The School District, in an active partnership with parents and community, will promote excellence in a caring environment in which all students learn and grow. This partnership shall empower all students to develop a strong self-esteem and to become responsible learners and decision-makers. The School District is committed to developing and using a visionary and innovative curriculum and a knowledgeable and dedicated staff.
The District’s educational program will seek to provide an opportunity
for each child to develop to his or her maximum potential. The objectives
for the educational program are:
· To foster self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-discipline.
· To develop an awareness of and appreciation for cultural diversity.
· To stimulate intellectual curiosity and growth.
· To provide fundamental career concepts and skills.
· To help the student develop sensitivity to the needs and values
of others and a respect for individual and group differences.
· To help each student strive for excellence and instill a desire
to reach the limit of his or her potential.
· To develop the fundamental skills which will provide a basis
for life long learning.
· To be free of any sexual, cultural, ethnic, or religious bias.
The pupil attends school so that his/her individual capabilities can
be developed to the fullest. It is our hope that each one will become
the best person that it is possible for him/her to become. To do
this, the pupil must:
· Accept responsibility for his/her action.
· Approach studies with a seriousness of purpose and a realization
that learning is work.
· Develop good study habits and make a sincere effort to do
the best in his/her studies.
· Be well prepared for classes each day, both physically and
mentally.
· Make the most of all educational opportunities provided by
the school.
· Dress appropriately and practice habits of personal cleanliness.
· Choose friends and companions carefully.
· Be regular in attendance and be punctual in arriving at school.
· Act in a manner which will reflect credit on himself/herself,
the parents and the school.
· Respect the authority of the teachers and other members of
the school staff.
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Good conduct in school originates in the home. It is the obligation
of the parent, by teaching and example, to develop in the child attitudes
of respect for the school, for the teachers, and administrators, and for
all other children. To help the child develop good behavior habits,
the parent must:
· Instill in the child respect for authority, for the rights
of adults and of other children, and for private and public property.
· Know the child’s friends.
· Assume your child will have outside recess and dress your
child appropriately.
· Know where the child is when he/she is away from home.
· Teach the child to obey the teacher and other persons in authority.
· Support the action of the teacher or principal when requested.
· Insist that the child be prompt and regular in school attendance.
· Carry out recommendations made by school personnel.
· Talk with the child about school activities; take an interest
in the child’s progress in school, and in his/her report card.
· Safeguard the physical and mental health of the child; take
him/her for periodic health examinations.
· Attend special school programs.
· Arrange for a time and place for the child to do homework
assignments and supervise him/her in completing them.
· Understand and comply with the rules of the school concerning
pupil conduct.
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BIRTH CERTIFICATE
According to the Illinois School Code, all newly enrolled students must furnish a Certified Birth Certificate or other reliable proof of identity and age. School personnel will make a copy of the birth certificate after verifying the county seal.
ENROLLMENT FORMS
Enrollment forms are to be completed at registration each year for new and returning students. Parents will be asked to provide emergency information that tells whom to contact and how in case your child is involved in an emergency situation and you are not available. If you do not have a telephone, please list a number of a neighbor or relative who can make contact with you. The action the school takes if your child is involved in an emergency is dependent upon the information given on the data form.
If your address, phone number, emergency contact, etc. should change, please call the school office and make us aware of the changes.
SCHOOL FEES AND INSURANCE
Parents are requested to pay school fees at the time of registration or as early as possible. Checks for this purpose should be made payable to the school which the child attends.
Students whose parents are unable to afford student fees may receive a waiver of the fees. The guidelines and an application form for requesting a waiver of fees are available in each school office. Parents must complete the application, checking the reason (one or more of the prerequisites given in the guidelines) for the request. The principal will notify the parents in writing, whether or not the fees are waived.
If you desire student accident insurance coverage, please return the
completed and signed envelope, checking the proper coverage. Checks
should be made payable to the insurance carrier. The insurance will
become effective when the envelope is returned to school. If parents
do not wish to purchase insurance, they are asked to put your child’s name
and grade in the space provided, mark the NO space, sign the envelope and
return it to school.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
A student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall present proof that the student
was examined by a licensed physician and received the immunizations against,
and screenings for, preventable communicable diseases, as required by the
Department of Health rules:
1. within one year before entering kindergarten or the first grade;
2. upon entering the fifth and ninth grades; and
3. whenever a student first enrolls in a District school, regardless
of the student’s grade.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to have their child undergo a
dental examination whenever health examinations are required.
Failure to comply with the above requirements by the first day of school of the current school year will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District. All new students who are first-time registrants shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) of children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years must provide a statement from a physician that their child was “risk-assessed” or screened for lead poisoning in accordance with State law.
A student may be exempted from this policy’s requirements on religious
or medical grounds if the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) present to the
Superintendent a signed statement explaining the objection. A student
may be exempted from the health examination or immunizations on medical
grounds if a physician provides written verification.
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SCHOOL HOURS
School will begin at 8:15 a.m. The final dismissal will be at approximately 3:15 p.m. after the last bus has departed. Early dismissal times for holidays, teacher inservice, etc. will vary. Scheduled early dismissals will be published in advance in the local newspapers and/or in parent newsletters.
TARDIES
Prompt arrival at school is important. Classroom teachers use the first few minutes to take lunch orders, report attendance, check agenda books, and make special announcements. Tardy students interrupt the normal school routine. Repeated tardies may be reported to the truant officer.
If a student is tardy, he/she is to go directly to the office for a permission slip to enter the classroom. If a parent cannot accompany the student to the office, they must send a note explaining the reason for tardiness. Otherwise, the student will be given an unexcused tardy slip. Unexcused tardies may be subject to disciplinary action.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential for a child’s continuing progress in school. Parents are responsible for the regular attendance of their children in school.
If a student is going to be absent from school, the parent is asked to notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the student’s absence. Parents are also asked to send a note to the office on the day of the student’s return to specify the date(s) and the reason(s) for the absence.
Absences due to illness of the student, a serious family illness, or a death in the family will be excused. A doctor’s note may be required for absences of more than 5 consecutive days.
Other absences (for family vacations, holiday travel, etc.) will be excused provided the parent provides a note stating the reason for the absence. When no parental notice is received for a child’s absence, the absence will be unexcused. Any absences due to external suspension will be unexcused.
Once the cumulative number of absences totals 15 days, only absences for student illness will be excused and a doctor’s note will be required. Any additional absences that are not excused by a doctor’s note or by the building administrator under extraordinary circumstances will be unexcused.
TRUANCY
Illinois State Law demands that all children between the ages of 7 and 16 years regularly attend a public school in the district where they reside. Any student who has missed 10% (eighteen) of the previous 180 days of school without valid cause is considered a chronic truant. The truant officer will be notified and legal action may also be pursued when absences become excessive.
SIGN IN/SIGN OUT
Any time a student comes to school after the start of the school, the student should report to the office to receive an admit to class.
No child will be permitted to leave school unless he/she has the parent’s
written permission. Students must be signed out in the office by
a parent or a designee. Parents are asked to go to the office when
they want to pick up a child rather than directly to the classroom.
School personnel will notify the classroom teacher that the child has been
signed out so that the child can report to the office.
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MEDICATION
The Board of Education recognizes that the administration of medication to students during the school day is necessary in some instances to enable students to attend school during the normal school hours or is medically necessary to address the health needs of the student.
The Board of Education hereby states its intention to comply with the laws of Illinois concerning the administration of student’s medication and treatment of student medical emergencies.
No student may possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication on school grounds other than as provided for in school policy and procedures. All student medication shall be checked in with the school nurse or designee during the school year. All student medication should be in its original container or prescription bottle with the student’s name, doctor’s name, contents, and dosage clearly marked as appropriate.
No school personnel shall administer to any student nor 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. This form shall be completed by the student’s parent/guardian and physician and shall be on file at the attendance center prior to the dispensation of any medication to a student. The form shall specify the times at which the medication must be dispensed and the appropriate dosage.
A copy of student medication administration policy and necessary forms are available from the school office.
HEAD LICE/NIT POLICY
The spirit of the No Lice/No Nit policy is clearly not punitive, but rather beneficial to the entire community. It encourages explanation and therefore, understanding of pediculosis. It promotes greater accountability on the part of parents and, thus, simplifies the administrative task of health professionals.
Students will be excluded from school for having head lice or nits.
No student excluded from school for having head lice or nits will be readmitted
to school until the following conditions have been met:
1. Treatment with head lice shampoo.
2. All nits removed or “nit free”. This will need to be verified
either by the school nurse or designee at the time of re-entry.
Until a student is found “nit free”, they will not be allowed to ride the school bus.
STUDENT ILLNESS
The following guidelines can act as a guide in determining whether or not a student should stay home or go to school. This is not intended as medical advice. Use your common sense and this information as a guide until your doctor can be contacted.
·No child with a fever should be sent to school.
·When a child has had a fever, do not allow the child to return to school until he has been free of fever for 24 hours.
·A child with a “heavy” cold and a hacking cough should be kept home even though he/she may not have a fever.
·If a child complains of sore throat and/or has white spots on the back of the throat, keep him home and call your doctor.
·If vomiting occurs, keep your child home until he can keep his food down and is eating normally again.
·A child with diarrhea should be kept at home.
·Do not send your child to school with a rash until your doctor has said that it is safe to do so. A rash or itching may be the first sign of illness.
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STUDENT RECORD POLICY
School student records are confidential and information from them shall not be released other than as provided by law. State and federal laws grant students and parent(s)/guardian(s) certain rights, including the right to inspect, copy, and challenge school records. The information contained in school student records shall be kept current, accurate, clear and relevant. All information maintained concerning a student receiving special services shall be directly related to the provision of services to that child. The District may release directory information as permitted by law, but parent(s)/guardian(s) shall have the right to object to the release of information regarding their child.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL
If during the course of the year, it becomes necessary for your family to move to another area or city, we request that the parent contact the school office so that arrangements can be made to transfer records, refund lunch or book money, etc.
Parents who move from this district are reminded that temporary records are maintained at the Unit Office, 1311 Vandalia Road, Hillsboro, for a period of five years, as outlined in Board of Education policy. After high school graduation, these records are kept for a period of not less than 60 years. Those wishing to review these records should contact the District’s Superintendent’s office.
INTERIM REPORTS
Students who are not doing well in their schoolwork during a nine-week period will receive an interim report. This report will be sent home to parents midway through each grading period. Upon receipt of this report, we suggest that parents contact their child’s teacher to see what can be done to improve the grade and/or work their child is doing.
PUPIL PROGRESS REPORTS
Pupil progress reports will be prepared for every student at the end of each quarter. At the end of the second and third quarters, pupil progress reports will be sent home with students. Parents are asked to return the receipt at the bottom of the progress report to indicate that it has been received. At the end of the year, pupil progress reports will be mailed to all parents.
PARENT CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence, grade cards, notices or reports regarding a pupil are sent to the custodial parent of record in our school files. A non-custodial parent may request, in writing, such reports as listed above in the case of any child whose parents are divorced, in the absence of any court order to the contrary as mandated by the Illinois School Code.
The non-custodial parent will be required to furnish self-addressed, stamped envelopes to the office for all correspondence requested.
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Each year, toward the end of the school year, achievement tests are given to all students. These tests cover the subjects of reading, math, and language arts. Since the school considers your child’s educational growth its most important product, we want to do our best to keep you informed. You will receive results of these tests.
In addition, state mandated tests will be given in grades 3, 4, and
5 to determine student progress relative to state learning standards.
You will receive a copy of these test results as they are compiled by the
state.
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Students are under the jurisdiction of school personnel at all activities conducted as part of the school program. They may include events outside of the school grounds or beyond the regular school day. Students are also under the jurisdiction of the school as they travel to and from school.
When infractions of school disciplinary rules and regulations occur, it is the responsibility of involved teachers and administrators to work with the student, his or her parents, and other support personnel to help the student correct his or her behavior.
A teacher may remove a pupil from class when the seriousness or persistence of disruptive conduct, in the opinion of the teacher, disrupts the educational process of other students in the classroom or if the student has been disrespectful or defiant to the teacher. The teacher will report immediately to the principal or his designee the circumstances leading to the student’s removal from the class.
All disciplinary actions shall be directed toward protecting the welfare of the school community as well as helping the student develop self-discipline. When determining the response for a specific break in discipline, school personnel will consider the nature of the act, the student’s previous school history, his or her age and maturation, any mitigating circumstances and the effect of his or her actions on the school community. Disciplinary responses may include, but are not limited to, those that follow:
·Removal from class
·Loss of recess
·After School Detention
·Rote writing
·Supervised Study
·Restitution
·Restoration
·Internal Suspension
·External Suspension
·Expulsion
Students who exhibit gross disobedience or gross misbehavior may be subject to discipline as permitted by the Illinois School Code and the Hillsboro Community Unit School District #3 Board policies. Gross disobedience and gross misconduct are interpreted to mean any conduct, behavior, or activity that may cause injury or interfere with the rights of other students or school personnel.
When a student commits an act of gross disobedience or misconduct as defined by the School Board, the student’s rights to an education may be temporarily withheld. This action may include internal suspension, external suspension, or expulsion.
Possession, use or distribution of a dangerous weapon constitutes misconduct and gross disobedience and may result in either suspension or expulsion, according to policy instituted by the school board.
Conferences for the purpose of discussing student discipline may be scheduled by the administration and may include the student, parent, teachers, and/or any other person deemed necessary by the administration. The conferences will be scheduled by the administration and may be held anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
All disciplinary actions are determined without regard to race, religion, sex or ethnic origin of the student.
Behavioral interventions to be used with students with disabilities will be established, developed, implemented and monitored by the District.
VANDALISM
The Hillsboro School District has a policy regarding acts of vandalism of school property or the property of school employees. Acts of vandalism by students could result in the expulsion or suspension of such students from the school. Any information regarding acts of vandalism will be forwarded to the State’s Attorney for prosecution.
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ELIGIBILITY FOR SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION
Students who live one and one-half miles or more from their attendance site will be eligible to ride school-operated buses. Students within one and one-half miles of their attendance site may be eligible to ride the school bus if extreme hazards exist. Students with disabilities may also be eligible to ride school operated buses and/or vans if specified by the student’s IEP.
SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT
The safety of the students depends upon the cooperation of everyone concerned. It is imperative that pupils ride the bus to and from school without incident. The driver is expected to give every consideration to the safety of the students on his/her bus. The driver cannot do this properly if he/she must constantly discipline students or find it necessary to remind them of their responsibilities. The following are rules which all students are expected to know and obey. The bus driver may assign seats and establish additional rules consistent with Board of Education policies. Please keep it in mind that the privilege to ride may be taken away if the rider is out of harmony with the rules.
1. Be on time at the designated school bus stop; help keep the bus on
schedule.
2. 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. No loose items should be affixed to back packs.
3. While at the bus stop observe safety and courtesy rules. Stay
away from the street while waiting for the bus. Do not throw any
object in the bus area. Do not move toward the bus until it has been brought
to a complete stop and the driver signals. Walk when approaching the bus.
4. At pickup and discharge
points where it is necessary to cross the highway, proceed to a point at
least 10 feet in front of the bus on the shoulder of the highway; do not
attempt to cross until a signal is given by the driver to cross.
5. Enter the bus in single file without pushing. Always use the
handrail when boarding the bus. Take a seat right away and remain
seated facing forward at all times while the bus is in motion.
6. Keep hands and head inside the bus at all times after entering and
until leaving the bus. Do not throw anything out of the bus windows.
7. Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion
diverts the driver’s attention and could cause a serious accident.
SAFETY FIRST!
8. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
Leave no books, lunches, or other articles on the bus. Please keep
all personal belongings out of the aisles and away from emergency exits.
If an item is too large to be safe, it may not be allowed on the bus.
9. Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your home.
Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment. Do not get on
the bus with mud or snow on your shoes or clothing. Any vandalism
will be at the expense of the student.
10. Observe the same rules and regulations on the bus as you would
in the classroom. Be courteous to fellow students and the bus driver.
Profanity, profane gestures, and verbal abuse will not be tolerated.
11. Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
12. In case of a road emergency, remain in the bus until the driver
gives instructions. Be alert to signals from the driver.
13. No eating, drinking, tobacco, or illegal drugs are allowed on the
bus. No weapons or animals are allowed on the bus.
14. Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than the regular
bus stop; he is not permitted to do this except by proper authorization
from a school official. Parent notes must be approved by a school
official.
15. No radios, CD/tape players, or electronic games are allowed to
be operated by students on the bus.
BUS DISCIPLINE
Gross disobedience or misconduct providing grounds for suspension from
riding the school bus includes:
1. Prohibited student conduct as defined in the Student Discipline
policy.
2. Willful injury or threat of injury to a bus driver or to another
rider.
3. Willful and/or repeated defacement of the bus.
4. Repeated use of profanity.
5. Repeated willful disobedience of the bus driver’s or other supervisor’s
directives.
6. Such other behavior as the administration deems to threaten the
safe operation of the bus and/or its occupants.
First offense will generally result in a warning by the school bus driver.
Second conduct offense may result in a written referral from the driver to the building principal. The principal will discuss the situation with the student. The parent will be informed by the principal that another infraction of the rules could result in a suspension of bus privileges.
Third rule infraction may result in a suspension of bus privileges for one, two, or three days depending on the severity of the problem. The parents and child must discuss the problem with the school principal before riding privileges will be restored. The next infraction of the rules may result in possible suspension of all bus riding privileges.
Any behavior deemed to be extremely dangerous or which jeopardizes the safety of the bus could result in immediate suspension of bus riding privileges.
TEMPORARY/PERMANENT
CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION
If your child normally rides the bus, but will be picked up, let us know with a telephone call or a note. If your child needs to be dropped off/picked up at a different location, please notify the school office or the transportation office in writing. Any temporary changes in drop off sites, must be approved by the building principal.
If your child is ill and will not be attending school, or the child will be transported by a parent to school, please call the school office or the bus garage as soon as possible.
IRREGULAR BUS ROUTES
Occasionally, conditions such as severe drifting snow or ice on roads may exist within the district that would prohibit all the buses from completing a regular route. Should this happen, drivers will be instructed to by-pass any road or roads that appear impassable. This announcement will be made over WSMI Radio Station. On occasion, conditions may prevail which would make it advantageous for the buses to run an hour later; this information will be broadcast also. If weather conditions cause concern, please listen to the radio for information about school closings.
USE OF VIDEO CAMERAS
Video cameras may be used on school buses as necessary in order to monitor
conduct and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.
The contents of the videotapes are student records and are subject to District
policy and procedure concerning school students’ records. Only those
people with a legitimate educational or administrative purpose may view
the videotapes.
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SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
A monthly calendar listing daily meals will be sent home with your child before the beginning of each month. Each day there will be a main menu entrée and an alternate. The teacher will take a lunch count prior to the beginning of class each day. Students will not be allowed to change menu selections after they are sent to the cafeteria.
Lunch tickets or lunch credit must be purchased before school. Lunches may be purchased on a daily basis. We request that lunch money be paid by check in the proper amount to Hillsboro Community Unit School District #3. Students who purchase a ticket/credit and must be absent may use the ticket/credit upon their return.
Additional milk may be purchased when the student goes through the lunch line. Students who bring a sack lunch may buy milk by going through the lunch line.
No student will be refused a school lunch. However, the school reserves the right to determine the menu selection for students who have not paid and are purchasing the lunch “on credit”.
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM
Families may apply for the free or reduced lunch program. Eligibility will be determined according to criteria established by the federal government. Once application is made, the district office will notify parents and attendance center whether or not a family is eligible for free/reduced lunch. Application must be made annually by the end of September.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
The cafeteria begins serving breakfast at 7:45 a.m. The breakfast menu will be listed on the reverse side of the lunch menu.
Breakfasts are to be paid for as the student goes through the line; no tickets will be sold. Students who are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program are also eligible for free/reduced breakfast.
The cafeteria will stop serving breakfast at 8:10 a.m. except for those students who ride a bus. Bus students will be given an opportunity to have a school breakfast before being considered tardy for class.
CAFETERIA REGULATIONS
Nutritional guidelines established by the federal government for all students participating in the school lunch program require that all students be served milk unless a health condition prohibits the consumption of milk. Orange drink will be provided to any student who presents a doctor’s statement that he/she is unable to drink milk.
Because of federal regulations regarding nutrition, soda is also prohibited at lunch in the cafeteria. Students who bring their lunches are asked to bring fruit juice, punch, or water.
LUNCH AT HOME
Except at Coffeen, students living within close proximity of school will be permitted to go home for lunch. A parent/guardian should send a note to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the school year stating that his/her child will be going home for lunch every day. The student who goes home for lunch will need to sign out in the office before leaving the building and sign back in when returning to school.
If a student goes home for lunch, that student is not to return to the
playground until the lunch recess period begins for his/her class.
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AGENDA BOOKS
Agenda books are provided for each student at an initial fee of $5. This amount is included in school fees paid at the time of registration. If an agenda book is lost, it must be replaced within three (3) days with a replacement fee of $5.
AFTER HOUR PLAYGROUND USE
Students are to leave the playground area immediately after school is dismissed unless supervised by a parent or other adult caregiver. Students should not return to the school grounds until after 4:00 p.m. Students will not have access to the building after school hours to use the restrooms and telephones.
BICYCLE USE
Students may wish to ride their bicycles to school. Students are asked to walk the bike once they reach the sidewalks surrounding the school and on school property. Bikes should be parked in the bike rack.
CLASSROOM TREATS
Snacks may be provided by parents for classroom parties. If a parent wishes to furnish classroom treats, they are asked to check with the child’s teacher in advance. We prefer that these treats be made available during the last 15 minutes of the school day.
Parents are encouraged to bring in healthy snacks. In the interest of health and safety, all treats must be store bought and not homemade.
DRESS CODE
Students are generally expected to go outside during recess and PE periods
and should be dressed appropriately.
Students are asked to dress appropriately for the season. For
example, sleeveless shirts and shorts in the middle of winter are discouraged.
Students are also asked to dress modestly and in good taste. Apparel
that is revealing and clothing that advertises alcohol and tobacco or that
is otherwise offensive will be prohibited.
For health and safety reasons, body-piercing jewelry other than earrings will be prohibited.
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Equal educational opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, ethnicity, language barrier, religious beliefs, physical and mental handicap or disability, economic and social conditions, or actual or potential marital or parental status.
No student shall, on the basis of sex, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services, or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, or denied equal access to educational and extracurricular programs and activities.
Any student may file a discrimination grievance by using the Uniform Grievance Procedure
FLOWERS
Schools will not accept flowers, candy, balloons, and other gifts delivered for students at school.
HARASSMENT
No person shall harass or intimidate another student based upon a student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or other protected group status. The District will not tolerate harassing or intimidating conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that effects 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, or wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of one of the characteristics stated above.
Complaints of harassment or intimidation are encouraged to report the incident to the building principal. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible needed to investigate.
INTERNET USE POLICY
Electronic networks, including the Internet, are part of the District’s instructional program and is not a public forum for general use. All use of the District’s electronic network must be in support of education and/or research. Use is a privilege, not a right. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using electronic networks. Electronic communications and downloaded material may be monitored by school officials.
Each student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign an Authorization for Electronic Network Use form before being granted unsupervised use.
The failure of any student to follow the terms of the Authorization for Electronic Network Use will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
The Library/Media Center is intended primarily for supplementing classroom work. The librarian/library enrichment teacher will present related instruction and as well as assist teachers and students with research and curriculum projects.
All classes will have a scheduled time to use the Media Center for the purpose of checking out books and materials.
When a scheduled class is in the Media Center, individuals or small groups must work independently.
The Library/Media Center will open approximately three days after the start of school, and scheduled class visits will start as soon as a schedule is arranged. The center will close one full week before the last pupil attendance day to facilitate the collection of all books and fines before school closes.
Checking Out Library Materials
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students are discouraged from bringing personal items of sentimental or monetary value to school. Toys, CD’s, collector items, etc. should be left at home. The school cannot guarantee the safety of personal property at school.
Lost and Found
Parents should label all items of clothing, notebooks, hats, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. All articles that are found should be brought to the office. Students or parents should check the “Lost and Found” box for items that have been lost. If it is identified with the student’s name and room number, the item can easily be returned. Items not claimed within a reasonable period will be discarded or placed in the Goodwill box.
PARKING/CROSSWALK/STUDENT PICKUP INFORMATION
Visitor/Parent Parking
There is one crosswalk located on Fairground Avenue for all children to enter and leave the school site. This crosswalk is attended by an adult crossing guard. Other street crossing assistance is provided by fifth grade patrol members on designated side streets. We ask that you encourage the children to obey the crossing guard and patrols at the crosswalks.
Student Pickup
For everyone's safety Beckemeyer School asks all parents who pick up their children to abide by the following rules:
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/RECESS
All students will be provided with regular physical education classes and recess during the school week. We request that each child dress properly for class as PE or recess may be held out of doors.
If a student complains of illness, they may be held out from PE or recess. If a parent wishes a child held out of PE or recess because of medical concerns, they must send a written note with the student. For periods longer than three days, a doctor’s note may be required.
RETENTION POLICY
Students, who by teacher judgment and test results demonstrate a deficiency level one grade or more below current placement, may be considered for retention. Other factors to be considered include attendance, classroom performance and the completion of a remediation plan.
When a student is considered for retention, parental contact will be made and documentation completed. A remediation plan shall be designed for a student considered for retention. This plan may include summer school, if available, a modified instructional program, special services, if available, and/or retention. Data required shall include teacher evaluation of performance, grades, and student test results. Additional testing may be administered as per consultation team requirements.
We want our parents to know that the retention of a student is determined after much thought and consideration. We will consider maturity as well as past performance and the expectations of the next grade level in making the final determination. Finally, we will consider if there is expected to be a significant educational benefit from retention. We certainly hope that our parents realize that we will have the child’s best interest at heart in making this important decision.
SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES
In the event that severe weather or other circumstances necessitate the cancellation or early dismissal of school, an announcement will be made on WSMI Radio Station, 106.1 FM. In the event of school cancellation, this information will be broadcast from 6:30 a.m. until school time. If adverse weather conditions are forecast, school cancellations may be broadcast the evening before.
In the event of early dismissal, parents are asked to make arrangements for the supervision of their children if there is no one at home to care for them. Please be alert for this happening and tune in to the radio station should severe weather develop. If in doubt, call your child’s school or the unit office.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment of students is prohibited. An employee, District
agent, or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he or makes sexual
advances, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that
1. denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services,
or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic
status; or
2. has the purpose of substantial interfering with a student’s educational
environment, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational
environment, depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services,
or treatment, or making submission to or rejection of such unwelcome conduct
the basis for academic decisions affecting a student.
Students who believe they are victims of sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment, are encouraged to report the incident to the building principal. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible needed to investigate.
SUPERVISED STUDY
Supervised Study is conducted during each morning or afternoon recess. Supervised Study is held in a designated classroom and is supervised by faculty or staff. The purpose is to provide a supervised study environment for children who have not completed homework, who are being punished for misconduct, or who cannot go outside for health reasons.
Parents may be contacted by telephone or letter if children are repeatedly in supervised study for reasons of incomplete homework or misconduct.
TELEPHONE
The telephone in the school office is for business or emergency use and is to be used only with the permission of a teacher, secretary or principal.
VIDEOTAPE & PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs taken by the school may be published in newspapers, yearbooks, and/or brochures. Videotapes may be shown on local access television.
VISITORS
District policy requires that ALL visitors, including parents, must report to the principal’s office before going to a classroom. If a parent wishes to schedule a conference or classroom observation, the parent is asked to contact the staff member by telephone to schedule an appropriate time with the child’s teacher and/or the school office. Visitors are welcome at any school district building providing their presence will not be disruptive.
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Updated by: Gary Gruen
Beckemeyer School
Hillsboro, IL
ggruen@montgomery.k12.il.us