifying information, academic transcripts, attendance records, accident reports and health records, record of release of permanent record information, and other basic information.  
• The student temporary record consists of all information not required to be in the student permanent record including family background information, test scores, psychological evaluations, teacher anecdotal records, and disciplinary information.
• Parents/guardians have the right to:
  • Inspect and copy records
  • Challenge the contents of records
  • Grant consent before records may be released
  • Copy records proposed to be destroyed
• In accordance with the Students Records Act, student temporary records will be purged every four years or when students exit each attendance center.  All permanent records will be maintained as required.
• Local, state and federal educational officials have access to student records for educational and administrative purposes without parental consent.
• Full and complete copies of the law, rules, and regulations will be kept in each school under the custody of the building principal.

Records Access

The school will maintain a record of individuals having access to cumulative folders of each student.  With the exception of teachers and administrations of District #5, this record will contain the signature, date and reason for needing access.  This record will be available to parents/guardians.

Arrival and Dismissal of Students

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m.  Students should proceed to the outside playground when weather permits or their designated area during inclement weather.  Students who eat breakfast at school are allowed in the cafeteria and then must report outside.  Students will remain in the appropriate area until the bell rings for them to go their classrooms.  WJHS classes begin at 7:50 a.m.  Bus students are dismissed at 2:55 p.m. and non-bus students are dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Students are to leave the school immediately after their last class.  Any student remaining on campus after 3:15 p.m. must be in a scheduled activity and under the supervision of a faculty member.  Any other circumstance requires permission from the administration.

Closed Campus

Waterloo Junior High is a closed campus.  Students may not leave the campus during the school day without permission from the office.  Students leaving without permission are in violation of the discipline policy.  Off campus lunch will only be allowed with a student’s parent/guardian during the student’s assigned lunch period and must be approved by administration.  Students must sign in and out in the office.

Visitors

All visitors during the school day must immediately register at the office and be given a visitor’s pass which is to be worn and visible at all times.

Closing of School

Severe weather may force the closing of school.  Channels 2, 4 & 5 will carry school closing announcements between 5:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.  Parents/guardians may call the school’s automated phone system for information at 939-3457 Ext # 4.  Please do NOT call the bus garage to see if schools are closed.

School Buses

Students who live along established school bus routes may ride their assigned bus.  A parent/guardian may make a request for a temporary bus pass if the student needs to ride a different bus.  The written request to ride another bus must be turned in to the office at least one day in advance, approved by the junior high principal and the transportation secretary, and then a written pass will be issued.  Please note:  If buses are deemed full, passes will not be issued, even with a parental note.

If a student has boarded a bus, the student may not be removed from the bus unless a request has been made and approved through your child’s school office. 

Academic Promotion Policy

It is the policy of the Board of Education to strive to ensure that students meet district goals and objectives and can perform at the expected levels for their grades before being promoted.

Decisions to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum and Illinois State Standards.  Any student in grades 6-8 who has a yearly average of “F” in two or more academic subjects may be retained at his/her present grade.  Academic subjects include:  language arts, reading, math, science, and social studies. Language arts/reading is two class periods and is counted as two grades.

No student shall be promoted to the next grade level based solely upon age or any other social reasons not related to the student's academic performance.

The student’s education team shall determine promotion of a student having an individualized education program, or receiving reasonable accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Academic Promotion

Administration Procedure - Academic Promotion

Parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be informed of their child's progress in school at regular intervals, but at least 4 times a year.  When requested, divorced or separated parents will both be informed unless a court order specifies otherwise.  All grades and symbols will be appropriately explained.  Grading will not be used for disciplinary purposes.  Grading will be based on improvement, achievement, and capability.  Parents/guardians will be notified when a student's performance requires special attention. Various methods for communication with parent(s)/guardian(s) will be used:

1. Parent-teacher conferences, conducted on a regular basis, are an effective means of reporting student progress to parent(s)/guardian(s).  Parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled on different days and at different times to accommodate the various grade levels and attendance centers.
2. Additional methods for reporting; such as open house, parent/guardian education meetings, and newsletters, shall be the responsibility of each building Principal.
3. Individual student progress reports prepared by the teacher will be sent home with the student at the midway point of each grading period.  They must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned promptly to school.  Report cards are mailed at the end of each grading period.  For parents who are divorced or separated and wish to obtain copies of their child’s progress reports and/or report cards, yearly requests must be made to the WJHS office to be on the “Duplicate Mailing List.”

Honor Roll

The honor roll has two divisions:  High Honors and Honors.  A student may be placed on the high honor roll by having a grade point average of at least 3.6.  A student may be placed on the honor roll by having a grade point average of at least 3.25. A grade of an F or Incomplete will exclude a student from honor roll.  All classes are included in the calculation of honor roll.

Promotion, Retention, and Remediation

Grades K-8

When a student has not satisfactorily completed grade level curriculum, a remediation plan will be developed.  This may include but is not limited to:

                A. Retention

                B. Testing for special services

                C. Summer School (minimum 90 hrs.)

The educational team will make final determination of placement after successful completion of prescribed remediation.

A. Retention Grades 6-8
Subject areas to be considered are language arts, reading, math, science, and social studies. If final grades in two or more of these subject areas are failing, the student will be considered for retention.

 B. Testing For Special Needs
If the educational team determines a need for testing, the student will be referred to the District Special Education Coordinator.

Attendence

Each school day at WJHS begins at 7:50 a.m.  Students are expected to be in attendance every day when school is in session except in cases of illness, family emergency, and doctor and dental appointments.  Such appointments should be kept to a minimum and students are expected to be in school except for the time of the actual appointment.

Parents/guardians are to contact the school at 939-3457, stating the reason for the absence.  Phone calls to the school should be made by 8:30 a.m. All homework requests must be made by 8:30 a.m. each day.

Schools are responsible for making a reasonable effort to telephone and notify the parent/guardian of the child's absence if the reason for the absence is unknown to the school officials.  Parents are required to give the school at least one telephone number for notification purposes.

If a student has been absent 3 or more days in a row, a physician’s note is required upon the student’s return.

When a student has been absent 10% of the school days without a medical doctor’s verification, the student will be referred to the Regional Truancy Caseworker at the Regional Office of Education.

An extended, serious illness, when verified by a doctor in writing, will not be cause for truancy.

Student Absences

A student will be counted for a full day of attendance if he/she attends 300 minutes of class per day, not including the lunch period.  If a student attends from 150 to 299 minutes of class, the student will be credited with a half day of attendance.

Planned Absence

If a student must be absent for a just cause, a parent/guardian must notify the junior high office 3 days in advance of the absence.  A planned absence form will be completed for the upcoming absence.  The student will be responsible for having their teachers sign the form.  The student is responsible for acquiring assignments and completing assignments.  Assignments are required to be completed upon the first day of returning to school.  A planned absence may only be approved for a maximum of 5 days per school year. These absences will be excused if approved by the principal.

Field Trips and Attendance

    In order for students to attend school field trips or participate in school activities, the student must have good attendance, be passing all classes, and not have an out-of-school suspension or in-school-suspension.

Excused Absences

An excused absence will be issued when the school is informed of personal illness, serious illness in the family, death in the family, doctor and dental appointments, emergencies, and certain types of prearranged absences requested by parents.  Unless parents/guardians have contacted the school by note, phone or personal contact on or before the day of absence, the student must bring a note from home upon returning to school showing parental knowledge of, and reason for the absence.  Students without the above note and without prior contact from the parent/guardian will receive an unexcused absence.

Excused absences will be granted for attendance at church related activities or events under the following conditions:

1. The parents/guardians submit a written note to the school office in advance of the date of absences.
2. The services or activity cannot be scheduled or attended at a time outside of normal school hours.
3. Those religious and commemorative dates celebrated by the non-Christian faiths will be honored in a like manner.

Students who are not in attendance for a full day are not allowed to attend as a spectator or participate in evening school activities.

Make Up Work Due to Absenteeism

Students who are absent will be required to make up work in each class.  It is the student's responsibility to obtain all make-up work from his/her teachers immediately upon return to class.  Work is due on the date designated by the teacher.

A student who is absent from class due to chorus, band, band lessons, athletic activities, in-school suspensions, or any other school activity is responsible for making up the work missed.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences will be issued for truancy, vacations without advance notice, or lack of explanation of absence.  Unexcused absences cause a zero to be recorded for each day of such absence if a grade was recorded for other students, and may lead to in-school suspension. Students who check out of school during the school day to prepare for evening activities will be marked unexcused, and will not be eligible to attend extracurricular activities occurring on that day.

Permission to Leave Building

Permission to leave the building during the school day is granted only by the Principal or designee when a note from the parent/guardian has been submitted in advance.  The student must be signed out in the office.

Truancy

Unauthorized absences from school classes or assembly constitute truancy.  The school policy on truancy is as follows:

1. The privilege to make up class work will not be granted.
2. Truancy is recorded as an unexcused absence.
3. If repeated truancy occurs, a truancy official will contact the   parent/guardian.

Tardiness

Students must be in the classroom with proper materials, ready to work when class is scheduled to begin.  A student who is late to class without an acceptable reason will be marked tardy.  This will be an unexcused tardy and will be recorded in the office.  Teachers will inform the student when an unexcused tardy is recorded.  The third time a student is tardy to a particular class during a semester; the student will be assigned a detention by the teacher of the class in which the violation occurred.  All detentions for tardies will be held after school.  Transportation after detention is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.   Consequences will be assigned for each tardy after the third one.  (See Discipline Section)

Directory Information

Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 has designated certain information as directory information.  This information assists the school district in honoring and recognizing student achievement.  The school district would not honor any requests unless educationally based. 

Any parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student may prohibit the release of any or all of the directory information by delivering a written objection to the Building Administrator within ten (10) days of the date of this notice.  No directory information will be released within this time period, unless parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible student is specifically informed otherwise. (Title 23 Se. 375.80)

Information that may be designated as directory information shall be limited to:

1. Identifying information:  name, address, gender, grade level, birth date and place, and parents' names and addresses
2.  Academic awards, degrees, and honors  
3. Information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics
4. Major field of study
5. Period of attendance in the school

"Directory Information" may be released to the general public, unless a parent/guardian requests that any or all such information not be released on his/her child.  Prior to the release of directory information, school districts must notify affected parents in writing.  The notification must include the following:  date of notification, parents'/guardians’ names, name of student, directory information to be released, and the scheduled date of release.  The district may provide this notification in the manner specified in Section 375.30 (c) and (d) of this Part.

School Budget Information

Posting the Budget on the Internet

105 ILCS 5/17-1.2, as added by P.A. 92-0438, applies to only those school districts with websites.  It requires those districts to:  1) post their current annual budget, itemized by receipts and expenditures, and 2) notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the budget is posted on its website and provide the website’s address.  Policy 4:10, Fiscal and Business Management, gives this responsibility to the superintendent or designee.

Computer and Internet Use and Authorizaiton

All of the District’s computers and connections to the Internet must be used in support of education and/or research, and be in furtherance of the Board of Education’s stated goal.  Use is a privilege, not a right.  General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the computer and/or connecting to the Internet.  The District’s Authorization for Computer use and Internet Access (Acceptable Use Policy) contains the appropriate uses, ethics, and protocol for use of computers and the Internet.  Additionally, Electronic communications including but not limited to Electronic Mail (E-Mail) for both staff and students, and downloaded material, including files deleted from a user’s account but not erased, may be monitored or read by school officials.

Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Authorization (Acceptable Use Policy) before being granted use.  The failure of any student to follow the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access, or policy 6:235 will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

Behavior

Behavior in Halls

1. Walk - don't run.  Keep to the right.
2. Keep the halls clean.
3. Step to the side of the hall while waiting for a drink.
4. Do not deface or mutilate the walls.
5. Keep your lockers locked and clean.  Do NOT shut lockers with your feet.
6. Agenda/ hall pass is required of any student in the hall during class time.

Classroom Behavior

1. Go at once to your seat when you enter a classroom.
2. Be orderly even if the teacher is not in the room.
3. If you come in after the lesson begins, do so quietly.
4. Be prepared to begin the lesson, having necessary pencils, pens, books, paper or other supplies.
5. Speak clearly and distinctly so that everyone in the room may hear.
6. Do not interrupt a lesson.
7. Do not litter the room.  Place paper in the recycle bin and other trash in the wastebasket as you leave the room.
8. Wait for the teacher's dismissal before rising from your seat or leaving.
9. All students will address all school employees by their proper titles: Ms., Mrs., or Mr.
10. Material in files, offices, and on staff members’ desks is off limits to any student.
11. Respect the rights of other students to study; remain quiet during study times.
12. The faculty/staff is in authority at ALL times, regardless of whether it is in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, playground, bus line, or other school activities.

Special Education Services

Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 is committed to the free, appropriate, public education of all students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21, who live within district boundaries and may be eligible for special education and/or related services.  Therefore, specific policies and procedures have been established concerning the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of students with disabilities.  Those who have questions about these policies and procedures are encouraged to speak to a school building administrator or to contact the District’s Special Education Coordinator at 939-3453 for further information.

Behavior Intervention Procedures (BIP) for Students with Disabilities

WCUSD #5 has a Board of Education approved BIP that is to be used with students who have disabilities.  The following summary describes the procedures.  A detailed copy of these procedures is available in each special education teacher’s room and in each principal’s office.

Procedure Summary:

Behavior Intervention Summary
Lists general procedures

General Criteria
Defines who shall have a written BIP

Designation of Behavioral Interventions
Provides the level of interventions that may be used from least restrictive to most restrictive.

Behavior Intervention Committee
Summarizes duties and composition of the committee who will monitor the use of our interventions

Behavior Intervention Plan
Describes the elements of the plan, its implementation, maintenance, and evaluations

Emergency Use of Restrictive Intervention
Details procedures and documentation required for implementing emergency intervention

Protection and Due Process Rights
Informs parents of their rights of notification, documentation, and due process procedures.

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Waterloo Junior High has a team of staff members who have formed a student assistance program to assist students exhibiting at-risk behaviors.  The team’s focus, in areas that the school has legal and ethical responsibilities, is on student behavior, academic achievement, health and attitudes. The team will work with resources available and provide linkage to needed local and state agencies.

 SECTION 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.  The statute ensures that a qualified student with a disability receives reasonable accommodations necessary for that student to access education or school related programs and activities.

Any child suspected of needing a Section 504 Plan should be referred to the district’s Section 504 Coordinator.  The coordinator will then initiate the process for determining whether the student meets the qualifications under this federal law.

Student Discipline

Students are expected to conduct themselves in such a way that the health, safety, and well-being of all students will be protected.

Prohibited Student Conduct

Disciplinary action may be taken against any student guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials.  Smoking on the campus is prohibited and will result in a school suspension.  The smoking policy has been expanded to within sight of the school facilities.  Refer to the Waterloo Community School District No. 5 Policy Manual for additional information.
2. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages. A student under the influence, including a student coming to school with alcohol on his/her breath, is not permitted to attend school or school functions and is treated as though he/she had alcohol in their possession.
3. Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling illegal drugs or controlled substances, look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia.  A student who is under the influence is not permitted to attend school or school functions and is treated as though they had drugs in their possession.
4. Using, possessing, controlling, or transferring a weapon in violation of the Student Discipline Policy, Section 7:190.
5. No student shall use or have on his/her person any pocket pager, camera, cell phone, or similar electronic paging device while in the school building or on school property during school hours (upon arrival on school grounds until the end of the last scheduled class) as stated in School Board Policy 7:190.  Electronic games, audio devices, cell phones, etc. are to be kept in backpacks/lockers, turned off and are not to be used throughout the school day.
6. Disobeying directives from staff members or school officials and/or rules and regulations governing student conduct.
7. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to engage in such conduct.
8. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school property or another person's personal property.
9. Unexcused absenteeism, however, the truancy statutes and Board policy will be utilized for chronic and habitual truants.
10. Being a member, pledging to become a member, or soliciting any other person to become a member of any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
11. Involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display or use of gang symbols or paraphernalia.
12. Engaging in any activity that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function or any disruptive activity.
13. Unacceptable use of technology (computer) network, as stated in the Waterloo C.U.S.D. #5 “Authorization for Internet Access.” 
14. Sexual Harassment - refer to policy 7:20.

Grounds for disciplinary action apply whenever student conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities, including, but not limited to:

1. On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group
2. Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity, event, or any activity or event which bears a reasonable relationship to school
3. While traveling in school-sponsored transportation to or from school or a school activity, function or event
4. Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member, interference with the use of, or damage to, the property of a school employee or an interference with school purposes or an educational function.

Student Responsibility

Student Appearance

Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 fully reserves the right to disallow any mode or style of dress or appearance that in the judgment of the school administration, is unclean, unhealthy, creates a disturbance and/or disruption in the educational process, or is a factor in the safety and well being on an individual student or students.  The following is intended to assist students in reaching decisions as to what is appropriate school attire.

Shoes are to be worn at all times.  Hats and headgear are not to be worn in the building.  Bare midriffs, halter-tops, tank tops, visible undergarments, shorts that are too revealing, clothing with inappropriate or offensive language, clothing which depicts skull and crossbones, or clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances are examples of, but not limited to, types of student dress that are considered inappropriate.  Any student whose attire is considered inappropriate or offensive will be required to obtain suitable clothing before he/she returns to class. No coats, jackets, hats, caps or sunglasses are to be worn in class.  Headgear, including hats, scarves, hoods, etc., is not to be worn in the building unless the students has a documented medical reason.

Agenda/Passes

Students are required to bring their school agenda to each class, except PE and lunch.  Agenda passes, signed by a staff member are required to be in the corridors or to use restrooms during class.   Agenda pages are not to be removed.  Additional agendas may be purchased in the office.  Students may not leave school grounds for early release, errands, or other scheduled activities without the knowledge and permission of the principal or principal’s office staff.  All students arriving to school late or leaving early are required to sign in or out in the office.

Student Lockers

Each student will be assigned a locker.  The student should use the assigned locker to store coats, backpacks, book bags, and school supplies when not in use. Valuables and money should not be brought to school.  The school is not responsible for stolen items.  No balloons, stickers or tape may be used on lockers.  Magnets may be used to post schedules, etc. on the interior of the locker.

The school district reserves the right to search a locker and its contents if the administration considers a search necessary to maintain the integrity of the school environment and to protect other students.

Students must use the locker assigned to them.  For security, the combination should not be revealed to another student. Students are responsible, not the school, for any items stolen from their locker. If a combination lock is brought from home for their PE locker, its use must be approved by the Principal and the combination must be on file in the PE office.

Care of School Property

Students are expected to refrain from deliberately or thoughtlessly defacing or destroying school property, including, but not limited to lockers, desks, books, boards, doors, restrooms, and  seats, and to cooperate with the custodians in helping to keep the school presentable at all  times.

Abuse of school property will result in disciplinary action plus full payment for damaged or destroyed items and repair or replacement of damaged materials.

Back Packs & Book Bags

Backpacks and book bags may not be carried in the building during school hours. These may be brought to and from school, and stored in assigned lockers.

Jackets & Coats

Jackets and coats may not be brought to classes. If a student is cold, a sweatshirt or sweater should be worn.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

The possession and use of cell phones, other communication devices, and electronic devices (ex: radios, tape players, CD & DVD players, etc) are subject to the following rules:

1. Cell phones and communication devices must be kept in the student’s locker and out of sight during the school day.
2. Cell phones and communication devices must be turned off and not used in any manner until the school day has concluded.  After school hours, cell phones may be used in the main hallway/lobby and outside when on school grounds.
3. Electronic devices which are cell phones or communication devices may be confiscated and administration reserves the right to view contents of media phones.

Consequences for not adhering to the above rules:

The device will be confiscated.  Any student refusing to relinquish such item upon request may be guilty of insubordination and subject to consequences, including suspension. A parent/guardian may be required to pick up the confiscated item. 

The Waterloo School District is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of any communication device or electronic device brought to school even if the item has been confiscated.

Discipline Plan for Grades 6 - 8

The discipline plan detailed below is to be used as a general guide for students, parents/guardians, and teachers.  The lists and consequences are not intended to include all possibilities.  The Principal and Assistant Principal will use their professional judgments to make decisions concerning misbehavior and/or consequences when necessary.

LEVEL 1

Level 1 consists of minor misbehaviors that impede the orderly operation of the school, study halls, classrooms, grounds, restrooms, gyms, halls, cafeteria, or school activities.  These offenses can usually be handled by an individual staff member, but sometimes require the intervention of other personnel.  All items in this level of misbehavior are considered to be equal in seriousness.

LEVEL 1 MISBEHAVIORS include but are not limited to:

1. Minor disturbances (running, scuffling, pushing, wrestling, public display of affection, loitering, shouting, etc.)
2. Improper attire (alcohol ads, sexual innuendoes, profanity, excessive skin showing, suggestive saying, etc.)
3. Classroom disturbances
4. Inappropriate Agenda Use and/or non-replacement if lost.
5. Chewing gum.
6. Eating food or drinking a beverage in hallway.
7. Using the vending machines during school hours without permission from staff member.
8. Possession and/or use of cell phone during school day (use of cell phone, see #3 consequences)
9. Tardiness (third tardy to the sixth tardy per semester starts with item 3 of Level 1 consequences).  The seventh tardy per semester will go to Level 2 consequences.

LEVEL 1 CONSEQUENCES:

1. Teachers use consequences as it applies to his/her classroom discipline plan.
2. Talk with the Principal or Asst. Principal; possible parent/ guardian contact.
3. One after school detention; parent contact.
4. Two to three after school detentions; parental conference may be required.
5. Move to Level 2.

LEVEL 2

Level 2 involves misbehavior that is frequent or serious enough to disrupt the learning climate of the school, endangers the well being of others, or damages school property.  These acts of misconduct do not represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others, but their consequences are serious enough to require administrative action.  All items in this level of misbehavior are considered to be equal in seriousness.

LEVEL 2 MISBEHAVIORS include but are not limited to:

1. Repeated Level 1 offenses.
2. Possession or use of tobacco or tobacco products. (See #2 consequences)
3. Fighting will NOT be tolerated. In-school or out-of-school suspension will result from fighting. (See # 2 consequences)
4. Disrespect or insubordination (open or persistent defiance of authority or school rules, including derogatory gestures).
5. Petty theft (inexpensive items, books, pencils, etc.).
6. Bullying behaviors and/or verbal abuse (name-calling, profanity, obscenity, sexual harassment, hazing).
7. Possession of inappropriate materials (pornographic magazines, pictures, etc.).
8. Cheating.
9. Minor acts of vandalism.
10. Physical abuse (kicking, flicking, slapping, shoving, etc.).
11. Involvement in harassment of school staff on or off school property.

Cheating

Cheating is defined as the use or possession of unauthorized materials or the assistance on tests or assignments.  Students providing the unauthorized materials and the student accepting the materials are liable for disciplinary action.  Plagiarism is considered to be an instance of cheating.  No credit will be given for this work and additional disciplinary consequences may be assigned.

Hazing/Bullying

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing and /or bullying are prohibited. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student by intimidating, forcing or influencing a student to do an act or failing to do an act against the student’s will for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team, or activity which relates to a student’s standing by way of age, gender, class affiliation or relationship with other students.  “Bullying” is any type of behavior that may cause physical or emotional harm to someone else and/or urging other students to engage in such conduct.  Bullying behaviors may include, but are not limited to behaviors  in which another student, or group of students, harass or intimidate a student based upon student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, etc. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to: name-calling, using derogatory slurs, wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of ones character or exclusion. Students engaging in hazing or bullying will be subject to one or more of the disciplinary actions outlined in policy 7:190.

Sexual Harassment

The Board of Education has determined that a school environment wherein sexual harassment of students is permitted fosters disrespect for fellow students and employees, interferes with a student's performance, and creates an intimidating, hostile school environment.

Sexual harassment is defined as: any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's academic grade or achievement; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting such individual; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's school performance or creating an intimidating hostile or offensive school environment.

Students who are the victims of sexual harassment committed by employee(s) or student(s) are encouraged to notify the school district through their building principal.

LEVEL 2 CONSEQUENCES:

1. 2-4 after school detentions or one day suspension; parent contact; restitution or loss of privileges.

2.  2-3 days suspension; parent conference

3.  4-5 days suspension; parent conference

4.  Move to Level III

LEVEL 3

Level 3 acts are so serious that they always require administrative action and result in removing the student, at least temporarily, from school.  These acts may represent a direct threat to the health and safety of others.  Level 3 offenses sometimes involve the intervention of law enforcement authorities and action by the School Board.

LEVEL 3 MISBEHAVIORS: include but are not limited to:

1. Repeated Level 2 offenses.
2. Drugs or alcohol (possession or use).
3. Deliberate physical injury to another student, a school employee, or anyone who is lawfully on school property.
4. Weapons (see Gun-Free Schools Act Guidelines).
5. Major acts of vandalism.
6. Stealing items of greater value then those covered under Level 2
7. Sexual misconduct.
8. Setting fires.
9. Committing any act involving a civil wrong or crime.
10. Acts which are seriously disruptive or abusive or that create a safety hazard to students, staff, or school property.
11. Harassment of school staff on or off school property.

LEVEL 3 CONSEQUENCES:

1. 1-10 day suspension at administrator discretion; required parent conference

Detention

Detention will be served after school for any unacceptable student behavior.  Students assigned to detention are to report to the room at the times given and for the number of times stated.  Students are to have sufficient study materials.  Parent/guardians will be informed of the reason for the after-school detention and the number of hours.  Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.  Students failing to report for detention may receive additional detentions or in-school suspension.

Suspension Policy

A student whose behavior is judged to be improper may be suspended from class, activities, or school.  If a student is on in-school suspension, he/she will do all classroom assignments, and is not allowed to take part in extracurricular activities. A student on suspension will turn in all daily assignments the day he/she returns to class.  Failure to do so will result in a zero grade for the assignments not completed.  A student who is subject to suspension or expulsion may be eligible for a transfer to an alternative school program.

Corporal punishment shall not be used.  Corporal punishment is defined as slapping, paddling, or prolonged maintenance of students in physically painful positions, or intentional infliction of bodily harm.  Corporal punishment does not include the use of reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, school personnel, or persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or the protection of property.  Certified personnel are permitted to use reasonable force.

Possession of Weapons

A "weapon" means (1) possession, use, control, or transfer of any gun, rifle, shotgun, or a weapon as defined by Section 921 of Title 18, United States Code, firearm as defined in Section 1.1 of the Firearm Owners Identification Act, or use of a weapon as defined in Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code: (2) any other object if used or attempted or intended to be used to cause bodily harm but not limited to, knives, brass knuckles, chains, billy clubs or  (3)"look alikes" of any weapon as defined above.  Any other item that is used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm may be considered a weapon.

Possession of any firearms, explosives, dangerous or noxious chemicals, fixed blade knives, or any other weapons on school owned or rented property, or at school sponsored activities off school property, is strictly prohibited.  All knives, which are spring loaded, or gravity activated, in any form are prohibited by law.  Violation of this policy will result in an automatic ten (10) day suspension and the recommendation of expulsion.

Possession of any other objects, including but not limited to firearm look-alikes and folding pen knives, which do not fall within the statutory definition of a weapon, but which can be used to intimidate or inflict physical injury, or is disruptive to the educational process, will result in a suspension and the possibility of recommendation for expulsion.

School Property

All school property, including, but not limited to, lockers, desks, books, seats, restrooms, walls, windows, etc. should be treated with proper respect and care.  It is the responsibility of the student to treat school property and personal possessions with respect.  Any damage or destruction of school property will require replacement or restitution for damages.

Metal Detectors

We reserve the right to use metal detectors in accordance with District 5 Board Policy, which is available to read in the District 5 Administrative offices.<